Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I am visiting this page today to learn about the type of man that Officer James Gilbert was and what he meant to those whose lives he touched. I came to this page to read the reflections that have been left by friends and family. I now have a brief glimpse into your family and friends and am going to leave with an understanding that James meant so much to so many people.
I never had the opportunity to meet James and was not aware of the tragedy that he suffered. We are seperated by 5 states and several hundred miles and it seemed at first to be pure chance that I even became connected to this chain. I participated in the 2004 Police Unity Tour in honor of my Lieutenant Charles "Bo" Harrison. He was murdered while conducting an area watch at a local bar, shot through the back of his patrol car while he sat in the driver's seat. While at the tour I was handed a blue bracelet, and on that bracelet was the name Officer James Gilbert and the words- Killed in the line of duty 09/28/01. When I was handed that bracelet I placed it on my right wrist and continued about my evening thinking about what may have happened to James. Well the next day the tour began. We left from a Virginia State Police building in Chesapeake. While at the send off ceremony I looked around the crowd taking in the moment since this was my first experience. While scanning the crow a small posterboard sign that was held by a little girl caught my eye. On it was written a simple message, Tell my daddy I love him. I then continued to look at the sign and on it was written the name of James Gilbert and the date 09/28/01. At that very moment I realized that I was now part of something that was bigger than me and my reason for participating in the unity tour. I now rode for not only my LT but also for a little girl who had lost her hero. I then went to speak to the family who were stnding by the sign and I was woefully unprepared for the emotions that ensued. I was not able to say much but I did meet Tiffany and Logan and told them I was riding for James and that was about all I could manage to get out.
Over the next three days we rode the 250 miles and when the hills got too steep for this Floridian, all I needed to do was to look down at my wrist and I found more energy, desire, and drive to charge that hill because I knew James could not. I missed seeing the family at the memorial but again I saw that sign from the send off ceremony left above panel 17E. I made a rubbing of James' name and it is displayed on my wall along with my fallen LT's. I had a second bracelet made with the name Officer James Gilbert and the inscription - Killed in the line of duty 09/28/01. That one I intend to keep. I wear his bracelet everyday along with one for my LT. They serve as a constant reminder to me to remain ever vigilant while on duty. Also it reminds me to live life to its fullest while off duty, that is what it seems that James did from reading your reflections.
I thank you for letting me share my thoughts with everyone who stops here.
To the family, I am proud to call such fine, well respected Officer and loved family man a brother. Even though I may not of ever known him, his memory lives on in my thoughts and prayers for his family.
May God bless you all and keep you safe.

Deputy Gary L Raulerson
Pasco County Sheriff's Office (FL)

May 23, 2004

HELLO JAMES IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME BRO.I SEE YOU EVERYDAY WHEN I TURN ON MY COMPUTER. YOU ARE MY COMPUTER BACKGROUND. I MISS YOU SO MUCH JAMES I STILL HAVE YOUR LIP PRINTS ON MY SIDE MIRROR OF MY CAR FROM WHEN YOU PUT YOUR CHAP STICK ON, AND KISSED MY MIRROR,YOU WERE ALWAYS SILLY LIKE THAT. I KNOW WE HAVE HAD OUR FALL OUTS WHEN WE WERE KIDS,AND I USED TO HATE YOU AFTER THEM.THE DAY I LOST YOU FOREVER I WAS DONE, COULD NOT BELEIVE THAT MY ONLY BIGG BROTHER WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM ME FOREVER.I BEG & CRY FOR YOU TILL THIS DAY. IT IS SOO HARD TO KEEP ON GOING,& IF I DIDN'T HAVE MICHELLE IN MY LIFE TO KEEP ME GOING AND MOM I DON'T KNOW HOW I WOULD GO ON.I ALWAYS LOOKED UP TO YOU & I STILL DO.I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT MICHELLE IS PREGNANT WITH MY BABY BOY WHO I HAVE DECIDED TO NAME JAMES BENJAMIN GILBERT. I WANT HIM TO HAVE THAT NAME AFTER HIS UNCLE JAMES WHO SERVED US WELL.HE WILL BE REMINDED EVERYDAY OF WHO JAMES BENJAMIN GILBERT IS,& WHAT HE STANDS FOR.BILLY WANTS ME TO TELL YOU THAT HE LOVES YOU,& MISSES YOU EVERYDAY. HE WOULD TELL YOU HIS SELF,BUT HE DOESN'T HAVE A COMPUTER.I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN SOON.I KNOW YOU ARE LOOKING AFTER US FROM ABOVE WITH A BETTER VIEW SO MAKE SURE YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR FAMILY( BOTH SIDES ).MAKE SURE YOUR LITTLE GIRL IS OKAY WHICH SHE ISN'T LITTLE ANYMORE SHE GROWING SOO FAST & HER HAIR IS SOO LONG & BEAUTIFUL.JAMES YOU ARE FOREVER REMEMBERED & LOVED IN MY HEART.I GOT TO SEE MARCUS THIS PAST MONTH ,& ALL HE COULD TALK ABOUT WAS UNCLE JAMES,JENN&MARCUS MISS YOU DEARLY.I WISH I COULD HAVE HUNG OUT WITH YOU MORE THAN I DID,BUT I WAS TO ANTISOCIAL TO HANG OUT WITH ANYONE.I WILL REGRET THAT FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE.I SHOULD HAVE SPENT MORE TIME WITH YOU.D.C. WAS VERY EMOTIONAL THIS YEAR,IT'S GETTING EVEN MORE EMOTIONAL EVERY YEAR & GETS A LOT HARDER TO BE THERE.WE ARE THERE TO HONOR YOU THOUGH SO THAT MAKES IT EASIER.WE WILL ALWAYS HONOR YOU IN D.C. SO MANY OFFICERS LIKE YOURSELF ARE KILLED EVERY YEAR IT IS UNBELEIVEABLE TO HEAR OF SOO MANY.I WISH THIS WORLD WOULD STOP BEING SO CRUEL & LET OUR POLICE OFFICERS DO THERE JOB,POLICE OFFICERS ARE VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE WITH A DEDICATED MIND.I HAVE THE UPMOST RESPECT FOR AN OFFICER OF THE LAW.NORFOLK LOST A GOOD ONE ON SEPT.28,2001.I LOVE YOU OFFICER JAMES B. GILBERT 0177 , YOUR BROTHER DAVID W. GILBERT.

TO ALL THE OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY EVERY YEAR MY HEART & PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY'S.IT DOESN'T GET MORE TRAGGIC THAN THIS TOO SUDDEN WITHOUT A WARNING,IT'S NOT FAIR!
ONLY A COWARD WOULD EVER KILL AN OFFICER,OFFICER'S ARE HERE TO HELP THEY ARE NOT YOUR ENEMY! LET THEM DO THERE JOB.

DAVID W. GILBERT

May 23, 2004

James:

We did not know you well, but heard many stories of you, and shared some parties, may you be in peace and your daughter always be well, many blessings.

Anonymous

April 18, 2004

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Officer Gilbert.

I often visit this site after the loss of two very dear friends from the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

I hope you find some comfort in knowing that prayers continue to go out for your family. God Bless You.

...Gone, but never Forgotten...

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

James, we still miss you Broteher,,,rest in peace

Off E. Kavanagh
va beach police

March 13, 2004

Tiffany,
We are over a month into the new year now. Hope things are going well for you. Just wanted to let you know that I think about you often and know some of problems you still deal with. Someone put something on a reflection for Calvin that I know was directed at me but you know what...I know how he felt. It's amazing how people forget the joy that you once shared. Like you, I still miss my husband every day and wish I could make things different but I can only start from what I was left with on that day in 2001 and make the most of the rest of my life. You'll never know how much it meant to have you at Hatteras with us! Thanks again for all the support - I would have never known when I spoke to a certain someone in D.C. that we would have met. Our love to you & your family.
Denise

Deenise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor

February 7, 2004

Dear James,
It has been a while since I have wrote you!! The family is doing well. I miss you so much and I wish you were here!!! Nothing has been the same without you!! I have been doing good in school and am going to try out for the volleyball team!!! Everyones misses you so much!!! When we go swimming in any pool we remeber all the fun times we had in ours with you!!!! I hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!!! I think about you all the time!!! I went to the Build-A-Bear workshop and made a teddy bear. I dressed him up like a police officer and named him James Gilbert!!!! They tell you to take a heart and make a wish, You know what I wished for.... I wished for you to come back alive and be here with us today!!! I miss you so much and so does the family!! Tiffany and Logan miss you too!!!! We miss you and we will never forget all the fun times we had !!! I miss you James!!!!!!

R.I.P
We will never forget!!!!!!!!!

We miss you!!!!
Kayla

Kayla Chilcott McDermott
Norfolk Police Officer's Daughter

January 22, 2004

Miss you !!

Anonymous

January 4, 2004

Dear James,
It's Christmas and we have been talking and thinking about you today. This was always your special day and your favorite day of the year. I remember we would always go to your aunts house or your Nanny's home on Christmas and open a tons of gifts. That was what family was all about. You always ate so much and complained on the way home how full you were. Those were the good times. I miss you and often talk to you while I'm alone or in the shower. We all went to your grave today and Logan left your her nice letter and pictures. She made you a nice Christmas tree too. She is so grown up now, you would not beleive it. She is so special and such a huge help to me and only wants the best for everyone. I know you would be so proud of her. She still looks so much like you. I just look in her eyes sometimes and see you. She is all of you, especially your eyes. It always brings me closer to you knowing she coulf be your twin. I wish you a Merry Christmas up and Heaven with all the Angels and I know you and Pa are the sweetest ones up there looking down over all of us. Christmas was good this year, but I still keep our tradition that you and I only know about. Dyan and Bert left a very nice wreath at your grave as they always do on Christmas. You will never be forgotten, I promise. All my love forever.

Merry Christmas!!!
I will always love you
Honored to be your wife,
Tiff.

Tim misses you very much too! It will never be the same without you. He always thought very highly of you. You probably never knew how much he loved you and admired you. He's here now, but will write later. Rest in peace honey. I love you.

Tiffany Gilbert/Wife and Tim

December 25, 2003

Dear James,
It's been a tough time for all of us with the holidays here. Christmas is right around the corner and as usual it is still a big mess. I know that you are up in heaven and that you are watching over us all of the time. I think of you often and remember all of the great times that we've all had together. I just wish that you could do one thing for all of us for this Chistmas. It would be nice to see every one getting along and looking back at all of the great memories that we share about you. Each of us holds a huge part in our hearts for you and tries to relive all the times that we've spent with you. Isn't it about time that the people that love you dropped what they were doing and got together to honor you? This is very difficult when a few of us can't see that WE ALL NEED THIS RIGHT NOW! Please try to bring everyone back together, at least for the holidays. We've all been through a lot and silence isn't going to cure the pain. It would mean a lot to every one, at least in my eyes, if we all remembered what Christmas stood for and how it could easily bring a lot of people together. Shame on any body that feels differently! We all miss James and there is nothing that we can do to change what has happened, It is Christmas, so please everyone try to remember that James would want us all together. He was a great man that believed in all of us! Please show him the same respect! Thank you! James, I will never forget any of the great times that I was lucky enough to spend with you! I LOVE YOU BRO! - GTT

Tim Harkins Brother-In-Law

December 16, 2003

Hey James/ I just wanted to say hello, and that I miss you so very much. I went to the grave site yesterday on Friday November 14th, 2003. I cried for more than an hour it seems like. I remember the day I was with you when this happened, since then everyday that does by I say a prayer for your Mom , and brothers., and the rest of your family who misses you so very much. I miss you so very much. I have been doing ok, but let me tell you one thing the talk we had at city beach, the evening in August of 2001 has worked out well. I am back on my feet and doing well. You have been wonderful to all the police officers with the City of Norfolk, and you treated everyone fairly. I love you bro/ and miss you so very much. There will not be a day that goes by, that I dont think about you. I pray/ and pray/ and pray/ for your wonderful Mom/ Joe/Mark/Dave/and everyone that loved you. I will see you one day, but not now, but one day. Love/and peace/ Ray.!!!!!!!

fed air marshal/Ray Rottler
TSA

November 16, 2003

Dear James,
It has been quite awhile since I have been here. I used to visit almost everyday, but it gets quite sad seeing all the names and realizing more families and friends are going through the same heartache we have experienced. I have thought about you quite a bit lately, it all started when Bert and I saw a chicken cooker at the store. All we could do was laugh and remember when Gerald had cooked a chicken on your grill and was so proud of it, bragging on it like it was one of his kids, and then the look on his face when you hid it and told him Sasha had eaten it. Boy oh boy, was he mad, until you took it out of the oven and gave it back to him. That moment was hysterical. We had Bubba’s wings the other night, and of course that evening didn’t go by without the story of my car being moved, you staying at the house all day, Danny going to get Bubba’s wings, the amount of Bud Light that was consumed that day, and our introduction to Bethany and Jim. We all had some hysterical moments and some sad moments together. But no matter what they were, or what we did, I wouldn’t trade any of them away. I always knew I would look back at the times we cried and laugh, but I never knew I would look back at the times we laughed and cry. We miss you James, yesterday, today, tomorrow and always. We hold you close to our hearts, and cherish each memory we have of our time together. I hope that you have peace in your final slumber. I will see you again my friend.

Remembering Always and Never Forgetting….
Dyan

November 13, 2003

Renneeeeeeeeeee

JoeDoGG
Norfolk

October 27, 2003

Tiffany,
Hope you got the card I sent you. You have been on my mind a lot. I read one of your messages to James and you are finally able to express yourself I see...way to go! Sometimes that seems to help as much as anything. Many of those feelings you described, I still have too, plus some guilt to go along with it. Hang in there...you've got two little angels on earth to take care of and one wonderful angel in heaven who will help you along the way. Call me!
Love,
Denise

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor EOW 10-3-01

October 11, 2003

I will never stop loving you. I will always hold you close to my heart. I want to be heartbroken for as long as I live so that you remain in my heart forever. I will never replace you or love anyone like I love you. I love you James!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tiff

Tiffany Gilbert
Wife/Widow

September 28, 2003

Rest in peace officer, your job is complete. Watch over us as we continue. Your memory lives on.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

September 28, 2003

Dear James (Big Pa-Pa),
No words can express how much I miss you. I have been dreading this day for weeks. It has finally come and all the emotions of losing you again seem to resurface. You were everything I ever wanted and we had so many hopes and dreams we both shared together. All I know is I will never, never stop loving you at any cost. You will always be my one and only true love. Even though I can not talk to you physically, I talk to you throughout the day in my head and ask for your advice and guidence in all my decisions and conversations. I am still very angry! I hate to say this, but sometimes I even get angry at you for leaving me. I would have pushed you in a wheelchair and done all the necessary things just to keep you here by my side, but I know those are my selfish wishes. You would of never wanted that. Although I still don't remember much from the hospital except for the dozens and dozens of police officers black shoes as I walked down the hall to your room. I do rememeber screaming and yelling as my father and the othe Dr. held me back as you took your last breath. I remember hitting you in your chest, screaming not to leave me and and you did. I'm angry! I'm sad! I hurt and my heart hurts for you. Why did you do that?? Why did you leave me??? Why? Why? Why? I'm not angry at you, I know your in heaven with your father and Pa, but it is still so hard on this end. I never knew that night you left for work would be your last. I remember you kissing my lips as I sleep saying you loved me. Those were our last words. I know that in the hospital as you fought for your life that you heard me talking to you, because you squeezed my two fingers. I will never forget that. I am such a different person since you passed. I know that you made me much stronger and brave to make it though all of this. I just would'nt wish this upon anyone. It's not fair. Everyone has there husband but me. They will never know the pain or the different faces you must were. It's tough!!! I know that's it's not you'r fault and if you could be here with me you would. My heart is still so torn and I love you more than anything. I keep asking God why didn't he take me. I'll never know that question, but all I can say is when it is my time to go to heaven, I will not be scared, because I know you will be there with me. I will honor you today as I do everyday. I love you so much. Rodney and I named our son after you. I know that you sent him to me almost for months ago to help ease the pain. Although he has brought so much joy and happiness into our lives, I don't ever want to forget you or the pain that I feel, because if I do than the memories of you and I will be gone forever. I would have rather of loved you for almost eight years that not to of loved you at all. I will always remember you and love you forever. May you sleep tight in heaven tonight. You will always have my heart. You are the greatest man I have ever known and loved.
I love you forever,
Tiff.
(Po-Pie)

Logan received her flowers and card from you today. She loved them and she will bring a bunch of balloons to let go into heaven today at your grave. She loves you so much and always has a funny story to tell about you. You would be so proud of her. She reading on a fourth grade level now. You will always be her number one daddy.

Tiffany Gilbert
Wife/Widow

September 27, 2003

To Tiffany (widow), and little brother Joe. I remember his passing, and I read your reflections. Let me say this. It is very normal to feel "unforgiving" to the perp, with God's help it will pass in time. I pray for you. I talked to God about this. I have lost a lot of Police Officer friends, it never gets any better. Blink your eyes. Remember the song Amazing Grace? "When we've been there 10,000 years". 10,000 years is but a blink of the eye to Eternity. I lost a son at age 16. God said to me, "I know how you feel, I lost a SON, too." "Yea, but you only lost HIM for 3 days." Know what he told me, "Three days to you, 3 million years to me. Time I can't get back with HIM. It was for you, your son Andy, for Tiffany, Joe, and James Gilbert. SO, I FEEL YOUR PAIN." I made the sacrifice. Tiffany and Joe, God does know your pain. HIS SON knows it also. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You are wonderful people. God Bless! RB

Ret Officer RB Wade
Richmond, Va., Police

August 28, 2003

I was reading another Officers reflection this morning and I came across Logans reflection to that Officer. It was a reflection for a female Officer also from Norfolk. I was so touched by Logans thoughts. She wanted that Officer to give her Daddy a hug, up there in Heaven. I just wanted to say that Logan sounds like a very brave little girl. It appears that she is going to be as strong and as brave as her Daddy was. Be proud of your little girl. She knows her Daddy died a HERO and in my eyes Logan is a HERO too!

Officer Julie Schmidt
Louisville Metro Police Dept. Louisville, KY

August 21, 2003

Jim,
Your memories are among all of us at the second patrol division. Thank you for a job well done, and please continue to keep us safe. Your smile and devoted dedication will never be forgotten. It saddend me deeply when I heard the news, but I knew then that God had called his best to be with him. So my brother, your work on earth is done, so now go rest in peace and please continue to be with us and keep us safe.

A sister in BLUE from the Second Patrol

Anonymous

To the Gilbert family-

I read the poem written by Joseph. It is wonderful yet sorrowful. I work in the law enforcement arena, am a survivor, and my children's father is fighting in Iraq right now as I write this so I am effected, as many others are, both here and around the world in this time of War. I met some of your family member at Police Week in May 2002 and they hold a very special place in my heart. The Noble/Moulson family wish you peace, happiness, and comfort in your lives knowing our James' are with us each and every day from now to the end of time.

Dawn Noble, DPO III
Contra Costa County California

Dear James,

It gets harder and harder, to keep coming back to this page. Just seeing the great amount of sorrow in SoMe PeOpLe's lifes makes it so tremendous just like day 1. But I will always know you are here with us all, and I know that coming back to this page keeps me in touch with you spiritially and mentally. I know I can always count on you for a helping prayer and know you are watching over all of us. I just wanted to say that I LOVE YOU so much. Day by day it gets even more harder. The exceptence of you gone is unbearable. I also wanted to tell you that everyone is doing great but could be doing better. I did reconize you and I did write a poem for you and fellow Americans in the armed forces and all of our nations safety personal. Aboout 2 months ago, I wrote a poem called "Oh, War" it is about the constant war on the streets, in Iraq, and basically the war all around us each and everyday in reality. Well here it is...

Oh, war Oh, War
Let someday be the end
Oh, War Oh, War
How ever could we defend?

Yes war, praise the good,
And let bad fall in hell.
Let the great rise,
and let evil be surprised.

Yes, Oh, War, Oh, War...
Protect our fellow hearts
Oh, War Oh, War
Never carry them apart.

This day of peace...
Will soon put at rest,
So many of our people
Who are giving their best.

Oh, War, Oh, War
Slain we will hear
But atleast we can make a difference
In the falling tear.

I thought you would be proud of me expecially after I sent it to THE INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY OF POETRY. Just last week I got a letter saying that my poem has been copyrighted and published in my name. I also did write about you in the "index" of that book. I am so proud of myself. I hope it brings many families together knowing that all of you are out their for a cause, and that is to keep America free and safe. Thank you for that. I love you sooo much James, I'll check back in later....everyone once again is doing pretty good. Wish you were here. Love you

Your Little Brother,
Joe

For the families of Shelia Herring and Rodney P. God Bless you all and we are all praying for you. May God be with you always!!!!! We LOVE you each and everyone.

Joseph L. Gilbert
Norfolk

James, we just laid another Brother to rest today and I thiught of you. I remembered us talking about training for swat school. Brother ,you are truly missed. I am sure Off Pocceschi is up there with you now, He is good people too. You both are in my thoughts ,hearts and tears ,along with your families. Rest in peace my fellow Brothers, We have the watch now

Off E. Kavanagh
Virginia Beach Police Department

SHROUDED BADGES

Badges of silver and stars of gold
Shrouded in black, a story is told

Early one morning when most people slept
A newly made widow quietly wept

A knock on the door, two people in blue
Told her the story that could not be true

Her husband, best friend, had given his life
Protecting another, a victim of strife

Handling a call, most think routine
A person disturbed, a typical scene

Protecting a stranger, a cop gave his life
When a drunken young man wanted to take is own life

So in honor of him and his sacrifice
But also to show his grieving wife

Her love's death has meaning, He died not in vain
All of us to, will share in her pain

So we cover our badges and stand now in line
Forever, a promise, his memory will shine
DKB

Anonymous

Dear James
A week ago today a VBPO was killed. All I could think of was you. I miss you . Rodeny is still doing a fantastic job of taking care of Tiffany and Logan. Well i am going into the 6 grade. Well , we got a new pool. The old pool i did not want to get rid of because it had wonderful memories in it. But now when i go swimming anywhere , i always think of your smiling face. I have a favor , Will you help me get throught middle school and I promise I will get good grades. Just help me get throught school. I miss you and I love you . Kristen Chilcott

Kristen Chilcott McDermott
Norfolk Police Officers Daughter