United States Coast Guard, U.S. Government
End of Watch Saturday, March 24, 2001
Reflections for Seaman Christopher Everett Ferreby
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Seaman Ferreby, today marks the 7th anniversary of your tragic death. You folks in the Coast Guard are a vital part of law enforcement yet so often, people see you just in the life saving and national defense roll. You put your lives on the line every day doing your jobs and sometimes, sadly, lives are taken.
Though you may have been taken from your family and friends, I'm sure you never truly left them and you are by your son's side every minute of every day, giving him the kind of advice only a Dad can. You will never be forgotten by them, nor are you forgotten by a grateful America. You are a hero.
God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
March 24, 2008
It broke my heart to see this picture. What a sweet and living father he must have been.
Chris I don't know you but watch over your little boy and wife.
March 22, 2008
"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 18, 2008
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE
VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 27, 2008
It has been almost seven years and I did not forget. I regret leaving the service but I do not regret meeting you. You've picked on me, you've insulted me, and you've harassed me on a daily basis. I miss that. I know you cared about me deep inside and I guess you did those things because it was your way of saying that you would always be there for me as a friend and shipmate. Thank you Ferreby and as I told you many years ago, congratulations on your first son. May he follow your footsteps and learn who you really were inside the rough edges. I got married and have three children now, pursuing in law enforcement. Semper Paratus, "Dingleberry Juice". Heh, this is my first time I ever threw it back at you.
Rei
Reinaldo Jose Torna
Former Shipmate
February 14, 2008
May the wind always fill your sails,and your seas be peacefully calm...You and your crew were serving the United States of America...Coast Guard strong!
God sent a Noreaster to test your crews resolve...the seas were strong and the waves mighty,and you all stood fast,Coast Guard strong!
He called on two to sail home that night...He knew the cold of the water and he felt the struggle strong against the seas rage,Coast Guard strong!
The crew stuck togeather,just like they were trained,fighting and laughing at the storm as it raged,Coast Guard strong!
but God said come and sail with Me....so home you both went, obeying His direct orders... leaveing that cold wet sea to sail with him forever more,Coast guard strong!
Kevin JP O'Reilly HMC USN4th FSSG(Ret)
Great Uncle
August 16, 2007
Dear Sweet Nephew of mine, August 4,2007
I love you and miss you so much. I just recently visited my sister Kathleen, your Mommy. The pain is still on her face.
I have spoken with your Father Thomas. I can hear it in his voice.
No one is the same Chris. We will never be. Yet we go on.
May our Lord keep you and bless us all till we can see you again.
Love you,
Uncle Art
Arthur S. Jenkin
Uncle
August 4, 2007
6 years ago our hearts were broken. Thinking of you
today and your tremendous sacrifice. Thank you for
your service. It was a huge price to pay!
Lynn Kole
Washington State
March 24, 2007
Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.
Police Officer
March 20, 2007
I only met you and your wife a couple of times, but I know how much you are missed. Your family is in my prayers.
civilian Kris Donaldson
February 13, 2007
You are definitely missed, Chris! You made an impact on many people that will never be forgotten. My memories of you will always be alive...memories that will always make me smile and laugh! I'm sad that your son will never know his daddy, but I do know he will grow up just like you--having a huge heart of gold! My thoughts and prayers are with your wife, son, and entire family.
Air Force Wife, Tamsen L. Velazquez
September 19, 2006
Thank you for your service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.
Police Officer
July 30, 2006
God Bless the Coasties and all who serve and have served our Country. Rest in peace, Chris. May your family and son remember you with a smile and warm, healing hearts today, the 5 year anniversary of your death. Without question, you are truly missed by all who knew and loved you. Rest peacefully. Our hearts and prayers are with your family.
Michigan
March 24, 2006
To Seaman Christopher Everett Ferreby, his wife and son, and his loved ones:
On this the fifth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.
My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
Reading the loving reflections about your beloved Chris gives us some understanding of what a kind and honorable young man he was.
Chris, you rescued us, saved our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.
This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.
Rest in Peace, Seaman Ferreby. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Chris gave to his community and the citizens of our country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 24, 2001.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
March 23, 2006
Chris who I so quickly nicknamed "Frank" when we met was one of the funniest persons I have ever met. He had a heart of gold and would help anybody with anything. Especially if it involved tearing something up or driving a tractor. He was a great friend, father, and a great sailor. I will carry his memory and friendship with me always. "Your always on our minds and through Gods grace for you I shine" I miss you bud,,russ
BM2 Russ Eiser
U.S. Coast Guard
August 17, 2004
I was USNR, but always respected "my" Coast Guard.
AS you now know, Jesus Loves You, so do we!
Ret Officer R B WAde
Richmond,Va Police
October 6, 2003
To the family of my fallen comrade,
My name is Christopher M. Hess and I am the son of a 24-year veteran of the Easton, Pennsylvania Police Department. It is with great sadness and grief that I learn of the death of your love one. Whenever a brother or sister falls in the line of duty, it always has a profound and lasting effect on me.
Although my father was and “inside” officer for his last 14 years of service, I often feared for not only his safety, but also for the men and women who serve along side of him. Being a police officer in this day and age is the most difficult job out there. Your loved one has paid the ultimate price protecting the citizens of your community as well as the entire country from those who have now regard for humanity. Please know that there are many other people who are sharing in your pain and grief at this very moment, for when one of our own pays the ultimate price, a little bit of us passes with them. Your loved one is a hero who will never be forgotten. I realize that the pain and grief may seem too great to handle, but feel comforted by knowing that is an extended family out here who support you and are praying for your comfort, safety, and well being. Your family will always be in my family’s mind and prayers. We wish you peace in handling the rough times ahead. May God grant you a speedy closure.
Respectfully yours,
The Hess family in Easton, Pennsylvania
Chris Hess
NAPO
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Seaman Chris Ferreby.
OFC. Duane Carpenter
Gonzales P.D. (Louisiana)
ALTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW CHRIS I HAVE HEART FELT SYMPATHY FOR THE WIFE AND CHILD OF THIS BRAVE YOUNG SERVICEMAN, YOU ARE NOW JUST ANOTHER ANGEL THAT HAS ARRIVED IN HEAVEN TO STAND AND GUARD THE GATES OF HEAVEN , ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME AND WALK YOUR BEAT ON HEAVENS STREETS
SORRY CITIZEN
ASHLEY HOPSON
It has been 2 years today since Chris left us. I'm sure it is still very
painful for those who knew and loved him. You have not been forgotten.
God bless all of you with His presence so that He may comfort you and
give you peace. Your questions may never be answered, but God owes
us no explanation. We just need to trust in Him! John 3:16
Lynn Kole
Washington State
Farewell fellow coastie!
Trooper Nick Casto
Washington State Patrol
My prayers go out to Seamen Chris Ferreby family. May God bless you Seamen Ferreby and thank you for your tour of duty to the United States Coast Guard. I salute you.
Scott Gregory Yovan
It is always sad to see a fellow Coastie pass on. You have stood your watch and now we will take over for you. Please look after us as we continue to do the job that left behind. You will not be forgotten Brother.
Telecommunications Specialist Second Class (TC2)Robert Crumley
United States Coast Guard
Petty Officer Robert Crumley
United States Coast Guard
My heart breaks every time I hear of another fallen hero.
On June 7, 2001, my great friend Corporal Joseph Cushman (Joey) fell.
I pray for Chris' baby, who will never know his father in the flesh but will always know of his heart, and for his wife, left to bring up their family without him.
You have my prayers.
Casey
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