Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It has been two years ago today that the biggest family in the world, the Law Enforcement Family, lost a loved one. She has been truely missed by all that knew her and loved her. She might not be physically with us, we do know that she is here with us. She will live forever in our hearts and minds.


I'M GLAD YOU'RE IN MY DASH...

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.
(1934 - 1998)

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars...the house...the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile..
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?




Monica, you are missed by all who knew and loved you.

Your Friend,
Mike

Sgt. M.L. Clemmons
Wilmington Police Department

September 13, 2003

LT,
It has been almost exactly 2 years to the day that you were taken from us. I still miss you terribly and think of you every day. This week-end, like so many other week-ends, I will visit the place where they laid your body to rest. Once again..alone in the silence of that place I will sit there by the grave that bears your name and talk with you, as I did so many times before, when you were alive. The only difference now, is that you are not here to share that smile with me, or offer advice and encouragement anymore. My tears for my fallen collegue and friend are still here, after 2 years. But the honor of having known you is what keeps my head held high..for I know that I will see you again my friend. Missing you still......419

419
Clayton Police Department

September 12, 2003

This is the toughest month we will be going through for the 2nd.year. Today marked the 2nd. anniversary of the Sept. 11th. bombing. Sunday the 14th.will mark the 2nd. anniversary of Monica's passing. Last Saturday, there was a memorial ride for Monica with the proceeds going to COPS. We cannot express enough our thanks to the Blue Knights and other organizations who gave their time and all efforts put into making it a success. Our family felt so proud and honored for our daughter. I only wish all of you could only know how much we cherish all of you who stay in touch with us.
Justin is in high school now and has joined the JROTC. Meghan is in her last year of Jr. High and will be going on to high school next year, the same high school their mother attended and graduated from. They both are wonderful children and are doing really good.
We will have the memorial Sunday at 1:00 p.m. All are invited to attend. Please keep us in your prayers and know that all of you are in our hearts and prayers as this will be a tuff week for you as well. Thank you all so much for leaving your reflections.
May God Bless and keep all of you safe.
Bill and Kitty Williams ( mom & dad )

Bill & Kitty Williams..Mom & Dad

September 11, 2003

Lt,

It's hard to believe that it's almost been 2 years now. I think of you daily as I go to work, and as I pass by Clayton PD and see the officers on the street. You were an inspiration to everyone. You impressed me as much as anyone in law enforcement ever has. You were a true leader who lead by example, walking beside your guys. We lost a deputy in a wreck this week here in Wake County. It seems as if Septembers have been a bad month over the years. I always told people that you'd be the next Chief in Clayton, and that you were a cut above everyone else. I'm sure you're still the same in Heaven, and have raised the standards up there just a tad. Thank you for the memories, and thank you for being an inspiration. You were as good a person as you were a law enforcement officer. I don't work at the PD as much anymore. I have a new job that keeps me away alot. Everytime I do go up there, I still expect to see you come around the corner smiling. Your enthusiasm and charisma are deeply missed.

Jason Thompson

Jason Thompson
Wake County Sheriff's Office

September 9, 2003

well it has been 2 years since i lost my best buddy. i always have a hard week to work the same time over and over again. i think of u daily and i keep in touch with your kids all the time. my family still visits your folks often just like usual only you're not there anymore. its hard to think about it. i know you thank us for all that we do. i'll see you again one day buddy.
love the oravits family

telecommunicator crissy oravits
clayton police dept

September 6, 2003

On angels ...

"The wings ain't anything but a uniform that's all. When they are in the field so to speak, they always wear them."
Taken from Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Monica,
You're not forgotten ... and never will be.
A Citizen of Clayton
September 14, 2003

Anonymous

September 5, 2003

I met Lt Carey (Monica) through the DARE training program many years back. She was a nice person and a professional officer. Everyone who met her liked her. She was a reserved and caring individual.

It made me broken-hearted to read Monkey's letter to Mommy. I pray for her, her family and our police community. She is walking a beat in heaven with St. Michael.

A Christian Soldier has been called home. God bless.

With respect,

Chief JA Millan

Chief John A. Millan
Avery County NC Schools Campus PD

I had the honor of attending the 20th AOMP with Monica. She was a pleasure to be around and did much to see that I had a good experience while at NC State attending the Administrative Officer's Training Program. Monica took me home with her on weekends, to spend time with her husband and family. She saw that I got a good home-cooked meal and an opportunity to spend some time away from the police barracks. I will never forget her warm heart and kind spirit. My condolences to her husband and family.

Lt. Herb Mier
St. Johns Sheriff's Office

A year has gone by since you were taken from us. You are still as dear to our hearts as you were when you were here. I can't help but see you when I look at your little ones and it just makes me smile to know that even though you have been taken from this earth, you are definitely still with us everyday. We miss you dearly and love you very much.

Tamra

Investigator
Clayton Police Department

My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Carey family. May God give you the strength and resolve to help each other through this tragic and sad time. I am so sorry.

Motor Officer Jerry Palladino
Pasco County Sheriffs Office

I was working the day of this horrible tradegy and heard the radio traffic start to get busy, my heart sank and I knew something bad had happened. Two days later we were at your funeral. My prayers go out to your family. God has called another one of us home to protect his grounds!!

DEPUTY SHERIFF W. R. HUGHES
WAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

As Police Week begins on this Sunday May 12,2002 I think of you(as I do every time i put on this grey uniform and pin this shield to my chest)As i looked at your son Justin and daughter Megan,who is the mirror of her mother with every facial expression and word she speaks,as they stopped in to the police dept., with their dad Cpl.Ralph Shingleten(Wilmington Police Dept),on their way to the memorial in Washington i can't help but think of how proud you would be of them and the way they have handled themselves through this terrible time. I also can't stop thinking of the energy and commitment you would have put into the planning of the dept.'s trip to Washington if you had been here. At yesterdays police events to raise money for the special olympics(your project), as the Harleys rumbled down the road I could just see you in the crowd, leaned back with your feet up on the pegs and can't beleive that a year has passed since then. We miss you Lt.!!! And will never forget.

Sgt.S.P.Lapsley
Clayton Police Department

I MET MONICA IN JANUARY OF 2001 WHEN I STARTED WORKING AT THE CLAYTON POLICE DEPARTMENT. WE BECAME VERY GOOD FRIENDS ON AND OFF DUTY. I WAS AMAZED AND IN AWE OF HOW SMART SHE WAS, HER KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM. SHE ALWAYS GAVE ME GOOD ADVICE AND SHE WAS ALWAYS THERE TO HELP ME OUT AT WORK WHEN I NEEDED IT. SHE WAS THE TYPE OF FRIEND THAT YOU COULD DEPEND ON AND TRUST NO MATTER WHAT THE CASE WAS.

SHE SAT WITH ME IN DISPATCH MANY TIMES TELLING ME FUNNY FAMILY STORIES. SHE ALWAYS SPOKE OF HER LOVE FOR HER CHILDREN AND HUSBAND. SHE BROUGHT MEMORY ALBUMS SHE HAD MADE OF HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND SHE ALWAYS HAD A STORY BEHIND EVERY PICTURE SHE POINTED OUT TO ME.

SHE WAS SUCH A LOVING MOTHER AND I COULD ALWAYS CALL ANYTIME TO ASK HER ADVICE ABOUT MY BABY BOY WHEN I WAS UNSURE WHAT TO DO. I FIGURED SHE KNEW WHAT TO TELL ME AND SHE ALWAYS DID.

WE ATE LUNCH TOGETHER FREQUENTLY WHEN I WAS WORKING DAY SHIFT AT THE PD AND I MISS THAT ALOT.

SHE ALWAYS LEFT HER OFFICE DOOR OPEN AND SHE SPOKE TO EVERYONE WHO PASSED BY HER. IT DIDN'T MATTER WHO YOU WERE OR WHAT YOUR JOB TITLE WAS SHE TREATED YOU LIKE YOU WERE SPECIAL TO HER.

THE HARDEST JOB I EVER HAD IN MY LIFE WAS TO BE WORKING THE DAY SHE WAS TAKEN FROM US ALL. IT WAS THE WORST EVENT I HAD EVER ENCOUNTERED.

I WANT TO THANK MONICA'S FAMILY FOR BEING THE MOST WONDERFUL PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET. I KNOW YOU WILL MISS HER AS MUCH AS I WILL. THANK YOU FOR SHARING HER WITH ME AND MY FAMILY IT WAS TRULY AN HONOR TO CALL HER MY FRIEND.

I PRAY THAT GOD WILL SHINE HIS BLESSINGS ON ALL OF YOU.I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS ALWAYS. MONICA WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BUT KNOWN TO ALL AS THE GREATEST HERO THAT EVER LIVED.

CRISSY,CHRIS,AUSTIN ORAVITS

telecommunicator crissy oravits
CPD

MY SPECIAL ANGEL

I SIT IN MY CHAIR WAITING FOR YOU
TO WALK THRU THE DOOR
TO GREET ME WITH THE SAME SMILE
YOU USED TO GIVE ME MANY TIMES BEFORE
I WAIT FOR THE PHONE TO RING AND HOPE ITS YOU
ON THE OTHER END
BUT STILL I WAS DISAPPOINTED
TIME AND TIME AGAIN
I SOMETIMES GLANCE UP AND WONDER IF
I THOUGHT I SAW YOU WALKING BY
BUT YET DISAPPOINTED
IT WAS ONLY A GLARE FROM THE LIGHT
I PRAY TO GOD TO HELP ME UNDERSTAND
WHY IT HAD TO BE
AND THEN I HEARD A STILL SMALL VOICE
LIKE THE WAY YOU USED TO SPEAK TO ME
AND I PAYED CLOSE ATTENTION
TO WHAT WAS SAID TO ME
I SIT BESIDE YOUR CHAIR WAITING FOR YOU
TO REALIZE I AM HERE
I GREET YOU WITH THE SAME SMILE
I GAVE YOU ALL THOSE YEARS
THOSE TIMES YOU GLANCED AND WONDERED IF
YOU THOUGHT YOU SAW ME THERE
I THOUGHT YOU WOULD HAVE NOTICED ME
BECAUSE I HAVE GONE TO VISIT YOU THERE
THE GLARE YOU SAW WAS NOT THE LIGHT
THAT YOU THOUGHT YOU SAW
I WAS SHOWING OFF MY NEW ANGEL WINGS
AND MY NEW HALO MADE OF GOLD
I AM TRYING TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND
WHY I LEFT YOU HERE
I WAS CALLED BY GOD TO WORK A BIGGER CASE IN HEAVEN
AND I AM ASSIGNED TO WATCH YOU FROM HERE.

MR.BILL,MS.KITTY,JUSTIN,MEGHAN,MR.JOE I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ALWAYS. GOD BLESS YOU.

CRISSY CPD

telecommunicator crissy oravits
cpd

A tremendous amount of tragedy occurred on September 11, 2001. The world was shocked, horrified, terrified and hurt went beyond what any mere words can express. Watching the terrible acts that happened in NY, DC and PA. They were on TV for everyone to see. No one will ever forget the sight of the Towers and the Pentagon; they are forever engraved in our minds.

But in Clayton, North Carolina another equally tragic incident happened that will forever impact our lives. We lost Lt. Monica Carey.

To us she was many things, to so many people. She was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, colleague, supervisor, and, so many other roles. She wore a lot of hats, as do we all.

For all who knew and loved her, the loss we suffered was just as great, just as tragic, and just as life altering as any suffered on the news.

She was only 5'5" but had the presence of Twin Towers and the Pentagon. Her passion for life, her family and her profession were so large, I wonder if those Towers could compete. She had the stability, intelligence and reliability of the Pentagon and probably is just as complex at times.

But all comparisons aside, Lt. Carey was our wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Though her wife role was totally reserved for Joe, she mothered her "boys and girls" throughout her career. She was young enough to be a daughter to some of us, and a sister to others. She was a friend most of all.

But to her family she was all those things in the most personal way and there will never be anyone who could even come close to replace her or make her absence from the world lesson. Our hearts and prayers go out to you - Joe, Megan, Justin, Bill, Kitty, Scott and everyone in the family.

Be assured, there is no one who could ever take her place with with those of us who carry on her work. Just as it must be with you, it will be hard to pick up and go on because life will never be the same for any of us again.

There are so many feelings and emotions we have it is impossible to express them in any amount of time.

We can only say, deeply and whole-heartedly we Love You, Monica.

Lt. William H. Newsome
Clayton North Carolina Police Department

To Lt. Carey's Family,

I met your wonderful Monica when she first came to work at Clayton P.D. I worked with the Johnston Co. Sheriff's Office at the time. I thought at that time what a smart woman she was. I then came to work at Clayton P.D. in January of 2000. During the time I have been here I got to know her on a more personal note. She was a wonderful woman all the way around. She was extremely intelligent and I looked at her as a mentor. She impressed me on numerous occasions. During the last few months prior to her departing she was my husband's direct supervisor. He loved her with all of his heart. I would call him when I was working and he would tell me, honey, I'll call you back, I'm talking to LT. About an hour would go by and he would finally call me and tell me what a wonderful supervisor and person she was. Then came the time when I was trying hard to get back into the investigations division. She would call me at home and we would talk for long periods of time. She was always positive in her way of thinking and made me look forward to coming to work everyday. She has just always impressed me in how she handled everything in her life. She took care of her two gorgeous children, her husband, her family and still had time for us. If there is anyone I have met that I want to be like, it's her. She is just the perfect person to me. I know that I feel a great loss without her and I cannot even begin to imagine your loss. To Meghan, Justin, Joe, Kitty and Bill: Kritch and I love you all very much and we are here for you should you ever need anything.

In memory of 403, Clayton Police Department's Finest

T R Allen

Detective Tamra R. Allen
Clayton Police Department

To Monica, her family and friends,

I finally made it to where we were trying to go. I will do my best that I promised I would do for you. You have always brought inspiration to me and Kritch and we miss you dearly.

We love you.

Tamra & Kritch Allen

Detective Tamra R. Allen
Clayton Police Department

Monica and I served together for nearly 4 years when she worked in Carolina Beach. I really enjoyed working with her and enjoyed being part of Carey's commandos. I still think about her passing and the day i got the phone call about what happened. I will never get over the emotions that I and so many other police officers shared over her untimely passing. I believe that there must have been more than a 500 hundred police agencies represented at her funeral and 1500 people in uniform. I do honestly miss her every time I pass Krispy Creme and every time I activate my blue lights. The former commandos and I still keep in touch and we each have a medallion in remembrance of Monica I wear mine every day. My wife put together a scrapbook of our memories and I have given each of the former commandos a memorial photo of us all.

Detective Corporal Jon L. Knoll
Carolina Beach PD-NC

403,

YOU ARE MISSED EVERYDAY, BY ALL THE GUYS AT THE PD. YOU WERE ONE OF THE BEST DETECTIVES THAT I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED AND A VERY HAPPY GO LUCKY PERSON. EVERYONE SAID WHEN THE TRAGEDY HAPPENED THAT THEY WISHED IT WASN'T YOU. IT WAS HARD FOR US BUT WE REALIZE THAT GOD HAD OTHER PLANS FOR YOU ELSEWHERE. WE WILL REPRESENT YOU THIS YEAR IN HONOR IN WASHINGTON.

REST IN PEACE
PATROL DIVISION

PATROL OFFICER
CLAYTON PD

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CIVILIANS ON BEHALF OF OUR DAUGHTER

LT. MONICA LEIGH WILLIAMS CAREY


May we first begin to thank you all for all of the reflections written to our family. We have read every card sent, every email sent, every reflection written, all the flowers sent, and all the donations made on behalf of the children, Justin and Meghan. We are in the process of sending thank you cards to each one of you. There are so many thank you's, except for the letters written on Monica’s Web Page. I only wish we could thank you personally, but we know that is impossible to do. That is why I am writing this letter to all of you whom I cannot reach. For those of you who did not know Monica, I would like to tell you a little bit about her. As a little girl she always had high hopes. One in particular was to become an officer. Her Dad (retired narcotics agent) always said she was too little. But, boy did she show him!! After graduating high school, she started into the cadet program sponsored by the Wilmington Police Dept, working and attending school. Her duties were on the front desk, later working her way down to the Property and Evidence section and bringing it up to standards for accreditation. She then attended UNC at Wilmington for a humanity’s class, at Mount Olive College she graduated SUMA CUM LAUDE, attended and graduated AOMP, and was attending NC State pursuing her Masters Degree, and all the while was being a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend to all. She was very head strong in what she believed in and compassionate to those in need. Growing up and learning all about drugs she decided she would teach the Dare Program while she was an officer at Carolina Beach PD. When an opening In the Clayton PD became available she applied and was given the job upon the accreditations of her skills and knowledge. When Chief Gary Ragland met with Monica for the first time he said, “ I knew she was going to be a challenge”. And that she was. With her determination she reorganized the department, applied and received grants from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program for new motorcycles, new cars, and only the Good Lord knows what else! She was on the Board of Directors with the Chamber of Commerce, started the Santa Cop (I know-I had to make the blue Santa suit). She became known as Copper the Elf, dressed as such. They went about town walking from business to business to gather toys, food, clothing for the needy families. On Christmas Eve, they delivered all their goodies to the families. When all was done, Monica and the children came home (to Wilmington) to be with her family. And then it was her turn to be just “our little girl once more “. Monica truly loved her family and came home almost every weekend, except when she was on call.
On Friday September 14th, God called our daughter to come Home and rest. I pray that there was no pain. They say not and I have to believe this to be true. We have been told that there is now a Guardian Angel watching over our officers and her name is MONICA.
Thank you for all your prayers and comforting us all at this, the most tragic and difficult time in our lives.
May God Bless you all and keep you safe.

Sincerely,
Bill and Kitty Williams (Mom and Dad)

Bill and Kitty Willams (mom and dad)

In pace requiescat. Rest in Peace my sister. Help guide and watch over all your brothers and sisters still here. We will all reunite one day.

Patrol Officer K Moses
MTSU Campus Police

To Monica's Family,
I met Monica several years ago while at the Justice Academy. Although I did'nt know Monica very well and only met her a couple of times I did know that Monica loved the Job and loved her Family and children very much. I did have a chance to need Monica's help in locating a suspect in Carolina Beach and of course she came through without any problems. Thanks Monica. To learn of Monica's death has hit me pretty hard, because while I was enjoying my birthday, you was learning of her death. I am so sorry you have had to go through such a loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.


In Christ's Love
Jon Merricks

Officer Jon Merricks
Reidsville Police Dept. NC

No words can describe the loss of such a wonderful person. Monica was always a ray of sunshine with such a positive attitude. I am so very blessed that I had the opportunity to meet Monica and her family some 15 years ago and although I didn't see them often, they were always in my thoughts and in my heart just as they are today. It has been an honor to be considered a part of her family. My heart goes out to all of you and I pray that time quickly heals your pain.

Tanya Brown Santisteban
(cousin)

MAY GOD BLESS LT CAREY, HER HUSBAND AND CHILDREN, AND CLAYTON POLICE DEPT. YOU ALL ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

BENSON POLICE DEPT

BENSON POLICE DEPT

My heart is broken for the loss of such a wonderful person and friend. I have know the Williams and Carey family for more years than I can recall. When I am with the family there will be a void no one can fill. Monica was special in her own way and I will miss her. Law Enforcement has lost a good offier, but we are blessed she will be watching over us now. My love to the family and children. God bless.

Lt. Hovie Pope
Wrightsville Beach Police