Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jason,
I think of you often, as your father has been so instrumental in helping our department through a rough couple of years with the murders of the Mishawaka officers, then our two here in SB. I remember how goofy you were at the academy, and so gung-ho about being a cop. We all never realized that we would be shortly losing two good cops from our academy class. Rick Ruszkowski and I went to your funeral and commented on how enormous it was. Little did we know how soon we would be attending several funerals closer to home. You are in good company up there, take care of Scott Severns and Nick Polizzotto for us, show Nick around, he just got there. Thanks to your dad, too, for taking care of us. You will never be forgotten!

Det. Meredith (Mickels) Hanley
South Bend Police Dept. (ILEA 99-139)

Det. Meredith Hanley
South Bend Police Dept.

May 30, 2007

You don't know me but I feel like I know know you because I have heard a lot about you from people who called you friends and people that just knew of you. I heard a dedication on the radio this past week that I think was from your mom. She was calling in a dedication to all police officers for National Police Week. This was a great opportunity to reflect on your life and I wanted to share this these few comments. Please continue to watch over the police officers that protect our community.

Shane Foley
Indianapolis Citizen

May 19, 2007

So many things remind me - sure do wish you were here. I wonder what you would think of all the change?

May 13, 2007

So young to have gone. You had just started living your life, while mine is half gone it is so unfair. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. We miss you Jason. Serve him well, see you soon.
With Love, a friend.

Friend

May 9, 2007

Jason,
I did not know you well, but i think of you often. I just had the opportunity to meet your dad out at ILEA the other day. He delivered a powerful message in your honor to our class of 103 officers. I met you at ISP Post 52 and was introduced to you by a Trooper while I was working there as a dispatcher. I am now in training to be a Deputy just like you. I will never forget the selfless sacrifice you made for our great country and will always try to do my best at the job i know you loved to do.

Deputy Gary Stanley
Hancock County Sheriffs Dept

April 26, 2007

Jason,

I was just thinking about you today brother. You are not forgotten.

Officer Brian McEwen
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

April 24, 2007

Jason,
My friend, I often think of all the times you use to ride with me when you were just a kid. I remember babysitting you for a week when your parents went out of town. I remember your dear mother giving me directions on all the healthy food she wanted you to eat while they were gone. I remember as soon as they left we broke out the frozen pizzas and ate junk food for a week! LOL... I was blessed to talk to you a month before you passed. We made plans on meeting up and that day never came. Well brother, I shall see you again in Heaven, save me place! Your friend,
Jeff
[email protected]

Retired Officer Jeff Miller
Huber Heights Police Department Ohio

March 20, 2007

Jason,

I have looked at this page several times since you have been gone but never left a message. I just wanted to say "thank you" for turning me on to police work. I remember when you were a wagon driver. You would come pick up my arrestee's and there were many. I made friends with you and several Deputies in beats 9 and 11. You would come in to the store and joke about how you didnt want to come back again for another transport. I also remember the last time you came as a wagon driver, you were so excited. You as well as another Deputy talked me into becoming a police officer. I joined a local city department here in Indy and my life has never been the same. I love what I do and I owe you a big thanks! Thanks for all that you have done. You are truely missed.

Friend/FLEO

January 5, 2007

Jason, my good friend I have missed you. We begin a new year without you being with us physically on this earth. I know you have been looking out for me and all of us who wear the uniform of a police officer. I also know that you realize we are no longer IPD or MCSD but one merged department now. As this merger happened, I thought to myself how awesome and great it would have been to work with my friend. Yep! We would have been on the same district Jason, Metro North! We could have been having the times of our lives up here. But, many of the deputies you worked with on the northside are now working with me. They seem like a great bunch of guys and I look forward to working with them. I think back when we were roommates on 70th/Allsionville Rd, OH man were those some fun times! I think darn we could be up there right now, taking our runs from home! haha. Although it will be 6 years this year you left us, not a day goes by I don't remember you my friend. I have your picture right next to my steering wheel, and see it everytime i leave and enter my car. Continue to watch over us Jason and keep us safe. I miss ya buddy and you are never forgotten!!

Ofc. Jason Cottey A221
Indianapolis Police Department

January 3, 2007

Well my fallen brother the New Year brings an end to the MCSD as we knew it and a beginning to the IMPD. You will never be forgotten as long as I have a breath left in me. I know you will always have my back and I will return the favor when I see you on the other side. You are truly missed and forever in our hearts.

Dep/Officer Ziliak
MCSD/IMPD

January 1, 2007

There are heroes who walk among us
never looking for glory or praise
They don't seek recognition
for their thoughtful, caring ways.
Living lives of deep commitment
providing for those they hold dear
Steadfast with a quiet strength
through times of laughter and tears.
You are a person like that to me
The most selfless man by far
So Jason, I'd like to thank you
For being the HERO that you are.
Merry Christmas my friend....

Olivia
Marion Co. Sheriff

December 25, 2006

Jason,

I did not know you, but have met your father and what an amazing man he is. I was reading some of your reflection pages,and noticed your father writing on the past Christmas mornings. This being Christmas morning 2006, and I being at work. IN reading your father's pages from Christmas's past, I can see your family was close for the Hoilday Season. Also that you were a big part of this for your family. I just wanted to leave this for you and your family, and to let you know that "YOU" will never be forgotten. God Bless you and your family

K9/Ptl. Doug Taylor
Lawrenceburg (IN) Police K-9 Unit

December 25, 2006

To my sons many friends. Thank you for the wonderful posting that continue after 5 years. You were very important to Jason and your friendship was special. Your remembering is important to me and his family. Thank you for not forgetting, thank you for sharing, and thank you for being his friend. Take care and be safe.
The Bakers

Jerry Baker, Father

December 20, 2006

missed!

December 17, 2006

Enthusiastic
Funny
Charming
Handsome

So easy to remember you!

November 4, 2006

Jason,
I reflect and I become emotional. You, Lisa (Fishers PD) and I, would run during the academy (99-139). I remember you sitting infront of criminal law class and you would ask questions "last minute" causing a ruckus. At Academy Graduation my mother recognized your father as a close friend during her college days. Later she would confide in me that your dad and her dated for some time. Vietnam ect.... The news of that after we were friends was astonishing to me. Weird Fate. My grandfather and several uncles were and are Police Officers. This got me into the profession. I always remember you during this time of year. My mother felt it was fate that her son (me) and you were cops. Let alone in the same academy class. I remember seeing your dad at your funeral. I told my mother that you were killed.....She cried with me. She gave me a message for your father that she was sorry beyond words. We drove down for your funeral. Bunner was good friends with Deno. I was not but I keep your and Deno's funeral memorial papers next to where I dress every day. I look back and we were so young. I have been doing ok. I've been an FTO. I'm A traffic officer and a member of our SWAT team. I shot and killed a man during a call out when he pointed a loaded rifle at a SWAT team member during a call out. I look back now at the academy and our innocent start. What a JOB. Low pay and all that comes with it...I'm thinking of starting another profession. It's not worth it to me... My friends killed, me doing my job and killing too. I DO NOT KNOW. I have thought of you ever year since your death. About this time of year I visit your memorial site and cry at my computer. This year I am typing. I am doing well, married, living life ect....things are good. I keep your memorial paper near where I dress for work/call outs. Your are not forgotten. You make me stronger.
matt
HPD 99-1329

matthew jones
hammond police dept

October 13, 2006

Smile for the White Sox again this year. Buddy, why the SOX? Jas, thanks again, you're always there in my time of need- J

J Muggs
Fed

October 4, 2006

Deputy Baker,
Five years ago and that night seems like just yesterday. Know that you are still missed by many the same you were on Sept 18, 2001. Even today people continue to look up to you for guidance. Continue to watch over your friends and family like you always do. The story of your dedication and love for the job continues to inspire generations of police officers to come.
Know that your life, compassion and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Thank your for your bravery and your unselfish acts to get the bad guys.

Your are my Hero and will always be.

Anonymous
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office

September 18, 2006

On your Anniverary - we still mourn.
Rest in Peace Jason.

Deputy Bennett
Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

September 17, 2006

Deputy Baker,

Today, on the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sence, we pay tribute to your spirit. The Evening Watch of Henry County Georgia Police Department's North Precinct will hit the street in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entier shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
henry County Police Department

September 17, 2006

IT HAS BEEN 5 YEARS SINCE YOU GAVE YOUR LIFE "IN THE LINE OF DUTY". I AM SURE TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND
CO-WORKERS IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND COMPASSION FOR A JOB "WELL DONE".
GOD BLESS.
GLB

September 17, 2006

September 17th will never be just "a day" to me, nor to the friends and family that love and miss you. Although time has continued, one thing still holds true... Jason you are a hero. Your death rocked a community and devastated a family of officers throughout this state.

Although five years has passed your name and your legacy has not, nor will it ever be forgotten. You will remain in our hearts as you did the day you were taken from us. Fallen, but never forgotten - these words hold true as a promise from one friend to another. You are loved, remembered and deeply missed....

Olivia Bays
Marion County Sheiff's Dept.

September 17, 2006

I don't know you Jason but you sound like a young man with a big heart.I do know that a man that is remembered with as much love and respect that you are will never die but you will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of others.May Our Father give you and your loved ones, friends and co-workers special Blessings.

September 17, 2006

Jason,

I remember Sep. 11th, 5 years ago. I remember the news, the dread, the unbearable tension gripping an entire nation. And I also remember finally "getting" why you loved your profession so very dearly. Perhaps passion would be a better word than profession ..you were never working, you were always simply following your heart and your dream, and did so amazingly.

I remember the 11th because it prompted me to call you, my friend, just to say "Jas, i'm so proud to know you." I'd said it before and you always shrugged off the compliment as if to say "hey, it's just who I am." But that night it just seemed to have special significance.

A few months prior to that you gave me some of the best advice in my life, concerning my relationship ... and it was such an incredibly YOU thing to say ... "Stop second guessing yourself and follow your heart ... do whatever it takes to make it happen and don't stop working until you get it." And so, my friend, I didn't give up and I did follow my heart. And you were right, Jas. 5 years later we are still together. We know that you are watching over us and have our backs. I can't begin to let you or your family know just how comforting it is to know that ... it doesn't come close to having you here with us, but we do know we have a guardian angel that cares about us as much as we cared about him.

It was just 6 short days later that you were sent home to heaven. I can't tell you how many times I've thought about that night. You had told me several times before then that if something ever did happen to you, you'd make sure I heard a certain song on the radio and as I sat in the parking lot of your apartment complex weeping it came on the radio and I knew it was you saying "until I see you again."

So, it's been 5 years and it still seems like yesterday. I miss the random phone call conversations that were often interrupted by the need to sing aloud to some song or another that came on the radio and watching "Airplane" and you unexpectedly showing up at my office one night with food because you "just had a feeling" I hadn't had time to eat all day.

You were and will always be a prince among men, Jas. I miss you, bud. You'll never be forgotten my friend. Your bravery, your heart and personality and compassion will always live on in my heart and mind ... right next to the image of you and that goofy grin.

Thank you, my friend, for still looking out for me.

Anonymous
Friend

September 11, 2006

I stood with your dad today at our spot, welcoming another group of Officers and Families into the ranks of those whose lives are forever changed in the blink of an eye. It's coming up on 5 yrs and I still miss you just like it was yesterday. Your goofy laugh & smile, all the movie qoutes, and the occasional well timed j-turn in Nora. Most of all I miss coming to work each day knowing that you always had my back no matter how far south things went. I still go to work everyday, in the same beat, on the same streets, and I still know you've got my back. I will see you again my Brother, so we can laugh and joke and smile and share the bond that only those who have done the Job can know. You earned your beat on the peaceful streets, enjoy your just reward. And I know you'll continue to keep a watchful eye on those of us you left behind.
Bam-Bam

Dep Paul Ziliak
MCSD M238

August 30, 2006