Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Grandpaw Gary, sorry its taken me so long to get on here and write you sumin. i know that i didnt get to meet or see u cuz u died 2 months and 10 days before i was born. Mom and Dad has told me alot about you, and i really wish i could've meet you. I want to let you know you raised a really great daughter. she's the best mom anyone could ask for, i might not be the nicest person to her all the time but i love her. I wish you was here to see alex play football, he's really good im so proud of him. You would be really proud of dad to, he's lost almost 100 pounds now and he runs a gym in lancaster. I really hope i get to see you one day. *Love always and forever* ~Brittany Kay~

Brittany
Grand-daughter

October 3, 2007

Just wanted to thank KK for leaving a note on my son's site and to let everyone know that we will never forget the sacrifice that you made. It's nice to read stories or memories about your father, he really looks like a gentle gaint, the story about the little boy that your father stood up for his mother and they all made it back home, is priceless.
I know that living without your Dad is the biggest sacrifice, but I bet your Dad is watching over all of you and is so very proud of you.
Keep up the good work KK, I'll be watching for you on my sons site... My Blue Candles are still burning bright.

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

October 2, 2007

Kimberly, thank you for the visit and the kind words at Michael's site. I try and write a little Michael story at least once a month and I have found that a number of people visit to read them, sort of a following. Seek out the same for your Dad, ask people that he use to work with or close friends of his to tell you stories. It is a way that they will be written down somewhere and then can be copied and put in a binder for his grand children and even his children to read. I was glad to see that the individual that caused all the pain and suffering in your Dad's life to those he left behind had his parole denied. Seek out letters from other police officers or contact your local COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors) as they will help get the word out for other officers to write the parole board members. I have done it many times and am more than willing to do it for your Dad as you know this individual will be coming up for parole again and does not deserve to get out for the damage, pain and suffering he has caused for the last 16 years. Your Dad is proud of all his children and grand children. I salute your brother for his service to this Country and I know his Dad was proud of him. I know your Dad will continue to watch over all of you and I ask that he keeps coming to you in your dreams to let you know he is near and watching over all of you. It takes a very special kind of person to be a police officer as we sure aren't in it for the money, your Dad was one of those special individuals that gave his life in the service of others and is a true hero. I'd like to leave the following short poem for your family in honor of your Dad:

By Richard Fife

No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.

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

September 30, 2007

Dad,
I hadn't been on here in awhile....I've had you in my heart,& thought's, which is all that matters....I had a knock on my door the other day. It was one of your freind's from law enforcement, that I had never meet. Very nice man...We are gonna try to work on something for you....No-one will never forget you..Keep a look after us....Britt is getting ready to get her licence..she took Rick E. for a ride not long ago....she's brave to take a law officer for a ride just with a permit...lol..she's Brave like you not much she is scared of, or back down from....I know you would have a feild day teaching the kids stuff...and listening to them carrying on...I can see you, out helping teach football..Alex is so big into it dad...He lives, sleeps, and eats football....I'll never forget the day you was tring to teach Mikle some stuff on football and you had Brian, take on Mikel in the back yard @ forest hills....you just laughed and smacked them hands together like you always did....I think of that smile, laughter, smacking your hands together, and popping your jaw..lol..all the time....miss seeing them...I love you.... Love, huggs, and kisses....miss you....Kris

Daughter

September 29, 2007

daddy, the boys and i are sitting here tonight thinking about you. we love and miss you. wish you could be here with us. we talked to mike tonight. we are planning a trip to see him in a few weeks. he sounded good. the baby was eating acorns. mike was trying to get them out of his mouth. wish you could enjoy these boys and girls. watch over them and keep them safe. k

kimberly kidwell
daughter of fallen stanford ky officer gary kidwell

September 28, 2007

my name is not important. Mr. Kidwell knows who i am.

30 years ago, on a stormy, dark night, the state police knocked on our door to arrest our mother. My father had died the year before. MY mother "SUPPLEMENTED" her income by what is know in KY as "bootlegging". we never had anything but clothes to wear, a leaky roof over our head, and food stamps to feed us. we were happy and our mother loved us. she was a very good mom to us. she treied evwerything in her power to keep us together. My mom was arrested, 8 kids were put into state custody. A few weeks later their was a court datwe and no one showed on behalf of our mother but Officer kidwell. He told the judge that she was a good mother, that she loved us and she did evwerything she could do to keep our family together. 2 hours later we were sittibng in our 2 room home with our mother. if it had not been for Officer KIdwell standing up for us children and our mom, who knows what would have happened to us.He made all the difference in the world to our family. j a

anonymous
friend

September 27, 2007

daddy, ran into brittany the other day at walmart. you would be so proud. she is gorgeous. kortnee aned brit have grown up. wish you could see them. they are gorgeous. we miss you so much. alot of things are going on with the family right now. wanda has had really bad times. carl and phyllis need prayers. the ellisons have had 2 deaths in 2 weeks. we know we have another funeral in less than a week. times are hard on us all. mike brought that sweet baby down here for wanda and grandma noe to see last weekend. we miss you wso much. wish you could be here for us now. we buried uncle bobby last week. it made me think of you. remember the underwear? you know? kristi, if you read this you know that i love you and yours. i am not judgmental like everyone else. live and let live. i am no one to judge or condemn anyone. i miss you. i need you guys. my number is under a newcomb in the phonebook. we need to stand together in these hard times. daddy, life has been hard on us all. you were the glue that kept us together. watch over us. we love you and miss you. we need you more than ever. do you remember when we were little and we would go to uncle fred's and you would make your famous hotdog chili? what i would give for just one more night of that. our lives were torn apart the day that you left us. it has hurt us so bad. we are all alone and suffering. i was told the other day by a coworker what a ggod person that i was but he couldn't figure me out because i just didn't care about anything. it is so hard to care when everything is taken away from you. you were are strength, our sense of belonging. without you, we are all looking for our place in this world. we lost you. we lost mom. us kids lost each other. loves have came and gone. krsti and mike have a good life. they have their family. i would trade places with them in a minute. the boys are coming to spend the weekend with me. i cherish those moments. the rest of the time i am so alone. we miss you so bad. can't wait until we can see you again. you were the most wonderful daddy. you took care of us. you loved us. most of all, you never traded us for a beat up old car or a coon dog haha. love you forever. see you soon but not quick enough. big one sissy a

kimberly kidwell
daughter of fallen stanford ky officer gary kidwell

September 27, 2007

Grandpa Gary,
I have heard so much about you. When Grandma Kidwell was alive she use to tell me I looked so much like you, and have had alot of people tell me that. They say where I'm short and stocky I look so much like you. They say we favor in the eyes too. I even followed in your foot steps I play football. We go every year to Daytona to play in a championship football game. Last year we came in 2nd. This year we hope to go see your name at the Police Hall Of Fame, while we are down there. I have watched you on alot of home videos. Even though I never met you I miss you and love you. mama talks about you all the time. I talk all the time to alot of your friends from the police department. They come and set on our front porch and talk to us alot at night. Say some prayers for us Brittany goes for her drivers licence in 2 weeks. HA HA. Watch over me papa. I Love You Papa.
Alex

Alex Sexton McGuffey
Grandson

September 22, 2007

daddy, just got home from having the most wonderful weekend. the boys and i went to harlan co to spend a few days with mikel and baby ethan. they both look so much like you. mike is doing so well. i am soproud of him. he is a wonderful father and husband. he looks good, too. so much has been lifted off of him. he went through a bad ordeal like a trooper. he always does, doesn't he? he is working in the coal mines. he has a way of worrying us. from iraq to the coal mines! his family is gorgeous. you would be so proud. we also sat around laughing, telling funny things on you. your grandsons loved it!

kimberly kidwell
daughter of fallen stanford ky officer gary kidwell

September 19, 2007

As long as I am on this Earth...i will not let you be forgotten.....Love you brother....

August 4, 2007

It is wonderful that your brother wants to be such a good dad. In times like these where you have fathers that don't even have anything to do with their kids. It's good to know there are those that don't try to ignore that responsibility. Maybe your brother and his son can grow up to be just like their father's before them. I wish your family all love that my family has. Take care.

anonymous

July 19, 2007

Just wanted to say that I'm thinking of you and your family today, your daughter has written on many Officers sites, my son is one. The day that she wrote on my son's I was sitting at the hospital with my brother, you guys must have sent her a message. Thank you Kimberly, I hope one day we will get to meet you, keep up the good work and keep writing, like you I come to these sites often, just can't help it, I think Clint pulls me here.
We will never forget the sacrifice you and your family has made, the Blue Candles are still burning in my windows.

Connie Barker Fort Walton Beach, Fl
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04 Prattville, Al

July 2, 2007

DADDY, JUST GOT WONDERFUL NEWS. ALL OF OUR PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED. IT ONLY TOOK TIME, FAITH AND PRAYER. I KNOW YOU HAD A HAND IN IT ,ALSO. MIKEL SHOULD BE COMING BACK HOME TO US IN A WEEK OR SO. BE WITH HIM. HELP HIM. SEND HIM SOME OF YOUR COURAGE AND STRENGTH. HE IS SUCH A GOOD KID. HE TRIES. LIFE HAS BEEN HARD ON HIM. HE ONLY NEEDED A BREAK AND MAYBE NOW HE HAS HAD IT. ALL HE WANTS IS TO BE A DADDY TO ETHAN LIKE YOU WERE TO HIM. HE WANTS TO BE THERE AND WATCH HIM GROW. HE REALLY DOES TRY SO HARD. YOU ARE THE ONE THAT HE LOOKS UP TO. T_H_A_N_K_ _GO_D_ EVERYTHING WORKED OUT. KEEP SMILING DOWN UPON US. WE LOVE AND MISS YOU.

KIMBERLY KIDWELL
DAUGHTER

June 23, 2007

DADDY, I READ GREG'S REFLECTION AND IT REMINDED ME OF ALL OF THE GOOD TIMES WE USED TO HAVE. I REMEMBER HOW YOU WANTED GREG TO HAVE THAT MUTANT NINJA TURTLE DOLL. I AM SO GLAD THAT HE REMEMBERS YOU. GREG IS A FINE YOUNG MAN. ONE TO BE PROUD OF. ALL OF YOUR NIECES AND NEPHEWS GREW UP AND THEY ALL HAVE FAMILIES. YOU HAVE A FAMILY TO BE PROUD OF. I SEEN TONI AND HER 3 KIDS AT WALMART. THEY ARE GORGEOUS. THE LITTLE BOY LOOKS JUST LIKE UNCLE FRED. JIM AND MONICA HAVE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN. DETRINA HAS 2 GIRLS THAT ARE THE SPITTING IMAGE OF HER. I WISH YOU COULD SEE ALL OF THE KIDS. WE WOULD ALL HAVE SO MUCH FUN. REMEMBER ALL OF THOSE GET TOGETHERS AT THE OLD HOUSE. YOU WOULD USUALLY END UP WITH A SPRAINED ANKLE AND BE ON CRUTCHES! HAHA I WENT AND VISITED DONNIE HERALD AND CLINTON THE OTHER DAY. JUNIOR SEARS WAS THERE, TOO. I GOT TO SEE UNCLE DENTON AND ANNABELLE AT PAULA'S FUNERAL. THEY ARE THE SWEETEST PEOPLE. I KNOW WHY YOU LOVED THEM SO MUCH. AUNT PHYLLIS WAS THERE. I GUESS HER AND I HUGGED 10 TIMES. SHE IS VERY SPECIAL TO ME. I ONLY WISH YOU COULD BE HERE TO SEE EVERYONE. I HAVE A NEW FRIEND THAT I HANG OUT WITH SOME. SEEMS YOU NARRESTED HIS DAD A FEW TIMES. FUNNY STORIES!

KIMBERLY KIDWELL
DAUGHTER

June 23, 2007

KIMBERLY, HOLD YOUR HEAD UP. ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT OLD SAYING, "THIS TOO SHALL PASS". ANOTHER, "WHEN THINGS GO WRONG AS THEY SOMETIMES WILL...". YOUR DAD IS BY YOUR SIDE. HE IS WATCHING OVER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. WE ALL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

June 21, 2007

Uncle Gary,
I have wanted to leave a reflection on your page for a long time now. But it has been hard to fight back the tears. You was who I looked up to I wanted to be just like you. I remember the time you brought me your old duty belt even though it wrapped around me about four or five times I felt as big as you was. I still have it and think of you all the time.Now I have my own house I have your stanford line up picture and your vote kidwell for sheriff hat on my gun cabinet. I wish that you was still around maybe you and me could try the sheriff's race we would be like Andy and Barney. I always wanted to follow in your footsteps in law enforcement but I am not quite big enough yet so I am settling as a firefighter right now.I loved you then and I love now I WONT LET YOU BE FORGOTTEN PICKLEHEAD. LOVE GREG

Greg Pettit
nephew

June 18, 2007

I wanted to stop at your page and thank your daughter Kimberly for leaving a reflection at my son Michael's page. She apparently is having a rough time right now as are a number of others in your family. I know that you are looking down on them, please help them out and give them some guidance. Stand at their sides and let them feel your presence. I know you have been visiting Kimberly because if she says she awakens and can smell the Cherry tobacco, thats you visiting her to let her know you are near and watching over her. Wrap your wings around all of your loved ones for I know the pain they feel in their broken hearts and all the tears that have fallen over the past 16 years. Probably enough to fill a small pond that everyone could sit next to and think of all the great memories of you. Keep watch over them and guide them in the right direction. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

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

June 13, 2007

daddy, it has been a rough month for us all. i am sure you are watching and know all that is going on. our lives have been crazy here. things are happening that we can't understand. things are spinning out of control. the whole family is going through things that are about to break us all. we really need help. we need strength. we need some hope. just when we think things can't get any worse , it does. your baby boy needs you so right now. we are leaving everything up to god. put in a good word for us. we really need you with us now. we need you more than we ever have. life has thrown some things at us that could you be here, we know would be so much easier on us. we are hurting so bad. we need you for a dozen reasons. you know the number one reason. be with us through this. help us. show us how to get through all of this. send us all the strength that you always had.

kimberly kidwell
daughter of fallen stanford ky officer gary kidwell

June 12, 2007

Being Law Enforcement month, I salute you for your dedicated service to law enforcement and the sacrifice you paid. I can not believe that the individual responsible for all of this pain was even eligible for parole a few years back. He should spend the rest of his life in prison for the pain he has caused all of those left behind. The many holidays, births of grand kids who will only know you by the stories everyone will tell about you, the Hero that you are. Keep watch over all of your loved ones and protect them from harm. You will never be forgotten.

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

May 9, 2007

KIMBERLY AND FAMILY,
FROM MY FAMILY AND I, TO YOU AND YOURS, OUR BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY EASTER.

PATROLMAN KIDWELL, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

April 4, 2007

This message is for Kimberly. I came across a reflection you left for another officer and I looked up your dad. I am about the same age he was when he was taken. I have two beautiful daughters, one named Brittany who is fixing to turn 16. I know your father is watching over you and appreciates your words. Stay strong and know that your father is a hero.

NC Game Warden

March 7, 2007

IM KINDA HOMESICK FOR A COUNTRY TO WHERE IVE NEVER BEEN BEFORE. JUST A FEW MORE DAYS TO LABOUR AND THEN IM GONNA TAKE MY HEAVENLY FLIGHT. BEULAH LAND SWEET BEULAH LAND WHERE MY PAIN WILL END INSIDE. JUST A FEW MORE DAYS TO LABOUR THEN IM GONNA TAKE MY HEAVENLY FLIGHT. DOWN HERE MY BURDENS ARE HEAVY AND THE ROAD IS ROUGH AND LONG SOMETIMES MY FEET GET WEARY AND SO SORE BUT A BRIGHTER DAY IS COMING SOON ILL STEP ON HEAVENS SHORE AND I WONT HAVE TO WORRY ANYMORE. NO I WONT HAVE TO WORRY WHEN I REACH THE OTHER SHORE ALL MY TROUBLES WILL BE OVER AND ILL REST FOREVER MORE MY EYES WILL BE ON JESUS AND MY HEART WILL BE AGLOW AND I WONT HAVE TO WORRY ANYMORE. SOMEDAY WHEN LIFE IS OVER AND IVE SAID MY LAST GOODBYES ILL SEE MY SAVIOUR STANDING AT THE DOOR ILL HEAR HIM SAY YOURE WELCOME ALL YOUR CARES YOUVE LEFT BEHIND AND YOU WONT HAVE TO WORRY ANYMORE NO YOU WONT HAVE TO WORRY WHEN YOU REACH THE OTHER SHORE ALL YOUR TROUBLES WILL BE OVER AND YOUR HEART WILL BE A GLOW AND YOU WONT HAVE TO WORRY ANYMORE

KIMBERLY KIDWELL
DAUGHTER

March 5, 2007

PATROLMAN KIDWELL, YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU DID NOT LOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

KIMBERLY,
I SAW THE REFLECTION YOU LEFT FOR DETECTIVE DRESSEL, WHICH BROUGHT ME TO YOUR DADS PROFILE. YOUR THOUGHTS ON DETECTIVE DRESSELS DEATH AND MINE ARE ALIKE. YOU SAID WHAT'S A 15 YR OLD DOING ON PROBATION. I SAID WHY ISN'T A 15 YEAR OLD HOME SLEEPING PREPARING FOR SCHOOL THE NEXT DAY. AND HOW ABOUT HIS PARENTS? I'LL BET THEY SLEPT GOOD THAT NIGHT. NOW I HOPE THEY HAVE AS MANY SLEEPLESS NIGHTS AS DETECTIVE DRESSELS FAMILY!
I READ THROUGH YOUR DADS REFLECTIONS. IT'S OBVIOUS HOW LOVED HE IS BY HIS FAMILY. AND YOUR FAMILY CONTINUES TO GROW. I AM HAPPY THAT YOUR BROTHER IS HOME FROM IRAQ. THANK HIM FOR ME FOR HIS SERVICE AND A JOB WELL DONE. I PRAY HE FULLY RECOVERS FROM HIS INJURIES FROM THE WAR.
YOU TAKE GOOD CARE, AND ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR CARING AND REFLECTIONS FOR OUR OTHER HEROES.

PATROLMAN KIDWELL, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

February 25, 2007

Sometimes you get the bad guy and sometimes he
gets you.
The shot that killed you also killed a part of us.
It killed a part of your family, both at work and at home.
It killed your dreams, your hopes, your future.
But it must not kill our determination to make this
world a better place or our will to make a difference.
America's streets must be running red with blood with
all the deaths of leos.
Saw that your daughter left a message on someone
else's site and came here to read about you. You had
a long career, but not nearly long enough. It has obviously been a hardship for your family to endure
without you. You would be proud of your kids though as
they have persevered. So happy your daughter fought
so hard for you at the parole hearing. I wish we didn't
live in such a harsh, cruel world. Our only ticket out is
Jesus Christ, the Savior of our souls. God bless.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

February 25, 2007

daddy, just realized that we havent told you about your new grandson. he came into tjis world at the harlan co hospital. he was almost 7 lbs. his name is ethan gary ray kidwell. he is gotgeous. iwas there when he was born. i spent the most wonderful week in the mountains. ethan has your dimples and big brown eyes. he doesnt have much of a hairline, either ha ha. did i mention that he is gorgeous! you now have 7 grandchildren. what would you do with them all running around? kortnee and brittany are 16. scott is 13 and his voice is changing. he will be 6 ft tall! alex is almost 12. jacob and amber are 10. baby e just turned 3 mos old. they all know what a wonderful grandpa they have. watch over our babies for me, kristi and mikel. in a few years you will have great grandbabies!!! kristi, mikel, and i love and miss you. we arent very close anymore and dont see alot of each other. help us to get close again. all of our love.

kimberly
daughter

February 24, 2007