Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jerry,
Where to begin. I was the newest guy to start hanging out at the "Multi-Departmental Choir Practices", so I didn't get to know you as well as the others. For the short time I did though, we had a lot of fun. I love seeing the picture in David Henry's basement from 4/13/01 when you were "escorting" the guy that shot at Lenny back to the car. It showed you doing what you did best and doing what you loved. It seemed like every night at break you told everyone that you were going to leave the Hut, and hit the mother load. Whatever it was, you were going to get into it and find it. I remember talking to you just hours before your accident, and giving you a hard time for not staying longer. YOu said you had to go and you were excited about working 3rd again. I can't get the phone call out of my mind. You will always be missed, but never forgotten. Thanks for the memories and the sacrafice. Until we meet again.

Just "Living Life by the Drop!"
Thanks Jerry

Deputy Sheriff
Adams County Sheriff's Department

10-23-02
Remembering you and your family today on the first anniversary of your death. May the Lord remain by your family's side today and always.
Family Of Eryk T. Heck
Allen County, Indiana Sheriff's Dept
EOW 8-15-97

Anonymous

I remember waking up in the morning and my wife asking me if I had known a police officer down in Decatur. I told her that I had attended the academy with two of them but that I really only knew the one that was in my squad. She asked what his name was and I said it was "Jerry Wyss". My wife then said that I should go down and watch the news. My wife gave me some room and took my two small children into the kitchen and let me watch in peace as I heard on the news how you had died. I was in shock. We stood out there in that cold range and shot what seemed like forever. I watched as you went through the academy and even though we were not close friends we talked and I seen you and Ty playing ping-pong with Wright from Marion PD. I went to your funeral and wondered how someone I knew could have had this happen to them. I still do not know how to feel but I know that you gave your all so that others may feel safe in their homes and in their hearts. I think about you often and want to express my sincere sorrow for your wife and young son. I know that you will watch over them from heaven and look down upon us all. Thanks for the extra 10! (only Jerry knows what I mean) You will remain in my thoughts and your family will remain in my prayers. Godspeed and Godbless, Chip

Patrolman Robert Stephenson
Columbia City, IN Police

Dear Jerry, where do I start? I'll never forget you Jerry, I know that much. I remember when Ty introduced me to you, you were one of the first Decatur Officer's I met when I began to come up and ride. I remember sitting in 307 and you sat there and started to talk with me like you had known me for years. Over that next year I got to know you better, and even rode along with you from time to time. I remember when you went from third shift to first shift, and thought you weren't going to see any more 10-55's. But for those first few months you brought 3 or 4 of them into the jail while I was attempting to pass the breakfast trays. I still can't figure out how you managed to find those, lol. Jerry thank you for everything you taught me. And thank you for protecting me and my family while we slept. We need more Police Officer's in this country like you Jerry. May you rest in peace knowing your family will be taken care of, and that your light will shine through us all.

Go get 'em D8!

"What we do in life echoes in eternity."
-Maximus Decimus Meridius

Reserve Officer Kevin L. Gerber
Decatur Police Department

Jerry,
I still remember every word and every event that happened to us on 4/13/01, that day you were a hero. You backed me up with your life when i asked you for it, and I'll never forget that. When you died, a part of me died because I lost a good friend and co-worker who I respected very much. I miss the jokes and pranks with you. Rest in peace "HERO".

Ptlm. Leonard Corral, Jr.
Decatur P.D.

Patrolman Leonard Corral, Jr.
Decatur Police Dept.

My deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Wyss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Such tragedies should not take place in this profession. We have all of the other elements against us while we do our job but when accidents take our officers it is a loss that should not have occurred. The thin blue line is a little thinner with his loss. Godspeed, Jerrold.

Officer Donna C Hillier
Purdue University Calumet Police Department-Hammond, IN

God bless, brother officer. Keep Heaven safe until we get there to join you.

"Courage, conscience, and integrity give meaning to life itself."
John F. Kennedy, "Profiles in Courage"

Michael Ferguson, Instructor
East Texas Regional Police Academy

12-7-01

Jerry,

You are thought of every day of our lives. Your presence was taken for granted when you were with us but that is the mystery of life. If we knew when we would be leaving this world then our work on earth would not be accomplished in the way it was meant to be. Peace to you in heaven and may God grant a serenity in Amanda's life during this Christmas Season and into this coming year.

Amanda- you are always in my prayers! I'm a good listener and am here for you.
Sam - what a life God has in store for you - with your daddy in heaven you will always be protected and loved. You are a special little boy and I can't wait to see how you will grow up to become even more special to us all.

Aunt Connie

Jerry,"D-8"
I want to start by saying, "Honor","Priviledge"- words that describe, what it was like working with you, and being able to call you my friend.
Words can't express the empty feeling I have working without you. It makes it easier knowing your with "GOD" and living in eternal peace, also watching and protecting all of us.
Every time I walk through the P.D. doors, I see your picture, and smirk on your face, and I can't help but wonder what prank or joke you might be playing on god. Then I think god is a "Very Lucky Man" to have you with him.
You can also rest, knowing that Amanda and Sam will be taken care of by your law enforcement brothers.
Also be proud, by knowing Amanda is a very strong woman,also know Sam will know how "Wonderful and Heroic" his father was!!
I will see you again, and we will pick up where we left off. "SWEET"
Miss you, and Love you Brother
David-7

Ptlm./K-9 James P. Franze
Decatur Police Department

I miss you! Emma misses you!! And, yes, Brian misses you!! (who else would take his teasing the way you did). "Just Wait" was your only response. I couldn't wait to see what you would do to get him back.
Quoted by Amanda "You were so awesome"!!!
You are missed!! a

ralph

JERRY (BLACK CLOUD) MY BROTHER, I MISS YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY. I'M GLAD I HAD THE HONOR AND PRIVILEDGE TO CALL YOU MY FRIEND AND CO-WORKER. I WILL MISS YOUR LITTLE SMIRK WHEN YOU WERE UP TO SOMETHING. WHEN YOU HAD YOUR ACCIDENT TRYING TO BACK ME UP, I HAD NO FEARS TRYING TO CATCH THAT VEHICLE. I KNEW IF IT WENT DOWN THAT YOU WOULD NOT LEAVE ME HANGING. WHEN WE WORKED TOGETHER MY WIFE WAS MORE AT EASE, BECAUSE SHE KNEW YOU WERE A GREAT PERSON AND A GREAT POLICE OFFICER.
I WILL DO MY BEST TO HELP AMANDA, SAM AND YOUR MOM. I THINK OF YOU EVERYTIME WE PLAY CARDS IN THE GARAGE. I WILL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE, UNTIL THEN REST IN PEACE.

PATROLMAN
DECATUR POLICE DEPT.

God bless you and your family. One death is too many in our profession.

officer b.burton
FWPD

Miss you Jerry. You were so much fun to work with. What a wonderful person this world will be missing, but we were blessed to have you for a short time. Amanda is amazingly strong and has handled this with such dignity, I am in awe. I'm still waiting for you to walk in the front door of the P.D., but I know it won't happen, so until I see you again I'll be thinking of you.

Amy Gage, Dispatcher
Decatur Police Dept.

To the family of Officer Wyss, My deepest heartfelt sorrow. You gave more than anyone could have asked. I can not express enough gratitude to you. Please know that I will humbly serve as Jerrold rides in the seat with me. My family will pray for yours, for prayer is the only answer. May God Bless you and your family.

Reserve Officer Myrice
Ossian, IN Police Dept.

Dear Jerry
Jerry you were a great friend and policeman. I am glad I had the pleasure to work with you. I know you will be there in the seat next to all of us every night when we work the road. You will be missed very much by all the officers whose lives you touched. If Amanda and Sam need anything you know your freinds will take care of it. Until we Signal 8 again, See ya.

Reseve Deputy Kevin McIntosh
Adams County Sheriff Department

On behalf of the Howard County Sheriff's Department, we extend our deepest regrets to your agency. We consider your loss to be our loss.

Sheriff Dave McKinney

Sheriff Dave McKinney
Howard County, IN

Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy for your recent loss. I know what you are feeling! My son Matthew, a Whatcom County, Washington Deputy died on September 13th following an accident which occured while he was in the high speed pursuit of a fleeing criminal suspect.

When you are over the shock, check the numbers. More officers died every year in auto accidents than by gunshot wounds. When will we learn that there may be another way to catch the bad guys?

In the meantime, care for yourself as well as you can. Seek those around you who will truly care for you. Hold onto your family.

Todd W. Herzog
Father of Matthew T. Herzog, 1A117, EOW 9-13-01

Amanda My son was Killed just like your Husband. He was 30 years old. Left a Wife and Three Babies Behind. He was on routine Patrol when he was killed instantly. You will never get over this and you will remember him every day. But you will also be proud that he was a good Police Officer Trying to do his job The best he knew how.You have to be strong and always tell your son about his Dad. Kenny

Deputy Sheriff Kenny Hetrick
Ottawa county Sheriffs Dept

AS a memember of our color guard unit this happens all too much.Your memories will live on and we will continue to the job you made the ultimate sacrifice for. We will see you at the crossroads.GOD BLESS

patrolman
shelbycountysheriff office

Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Anonymous

I am very sorry. You will be in our prayers. God bless the fallen hero.

Kari
Police Officer's Spouse

Dear Amanda and Sam,
You are in our thoughts and prayers each and
everyday. You have our deepest sympathy
during this tragic time in life. If there is ever
ANYTHING that we can do, PLEASE let us know.

Lyle & Amy Beer

To Officer Wyss and your family, my prayers go out to you in this time of saddness. Officer Wyss is a HERO, he was out there doing what he loved. I know he thought he could make a difference and he did. May GOD watch over all of you and give you strength.

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Tallman
Huntington County Sheriff's Dept.

We have walked the same path that your family is on now for the past 4 years after my brother, Eryk Heck, from Allen County, In. was killed in the line of duty. It has many rough spots but also bright ones that will bring a smile to your face....and I know that is hard to believe now. Please know that our thoughts and, most certainly, our prayers are with you and that 4 years down that road things have become easier to bear. Hang onto that little boy of yours as he will be alot of what will get you through the rough spots on this road we all travel with a line of duty death. He will be some of the bright spots along the way. May God bless and keep you. May He wrap his arms around you and hold you tight. With our sympathy.....Michelle and Randy James. Sister of Allen Co. Sheriffs Deputy Eryk T. Heck...EOW 8-15-97

I just want to take time to express my condolences to the family of Officer Wyss and that he and his family will be in my prayers. He is a hero to me and my staff. We work in the Texas prison system and face this kind of thing every day. God Bless You Officer Wyss and God Bless the America we Love, and send us a helping hand when ever possible for you will always be with us.

Lt Eli Cordova
Garza West Unit

LT Eli Cordova
Texas Department of Criminal Justice