Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

O God of Peace, so many of America’s Peace Officers who are on the front lines to protect us never make it back home to their families. We pray for these fallen law enforcement officers, Lord God, who gave their lives for us. We pray for the families of these heroes, who have to now endure life without their loved one. Lord God, society tries to move forward, but there is always bloodshed occurring. We approach Your throne of glory and grace to beg of You for peace. Lord God, bring peace to this land – the United States of America. We plead for Your divine intervention to quiet our hearts and unify our communities. Stop the violence that occurs amid our cities. We thank You for all America’s Peace Officers who have died protecting us, and ask that You send an everlasting peace so that America’s Peace Officers on the streets may be safe and return home to their loved ones at the end of their assigned shifts. In Christ Jesus, Your blessed Son, I pray. Amen.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

July 21, 2023

I’m on vacation in Myrtle Beach and just read about Pfc McGarry. As a police officer in NJ for the last 27 yrs, these stories really hit home. Wish I could’ve met you brother.. RIP.

Sergeant Phil Gamarro
Belleville PD, Belleville NJ

August 15, 2021

Been having a hard time thinking about you lately. The gentle giant. And how proud your father was of you. And how a violent felon is still alive. Who gets 5 meals a day, internet, library access on death row. But you would say, it's ok. Love you. Even after all these years, it doesn't get better. I still remember the morning that we were told that a violent felon murdered you. And the state has still not followed through on what that felon did to you. The state of SC lets him get extra meals even. Your parents have been our strength. For when we miss you. But we should be theirs. Miss you so much.

BobbiJo Clapprood
Friend

February 20, 2021

Rest in peace.

J.R.

December 29, 2020

Joe, thinking about you today . Not any more then every other day. As I write this we were on our last traffic stop. You were excited and had good news. I see the details like it was yesterday. I wonder how things would have been?

Lt. Mike Guthinger (Ret)
Myrtle Beach Police

December 28, 2020

RIP.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

October 4, 2020

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

October 4, 2020

On December 29 2002 I received a email from Joe. Joe’s email read that he new I would be in Myrtle Beach the up coming week to teach a Under Cover investigators class and he wanted to have me over to his home for dinner so he could introduce me to his fiancé. I had met Joe a couple of years earlier when he was in a Patrol Drug investigation Class. Joe had also taken two other Drug and officer safety classes from me and we had become friends. When I arrived in Myrtle Beach Monday morning December 30 2002 to start my class I was met in the lobby of the hotel by Paul Yurkin and several Myrtle Beach officers I was friends with. I knew something was very wrong when they saw me I could see the tears in their eyes. Paul Yurkin hugged me and told me Joe had been shot in the line of duty on Sunday. Paul and the other officers knew that Joe and I were good friends. I was in total disbelief. It was the hardest day I have had in the 25 years of teaching law enforcement officers. To this day I have the email Joe sent me on my computer. I mention my friend Joe in all of my classes. I teach the officers how my friend loss his life, so that they may be safer. Joe McGarry was a tough guy and a great cop. In July of 2020 I took my son to a softball tournament in Myrt Beach. I had a hour between games and I went to have my car wash. The vehicle inline in front of me had a pro-police sticker on its bumper. When I was paying for the wash I saw a older gentleman with a walker waiting. The gentleman was were a military baseball cap. So I thanked the gentleman for his survive and asked if that was his vehicle with the police sticker. The gentleman said that it was. He then told me he had been in law enforcement and that his son had been killed in the line of duty in Myrtle Beach. I couldn’t control my emotions and he ask if I was ok. I hugged him and told him of my friendship with is son and the email I received December 29 2002. Joe’s father and I talked for twenty minutes and we exchanged our information so when I get back to Myrtle Beach I can meet Joes mom and his Fiancé to hopefully have that dinner Joe wanted me to have back in 2002. Joe I know you sent me to that car wash. Rest In Peace my friend.

Detective Tracy Sparshott
Montgomery County Maryland

July 31, 2020

On December 29 2002 I received a email from Joe. Joe’s email read that he new I would be in Myrtle Beach the up coming week to teach a Under Cover investigators class and he wanted to have me over to his home for dinner so he could introduce me to his fiancé. I had met Joe a couple of years earlier when he was in a Patrol Drug investigation Class. Joe had also taken two other Drug and officer safety classes from me and we had become friends. When I arrived in Myrtle Beach Monday morning December 30 2002 to start my class I was met in the lobby of the hotel by Paul Yurkin and several Myrtle Beach officers I was friends with. I knew something was very wrong when they saw me I could see the tears in their eyes. Paul Yurkin hugged me and told me Joe had been shot in the line of duty on Sunday. Paul and the other officers knew that Joe and I were good friends. I was in total disbelief. It was the hardest day I have had in the 25 years of teaching law enforcement officers. To this day I have the email Joe sent me on my computer. I mention my friend Joe in all of my classes. I teach the officers how my friend loss his life, so that they may be safer. Joe McGarry was a tough guy and a great cop. In July of 2020 I took my son to a softball tournament in Myrt Beach. I had a hour between games and I went to have my car wash. The vehicle inline in front of me had a pro-police sticker on its bumper. When I was paying for the wash I saw a older gentleman with a walker waiting. The gentleman was were a military baseball cap. So I thanked the gentleman for his survive and asked if that was his vehicle with the police sticker. The gentleman said that it was. He then told me he had been in law enforcement and that his son had been killed in the line of duty in Myrtle Beach. I couldn’t control my emotions and he ask if I was ok. I hugged him and told him of my friendship with is son and the email I received December 29 2002. Joe’s father and I talked for twenty minutes and we exchanged our information so when I get back to Myrtle Beach I can meet Joes mom and his Fiancé to hopefully have that dinner Joe wanted me to have back in 2002. Joe I know you sent me to that car wash. Rest In Peace my friend.

Detective Tracy Sparshott (Ret)
Montgomery County Maryland

July 31, 2020

Joe took me under his wing when I worked at the MBPD. He was a great guy to me and my wife. We miss Joe and speak of him often. I would always bust his chops about the Red Sox since I was from Jersey and a Yankees fan. Miss you brother more than you know. 324 to 263 where ya at?

P.O. Rob Chenoweth
Little Silver P.D. (NJ)

January 2, 2020

Myrtle Beach Officer Joe McGarry killed 17 years ago Sunday

Posted: Dec 29, 2019 WBTW NEWS

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – A Myrtle Beach police officer died in the line of duty 17 years ago Sunday.

The city posted a tribute on their Facebook to Officer Joe McGarry, who died Dec. 29, 2002.

Police say McGarry along with other officers were investigating a suspicious person just after midnight Dec. 29. That’s when they say a man pulled a .45 caliber handgun and shot Officer McGarry in the head.

Luzenski Allen Cottrell was later arrested, convicted of murder and sentenced to death in April 2005, but the state Supreme Court overturned the conviction in 2008 because the jury was not allowed to consider a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter.

A second trial for Cottrell in September 2014 ended the same as the first as a jury of 12 convicted the gunman of murdering Officer McGarry and sentenced the killer to death.

“Blessed are the peacemakers,” the city wrote online. “We remember Myrtle Beach Police Officer First Class Joseph McGarry, who was killed in the line of duty on this date: December 29, 2002.”

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

December 30, 2019

Rest in peace Officer McGarry.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 5, 2019

Joey,
I miss you so much and I love you so much. I think about you everyday and it breaks my heart everyday that you had to make the ultimate sacrifice. You had such a big heart and I think of you every time I see my kids or pray,hoping that your looking down at me with your laugh and smile knowing that I do my best, and when I think of the best, I think of you . I know your in a better place. You made the best of everything and this world is better for it. I get upset and sad that god took you to soon , I know it’s selfish of me but it’s true. I miss playing basketball and all the unconditional time we spent together when I was a kid, no matter what was going on at that moment you put whatever down just to play ball with me because your the best cousin anyone could ask for and you still are . Even as a kid I knew you were special . You made me feel special. When I think of uncle joe I get choked up and scared because when I hear uncle and aunties voice all’s I think of is you and it breaks my heart and I cry,and I know their heart will always be broken because you were the world to them and so many and we all miss you dearly .honestly I'm still trying to figure out how to deal with my emotions as it never gets easier ,only harder and I cry. I cry a lot. A lot of people don’t understand because they never knew you, but if they did they would.Your in my heart always. You paved a path for so many including me to be a better man. I remember when we were at dads award ceremony for getting 3rd place in sailing and you sat across from me and gave me a gold pocket watch with a train on it because as a kid I was obsessed with polar express. I still keep it close by my heart everyday and talk with my kids about you at least once a day and how unconditional you were with the brightest smile in the room,and I know you look after us.im not going to lie , it’s still as hard to not cry as it was when dad first called me to tell me the news as we both of broke down crying like babies not wanting to believe what I was hearing and what he was saying.I know he misses you so much too. I went on to get my criminal justice degree to help others and you played a giant role in that besides wanting to help others,and I’m lucky if I’m half the man you were as I’ve made so many mistakes yet I’m still here knowing that you were looking out for me. You had to have been, it’s the only logical explanation that allows me to follow my dreams and turn them into reality. My life’s not perfect and still a long scary journey,but just the thought of you and still hearing your laugh in my head makes it better. I cry so much but I know your in a better place. It really never gets easier. You have made so many lives better from the love you shared from your soul and your heart as it was enormous. I wish we had more time together. It’s so hard for so many including myself . The love you had was contagious and I consider myself lucky for the time we had before god took you home .i love you Joey and one day I’ll see you again, and when I do I will hug you and never let go.i know you look after my twin sons and I’m grateful.i still find it hard to muster up courage for many things.. i hope to see uncle joe one day in South Carolina and to take my kids and show them how awesome you were and why it’s so important to never forget .I’ll never forget how good you were to me and the unconditional love you had. I get choked up typing this but only because my heart breaks like it did the very first time.ill always remeber how you had auntie and uncle’s voice saying “hey little Wayne .” Thank you for never judging but always staying loving and taking the time regardless of knowing my childhood was rough but always making it better .Your the best cousin I could have asked for and truly blessed . Keep playing ball Joey, and one day we will play together again.
Love always and forever ,
Your cousin,
Little Wayne

Wayne Joseph Miguel
Cousin

December 25, 2018

Joe we think about you all the time...

JC

January 20, 2018

It is that time of year when your memory is most vivid to me. I remember it all. I must. I am a witness to an event that will never be forgotten. I am guarded with my memory from that night and do not readily share it with anyone. Today, I listened once again to Taps given in your honor on The Ken Hamblin Show. You are remembered friend.

One Sheepdog

December 15, 2016

Joe, Today I send another 8 new officers out into the city. I speak about in each class so that they can learn from you and to keep your memory alive. I know you will look out for them.
gut

Sgt
MBPD

December 10, 2015

Little Brother
I miss you daily and miss how you could always bring a smile to my face. I know you are in Heaven watching over us all. You are my hero, brave and true; and what I wish I could be--the most honorable of men. I miss your counsel and hope I haven't squandered my time here on the planet you loved so dearly. I am honored to be your brother, and blessed to have been touched by your life. I hope and pray God allows me to see you again.

Pfc Ben Rhodes
Myrtle Beach Police Street Crimes Team

November 25, 2015

I met a friend of yours today. It never ceases to amaze me how many people you touched. You are remembered often, as are your parents. You always bring a smile to our faces. God bless all those you loved and protected.

Beth Edwards
Mom of Jessica Edwards

September 1, 2015

For some reason Joe, I thought of you today.. I never knew you but my ex did. He talked about you often and how much he missed. I hope you are at peace and GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!

Kimberly

April 8, 2015

Not a day goes by that I don't think about you.

P/O Steven Cabral (retired)
Baltimore Police

December 28, 2014

Not sure if anyone reads these anymore or not. It doesn't matter tho. I worked in retail at a Big & Tall shop in the Waccamaw Pottery years ago. Joe walked in on a quiet evening. We started talking and just kept talking and talking. I remember him telling me he was from RI, and only child and his mother was completely broken hearted that he her only child, had moved so far away. He told me of his plans to go to the Police Academy in Columbia and he was so excited. That was the only time I had ever met Joe and even th it was the only time I thought of him now and then wondering how he was doing and how his parents, especially his mom were doing. He was such a sweet guy.
When I heard of a police office being killed and then I heard the name I prayed it wasn't him. Maybe I had gotten his name wrong. When I heard he was from RI I knew. I felt so deeply saddened for his parents, especially his mother. I am a mom and I couldn't imagine, Especially an only child. He was a special man. I felt God sent him to me that evening for a reason. I also feel that he was taken away for a reason. Maybe he was too good of a person to be here on this crazy earth. He was needed in heaven. I know he is missed terribly by his friends, family and fiance.
Like some of the others have mentioned. Until we meet again. You were a special person here on earth and I am sure you are a special angel in heaven.
Will always keep you in my thoughts.....

elena
acquaintance

September 27, 2014

Joe I can't believe that it has been 11 years since we said good bye to you! I think of you and smile- remembering our gym times at Salve! You were a great friend and you will always be thought of and missed! You will forever hold a special place in my heart!

kim tibor- pine
college friend

December 29, 2013

Joe,

Although I have never met you, I still remember this night. Just shy of ten years old, I was the daughter of a Myrtle Beach firefighter and North Myrtle Beach cop. I remember feeling scared every time my dad went to work. I feared that he would never come home that night. And then I saw that dreaded news article; officer shot and killed. I will never forget hearing that story. I never could understand why someone would hurt somebody who is just trying to protect us little people. Why does this happen more often than it should?

Well, Joe, I am now just shy of 21 years old and work as a cadet at the MBPD (hopefully soon I will be able to become a LEO with MBPD). You're honored and loved by every single person in that department, even those who have never had the honor of meeting you. I want to thank you for everything you've done for the citizens of this town, and thank you for sacrificing your life (unfortunately) for putting a horrible man in jail. I really do wish you were still here; I would've loved to work along side you and learn from you. We all love you and miss you. Please keep watching over all of us. Not a day goes by that we don't see your face and think about what a wonderful man you were. Rest in peace, and God bless you and your family.

Cadet Amber Summers
MBPD

December 29, 2013

I often remember that night vividly. As I sat in my cruiser on 501 as Gut called out shots fired over radio. Glad I was a part of capturing your killer but still doesn't take pain away of you being taken away early. I am no longer a police officer as I am now retired. You are missed each day and for most of the MBPD family who are still around (very few)that remember that night may god bless each.....the younger guys and girls employed by the city now carry your torch.....protect the ones that protect everybody else.....

Retired MBPD Platt
MB SC

December 29, 2013

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.
Some times there is justice and at other times, just us.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

December 29, 2013