Tucson Police Department, Arizona
End of Watch Monday, May 26, 2003
Reflections for Officer Patrick Kent Hardesty
I just read that your killer was convicted. Justice has been served. Rest in Peace.
Special Agent Darin L. Paul
FBI
February 26, 2005
Rest in Peace, Brother. You have served this world well and have been called Home to continue your service under the Supreme Commander. A proven warrior, you will never be forgotten. Pass the sword to those of us who are following in your path with the hopes of joining you for an eternal beat Above. Watch over your family and give them strength to forge ahead.
"...ever looked on Heaven's scenes, they would see the streets are guarded by United States Marines!"
Semper Fi!
A Squad
Woodbridge CT PD
January 19, 2005
Patrick Me Lad, I just heard about your death last night. Deputy Joe Montana, Milwaukee County called to tell me. Why the good ones, always the good ones. In my 39 years of Law Enforcement I have met many officers, but none held himself and the police profession to a higher standard. I vividly recall meeting you in the hall at the Menomonee Falls P.D.. You had come in to swap police patches while on Officer Recruiting for our Marine Corps in Milwaukee. We enjoyed a wonderful trip to Quantico and many contacts after that. News of your death back in 2003 hurts, the good ones always do. Rest well Patrick Lad, you've earned it. The Lord called you much too early, but the streets must have needed guarding by a good Marine. Semper FI.
Sgt.Danny O'Toole
Menomonee Falls Police, WI (ret)
January 10, 2005
S.A.L.E.T.C. Class 04-3. We are reminded everyday about what the profession of police officer entails. We see your photo in our classroom. We have been told your story countless times. You inspire us. When we're on the street and 10-99 and 10-84 is minutes away. I know you will be there.
Recruit
Tucson Police Department
January 9, 2005
I was so very proud to have known you while you were stationed here in Milwaukee in the Marines. I'm sorry you died this way. your friend, Joe
Deputy I Joe Montana
Milwaukee County Sheriff
January 3, 2005
My sincere condolences to the Hardesty family and the men and women of the Tucson Police Dept. I knew Officer Hardesty when he was a Capt stationed in the Officer Selection Office (OSO), Milwaukee, WI. I just learned of his passing last night and I'm yet deeply saddened. Capt. Hardesty was a good and honorable man, as well as a fine Marine officer. I recall his response whenever asked how he was doing: "Fair to midland." May God continue to bless and strengthen the Hardesty family.
Gunnery Sgt Dion Hill
USMC
December 11, 2004
My sincere condolences to the Hardesty family and the men and women of the Tucson Police Dept. I knew Officer Hardesty when he was a Capt stationed in the Officer Selection Office (OSO), Milwaukee, WI. I just learned of his passing last night and I'm yet deeply saddened. Capt. Hardesty was a good and honorable man, as well as a fine Marine officer. I recall his response whenever asked how he was doing: "Fair to midland." May God continue to bless and strengthen the Hardesty family.
Gunnery Sgt Dion Hill
USMC
December 11, 2004
Dear Officer Hardesty- I never had the pleasure of meeting you, I learned of your passing from your collegue Officer Harbinger. I'd like to thank you for your courage and service...you will forever be in our minds and in our hearts. May God bless and keep you and your family.
D. Ternes
October 27, 2004
Hey Pat, two Phoenix Police officers were killed yesterday. It brought back the memories like it was yesterday when you were taken from us. Know that we are keeping the faith and keeping your memory alive.
Ofc Curtis Walker
Tucson Police Department
August 30, 2004
Your was not in vain. Thank you for your service. We will never forget!
Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department
August 10, 2004
Lt. Hardesty,
You were a Lt. in the Marines aboard Camp Pendleton, and I was a mere Lcpl, far from home in Texas, but both of us were military police officers. I had recently tried out for Camp Pendleton S.W.A.T. (SRS), and you were my watch commander who gave me many long talks and guidance prior to joining S.W.A.T., most of which I followed gladly. You not only spoke to me as a Lt. to a Lcpl but as a mentor and always made me look beyond at what may be a better way to do things.
This week I was looking at the officer down memorial notebook which my agency keeps. I came across your name and photo and felt saddened that such an outgoing and good man was taken. I know that you were doing what you loved. God Bless.
Patrolman
La Porte Police Dept.
July 20, 2004
Pat, I heard today that your designator 3A61 is not going to be reassigned to another officer after one year, as originally planned. Instead, 3A61 will be on permanent assignment to you. Your previous beat and squad will be covered by 3X61, as it has been for the last year in your absence. That's probably just as well, because you left some humongous shoes to fill - and nobody wants to try.
Brother Pat, keep watch over all of us out there until we have a chance to "10-45" with you again on your new beat next to His throne. I hope to see you there...
May 28, 2004
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, 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 mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
I ran across this yesterday as I was thinking of you.
CBR
U.S. Navy
May 27, 2004
One year ago this date Officer Patrick K. Hardesty lost his life in the never ending pursuit of justice. We continue to mourn his loss in this senseless act of violence and we extend our deepest thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers. All of our shifts today are dedicated to the memory of this hero. Officer Hardesty will never be forgotten by us.
OMY/COP/WPD
5/26/04
Chief of Police / Olen M. Young
Wauneta PD Nebraska
May 26, 2004
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.
Today, May 26, 2004 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Officer Patrick K. Hardesty 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 Hardesty’s sacrifice will never be forgotten
Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC
May 26, 2004
Pat,
Almost one year...You will be honored next week for your service and sacrafice...just let it be known that you are missed each and every day!!! You have been an inspiration to many since your passing, so let it be known you are as much alive today as you were 10 years ago!!! Take care and say "HI" to Scotty (Detroit P.D. Ofc. Scott Stewart EOW 08-11-02) for me!!!
Kurt
Dep. Kurt Dabb
Pima Coutny Sheriff's Dept.
May 10, 2004
Officer, Captain, Husband, Friend, Colleauge...
This remembrance is truth in words of just how many lives you have touched, and how many people will always remember your commitment and dedication to your Country, and your City (espically those you wrote traffic tickets to). I have friends in Tucson and surrounding communities. They watched your funeral service; broadcast live on TV. These are people who never met you, and only knew of you as a police officer. These retired Marines, the toughest in the world, watched and sobbed.
May God allow you to rove the gates with your red and blues on, sirens wailing. One day, I will have the honor of meeting you, and I'll make sure I'm doing the posted limit.
God bless you, your family, the Tucson Police Department, and the entire Law Enforcement and Military communities for keeping us safe from threats, inside and outside, our great country.
Semper Fi Devil Dog
Col. J. Beaman (Ret.)
USMC
April 8, 2004
Captain Hardesty,
"Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr"! Everytime I would see you in the passageway at South Hall, when you were the MOI, I would say "Good Morning, Sir" and you would promptly respond "Rrrrrrrrrrr". Damn, you loved being a Marine. Anytime I hear that now, I think of you.
Anytime I see a law enforcement patch, I think of your office at South Hall.
Remember April 25th, 2003 at 0901 in the morning? I was in town driving and wasn't paying attention to the construction zone on 1900 W. Campell. But you were. I told you straight up I was wrong, and you did the right thing. You always did the right thing. I still have a copy of that ticket. It was the last time I saw you. My last words were "Be safe, sir."
I have never met a man more a patriot, a man whose loyalty and integrity were above reproach. A man who loved being a protector, a Marine, and a policeman.
May we in your wake do our best to live up to the example you have set. You will not be forgotten. Ever.
Fair winds and following seas......
You will be missed.
VR,
Rhoads
U.S. Navy NSA Bahrain
March 31, 2004
I did not have the pleasure of a knowing Officer Hardesty personaly but after attending the service I realized that I had missed out. I took my son with me so that he could experience what it means to show respect for someone who pays the ultimate price on behalf of someone else. Officer Hardesty has my utmost respect and the Hardesty family will be in our prayers.I also look forward to seeing Patrick in Heaven and meeting a true hero. GOD bless you,and all other Law Enfourcement Officers who put ther lives on the line everyday. From a routine traffic accident to a dangerous pursuit, becareful. Thank you for what you do, day in and day out.The Jacobi family
Solano Jacobi
Tucson resident
March 20, 2004
On behalf of the officers of the Winnebago County Sheriffs Office we send our prayers and regrets to Officer Hardesty's wife and children. Your husband and dad made the ultimate sacrifice trying to make sure you had a safe community.
Rest assured that God has assigned Pat to watch over all of you.
Sheriff Mike Brooks
Winnebago County, Oshkosh WI
January 24, 2004
Semper Fi Marine! You were a leader of warriors! My prayers go out to your family during this time of loss!
Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Dept, California
January 3, 2004
Semper Fi Devil Dog. Fair winds and following seas.
Sgt Keith Titus (SSgt USMC Ret.)
Wellton Az. Police Dept.
December 31, 2003
It is so sad to come to this site and see all the officers down.
According to these reflections, you knew Jesus personally and that
blesses me greatly as I know I will meet you face to face one day
and be able to thank you for your sacrifice. There is none greater than
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
We don't get to Heaven based on what we do,
but what He did for us!! AMEN! Thank you for your fine
example to those that worked with you and knew you. There is now a
huge void that cannot be filled, but as you are remembered, thoughts will
turn to your exemplary life and we will be filled with pride and respect
and love for the man you became. You were a wonderful testimony to
the Lord you served. God be with all those who mourn and may His
promises lift all those with heavy hearts for many years to come.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA
December 31, 2003
"Its a glorious day to fight crime and suppress evil"
I will always remember you Pat. I got Justin his Chevron car for you. I only wish I could do more. Your honor and sacrifice will live on in our hearts forever. Keep watch over us brother. See you soon. Godspeed.
Ofc Hawkins
Tucson PD
December 24, 2003
To the Friends and Family of Ofc. Hardesty
My sincere condonlences for the loss. I had the pleasure of trading patches with Pat and can say he helped me start off my collection in the right direction. Fast and honest trader which gave me a good outlook on the hobby. I dont know if there are any words that can help ease the pain. But just know Pat touched many lives, to include all the way across teh US to NH and a friendly patch trader. Thanks.
Ofc. Eric A. Platt
NH State Hospital Police
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