Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The first time I met Joe, I was pullin' a night tour and trying to hide behind the bank at 11th and Kings. This guy pulls up with Rhode Island plates and asks where Doug Shaw Stadium is. "I just got hired" , he said. I thought, great, another boot. Normally I would have given him a hard time or even bad directions, just to mess with the new guy. But there was something about Joe, I liked him, right away. Anyone who knew him understands what I mean. He was a good cop. I used to look at him and think, this guy is what a cop should look like, he was tall and had this sort of presence about him, he wore the uniform well. I used to want to be like him, or wish I could in some ways, that's the truth. Anyway, It's about time I wrote something here. If Joe were here, he would be "livid". Better late than never I guess. Joe, I'm glad I made my peace with you. I'm sorry I held a grudge for so long. It was me, not you. I was a hairbag, what can I say, I regret that. But in the end, it was like nothing ever happened. You were cool about it. But then again, you were a cool guy. Till we meet again my friend. By the way, I owe you a tow...

J.C.

December 17, 2004

It's been a long time but you are still in my thoughts and prayers. Such a good man should have never been taken from us the way that you were. I pray that you will watch down and protect us from above.

Steve Cabral

May 7, 2004

JOE,
I MISS YOU CUZ. I CAN STILL HEAR YOUR VOICE. YOU ARE THE THE FINEST EXAMPLE OF WHAT A POLICE OFFICER IS SUPPOSED TO BE. WHENEVER AYONE ASKS ME ABOUT YOU I TELL THEM YOU ARE THE EPITOME OF WHAT BEING A COP IS ALL ABOUT. I WIS WE DID GET A CHANCE TO WORK TOGETHER. ILL SEE YOU AGAIN SOME DAY. I CAN STILL HEAR YOUR VOICE.

ofc mark mcguire
west palm beach pd

April 22, 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

You will be remembered and honored always by those who knew you, and those who wish they could have.

December 30, 2003

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.

Tonight, December 29, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Police Officer Joseph John McGarry who died in the line of duty on this date one year ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer McGarry's sacrifice will never be forgotten

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

December 29, 2003

Joe, to think it has already been a year! Even though you are no longer here your memory lives on. The memory of a hero, friend, and beloved brother. Why we ask? Why such a young and energetic life taken from us? None of us know why but we do know no matter what you will be here in our hearts. You were loved by your family and fellow officers more then you knew. Now, you look down upon them and protect them. To Joe's family and fellow officers be thankful for the time you had with this wonderful man. Holly, I also hope you are staying strong, you are in my prayers every day. I can't imagine how hard this year must have been for you. Please stay strong and be thankful for the memories he left you with. For the members of the MBPD and every other police department be safe and we thank you for protecting us! ......Rhode Island

Anonymous

December 29, 2003

A year has passed since your tour ended. But know you are remembered by many. The citizens of Myrtle Beach and the members of the Myrtle Beach Police Department can take great pride in your service.
Rest in peace.
On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State Police, we extend our condolences.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

December 29, 2003

Joe it has been a year today and that is so hard to believe. I was beginning my career at the dept. while you were beginning yours in heaven. I know that you are up there watching out for us and know that we think of you everyday that we walk into the north door and everynight when we walk out. Bless you and your family and friends and holly today and everyday. You are in my thoughts.

MBPD

December 29, 2003

Your community has lost a great family man, friend and officer. We share the grief you feel but you should also feel comfort in knowing that your officers have one of their own riding on their shoulders as backup.

Sheriff Mike Brooks
Winnebago County Sheriffs Office

December 23, 2003

JOE,
IT HAS BEEN ALMOST A YEAR SINCE WE LOST YOU. I ALONG WITH SO MANY OTHER FELLOW BROTHER AND SISTER OFFICERS WHO WORKED BESIDE YOU, MISS YOU MORE THAN ANY AMOUNT OF WORDS CAN EXPRESS. I CARRY YOUR MEMORIAL CARD IN MY POCKET EVERY NIGHT OF DUTY AS A REMINDER OF;--YOU--OFFICER SAFETY--AND BROTHERHOOD. ALWAYS THINKING OF YOU. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU OR WHAT ALL YOU STOOD FOR AND BROUGHT TO OUR DEPT!!! GOD SPEED JOE!!!

Anonymous
Myrtle Beach Police Dept.

December 15, 2003

Joe, You were one of the first officers that I met when I began my new career with the police department, and when others were pulling the ceremonial "new guy" gags, you were ALWAYS there to make sure that I was on the right track----I can never forget that. You were the one among us that could dig deep into a bad situation and find the only positive thing about it, and bring it to bear. That is a gift that few posess, and even fewer practice. When I think about some of the times we had on late night patrol I can't help but both laugh and nearly come to tears at the same time. I can never thank you and PFC Mein enough for your help and guidance into the law enforcement field, and just know that wherever my career takes me, not a day will go by that you are not remembered and missed. I can't help but feel a little safer at night knowing that even though you are no longer with us, that you still watch over us and keep us safe. God speed brother! -----Until we meet again in heaven.

Ptl Andy Roberts
Myrtle Beach Police

Joe was a member of our street crimes unit which I am a member of. Joe returned to our unit on 12-29-02 after working a boulevard assignment. That was his last night with us. He patrolled proud and was very OFFICER SAFTEY CONSCIOUS! He was also responsible for the start of the Myrtle Beach Police Dept.'s first Honor Guard which I also have the privlege of being a part of. I/we miss him greatly, and know that right now......being a Red Socks fan, is wearing the uniform of the New York Yankees. If you know baseball, you'll get the joke. You'll never be forgotten.
We love you Joey!

Pfc. Paul Yurkin
Myrtle Beach Police

Joe was a special guy that I came to know for too short of a time, he was a big man but had a bigger heart, Joe always made you smile and had a smile on his face I will never forget. My prayers go out to the family and holly, Joe until we meet again my brother , my friend you will be missed.

PFC JEFF WHITMIRE
MYRTLE BEACH POLICE DEPT.

To the family of Officer Joseph J. McGary, you have my deepest sympathy. I know where you are today. But please know that with time comes healing, and while you never get over your tragedy, you learn to cope. Remember that God never puts more on you than you can bear and he is always, always with you.

Ebony Gerald/Suvivor
Daughter of:
Lt. Randy G. Gerald, Horry Co. Sheriff Office
EOW: 12-29-01

I worked with Joe for 4 Years at Roger Williams Hospital in Rhode Island. Joe always wanted to be a Police Officer. I will never forget when he told me that he was accepted to be a Myrtle Beach Police Officer. He was a very happy little boy. He always wanted to become a Cop, and finally he got his chance.
It was sad to hear what had happened. No words can express my feelings at the moment. Joe we all miss you. God Bless you and your Family and Friends. You will never be forgotten.

Lt. Al Goncalves
R.I.H

I was privileged to attend the May 1, 2003 Law Day Ceremony at SRU inducting Officer Joe McGarry into the Alpha Phi Sigma, National Criminal Justice Honor Society. You live on in the hearts and minds of many----

“A remembers man lives forever”

Anonymous

Joe,
It's been a few months since I received the devestating news of this incident. You and I had a special bond, both being police offiers and being from the New England area. It was a privledge working with you and getting to know you. I remember talking in the back lot of the station and how you would always call me Bri. You always strived to be the best and makelight of the worst. You are truly missed and a day doesn't go by when I start my tour of duty that I don't think about you. It was unfortunate that you had to leave us, but I know you are in God's arms watching over all of us. God Bless you and your family.
I Love You Brother, Your friend and brother in blue forever, Bri

Ofc B. Pina
Orlando PD

Rest in peace my brother, you will be missed and remembered.

Deputy Creaser
Pinellas County Sheriff Office, Floirda

JOE,
IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH SINSE THIS DEVASTATING EVENT. THROUGH THIS EXTREME SORROW, THE ONE THING THAT MAKES SENSE IS THAT YOU ARE IN HEAVENLY BLISS NOW. WE'RE ALL DESTINED TO GO HOME. IT'S GOING TO BE GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN SOME DAY. YOU HAVE BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF PEOPLE.
LOVE YOU CUZ....MARK

OFC MARK MCGUIRE
WEST PALM BEACH POLICE DEPT

I went to college with Joe and we were all very close. Joe moved away to do what he loved and all though some of us lost touch, we always kept Joe in our hearts. To all who knew Joe know what a wonderful person he was, Joe would do anything for anyone no matter how much he was put out by it. I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to Joe's family, fiance and brothers and sisters of the Myrtle Beach P.D.

We all have a true angel in blue looking after us!

Ptlm. Denneny #405
Cranston Police, RI

My relationship with Joe has been a very special one and I will never forget him. In December 1998 Joe was a stranger. In January 1999 Joe was my roommate. A short time later Joe became my friend. Through our friendship Joe became my support. On April 20th Joe and I became police officers together. During our law enforcement career Joe became my role model. Now in his death Joe has become my inspiration. I hope to touch as many lives in my life as Joe touched in his. And when my life is over I will reunite with Joe in Heaven to serve God for eternity.

Joe, I miss you brother. Love you Man. Your Friend forever. Rusty Cox

PFC
Myrtle Beach Police Dept

Its been over a month since Joe was taken from us but he still lives in all of our officers hearts. Joe was a special officer, one that can never be matched. Joe was the type of officer all of us wish we could be. He loved his job and was proud to put on the badge. Joe you were the best friend and officer that a fellow brother could ask for. Rest in piece brother for one day I will see you again at the gates of heaven.

PFC Allen Amick
Myrtle Beach Police Dept.

I met Joe on a weekend trip while I was in Myrtle Beach at a local store and made conversation with him about his work there. He was a man who truely loved his job and the people he worked with. My prayers are with the family and may god bless you all.

PTL. K.C. Smith
Rockingham Police Dept.

Throught our lives we encounter many friends,
And with those friends we make countless memories
But there's always one that stands out a little bit more than
the others.
He was the one who made everything better with a simple
hello and smile,
He was dedicated to his job and proud doing it each day,
He was surrounded by family and friends who loved him,
and he always put others before himself.
Honest. Dedicated. Proud. Kind.
Full of Life, Laughter, and Love.

One Life
Remembered by Thousands

In Loving Memory of Joe McGarry

Manuela Ardeljan