Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was a new ESU officer-when I met sgt Rodney gillis. I was highly motivate, a marine bigger than life living amongst ESU legends. Rodney was more than a legend, he was everything I needed to model my ESU self after. sgt. Rodney gillis was me. Our time together was brief but his impact on me profound. I cried at his home, ten years later I still cry, for our country, our city, Rodney and all the E men, officers and first responders lost that dark day.

Detective Gregory a Anderson ESU
Newyork police department

September 11, 2011

Rodney and I grew up in the same neighborhood. He attended and played football at James Madison HS in Bklyn, NY. While I attended and was a cheerleader at the rival school Sheepshead Bay HS. Our young adult lives were filled with bragging on which team was better! If we lost a game I'd dread seeing him because it meant listening to him brag for a whole school year!! Later he joined the NYPD and I followed shortly after. I thank God for the laughs and taunts that we shared. Gone but Never Forgotten, thank you for your sacrifice Rodney. R.I.P.

Retired P.O. Toni Miller
NYPD

September 9, 2011

to live 10 years after in honor of those who lost theirs....to stand tall & proud....no doubt....Sgt. Rodney Gillis deserves a heroes tribute....LEST WE FORGET.....

CWO3 Phillip Lumagui
USMCR - 4thMLG/4thLSB

September 8, 2011

I first met Rodney Gillis who was an ESU officer responding to one of my jobs in the 77 Pct. He was reliable and brave, everything and ESU cop was suppose to be. When Rodney got promoted to sergeant, he was assigned to the 77Pct and became my supervisor. He was fair and a strong leader. It was an honor working with you Sgt. Gillis...an honor.

Detective Michael Alcazar
NYPD

August 9, 2011

I found myself on this website and entered Rodney's name.
Ten years.....

I had the honor of working with Rodney in the Seven-Seven
after he got promoted and until he made it back home to ESU!
Rodney was an intelligent and brave cop. I witnessed him on the streets first hand. I was at the WTC that morning and God spared my life. I can tell you that if I had been alongside him
then, I would have followed him anywhere. Your back was covered with Rodney. Rest well my brother. Your memory lives on with me.

Sgt. Damyn Cowan
NYPD, Arson & Explosion Squad

June 2, 2011

Sergeant,

Thank you for your service and courage. I can't even begin to imagine what it must have been like on that day, but I know that the sacrifice, courage and service that you and your fellow officers displayed will never be forgotten. May God bless you and your family, and all the other heroes that gave the ultimate sacrifice that day.

Deputy Frank
WCSO, North Carolina

July 29, 2010

Thank you for your service sergeant, you are not forgotten

Sergeant
Fellow officer

January 17, 2010

I had honor to know Rodney a short while working on the NBC show Third Watch... He was a beloved member of the Third Watch family. A consummate professional, he lent his expertise towards the authenticity of the show...while at the same time sharing his warmth, humor and generosity. Though the years pass, I shall never forget him or his beautiful spirit. His strong character and sense of duty was a real inspiration. Love and prayers to his family and friends.

Ben McCrea
Co-worker on NBC's "Third Watch"

September 11, 2009

I am forever in debt to the 23-37 and the 343. Your sacrifice has not been forgotten. You are a true hero, Thank you for your service Sir.

Deputy and Firefighter
Glades County, Florida

September 11, 2009

Rodney

Eight years since you made the ultimate sacrifice. Your heroic actions are not forgotten.

DETECTIVE PATRICK DONOHUE
NYPD

September 11, 2009

Sgt. Gillis,
Sir, on today the 8th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and all the other LEOs that died that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

The anniversary of 9/11 is coming up in a few days as you well know. I just wanted you to know that you have not been forgotten. Rest in Peace...

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD

September 8, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends and family. May God bless and keep them.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOR HELPIPNG PROTECT OUR COUNTRY!!!!

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 6, 2009

RIP
God Bless

Will DUSM
USMS

February 21, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Sergeant Gillis and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

January 12, 2009

On the 7th anniversary of Officer Gillis’ death, we honored his service during roll call by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job.

Officer Gillis may be gone, but is not forgotten.

Sergeant Jeffrey W. Timmons
First Responder Unit
United States Capitol Police
Washington, D.C.

Anonymous

September 11, 2008

R.I.P. Brother, we still remember and appreciate your sacrifice. God be with your family.

Officer Wil
Modesto CA PD

September 11, 2008

SGT. Gillis your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 23, 2008

Every one of you gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country you loved may you rest in peace.

signed someone proud to work in Law enforcement when there older

March 29, 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

January 3, 2008

Thank you, Sgt. Rodney Gillis, for your dedication to God, your family and. ultimately, your country.

Your sacrifice was not in vain, and you will never be forgotten.

God speed and God bless. Rest in peace, Sgt. Gillis.

God Bless America.

LRVirgil, Civilian
Texas - Law Enforcement Supporter

September 30, 2007

You are not and will never be forgotten. You and the other brothers we lost that day are HEROES and will be remembered forever! Rest high on the streets of Heaven!

Deputy Brant Pewitt
Williamson Co. Sheriff's Dept TN.

September 11, 2007

Thank you for your sacrifice and all the lives you saved that day. It takes a brave officer to go into a burning building. Rest in peace.

trooper
Ohio State Highway Patrol

September 11, 2007

Rodney, my brother. To say that I miss you is quite the understatement. I remember when you, as a newly promoted Sergeant, arrived at the 7-7 Pct. It was real funny watching you try to make the meager Sgts locker room something similiar to ESU "quarters". I guess you finally figured out that there was and always would be a difference NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU CLEANED. We all had some really good times back then, on and off-duty. We were definitely tight but as I moved on I was soooooo glad when you return to be not only an E-Man but the boss (U-5). Damn Rod............anyway, I miss u bruh, I miss you. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!!

Love and Prayers,
Mike

Lieutenant Mike Rogers
NYPD JFTF

July 18, 2007

Dear Rod:
In writing this reflection to honor you, it is a mere gesture of what I would like to do. If I could, I would like to shake your hand, the hand of an American hero. I would like to have the opportunity to thank you for your service and sacrifice, and tell you personally, how proud you have made me, all police officers, and every American.
I made a promise to all of you who perished that awful day. The promise of a reflection to honor each and every one of you, to assist in ensuring your legacy. This is the least I can do for a brother officer.
When you pinned on your badge, you became a member of the greatest fraternity known to man...that of police officer. Others on the outside, have no real understanding of the bond we ALL share. And when one of us exalts himself such as you did, in an act of bravery, we are all exalted. And when one of us loses his life in the line of duty, a piece of ALL of us is lost, too.
I truly hope that your children will always know the enormous debt that America, and New Yorkers, owe to you. I am certain that your family is as proud of you, as we are. Whenever our great nation has faced peril, there has always been someone to rise to the occassion, and help defeat the threat. You too, were there on 11 September 2001, and as a result, many innocent lives were spared, and the threat of additional attacks has been twarted with new intelligence.
Your absence is felt, not only within your family, but in our thin blue line as well. Rest in peace with God, and may He bless your family, police officers everywhere, and God Bless America. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida

December 19, 2006