Horry County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina
End of Watch Saturday, December 29, 2001
Reflections for Lieutenant Randy Gerald
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Lt,
I was reminded, today, about the sacrifice you and your family made in the effort to keep us all safe. Thank you for your service, you are not forgotten.
Deputy Commander Don Tempalsky
15th Circuit DEU/ Investigations (SC)
May 17, 2023
Your effect will forever live. I ask your brother, Terry, what would Randy do, often. I think it aids him in making the right choices, Good Bless your memory, Victoria Joy
Victoria Joy Stevens
Family friend
March 26, 2023
Rest in peace.
Sgt. Jim Russo
December 30, 2016
You are a hero my brother..and the State of South Carolina should never forget that one of their sons went beyond to help another. Rest well.
N.Y.P.D. Lt. Ray Flores (Ret.)
December 29, 2016
Question please. When I was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, I had a buddy of this name. I was there from 1974-77. My unit was Headquarters Battery, 82nd. Abn. Please let me know. If this is the man I know I would like to write a rememberance. Thanks.
Correctional Officer Rodney Brazzel, ret
California Dept. of Corrections
April 14, 2016
It seems like yesterday when I pulled up to your car just minutes after this tragic incident. This was the shock of my life. This is an image that you can never prepare yourself for no matter how hard you try. Lt. Gerald served his profession well and will never be forgotten.
Lt. Randall Ghent
Horry County Police Department
December 24, 2014
I would just like to say i have very little memory of you because i was still a young child at the time of your death, but i would like to say your son is growing up so fast and is a very happy little boy i just really wish you were here to see him grow up, he looks so much like you and i know that your always watching him. Rest in peace Mrs.Randy
Unknown
unknown
August 10, 2011
Your heroism and service is honored today, the eighth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
I pray for solace for those who miss and love you for I know the pain and pride are forever.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
Anonymous
December 29, 2009
i would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Lt Randy Gerald will never be forgotten. you are in our prayers
Brother of prentiss police officer Ron Jones EOW 12-26-2001
David
Brother of officer Ron Jones e.o.w. 12-26-01
May 19, 2008
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE
VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
December 29, 2007
You were highly respected and very loved. Thank you
for your service. Time has not diminished your sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA
December 29, 2007
"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.
July 10, 2007
Fallen 5 years ago, but NEVER to be forgotten. "A righteous man will be remembered forever".
Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs
December 29, 2006
I had the extreme pleasure of knowing Mr.Randy for most of my life ,i've dated his daughter,Kelli for 9+ YEARS, i've never in my life met a man with a heart as big as his ,whose personality was that truly of an angel.He was the kind of man who'd give his shirt off his back,to a stranger, and to all he knew .He sat an example for law enforcement every where.Along with Mrs.Gwen,Kelli,Ebony,theGeraldFamily+theLEWIS FAMILY my life has been for ever changed by his untimely demised,not a day goes by that i don't think of him .It is my belief that everyone who came in contact with him ,their lives was blessed.I've learned alot from him,his doingsand his life living.He lives on through all that knew and love him.He will never be forgotten.May God continue to bless the entire family{Gerald,Lewis} Sincerely yours, Robert James Jordan
June 22, 2006
Randy,
You are still thought of everyday. We had our B-Squad Christmas party a few weeks ago. As we have since your death we had a toast dedicated to you. I have the picture that was taken of us at the Christmas party in 2001, I was standing in a chair so I could be closer to your height. I look at it everyday while getting for work. Everyday your memory lives on. We still miss you dearly.
Cpl Elizabeth McLean
Horry County Sheriff's Office
December 21, 2005
Rest in peace, sir! You are not forgotten......
December 17, 2005
God looked around his garden and found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face,
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest,
It hurt us all to lose you,
But you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you the day God took you home.
March 5, 2005
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.
December 29, 2004
At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.
Today, December 29, 2004 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Lt. Randy Gerald who died in the line of duty on this date three years ago.
When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.
Lt. Gerald's sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC
December 29, 2004
December 20, 2003
Remembering you on the anniversary of your death. May God comfort
all those who are still grieving your passing. Life is difficult at times
and the Lord Jesus wants to help carry our burdens. He gives us many
beautiful promises in His Word to help us through our valleys. I pray you
will feel His presence and know His peace. God bless!
Lynn Kole
Washington State
December 30, 2003
12-29-03, MY BROTHER IN HEAVEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. MAY YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS RECIEVE THE BLESSINGS FROM GOD TO CONTINUE ON WITH THIER LIVES UNTIL THAT GREAT DAY WHEN THEY ALL WILL MEET YOU AGAIN. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. A HERO NEVER IS. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
December 29, 2003
Dear Gwen, Ebony, and Kelli,
As 2003 comes to an end and Randy's anniversary approaches, I send you my most heartfelt wishes for a peaceful 2004.
While growing up around Randy at Magic Harbor, I was truely the luckiest kid around! Although I was only 8 when I first met him, Randy guided me, talked to me, cared for me, and encouraged me. If my dad was too busy, I knew I could go to Randy and he would sort out whatever problem I was facing. Granted, at 8 years old it was probably that the "fish" wouldn't work in the skeeball machine....but he was always there for me! He was such a role model to me, my brother Scott, and my sister Tracey. There are not enough words to describe how wonderful Randy was as a friend and as a mentor. I admired him more than I could ever describe and could never have imagined our world without his radiant smile and dynamic presence. I know he would be proud of me today.
Gwen, I've seen some of the work you have been doing to fight domestic violence and I am so pleased to see you're able to use this tragedy to help others. I know Randy is so proud of how you're dealing with your loss. I hope one day I can meet Kelli and Ebony, as "his girls" were all he would ever talk about!
I miss Randy so very much and honestly do think of him often.
God Bless,
Tina Pace (Carl's youngest daughter)
Tina Pace
December 4, 2003
The Gerald Family and Friends
May God Bless each and every one of you with the strength, faith and courage to go on with yours heads held high.
I know that's what Randy would have wanted. I miss him dearly, and keep you all in my prayers often.
Much love to each of you,
Sincerely,
Tracey Pace (Carl's eldest)
Tracey Pace
December 2, 2003
May God comfort all those who are still grieving your passing. Life is
difficult at times and the Lord Jesus wants to help carry our burdens. He
gives us many beautiful promises in His Word to help us through our
valleys. I pray you will feel His presence and know His peace. God
bless!
Lynn Kole
Washington State
October 20, 2003
The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got to steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"
(Author Unknown)
G. Houston
Fmr State Constable, S.C.
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