Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I did not know her, but i FEEL for her more then words can say.

Bill Polovich

August 1, 2007

Though about you all night at work this past Sat. Sorry I could not make the memorial with your family, dept, and friends. Kim and I will always remember to pray for your family, and thanks for looking our for us during the night. Your friends from the department are good people and care about you and your family alot. It was nice to spend time with your mom and dad in DC also. God bless.

Kev

Officer Kowalik
Harper Woods PD

July 31, 2007

The other day marked the five year anniversary of your death, and that just sucks. I went to the picnic with my wife and newborn son. I just wanted you to know that he will hear your name often, and know your story. My daughter always sees the memorial badge I wear, she calls it Jessica's badge. My two kids will grow up and know who you are and what you did. I will not forget you, and the next generation of us will not forget you. Continue to watch over us.

Porta

July 31, 2007

Jessica-
Today is the five year anniversary of that awful night. Although I have thought of you nearly every day since, it slipped my mind today and I feel awful for that. I promise, you will not be forgotten.

July 28, 2007

Thank you for your service ma'am.

Mike
Boston MA

July 28, 2007

As I was getting things together for your five year anniversary (who would have thought that it has been almost five years), I came across this poem. I felt like I could have written it or that someone had seen into my heart, mind and soul so I had to share it.

I Know I Will Be Okay
(If I Can Just Get Through this Day)

Everyone looks at me as the strong one.
The one to hold our walls in place.
To see me crying in sorrow & heartache
just cannot be shown on my face.

But so many just don't understand.
How my heart literally aches.
And I do try to hide this from others ...
I do it for my loved ones sakes.

I've heard people say 'she's gonna be okay';
But, oh, if only they could realize.
I do my best to pass the test of survival ...
But my heart just won't compromise.

I, like now, find myself in a deep abyss.
Others may say that I'll be okay.
But if they haven't lost a child they constantly miss ...
They cannot hear what I try to say.

I often wonder just where I'm to turn.
Or what tomorrow has in store.
Then, I remember a friend who has been;
Been down this same pathway before.

And oh, I know I can go to her & cry.
Our tears are a million and one.
Helping each other survive the loss
of my daughter or her son.

I know the Lord is with me daily too.
Yes, He holds me when I pray.
And with Him I know that I shall be okay ...
If only I can make it through this day ...
Oh, He'll help me make it through today.

~ Author ~ Kaye Des'Ormeaux

Love and miss you so much,
Mom

July 26, 2007

Thinking of you, Jess, and your family, as the five year date approaches of your line of duty passing. Keep watch over those you left behind; your family misses you. All of them, and you, are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest peacefully, blue angel.

In Michigan

July 23, 2007

Jess-
This week we lost an officer that was so amazing. I know that people say that when someone dies often, but this guy was great. Bobby was that guy that could make you laugh with a one line joke that left you wondering how he could come up with that so quickly. The scariest part for me was hearing the calls coming over the radio when they couldn't reach him. All I thought about was you afterwards. I just sat there wondering about that night you passed. Everyone tried to save him, but nothing worked. I think about you before every shift Jess. I've told you that so many times, but it seems so real to me now after seeing what just unfolded. I miss you and wish that peace could just surround this earth to prevent another incident like this. But, then people like us would be out of jobs... kidding... please keep watch and tell Koz we'll miss him-

-jess

July 15, 2007

Hey Jess--

I think of you often -especially on the 4th of July. I am going to try to get to Nashville next year for the fireworks. God Bless the USA!

July 11, 2007

Jess:
Today (7/8/07)another officer was murdered almost exactly as you were. It brought tears to my eyes manly because it brought me right back to that terrible day. The crazy thing is your never far from my thoughts, since your picture is in my locker and my clipboard. Today it was different though it made me think of that terrible day when I lost a friend instead of thinking of the good times. Just put it this way it was definately a bad day. As another friend had said I also train new officers and not one of them has gotten on their own without hearing about you. I tell how special you were and how you always did everything right, but still you were killed. I often miss you and wish that I could go back in time. I cannot believe that it has almost been five years since you were taken from us. The one thing I always think about is I know your watching over us. Thanks for that! Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you and your family.

Sgt. Georgia Stroven-Andres
Newaygo Police Department

July 9, 2007

Just wanted to drop a little line saying hello. I had the best/worst dream last night that I was back in high school and we were en route to a volleyball tournament, must be a bit excited to go to Chicago with Jill, anyhow, it was so real and although it wasn't really an eventful dream, it made me miss you and all of our adventuring (yes that's a word!) so much more. Its strange how it isn't so much the big events that remind me of our fun as much as the little trips to the mall or just flipping through the stations and seeing Steele Magnolias or SHAG on the tv. Remember that movie and how we'd assign roles and stuff! Well I better get back to work- Miss you!

June 22, 2007

Dear Jessica,

Happy Birthday! I stopped by the cemetery this morning to drop off your “cake” and sing to you. Two candles would not go out so I let them stay lit for awhile. It is hard to believe that 31 years ago today I was a young mother getting ready to deliver her first baby. I spent so much time while you kids were growing up worrying that one of you would get hurt and then look what happens. Some things are out of a parent’s control, which is hard to understand, especially for me who is such a control freak.

Our trip to DC was very nice but was exhausting. Katelyn had us going every where. She loved sitting in front of the hotel with your Dad trading patches. She ended up with quite of few of them. Matt had a luncheon for everyone that went to DC on Monday. It turned out to be very nice. I think I counted about 30 of us. Not bad at all. We have to remember how very lucky we are with of the support we have.

Well, I am getting ready to head to Columbus so I better end this.

Love you and miss you very much,
Mom

May 23, 2007

Just returned from police week. It was my first time down but certainly not my last. Was a treat to meet some of your friends and family who told me all about you. Visited the wall, saw your name and the love your friends and family have for you! See you next year! God Bless!

Your Brother in Blue!

Officer David Maldonado
Cambridge PD - Massachusetts

May 15, 2007

Hey Jess. Just wanted to say hi. I wish I could be in D.C. this year. I'm up at Ferris instead though taking my report writing class... Oh what fun I've had writing those so far, ha.

I start my internship on Monday with the Pontiac police. I think there are four interns from Ferris there this summer - or at least 4 that I'm aware of. My friend started there last week and it sounds good so far. At least half of the students in my report writing class are interning with the Macomb County Sherriff's Dept. - sounds a little too crowded for me!

Well, I guess that's all for now. I think I'm going to see Jill this July. I'll give her a hug for you. We all miss you.

Katie

May 15, 2007

Hey there Jess
We just thought that we would write you a quick note, as we all are getting ready to make our first trip to the wall this year. We sit here and talk about all of the memories that we have made and reminisce about the GOOD, THE BAD, and THE UGLY!!!!
As we begin to talk we all keep saying that we can't believe that it has already been five years since our first visit to the wall to see your name engraved.

We all miss you so much Jess!!!
XOXOXO
"The Girls"

May 12, 2007

Dear Jessica,

We are preparing for DC and I can’t wait to go. This year Katelyn will be coming along with us. I think it will be good for her even though I think some of it might be difficult. The candlelight vigil is the hardest night of the week. The number of people that attend represents the losses that law enforcement has experienced and it can be overwhelming. But I do think she will love the Law Ride. She has that somewhat wild spirit in her that you did.

Besides getting ready for DC, we have the other memorials. We will be going to Lansing for the State Memorial. May is just a difficult time of year for all of us.

I went to a party tonight and ran into your high school volleyball coach. It is such a small world because what I didn’t know at the time of your death was that Paul played roller hockey with members of the Hazel Park Police Department. I didn’t even know that he was at visitation with them. It was so nice to see him again. We talked about so many people. It sure brought back memories.

Well, it is time for bed. I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you.

Love,
Mom

May 4, 2007

I'm just so sorry for your loss. I wish I could take the pain away from everyone.

survivor of peter grignon EOW 3/23/05

April 13, 2007

Dear Jessica,

Happy Easter! I am getting ready for everyone to come over for breakfast but I wanted to let you know that you are with us as we all gather to spend the day together. You are forever in our thoughts. With ever task I do, you come into my mind and the memories of holidays from the past come flooding back. You, Rob and Manda in your Easter outfits, looking for your eggs so you can have your baskets. The hunts became harder the older you got. Dad loved to hide one of them so that is was so hard to find, you had to do hot and cold in order to find it. This continued even after all of you got older. I guess you never get too old for some things. This year, only two of the little girls will be looking but I know they will enjoy it as much as you kids did.

Love always,
Mom

April 8, 2007

Jessica,

I am getting ready to come visit you on the wall again in about a month. I still carry your picture in my pocket each and every day at work to remind me, like i could ever forget. I know you are there with us each and every one of us but we all miss you dearly. I am an FTO now and the very first thing that I tell my trainee is your story and never ever take a call lightly. I know you will keep us safe out there. I am bringing someone to meet you in may. She has heard all the story from college and met all your family. I know you two would have gotten along great. Miss you everyday and will see you again soon.

PO MIKE KOHLRUSS
WARREN PD

April 1, 2007

Just a note to let you know that I am thinking of you. It is during the quiet moments that it hurts the most.

March 30, 2007

Jessica-
Recently I had the opportunity to meet your father at a Law enforcement in service class. He attended the class as an observer, but soon found himself addressing the class as a speaker. He took on the challenge and commanded the audience, then when he was done he left to a standing ovation. I think I speak for the class, when I say that your father was not only proud of you, but he keeps your legacy alive. It was apparent to all, that he was not there to relive the past, but to make sure you did not die in vain, by training others that there is no such call as routine. I believe that he truly cared for every Law Enforcement professional in that room.

Unfortunately, on May 25, 2006- we lost brother Officer and dear friend (Jason Makowski) in the line of duty. It's something I think about every day, but I now realize that "No Officer can die in vain" . If nothing else comes out of an Officer's death, at least help others realize that no call is routine and that the situation can go bad in seconds. I honor you for your committment and I respect your family for their unconditional support of their daughter and loved one.

Cpl G Voiles
DHPD

March 26, 2007

Today I attended a seminar on fallen officers. Your father was in attendance. I do not know you or your family personally. But, I think you would be as proud of your father as he is obviously proud of you and your brother. He reminded me as well as 60 or so other officers the importance of never forgetting that any run no matter how routine can turn potentially dangerous without warning. We are taught this in the academy but after a while many of us without even realizing it become lax until something happens that reminds us. I really appreciate the time your father took in reminding us of this valuable lesson.

Cpl. Cathy Barrera
Dearborn Heights Police Department

March 26, 2007

Jessica-

I left a message in 2003, I printed out your picture and story and taped it to my locker. So when I get changed in the morning, I am able to look at you and remind myself of always being alert and safe. You know as stated in my last reflection is the same type of weapon is the weapon you helped me with and the day your life was taken is the same day as my birthday. I can't help but think this is more than a sign from GOD.

You live in each and everyone of us. Whether we are Police Officers, friends or family. I once again want to thank you for being a footstep in my life.

Regards,

Ofc. Danielle (Dj) Jeffrey

Ofc. Jeffrey
Police Officer and friend/ classmate

February 18, 2007

Dear Jessica,

It has been some time since I have written but this year has not gotten off to a good start. Grandma has joined you in Heaven. I told her to tell you Hi and that I love you. I know she is at peace because she is with you. She missed you so much. And I miss the both of you.

We are starting to get everything together for DC. There is going to be a good size group going with us this year being it will be five years since you were honored in DC. It’s hard to believe that it is going to five years since you were taken from us. At times, I still can’t believe you are gone. I received a sympathy card that had a Native American prayer on the front. I would rather think that you are still with me at all times.

I give you this one thought to keep –
I am with you still – I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still – in each new dawn.

Love and miss you,
Mom

Deb Nagle
Mom

February 11, 2007

Happy New Year! We love you, miss you and think of you often.

The Pontius'
friend

January 1, 2007