Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Merry Chirstmas.. Keep me safe from above....

Officer Jim Gilbert
CPD

December 24, 2005

Hi Chris,
Remember when you were on 13pct C co.
and I was on 13 evening midwatch? Back in a time when we could chase cars just for the simple reason they didn't stop when you lit them up with the beacons? Remember the night you and I chased some bonehead all over the south end, and about half the west side? Remember his initial infraction? "Shooting the Bird at Two Policemen"...a misdeanmeanor of the 1st degree. I could never find that section in the traffic code. Thank God the guy didn't have any tail lights either. :)
I guess it's the comical happenstances that gets us through the tragic death of a brother officer.
When Dick came over the air screaming that that you had just been struck, I had just lifted my canine through an open window up on 5 pct. Shortly thereafter we cleared the burglary run and responded to the scene. The Fire department had already rushed you to the hospital.
Everytime this happens, you think to yourself, "This just can't be! I'm having a really bad dream! NOT AGAIN!"
Some may have wondered, "Why the heck is a Lieutenant out there working a really messy traffic accident? Why isn't he sitting down at his desk back at the substation?" My answer to that question is quite obvious..."Because he's the type of guy, no matter how high up the ladder he climbs, he'll never mind standing shoulder to shoulder with another street cop, or worry about scuffing his shoes, or getting his shirt a little dirty doing what cops love doing most...being on the frontline."
Sleep well brother.

Retired P.O. Dan Cockerham
Columbus Div. of Police

November 18, 2005

today I brought home my son, James Christopher Gilbert from the hospital..he was born on 9-23-2005 at 9:42 pm.. His middle name is in memory of you and what your son means to me! I have found a good friend in your son Brian, you would be very proud of him! He was one of our first visitors at the hospital last night.

Lt. rest in peace and watch over me while I continue with my career as now a father and a Columbus Police Officer.

JIM GILBERT
COLUMBUS PD

September 23, 2005

Dear Chris & Tammy, I did not know about this site when you were "struck down" at such a young age. I remember you and Tammy from the time that you both worked here, many years ago, before you moved to Columbus. Some people you always remember...and the two of you were those kind of people. God bless you and your family. Karen

Karen K Okey
Mercy Medical Center

June 15, 2005

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY CHRIS, YOU DESERVE IT.

ROSS COUNTY OHIO SHERIFF DEPARTMENT
c

May 30, 2005

It was 4 years ago today you were taken from us.. Continue to keep us safe.. you will never be forgotten

Police Officer Jim Gilbert
Columbus PD

April 29, 2005

Hey Chris, just thinking about you, Melissa,Bryan and Dyke a friend from South Carolina that was shot and killed in Jan 2002.


God Bless

Jim
Columbus Ohio Police

February 18, 2005

Chris, Only you and the rest of the family can appreciate this. Cheri ask me to bring 7 lbs. of Green Beans for Thanksgiving and 10 lbs for Christmas. We all had a tear remembering how you loved them and how many you could eat. Not one bean was wasted when you were with us and not one is wasted now. It is a legacy that makes us laugh. I would cook 100 lbs. if you could be with us. I and the rest of the family think of you daily. We love you. Rest in Peace........Jerry

March 18, 2004

RIP Happy Birthday sir

Friend

January 31, 2004

Lt. Claypool,

I met your wife, your son, and your daughter this past year at police week. I also took home an etching of your name from the memorial wall. The impact your story, the courage of your wife and your family will have a lasting impact on me forever. You will always be a hero to me, and to your family, your friends, and finally your community.

Your daughter is amazingly strong. She is so beautiful both inside and out. You must be so proud!

Your son is an amazing man, and ever the gentleman.

Your wife, she's not only beautiful, but she is the pillar of strength.

I will always hold this family near to my heart.

Bobbie Schwartz
Proud sister to a fallen Hero
Jason S. Schwartz
EOW 9-28-01

Bobbie

January 27, 2004

It is because of you and other officers like you that I enjoy arresting drivers under the influence.

Rest In Peace, My Brother

September 29, 2003

YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.... I MEMORIALIZE YOUR DEATH WITH EVERY DUI DRIVER I LOCK UP...

POLICE OFFICER JIM GILBERT
COLUMBUS POLICE

September 21, 2003

I did not know Lt. Claypool and now I never will. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. May God grant you peace and by His grace and mercy, bless your soul forever. Amen

Patrol Officer Hollis R. Burkes
Canton P.D.

Our thoughts and Prayers are with the family and friends of Lieutenant Claypool, we know what you are going through but please have faith...My husband Emilio Miyares, was killed in line of duty 11/6/86...

God Bless

Terry Miyares
Hialeah Police Dept.

Lt. Claypool was a "cop's cop" He was out on the streets with us (his officers). He will be missed..

GOD BLESS THE CLAYPOOL FAMILY FROM ALL THE OFFICER'S ON ZONE 2, 11 PRECT. C CO.....

OFFICER JAMES H. GILBERT

COLUMBUS DIV. OF POLICE

11 PRECT. C CO.

police Officer
Columbus Division of Police

For all that you have given and done for this division of police, I thank you LT.Claypool. Rest in peace.

Ofc.Matt Harris

Zone 4 "B-CO"

Police Officer Matt Harris
Columbus,OH police dept.

Lt. Claypool was a good man who always had a smile on his face and an easy going manner about him. He was an honest and ethical man and his death leaves a very large void in our department and our hearts. He will be missed, always. His family will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Evidence Tech Deborah Lanata
Columbus Police Department

To the family of Lieutenant Claypool:

You are in our daily thoughts and prayers. Always remember that your husband/father is a true hero. We consider ourselves lucky to have known him. God bless you all. God bless law enforcement. God bless our fallen heros.

Sincerely,

Officer Jason Ayres

Ms. Jacqueline S. Ayres

Officer Gregg Seevers

Officer Autumn Yoast

Officer Jason Ayres
Columbus Ohio Police Department

I fear a society who honors those who entertain them more than those who die for them. Lieutenant Claypool, as well as all fallen officers, are our true American heros. It is tragic that more Americans do not take this point of view. God bless our fallen heros.

Anonymous

Lt. Claypool was definitely a "Cop's Cop" as Off. Gilbert said.

Lieutenant: You will be sorely missed by all the officers and personnel of this Division as well as the brotherhood of Law Enforcement world-wide.
You, your family and loved ones will be in all of our prayers.

YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN,
YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!

"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit"
(Nobody Harms Me With Impunity)

Officer Steve L. Livingston
Columbus, Ohio Division of Police

It is a terrible loss the entire law enforcement community, when we lose one of our own. It effects co-workers, family, friends, the community in which they served. It is especially hard on those, who actually care the most; the friends and family. I was proud to have known Lt.Claypool. He was just an all around good person. I served on the Honor guard with Lt.Claypool until his recent promotion to Lt.. He is sadly missed by all of us. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to his family and my thoughts and prayers are with them.

Officer Steven Redding #2027
Columbus Divsion of Police

The loss of another officer is always a tragedy. I did not know Lt. Claypool but as an officer I feel the sorrow deep within my heart. May God Bless him, his co-workers, friends, and most of all his Family. It sickens me how something like this can happen and the person responsible can feel no remorse and flee the scene. I can only hope that he/she is caught and brought to justice as fast as possible. Our job is not an easy one and we understand the risks but why doesn't the media paste this terrible event across the TV in respect for a fallen officer as they do if the roles were turned around. We get persecuted for doing our jobs and forgotten at times like these. Fellow officers, friends, and family will never forget. My deepest sorrows..........

Patrolman Steven A. Garavuso #12

Pataskala Division of Police

Pataskala, Ohio

Patrolman Steven A. Garavuso
Pataskala Division of Police

Lt. Claypool will be sadly missed by all the members of our department. He was not only a very good supervisor but he's the kind of guy who is a friend to everyone. He had a very pleasant demeanor and was a down to earth good guy. Lt. Claypool was also a member of our Honor Guard. We hope to provide justice for him, the search is continuing for his killer.

Det. J. J. Mead
Columbus, OH PD

Words cannot describe the loss to the law enforcement community. Lieutenant Claypool devoted his life to honoring fallen officers, now we devote our lives to honor him. Lieutenant Claypool, you will be missed sir.

"Blessed Are The Peacekeepers, For They Will Be Called The Sons Of God" -Matthew 5:9
God Bless You!

Officer William J. Fritts
Columbus Division of Police

My husband Sgt. Marc Muncy was killed in a traffic accident in the line of duty 6 years ago. It saddens me greatly that Columbus has lost yet another officer. Each time this happens, my heart breaks a little more and I worry a little bit more for all the officers still on the job.

My heart goes out to the Claypool family, as I know the sorrow they are feeling right now. You are in my prayers for the many days, weeks and months ahead. I know they will be difficult, sad and lonely.

My prayers are also with the officers still on the streets...please be careful and thank-you for all that you do!!!

Becky Muncy