San Diego Police Department, California
End of Watch Friday, April 25, 2003
Reflections for Police Officer Gerald Kieffer Griffin, Jr.
Jerry, I was stunned to hear the sad news of your passing almost a year after the fact. You were one of the funniest guys I ever knew. I was sorry to see you leave the Secret Service all those years ago, but I knew that you were a beach bum at heart like me! I have to tell everyone my best memory of you which I still tell people to this day. We had only been assigned to the White House for a few months. No one really likes the assignment so we all found ways to amuse ourselves. Jerry was one of the best at this. One morning, about ten minutes before roll call, Jerry emerged from the locker room into the roll call room dressed ONLY in his uniform hat, gun belt with his favorite 8" Colt Python instead of his service revolver, SMALL bikini briefs and black leather shoes with knee high black socks! With hands on hips and showing off that cut torso and that sly Jerry grin, he threw up a crisp salute and announced to everyone that he was reporting for duty. Man, that whole room laughed for the rest of the day. Even the watch commander had to let go with a laugh. I really miss those days with you and the rest of my class mates. Jerry, you and I were definitely part of the greatest recruit class in the history of the Uniformed Division. May God keep you safe with him, but please, don't keep him laughing for too long....He's a busy guy! We love & miss ya Jer.
Sergeant Thomas Jones
U.S. Secret Service / Uniformed Division
January 22, 2005
JERRY-
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!HOW I WISH WE WERE
AT DONOVANS CELEBRATING AGAIN!YOU ARE SO MISSED.I PRAY YOU ARE AT PEACE AND HAPPY IN A WONDERFUL PLACE.
CHRISTINA
October 28, 2004
Officer Gerald Griffin, I never had the pleasure of meeting you in person, but since you were in my dad's motor unit, I have heard your name several times. I still remeber that fateful day in April. My mind will never forget the way every officer mourned. I'll never forget my dad coming home from work, a black stripe over his badge. I pray for you tonight, Officer Griffin. I pray that you are with God now, smiling on us from above.
Bryan Hendrix, San Diego citizen
October 21, 2004
Hi Jer, Just thinking of you today while the rain falls here. I finally sold my Harley. Just wasn't the same riding without you; I know others feel the same way. I miss you more now than ever. I still keep your picture in my room so I see ya everyday. Love ya always, Dbl D
DEANNA DOTTA/CSO
SDPD
October 19, 2004
When tomorrow starts without me
And I'm not there to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
Filled with tears for me
I wish you wouldn't cry
The way you did today
While thinking of the things
We didn't get to say
I know how much you cared
As much as I cared for you
And each time you think of me
Know I miss you too
But when tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand
He said my place was ready
In heaven far above
And I had to leave behind
All those I dearly love
But as I turned to walk away
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought
I didn't want to die
I had so much to live for
So much still to do
It almost seemed impossible
That I was leaving you
I thought of all the yesterdays
The good ones and the bad
I thought of all the times we shared
And all the fun we had
If I could relive yesterday
Even for awhile
I'd say goodbye and hug you
Just to see you smile
And when I thought of all the things
I might miss come tomorrow
I thought of you and when I did
My heart was filled with sorrow
But when I walked through Heaven's gates
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me
From his mighty golden throne
He said " This is eternity
And all I've promised you
Today your life on earth has passed
But here it starts anew"
"I promise no more sorrow
and happiness will always last
And since each day is wonderful
There's no longing for the past"
"You have been so faithful
So brave and so true
And you have seen so many things
No one should have to go through"
"But you have been blessed
And now at last you are free
So won't you reach out and take my hand
And share this new life with me"
So when tomorrow starts without me
Don't think we are far apart
For every time you think of me
I'm right here, in your heart.
Anonymous
April 25, 2004
Jerry-1 year has gone by-I still think of you every day.
You're my strength, the light that guides me.
The angel beside me, the path that I walk.
Your memory is what leads me to be a better person.
I miss you so-be happy and at peace.
Christina
April 25, 2004
Hey Jer
This year has been a difficult one…
Often my thoughts are of you...
I wish you had more time here.
Many of my friends went to Laughlin this year…
Remember when someone pulled the fire alarm at the hotel…
and you tried to pry it off the wall?
Many good memories my friend –
Sure wish you were here to make more.
Your presence is greatly missed.
Always – Me
Rebl Sol
Anonymous
April 25, 2004
Jerry,
I was just thinking of you today, and the fun times we had as partners. Everday I go to work and pass by your locker, wondering how this could have happened to such a good guy like you. I still have the video of my 30th suprise party that you helped my wife set up. Gosh was that a fun time! I miss you friend.
P. Stanley
SDPD
March 14, 2004
Hey Jerry,
I think of you every day. I see your picture in the locker room and I always say "hi Jerry" as I pass by. I think of you when I'm cleaning my bike, or sitting at the beach. I think of you when I wear your leather jacket you gave me when I graduated the CSO academy; it's the best jacket ever because it was yours before you got too buff!
I love you my brother, and miss you always.
Deanna
Deanna Dotta
San Diego Police
February 19, 2004
Thank you Officer Griffin for keeping us safe from bad. God bless you.
Renny Kassel
California Citizen
January 26, 2004
Hey Jer…. Merry Christmas 2003
Know that on every holiday, every birthday… every day..
You are thought of and your presence here is missed.
It still seems too hard to believe that you are not around the corner….enjoying the day, splashing in the puddles or riding along the beach.
I pray you are keeping tabs on all of us and that you are safe.
I miss you deeply.
Always- Me
Rebl Sol
Anonymous
December 25, 2003
Happy Birthday Jerry-
You are so loved and missed, not a day goes by that you are not thought of -if only we could have you back!You were such
a caring, funny, honorable man.Thank you for doing a job that
ultimately you gave your life for, so that we would have a safer place to live.The sun will never shine as bright without you here. You are forever in our hearts.
October 28, 2003
Jerry-
It still seems so unreal that you're not here anymore. Every day since you've gone, I see Police Officers every where
I go and it makes me think of you and cry. There is so much
I wish I could have told you. I think back over the years we knew each other and the memories we shared and I can't
believe I'll never see you again. Thank you for everything you
did for me, for the times we spent together-I will never forget.
Though part of my heart will always be scared, I dream you
have found a place of perfect roads, perfect days, complete
happiness and peace.
You will live forever in my memories.
Christina
It so hard to believe you are gone. It seems like you should still be showing up to line-up and making some smart remark. We miss you. Rest in peace my fellow motor officer/brother. May God keep his eye on you in heaven, as he watches over Ashley on earth.
Motor Officer Don Cone
San Diego Police Department
Gerry, you were one of my best friends when we worked together in traffic (1991-1992) You always made me laugh and we had alot of fun together! I was heartbroken when I first heard the news, I'm only glad I was told by a mutual friend of ours.
I went to the National Police Memorial this year for the second time in D.C. It was very emotional for me. God bless you brother and God Bless your daughter and the rest of the San Diego Police Dept!
Sgt. Mike Genack
Kennewick Police, Wa
ONLY THE BEST
One heart of gold stopped beating
Two shinning eyes at rest
God broke our hearts to prove
He only takes the best
God knows you had to leave us
But you did not go alone
For part of us went with you
The day he took you home
To some they may forget
To others part of the past
But to those of us who knew you
Your memory will forever last
Anonymous
Jerry you became a part of me in 1987 when we first became partners in East San Diego. You became a part of my entire family when we became partners once again on our motors in 2001.
You have been gone for two months now. My wife Mone' thinks of you daily as do I. We miss having you over for dinner, for DQ and your daughter Ashley hanging out with our Christa.
We all miss you very much and will always feel a part of our family will be missing. Rest now and don't worry about Ashley we are all looking out for her and will ensure she is taken care of and she will know how proud of her you were. Mone' our family and I will never for get you.
Motor Officer Bryan Young & Family
San Diego Police
To the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Griffin, may God bless and comfort you. This hero will never be forgotten.
Jamie Johnson, surviving sister of
Officer Jon Cook
San Francisco Police Dept.
You will never be forgotten, you will live on in the hearts and prayers of peace officers, survivors and grateful citizens everywhere. God bless you.
Linda Wagers
Spouse of CHP Sgt. Gary Wagers, EOW 3/15/01
Jer
I worry that I will forget memories of you and times shared.
What is a life. Where does it go....
You lived every day, touching so many lives, meeting so many needs, filling so many hearts.
I hope you are fulfilled and pleased.
And I hope your search is over.
May your soul be at ease and refreshed.
God will watch over you & you over him....
Know we all love you and always will...I will not forget.
Forver-Me
Rebl Sol
I was with Jerry in Washington, DC., back in 1983. We went through training together with the US Secret Service. He was a funny, helpful guy. My remaining friends sent me your notice Jerry. It's sad to know you not with us anymore. I was just thinking about you the other day. I seemed I was missing all of my old buddies like Don, Bobby and Leo. You take care, and we'll all see you again one day.
Rest in Peace Brother.
Jack Libby
Senior Officer John H. Libby
Raleigh Police Department
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officersof Officer Griffin.
While many of us in law enforcment wear different colored uniforms, we all share a common goal. We protect society from the criminal element. Rest well my friend, those of us who remain will cover your place on the thin blue line.
Anonymous
I thought I saw you today
You were standing in the sun and you turned away
And I knew it couldn't be, but my heart believed
It seems like something everyday
How could you be so far away
When you're still here
I had a dream last night
That you came to me on silver wings of light
I flew away with you in the painted sky
And I woke up wondering what was real
Is it what you see and touch or what you feel
You're still here
You're everywhere we've ever been
You're still here
I heard you in a stranger's laugh
And I hunger on to hear your laugh again
Just once again......
CTL
To the family, friends, and coworkers of Officer Griffin... may time eventually help to ease your pain; please know people across the country feel for you.
May Peace be with you all.
Samantha
Youngstown, Ohio Citizen
I say thank you to cops, docs, military, firemen and a special prayer for Jerry. They make my life possible.
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