Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Seven years....in some ways it seems like just yesterday and in others like a hundred. Well last night at just before midnite the eight of us on night shift pulled into the PD parking lot and ran our blue lights while i lowered the flag to half-mast. Tamara put fresh flowers in your memorial and we all met over there and talked about you for a while. You are not forgotten, ever !
-Sam

Lt.S.P.Lapsley
Clayton Police Department

September 14, 2008

Today, September 14, 2008, was just as hard for me as it was 7 years ago. The thought of driving your husband from Wilminton to Wake Med running emergency traffic the entire distance. Then once we got there, having to face the inevitable, your parents. I remember that day like it happened yesterday. I know you're aware but I've become really close to your family especially your parents. They are like family I've never had. I wish I had gotten to know them better under different circumstances. I'll keep praying for them and help you watch over them.

Friends for Ever,
Mike

Sgt. Michael Clemmons
Wilmington NC Police Department Good Friend

September 14, 2008

To the family and loved ones of Lt. Monica Carey, her fellow officers with the Clayton Police Department, and most especially to Monica:

On this the seventh anniversary of your tragic death, please know that you are honored and revered today and everyday.

The reflections on this site for each officer are touching, but some strike me more emotionally. The reflections for Monica have tears streaming down my face, especially those from her children and her mother. To her children, your Mom must be so proud of you and the fine young adults you have become. To her Mom, I share your anquish in losing a beloved child, and know your life forever changed seven years ago when Monica was robbed of her life at such a young age. You have been such a blessing to your grandchildren, and I know they are your blessings.

Monica, from all the loving reflections left about you, I can see that you were an amazing woman and what a grievous loss your loved ones have endured because of your death.
May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire. You are loved and missed by so many.

Rest in Peace, Monica. A body is but for a lifetime, but spirits and souls are for eternity and yours is forever part of those who call you beloved.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Monica gave to her community and the citizens of my home state North Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice she and her family made on September 14, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Dept. eow 4/24/05
(Larry and I are Durham natives)

Anonymous

September 14, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones and close friends on this day. Keep watch over all of them, wrap your wings around them and help them with their grief and protect them. You are a true hero. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 14, 2008

Hey Monica. I can't believe it's been seven years already. You are still missed greatly and I think about you often. It seems like a lifetime ago when we were both cadets at Wilmington P.D. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace sister.

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden

September 14, 2008

We cannot believe that yet another year has passed. Thank you for watching over your lawenforcement family. Ms. Kitty and Mr. Bill will always be lost without you, but rest assured our friend you are never forgotten. We all miss you and we shall meet you again one sweet day. May God keep you close to heart as we have.

The oravits family
family friends

September 9, 2008

Visited the NLEOM in Washington, DC recently ... viewed your name on the wall ... spoke with Captain Carey just this morning ... told him about the visit ... thanks for your friendship and service ...

Sgt. Warren Kennedy
Wilmington (NC) Police Department

May 9, 2008

At your graveside service one warm September day
All with somber faces bowed our heads to pray
Yet a noise was heard in an old moss covered oak
It caught me by surprise and I glanced for a quick look
The sweetest sight I ever did see
But one lone grey squirrel sitting in that tree
She was tiny and poised overlooking your tent
She became very still almost stiff
As the minister was finishing the service in prayer
I kept my eyes on her just sitting up there
Almost as if she knew what had come to be
Bless my soul she was then staring at me
A twist of her nose and a her head hanging low
She folded her paws just beneath her little nose
A prayer she said I'm sure it had to be from
That little grey squirrel in the moss covered tree


All God's creatures will bow before him and know that he is God! Even the tiniest animals have sense enough to know that you may be gone but never forgotten. Respected by all.

Always your friend,

This actually happened the day I attended her funeral.

always your friend
friend

February 25, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 26, 2007

I am so sorry it has taken over 6 years to leave a relection. I remember the day I met you after you were hired I didnt know what to think. But after 3 years of working with you I knew you were the real deal. Do you remember the day I was comming into work and stopped at the gas station, well you included me into an investiagtion and you always made me also Crissy feel like we were important.
I just get so made about what happened to you, The 2002 Officers Memorial was tough your mom and dad are the greatest. I miss you and know you are in a good place.

Dean

October 29, 2007

Just had to stop by and say I can't believe how time has gone by. It seems like yesterday I was just talking on the phone to you. I keep your pictures where everyone can see them so I can tell them how you paid the ultimate price protecting the streets as you did everyday for so many years. Justin and Meghan have grown up so much now. I know you are watching over them and guiding their hearts in the right path. They are good kids thanks to your mom and dad and Joe they will be fine young adults and make you proud. I really miss talking to you and wish you were here to enjoy all those wonderful times at Ms. Kitty's table with all of us. One day my friend we will meet again and catch up on all the good things we have so much to talk about...

Crissy

October 4, 2007

It is so hard to belive it has been six years since your passing, and I visit your gravesite several times a year. It's hard to imagine the kids are not babies anymore. I remember how happy you and Ralph were when the kids were born. I talked to Ralph a couple of months ago, and he loves those two kids so much!! His eyes just shine when he talks about them. I know that Joe misses you so much, too. The kids are so lucky to have their dad and Joe, as well as you, to watch over them.

Me
Retired WPD

September 22, 2007

It has been 6 years since we last spoke that morning of the 14th. I remember you saying you all were going after drug dealers and wanted to know if Daddy was here so you could talk to him about the heroin you were going after. I gave the phone to him at 9:30 am and at 10:10 am you were gone .. I never did get to tell you to be careful and safe and tell you I loved you but I know you knew. Nothing can ever make the heartache and tears go away but I know you are by my side when I need you.. Justin is a wonderful young man and in his first year of college.. Meghan is a senior and doing her senior project on criminal justice. They are definitely going to follow in yours and Joe's footsteps.There are so many friends and officers who call and let us know their thinking of us on your anniversary. We are so thankful to know that you are still in their thoughts and the town of Clayton still mourns for you. What an impact you made there in such a very short time. I know you are watching over us all and doing God's work helping to keep our officers safe. I will always miss and love you dearly... Rest well my sweet daughter until we meet again. Momma and Daddy

Bill & Kitty Williams
Mom & Dad

September 15, 2007

LT CAREY, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO NOT BY HOW YOU DIED, BUT BY HOW YOU LIVED YOUR LIFE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MAY GOD BLESS THOSE WHO STILL LOVE AND MISS YOU.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

September 14, 2007

In remembrance and honor of your sacrifice . . . God bless your family and friends as they continue to live each day without you. We will continue to pray for peace in their loss and joy in their memories.

Jenny Little, LE Coordinator
NC Criminal Justice Standards Division

September 14, 2007

So it's almost 6 years and i think this is going to be the hardest one on me because in 3 days i'll be turning 18 and i will not be able to see my out most WONDERFUL momma there at my party.. I know my daddy is going to be there and you will be right by his side but i cant stand the fact of you not physically being there.. Its HARD.. But i know when i open the presents that you and daddy get me you are right there beside be given me my hug and kiss that i get... Well i Miss you momma and i can't wait to see you again i know its going to be a long time but i just want you know know i am thinkin about you every second of the day.. i have a wonderful boyfriend now who wishes he could have met you cause alot of the time its you that i talk about or if we do something its you that always come up in a conversation about what we are doing.. I plan on taking him to Clayton to meet some of the people there and also see where we used to live and around the town. Well momma you are ALWAYS in my heart and you will NEVER leave.. Justin and i are thinkin about getting matching tattoo's with your initals and your call number 403 with the thin blue line.. He and i have grown SOO close to eachother its AMAZING he is my TRUE best friend and i can't ask for a better brother than him.. I would also like to thank you for allowing me to have the life i do and the daddy that i have.. Momma you are a one of a kind momma no one can ever have.. I LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS ITSELF.. YOUR ONE TRUE MOTHER...
God bless and rest in peace...
Love, Monkey! *Kisses*

Meghan Carey
Daughter

September 6, 2007

Well, the big day came and the baby is now here. I wish you had been here to see him in person, but knowing you were watching us from afar was ok too. I can't wait until he gets old enough to understand when I show your picture to him just how great you were to every one who knew you...

We miss you....

Crissy and family

crissy
forever her friend

August 17, 2007

TO: Clayton Police Dep't. and the town of Clayton:

Today your wonderful officers John, Nancy, and Angie came to Wilmington to escort our family to the State Peace Officers Memorial service held at Grace Baptist Church. We were so touched and honored to have them as escorts and to know that they and the town of Clayton still hold our daughter in their hearts. I have pictures framed of the memorial on Hwy. 70 that was placed there by the officers.

During the service we learned of 8 more officers who gave their lives in the line of duty since January, 2007. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families as we know and still do the terrible grief they are going through. Does it ever get easier? No, but some days are good days and that's when you can reflect back on the good times. National Police week is coming up this week and the Johnston County Memorial Service will be on the 16th. We will be there again to honor our daughter and all of the fallen officers who paid the ultimate price. Again I would like to thank all of you for your thoughtfulness and your prayers.
God Bless and keep all of you safe.
Bill & Kitty Williams
Momma & Daddy

Bill & Kitty Williams
Mom & Dad

May 11, 2007

I was there the day the Lord took you home. For years after your passing I have had to learn how to cope with your death and the fact that I felt responsible. I have since retired, but a day doesn't go by that I don't think about you or your family. I just wanted to share the following with you and others that come here to pay you respect.
The Thin Blue Line

The path that I choose
Comes with a heavy burden
This path that I walk is
Colored blue so that others may follow

The path that they have chosen
Is marked by a thin blue line
It is so brightly colored
So that others who choose know the way

This is the way of Honor, Integrity and Service
The honor is always seen
But never returned
It is the thin blue line that we walk

The thin blue line can not be straddled
It is walked proudly with integrity
Never bending to one side or the other
It is the thin blue line that we walk

The thin blue line is never broken
Where one may fall, another steps up
To be of service where one had fallen
It is the thin blue line that we freely walk

Robin Conley (Lt. ret.)
Morehead City Police Department

April 16, 2007

A thought that comforts me when I think about my friend Monica... I sure wish you were here to see the new baby about to arrive... I know you are watching and smiling down on us in spirit...

Imagine, if you can, a place
where mountains meet the sky,
Where fragrant flowers fill the air
and winding streams flow by...
Imagine, if you can, a world
where joy replaces grief,
For thinking of this wondrous place
will bring your heart relief.

by the writings of Emily Matthews

My heart feels relieved to know that you are in
this wondrous place and one day we will meet again...

your friend forever,
Crissy

crissy oravits
friend

March 21, 2007

You did a job that not many women are willing to do. It is still considered a mans job. Thank you for opening the doors for many other women to go into law enforcement. Please watch over your fellow officers as well as your family. You will not be forgotten.
Michigan LEO wife

February 9, 2007

There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of Monica and her husband, Joe. Although five years have gone by that she was murdered, I remember that day as if it happened yesterday. I remember driving her husband to the hospital and the look on his face. I remember the look on her parents and children's faces. Due to the loss of this great sister, I have acquired two good friends, her parents, who I love and respect dearly. I miss you Monica.

Sgt. M.L. Clemmons
Wilmington Police Department

January 29, 2007

Just thinking about you Monica and the time we were cadets together at WPD. I watched you grow as an officer and you turned out to be a good one. I went to your funeral and the huge turnout was a testimony to that. I think about you and Don Miller often and will keep your families in my prayers. I am glad to hear what a good father Joe has been to the kids. He has a hard shell but inside he is a great guy. I can't beleive how old the kids are! It seems like yesterday when they were born. Just know that you will never be forgotten.

M/O Gordon Hobbs
NC Wildlife

December 31, 2006

As we celebrate the Holidays, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and the New Year, I pause to remember a heroine that I had the privilege to know as a colleague and a friend.

My thoughts and prayers remain with the Carey family, friends, family and collegaues. She was a true lady and a dedicated, professional peace officer. Her loss was a blow to North Carolina's law enforcement family and community. God bless and be safe brother & sister officers.

Rest easy Monica, we have the watch from here.

Chief JA Millan
NC Public Schools LE, Avery Dist.

December 27, 2006

My best friend, my cousin, my confidant
A beautiful MOTHER, wife, daughter, and sister.
A brave and loyal officer, a determined acheiver.
How can any one person be more perfect and special?

Soo its been really hard on me to except the fact that you haven't been here for Justin and i.. Like Justin told you he made Eagle Scout although you weren't about to attend it you where still in it.. You helped Justin get through it by having our WONDERFUL daddy (Joe) help him through it.. You have no idea how hard it's going to be on Justin and i to see that you will not be there for his BIG day.. But i know you will be right there in our hearts.. I have been really down this year because of you not being here and i am about to be 18 in 9 months and its hard to see thats your not here.. I want to tell you how much i love you and miss you.. But words aren't enough to say because i can't say how much i love and miss you i can only show it.. Well i know you are waiting on me to finally be with you in heaven.. Well i also want to you know that Justin and i have become EXTEMELY close through the years he is not only my brother but my BEST friend and my other half.. I LOVE YOU MOMMIE and i miss you TREMENDOUSLY.. You are my EVERYTHING!!!

LOVE MONKEY

*Meghan Leigh Williams Carey*

Monkey
Daughter

December 10, 2006