Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Remembering Officer Gernale today.
It has been six years, but I know that it feels like it was just yesterday.
Time goes by, life goes on, the hurt remains. We will never forget the sacrifice that was given on that day, a life to short.
God bless you.

Lorraine Bond

Anonymous

September 6, 2008

Conrad, here we are 6yrs after you were taken from us. So much has changed with the old gang. Everyone is working different jobs and shifts. We all miss the old days and we especially miss you! I think of you often, along with your family.
yb

Sgt.Borrero
BPD

September 6, 2008

It has been six long years since you left us. I hope you can see how much the kids have grown. Celina is such a sweet girl. Xav and Andre' are both clever, athletic boys. I am so proud of you and miss you every day.

Love,
Christina

Christina Gernale
Sister of Conrad Gernale

September 6, 2008

TO THE GERNALE FAMILY

I am missing my friend today. He was as true as they come. I dont know or can imagine the pain you go through each day. I have family in the cemetery and when I go I always visit Conrad's memorial. The one thing I know in my heart is that HE was and always will be a hero to people who knew and remember him. I say thank you to the Gernale family and may peace always find you

Bennie

Bennie White
friend

May 30, 2008

hey conrad,
just got back from washington d.c. for the memorial. it sure was another punch in the stomach to see your name on that wall along with all the thousands of others.
you know i miss you and think about you every day.
being there i could imagine the pain your mom,dad and anna and the rest of the family felt while they were in d.c.
i know you keep a watch out for us, and i know you have probably laughed at us a few times to.
just know we all miss you!

yvette

sgt. borrero
beaumont p.d.

May 16, 2008

Hi Kuya,
I apologize that I'm very late in wishing you a Happy 40th Birthday. On January 13th, I called to wish Caesar a Happy Birthday as well, but he had to work (also being in law enforcement, go figure!). They had a nice party at Mom and Dad's, and while we missed you dearly, it was wonderful to sit and remember the joy, happiness, and pride you brought to our lives. I wish so much you could've been here, but deep down inside, I know you were present.
I'd also like to take a moment to thank Sargeant Bell for leaving that very moving, beautiful poem (I've seen it also on other memorials, and it is such an honor to now see it on my brother's page also), and to our friend, Mr. Bennie White. Bennie, you sound like a fine young man who is becoming very successful in life. I'm sure Conrad would be very proud of you! Remember you always have friends in the Gernale family. Also, thank you Tina, Tammie, and Yvette for also leaving reflections. It always moves me that you all still take the time to remember Conrad. I'm sure Conrad thought highly and warmly of you all, and he always spoke highly of his profession. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
Conrad, I see so much of you in your children, and that, along with the support and love we get from the Beaumont and law enforcement community, helps us all recover. Please know that you are always on our minds, and most of all, always in our hearts. Until we meet again . . .

Charmaine S. Gernale
Sister of Officer Conrad S. Gernale, EOW 9/6/02

February 5, 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 31, 2008

Sometimes I sit back and think of my time in the explorers and all the adventures we had. The competition in Houston etc. I miss you guys(Keith, Lisa, Mike and you) To any Beaumont police officer out there.......You are some of the better people I have known in my life and have taught me so much. I owe more than my thanks.......thank you all

Bennie White
friend

January 15, 2008

Today is Christmas and I know that it is still hard for your family to not have you. Mike and Lisa are with you now. I pray for your family. when I see Anna at the bank, she always seems in good spirits. She has done a wonderful job of raising the children but I know she misses you terribly. May the Lord bless you and Keep you. May peace be with your family this season.

Tammie Harrison Lang
Spouse of JCSO Deputy

December 25, 2007

Conrad,
i saw anna and the kids yesterday. my goodness how fast they have grown. your boys look just like you!
just wanted to let you know i am thinking about you everday and i miss you.

Sgt. Borrero
Beaumont PD

December 7, 2007

Conrad,

I have not forgot what a wonderful spirit you are. But the pain has lessened over the years. When you were taken from us, Lisa Beaulieu called me when I was out of town to tell me about your murder. When I lost Lisa this year, it brought new pain and opened wounds of losing you. I miss you and your bashful chuckle.

Tina Lewallen
Beaumont Police Dept

September 27, 2007

Conrad-

I can't believe it has been five years since you died. Charmaine and I went to your grave on September 6 at 11:19 PM to observe a moment of silence for when you were dispatched to that fatal call. We were honored that other officers from Beaumont PD were there to help us remember you. We are forever thankful to Beaumont PD for their support and kindness these past years. We miss you very much.

Love,
Christina

Christina Gernale
Sister Patrolman Conrad Gernale EOW 9/6/02

September 9, 2007

Remembering Officer Gernale.
I think the anniversary is the hardest day of the year. That is the day they were taken from us and every time that day comes around, our thoughts are taken back to that fateful day and we remember everything again. We remember the last time we talked with them, the last time we saw them, and we always wonder what their last moments were like. But we have to look for the bright moments in their lives. The times we had fun and laughed with them.
Please know that he is not forgotten. He will always be remember by the "Survivors" of other officers/deputies.
May God continue to give you the comfort that only He can provide.
Lorraine Bond (Mother)
Hamilton County, TN Deputy Sheriff:
Donald K. Bond, Jr.
EOW: 09.06.01

September 9, 2007

Thank you Conrad for everything that you did for the citizens of this area. And you will always be remembered.

Betty
Citizen

September 7, 2007

BROTHER,

TODAY IS YOUR 5TH ANNIVERSARY SINCE YOU WERE TAKEN AWAY FROM US. FOR ME THE PAIN HAS NEVER GONE AWAY. I KNOW
YOU ARE LOOKING DOWN ON US. FOR ME, ITS STILL LIKE THE VERY DAY THAT YOU WERE TAKEN FROM US. I HOPE YOU ARE DOING WELL. AND KNOW THAT YOUR CHILDREN ARE GROWING UP AND I KNOW HOW PROUD YOU WOULD BE OF THEM. PLEASE CONTINUE TO LOOK AFTER YOUR FAMILY AS WELL AS YOUR EXTENDED
FAMILY THE BEAUMONT POLICE DEPARTMENT.
LOVE ALWAYS

CAESAR GERNALE
BROTHER OF OFFICER CONRAD GERNALE

September 6, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones and close friends on this 5th anniversary of you being called away from duty. I was disappointed to read that the individual that caused all this heartache and grief will some day be eligible for parole. To me, life is life, there is no getting out for what this person has done. All the future dreams and special moments taken away from those that love and cared for you, all becuase of some worthless individual. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones, protect them from harm. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 5, 2007

Hi Kuya,
I can't believe that tomorrow will mark five years since you have been taken from us. I still vividly remember you being around like it was yesterday. I remember how you were able to take a break from work and visit us, especially at the holidays. You provided our family with so much happiness and pride, and we will always remember that. You would be so proud of your family - the children are so beautiful, handsome, and smart! While life has gone on for us, please know that we will always remember you and miss you. Our hearts ache for the day we will see you once again. Until then, please know that our wonderful memories of you and our love for you remain alive and help us continue to heal. Thank you so much for being an outstanding police officer and, most of all to me, a wonderful brother.
Love always,
Charmaine

Charmaine S. Gernale
Sister of Officer Conrad S. Gernale, EOW 9/6/02

September 5, 2007

Conrad,
The last few days has been tough on all of us still grinding it out on the streets. The murder of Lisa brought all the memories of you death rushing back. Of course I think of you every day, and I see you picture while getting dressed for work. I talked with your parents and your wife and brother. I hated to see the saddness in their eyes, but always know I love you and I will always love and respect them.
I am so glad we were buddies and in my 14 year career the biggest honor I have ever had was being a pallbearer at your service. Now I know you and Lisa will be keeping an eye on all of us.
Love Tiki

Yvette Borrero
BPD

May 4, 2007

Last night was another reminder of the fact that you are gone. Your family is so strong. When I was speaking to your mother, I told her this must be extremely hard for her. However, your family will always support the families of fallen officers. You are missed so much. I know you are looking down from heaven on all of us and you are our angel.

Tammie Harrison Lang
Wife of Deputy J.D. Lang

April 30, 2007

Hi Kuya,

Tomorrow will be yours and Caesar's 39th birthday. I just wanted to let you know that we will be thinking of you and that we will miss you.
Thank you to Mr. Gordon and Ms. Bonds for their holiday messages - we really appreciate that you remember him at those special times, as we remember your two sons.
Happy birthday, big brother! We miss you and love you always!

All my heart,
Charmaine

Charmaine S. Gernale
Sister of Officer Conrad S. Gernale, EOW 9/6/02

January 12, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones during this holiday season as I know each day is a challenge to live without our fallen officers, but holidays are even harder to get through. I have decorated the outside of my home for Christmas in all blue lights. One of those lights will be lit every night until New Years in your memory as my way of saying you are a hero and have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over your loved ones and protect them.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

December 19, 2006

I HAVE A "BLUE LIGHT" IN MY WINDOW THAT IS LIT 24HRS A DAY IN MEMORY OF MY SON AND FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES "IN THE LINE OF DUTY" AND ALSO FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL PROTECTING US. THIS POEM WAS GIVEN TO ME WHEN MY MOTHER DIED IN 1992 AND I THINK IT IS VERY APPROPRATIE FOR THE "PROJECT BLUE LIGHT".

A HOLIDAY MEMORY

AS WE LIGHT THIS CANDLE IN HONOR OF YOU,
WE LIGHT IT BECAUSE OF OUR GRIEF, OUR
COURAGE, OUR MEMORIES AND LOVE FOR YOU.
THIS CANDLE REPRESENTS OUR GRIEF; THE
PAIN OF LOSING YOU IS INTENSE. IT
REMINDS US OF THE DEPTH OF OUR LOVE FOR YOU.
THIS CANDLE REPRESENTS OUR COURAGE
TO CONFRONT OUR SORROW, TO COMFORT
EACH OTHER, TO CHANGE OUR LIVES.
THIS LIGHT IS IN YOUR MEMORY, THE TIME
WE LAUGHED, THE TIMES WE CRIED, THE
TIMES WE WERE ANGRY WITH EACH OTHER,
THE SILLY THINGS YOU DID, THE CARING,
AND JOY YOU GAVE US.
THIS LIGHT IS THE LIGHT OF LOVE. AS WE
ENTER THIS SEASON DAY BY DAY WE
CHERISH THE SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS
THAT WILL ALWAYS BE RESERVED FOR
YOU. WE THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT YOUR
LIVING BROUGHT TO EACH OF US.
WE LOVE YOU.

THIS TIME OF THE YEAR IS ALWAYS A DIFFICULT ONE BECAUSE OF THE VOID THAT HAS BEEN LEFT WHERE OUR LOVED SHOULD BE. MAY GOD GIVE YOU STRENGTH AND MAY HE ALSO GIVE YOU COMFORT WITH THE MEMORIES THAT YOU HAVE OF YOUR LOVED ONE.

LORRAINE BOND (MOTHER)

December 13, 2006

"In the simple performance of duty,
he pinned on a badge,
checked his gear with a practiced eye,
and kissed his loved ones good-bye.
In the simple performance of duty,
he reported for work,
joked with his buddies at roll call,
and made his last trip down the squad room hall.
In the simple performance of duty,
he answered the call
to help the helpless, to find the lost,
no matter the danger or how great the cost.
In the simple performance of duty,
he lay down his life,
for those in peril he tried to save,
our brave friend went to his grave.
In the simple performance of duty,
we honor his deed,
as we carry him to rest in a flag-draped casket,
long after the world has forgotten, we shall never forget.
Never judge or regret, what he did,
In the simple performance of duty."
-Author unknown

Dearest Conrad,

It is four years ago today we lost you, and we miss you as much as we ever have. Even today, we are still healing. I would like to take a moment to thank the community of Beaumont for their love and support for our family and for special people like Tammie Harrison Lang (we pray for the continued safety of your husband and other officers), Bennie White (as one who also protects others, you have our deepest respect; please consider the Gernale family among your friends), Ron Pettitt (thank you for the beautiful memorial), David Crumpton (may you also continue with your healing, and thank you for the help you were able to give that fateful night), and others who have left heartfelt messages on this forum. Conrad, our lives continue to have a huge void that only you can fill. Words cannot express how proud we are of you and how much we still miss you. You will forever remain in our memories and hearts. We all love you so much! Rest in peace, kuya! Until we meet again . . .

All my love,
Charmaine

Charmaine S. Gernale
Sister of Officer Conrad S. Gernale, EOW 9/6/02

September 6, 2006

TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS OF OFFICER GERNALE:
WE ARE REMEMBERING HIM TODAY ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH.
HE WAS TRULY A HERO, COMMITTED TO THE JOB HE LOVED. IT STILL DOES NOT TAKE AWAY THE PAIN AND HURT, BUT KNOW THAT THERE ARE OTHERS OF US THAT FEEL THAT PAIN AND HURT WITH YOU. YOU KNOW IN YOUR MIND THAT IT HAS HAPPENED BUT YOUR HEART CAN'T ACCEPT IT.
I PRAY TODAY THAT GOD WILL GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH AND COMFORT THAT YOU NEED TODAY AND ALWAYS.
GOD BLESS YOU.

LORRAINE BOND (MOTHER)
HAMILTON CO. TN. DEPUTY SHERIFF:
DONALD K. BOND, JR.
EOW: 09.06.01

September 6, 2006

It has been 4 years since your tour of duty ended and I know your loved ones have thought of you each and every day during that time. The tears still flow from their broken hearts and will continue to do so for the rest of the time they walk this earth. I know your mother, like me, would trade places with our sons in a heartbeat so that you could be here with your loved ones and continue with your career in law enforcement. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten. Keep watch over your loved ones, especially on this day. Also, keep watch over those still on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

September 6, 2006