Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Reading your many hearfelt relfections is humbling to me. You were so obviously loved by your wife and daughter and they continue to honor you and your life. May God continue to provide them the grace they need for each new day without you in their lives. You died a hero and I will try to be a better cop, husband and father to honor your sacrifice in some small way.

NC Police Sergeant

November 5, 2005

James....

This is the poem Logan wrote for you and won first place in the Literature category at her school. It is very intense and real. It makes you stand back and relize how a child of ten feels about heaven and death. These are all of her own words. She misses you dearly James.


Heaven

I wonder why my dad had to leave so suddenly.
I wonder why he never said good-bye.
I wonder why this happened,
because it makes me cry.

I wonder why someone would want to hurt him,
and take him away.
He was just trying to help the man,
but he was slain.

I know my Dad’s in Heaven and wonder what it’s like.
Is it peaceful and is it bright?
Is it hot or is it cold?
Are there angels?
Is there snow?
Is everyone happy or are they sad?
Are they crying or are they mad?

I wonder if my Dad thinks of me at night?
He always used to tuck me in so tight.
I wonder if he can see me, through the clouds and trees?
I wonder if he is sleeping or saying his last prayer on his knees?
Is he telling a joke or laughing aloud?
Is he still a Policeman that was very proud?

I will always wonder why he left and where he went.
I know my father was Heaven sent.
I want him to know that he is greatly missed,
and that I keep his picture by my bed and give him his good night kiss.
I want him to know that I will always love him so.

Logan Gilbert-
his daughter-10yrs. old

November 3, 2005

I miss you and can't stop thinking about you over these past few days, especially when I attended Officer Reaves' funeral yesterday. I know you welcomed him with open arms in the gates of heaven on Friday, October 28th. Please know that I love you and can not imagine how his wife must feel knowing his killer is still alive and her husband is not. I wish they would of brought his murderer back in a body bag rather than alive. It's not fair!!It really hurts me and I just want to take all her pain away. Especially since she has 2 young children and we only had one. It's gonna be a long road for her. I feel so sorry for her and the children. I remember sitting there yesterday next to Dyan and wondering if you were looking down on all of us. I'm sure you were when Taps and Amazing Grace were played. I knew you were happy to see all of you brothers in blue together. I'm sure some of them were thinking of you too. I saw your buddy Bennie as we entered the church. You could see the pain and sorrow on his face for both you and Stanley. He tried to resist the tears as he stood in formation on the Honor Guard. He reached out to me as we passed through. He really touched my heart yesterday.

You are so beautiful James and the pain of losing you is still so very hard to deal with. There will never be another you. I will never love anyone like I love you. Please know that I haven't forgotten about you, even know you may think that I have. Yesterday was difficult since it was the first funeral I've attended since yours. I never want to do that agin. It just really tears at your heart. I hope this never happens again, but I know it's just a matter of time until it does. Everyone thinks it will not be them, but yet someone else. We thought that too until you get that knock on your door. I never worried about you. I always knew you would overcome in a bad situation. That's not always the case. I'm sure Stanley thaught that too. I'm sure he too did not wake up that morning knowing this would be his final call either.

I wanted you to know that your daughter wrote a beautiful poem in honor of you for the "Reflections" contest at her school. You would be happy to know she placed first in Literature. I really miss you and will continue to honor and love you. Until next time. XOXO

Tiffany Gilbert
Your loving wife

November 3, 2005

James, although i've never met you, i feel i do, you meant the world to Dyan and Bert and this still holds true today. I was fortunate to be there with them, Tiff and your beautiful daughter when they added your name to the wall in DC in 2002, along with the many others, still very senseless why we have to keep adding names to the memorial.
Please keep watch over another one of Norfolk's fallen brother, Officer Reaves, as well as our fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement.
With this being said, here's a song i dedicated to you by The Cult that has so much meaning to me

True Believers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was standing on the mountain, back against the worldLeft it all behind me, how my life had turned
Seen so much destruction, the fear upon your skinDon't let it turn against you, drive you down again
Caught up in the moment, accelerated dreamPossessed by a notion of how my life should be
All you true believers
You gotta move on, gotta move on, gotta move on
All you true believers
You gotta move on with your life, yeah
Pick up your pretty head, girl, stop crying to yourselfRun into the wild places far from hereWe are darker angels, black lighting in our heads
We are far beyond the moment, too far to care
Standing on the mountain, our backs against the worldWhen we leave it all behind us, how our lives have turned,
All you true believersYou gotta move on, gotta move on, gotta move on, yeah, c'mon now
All you true believers
You gotta move on with your life, I believe that it shines...
I was standing on the mountain, my back's against the world
Left it all behind me, and how my life had turned
I seen so much destruction, the fear upon your skinDon't let it turn against you and drive you down again
All you true believers
You gotta move on, gotta move on, gotta move on,
All you true believers
You gotta move on with your lives,
I got a mortal skin
Got a mortal life
Wanna be immortalized
Living in forever skies
I wanna live forever, yeah
I got a mortal skin
Got a mortal life
Wanna be immortalized
Living in forever skies
I wanna live forever
Got a mortal life
Got a mortal skin
Wanna be immortalized

Bert's sister in law and Dyan's sister

Shawn D'Aprile
Norfolk 911 Dispatcher

October 29, 2005

James,

We lost another one tonight please watch over him, and his family, I know you will, because you were such a great guy.

ANOS
NPD DISPATCH

October 28, 2005

Today we remembered and honored yet another officer here in Tidewater Virginia, who made the ultimate sacrifice last Saturday. When I saw his family, I remembered Tiffany and Logan. As difficult as it is, they are moving on, in a world that will never be the same but one that they cannot change.

The memories, of those such as James GIlbert and Michael (Saffran) serve as a continuing inspiration to me and many others, as we continue to serve. May you rest in peace, knowing that we who remain behind serve with an increased dedication and conviction because of your sacrifice. May our service honor your memory and our profession.

Cpl. Michael Canny
Hampton, VA Police

October 13, 2005

To the family and friends of Officer James Gilbert and fellow officers in the Norfolk Police Dept., and most especially to Officer Gilbert:

Today has been four years since the brutal murder of Officer Gilbert. His valor and bravery will never be forgotten. His memory is being honored and revered today.

To Officer Gilbert's brother David, I felt the feelings of grief you have for your older brother. My own son James is struggling with the enormous loss he suffered when our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg PD was fatally shot this April. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Officer Gilbert gave to his community and the citizens of Virginia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 28, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

September 28, 2005

To the Greatest man I have ever known,

Today has been four years since you were taken away from us. I dread this day every year for months because of all the pain and sorrow that comes with losing you seems to resurface again. It just all comes back and the pain is unbearable to your heart. I miss so many things about you and all your little kisses you would give me. I miss all the flowers you would bring me after we had an argument or little spat. I am reminded of you everyday by Logan. She looks just like you and your mother. She has grown into a outstanding young lady. You would be a proud father and happy for her kindness she shows to everyone around her. She has done so well in school over the past 2 years too. She's traveled alot, had honor roll, played many sports, enjoys hunting and 4-wheelen and been active in girl scouts. She speaks of you often and tells many stories of you. It's been a long road for her, but she has done extremely well.

We all often go to your grave and Rodney always polishes both you and your father's grave to keep them nice and shiny. Your grave always looks so beautiful. I know how you were on maintaining a nice yard and flowers. We have tried to keep it nice too, as you would have done.

Today we are having a party in your memory and honor. We have ordered and made all your favorite foods and will drink to you today and have many of your family, friends and co-workers over. We will have alot of your favorites like Hooters wings, ribs, subs, deviled eggs, etc. I still wonder if you liked going to Hooters for their hot wings or the hot ladies. You were a sucker for both!

James, I love you and will always love you as long as I live. You were such a beautiful person to so many people. You touched alot of peoples'lives in so many ways that you'll never know. I still hear kind stories of you.

May we cry happy tears for you as we tell our funny stories and jokes about you. You know I have plenty! I miss you baby! I know you will shine down on us today. My pain of losing you will never cease.

I love you, this Crown Royal is for you today!

Tiffany Gilbert
Wife/Widow

September 28, 2005

I woke up this morning to a song that was chosen for your memorial service. I am still just has affected by that song today as I was during the service. My husband had never met you but Tiffany and her family did such a beautiful job capturing your spirit and grace as a man that he was moved to weep. I pray for Tiffany and Logan, and I know that you are watching over them. God rest your kind spirit. It's been four years but you are thought of often and will continue to be thought of James. I saw a brief picture of Logan on T.V. a few weeks ago, she was trying to help Hurricane Katrina victims, I believe by collecting money. She looks so much like you and what a good girl. I know that Tiffany will always preserve your memory and honor with her.

Amy (an old of friend of Tiffany's)

September 28, 2005

In loving memory of Officer Gilbert:
I just read all your reflections and
it seems you knew how to live life
to its fullest. May we learn from your
example. Love and compassion to
all who knew and loved you and may
Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior
heal all those with broken hearts.
He knows our grief. John 3:16 and
John 14:6.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

September 28, 2005

James, its been four years now to the day and I just wanted to let you and your family know that no one here will ever forget you and that were always here for them. Rest in peace Brother and thanks for watching over all of us.

Investigator George C. Wall
Norfolk Police Department

September 28, 2005

Dear James,

Where has our time gone? How can a life altering event, seem just like yesterday, but also an eternity since I last heard your voice? How does one heal a lifetime of heartache after only 4 years? How does one survive on memories, when you weren’t given enough time to fill many chapters of a book with them? How does one cope, when you reach for the phone to plan another joke, and then realize you aren’t here to answer? After 4 years, one would think that on this day, we could think of you without teary eyes, talk about you without emotional voices, and laugh about memories without feeling guilty. James, I miss you as much today, and I did when I said good-bye that dreadful day in the hospital. The only solace that I have in this wicked reality of life, is knowing that you are in a much better place, doing much better things, and with other true heroes! Until we meet again, rest in peace my friend.

I Will Never Forget!!

Love Always,
Dyan

September 28, 2005

James -
Its been awhile since we have talked. I just wanted to let you know that you have given me so much inspiration over these past two years. You gave me strength, many a day, during the Police Academy. I know a part of you and our other brothers and sisters who have given their lives to help serve and protect are always with us everyday, both on and off duty.
Thank you brother.

Police Officer Christopher R. Smith
Norfolk Police Department

July 8, 2005

James,
(NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL WEEK)is so important to continue to remind us how much we miss our brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement.

I was home watching the news, when I heard about that tragic incident that took you away from Family, friends and the police dept.

I did not know you on a personal basis and wish I did, but I was compelled that very instant to write about my feelings of you and every man and woman who wears the badge of honor as a Police Officer. I was so very honored, when your family gave me permission to read the my writing of you at your memorial day. May you know I have not forgotten what you stand for and never will. May GOD Bless you, your family always and forever.

Goldie

Detective David Goldberg
Norfolk Police Dept.

May 14, 2005

Still thinking of you James and still missing you, Rest in peace Brother

Police Officer E.J. Kavanagh
Virginia Beach Police Department

April 15, 2005

Rest well, my brother. We won't let you be forgotten.

PJ

April 11, 2005

You have not been forgotten. I know that you are keeping us safe. Knowing that you are with me gives me the courage to continue. James, THANK YOU.

Officer
Norfolk Police

March 16, 2005

YOUR LOSS WAS HEART BREAKING TO ALL WHO ARE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS. ONES DEATH NEVER GOES UNNOTICED OR UNFORGOTTEN. I WORK CLOSELY WITH THE NORFOLK POLICE DEPARTMENT AND FELT A PIECE OF THE DEPARTMENT WAS MISSING WHEN YOU DEPARTED THIS EARTH. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED AND MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY.

DEPUTY
NORFOLK SHERIFF'S OFFICE

November 21, 2004

The Lord really does work in mysterious ways, doesn't he? I may never know or understand why circumstances happened as they did, but there is definitely a master plan in place here.

I'm sure that you and the loved one I lost the day after your family lost you have met in Heaven, greeting each other with knowing hugs - and heartfelt thanks from my loved one to you.

Thank you, James for the sacrifice you made. I promise you that as long as there's a breath in my body, I'll never forget to honor you during National Police Week.

Rest in peace.

October 3, 2004

Tiffany,
Sorry I couldn't get on-line to leave this on the 28th, but I was thinking about you and sharing your heartache. You and I will always share the grief of this time of year....just 5 days apart we lost the loves of our lives. May God bless you & help you keep living day by day.

Love ya

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor

September 30, 2004

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

September 28, 2004

I can't even get the words out that I want to say to you, but I love you James. I have always loved you and will never stop. Rest in peace.

Tiffany Gilbert
Wife/Widow

September 28, 2004

-To all who have lost a wonderful hero out of their life, my condolences. I met Officer's Gilbert's brother Dave who saw I was an officer and gave me one of James' memorial T-shirts. I wear it in memory of James and all other brothers who have gone 10-7. God bless all of you and let Jesus Christ reign and watch all of our brothers out there.

Officer W.L. Gervin
Virginia Beach Police Department

September 21, 2004

I knew you through my friend Tiffany and I was so happy that she had found such a special, loving guy like you. I never had an opportunity to have you in my life often, but each time we saw one another, you were the sweetest man. The way you loved Logan was so clearly shown in your face. I remember watching her shortly after she was born so you and Tiff could go out and she was so beautiful! She was such a beautiful baby. And seeing you guys at your wedding,dancing,laughing and spinning around with her was so awesome. I still have the pictures. It is amazing how much she grew to look like you as she got older. I have prayed for your wife and daughter often. And even though like I said, we never hung out on a regular basis, I am still so saddened by your death. But I know that you are in Heaven, waiting for your family and with Jesus. Who better to pass the time by then with the Author of life. He has healed you and you are whole again in heaven and I am overjoyed to have known you James. May God bless your family as the third anniversary of your death approaches. May God bring blessings and peace to all those who knew and loved you. Amy Figueroa

September 13, 2004

WE SHARE THE SAME NAME.. REST IN PEACE WALKING THE BEAT NOW IN HEAVEN...

POLICE OFFICER JAMES H. GILBERT
COLUMBUS OHIO DIVISION OF POLICE

August 26, 2004