Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey 322M,

Just wanted to let you know you're still thought of regularly. I used to visit you weekly since your memorial site was on my beat when I was with SDPD. I am a new motor. I hope to be as good of a rider as you were. Take care brother. We will ride together one day.

-JC

M78, Former SDPD
Burbank PD, CA

July 22, 2008

Thinking of you on the 5th anniversary of your EOW. Thanks for serving!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

June 27, 2008

Thinking of you and your loved ones today, you have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol.

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

June 26, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 6, 2007

On this day, 4 years ago, you paid the ultimate sacrifice. I am sure your family felt horrible sorrow in your untimely murder as well as terrific pride in your job as a Police Officer. Thank you for bravely and proudly serving your community. You will always be a hero who will NEVER be forgotten!

Sergeant, Retired
AR

June 26, 2007

Heros are never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to your family, friends and co-workers on the anniversary of your passing. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

June 26, 2007

I just visited your beautiful city last month and met one
of "San Diego's Finest." (I wrecked my rental car :<). I
am sure you are missed. I find it hard to believe the
cruelty you faced from your fellow man. Time has not
diminished your service or sacrifice and this tragedy is
still fresh for those who loved you.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

June 26, 2007

Officer Bennett,
Thinking of you today on the 4th. anniversary of your EOW. Your courageous service to the community of San Diego will forever be remembered. As your family and friends remember you today, may they also know that ordinary citizens around the country are saying thank you for your committment to a job that so few are cut out to do.

Pennsylvania citizen

June 26, 2007

Thank you for your service, still remembered....

wife of a deputy

June 25, 2007

Terry,

I was thinking about my days in Traffic and the bright smile you brought to us each day. Keep smiling in Heaven. I'm sure they need your help.

Charlie

Charlie Hogquist, Lieutenant
SDPS retired/ SDCCD PD

March 12, 2007

My friend you are in my prayers each and every night. After several years I still miss your smile, your sense of humor, and the way you skipped when you walked. That always makes me smile. I miss you Terry...Till I see you again.

Luis
Former co-worker

December 26, 2006

Terry,

I want you to know, you are not forgotten!

I think of you often.

Don Cone Motor Officer
San Diego Police Department

November 1, 2006

You have not been forgotten by those that love you nor will the Blue Family ever let you be forgotten. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 24, 2006

Rest in Peace

Deputy William Bennett
Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

July 8, 2006

May you Rest in peace and may Our Lord continue to comfort and strengthen your loved ones.

June 26, 2006

Terry was never without a smile from ear to ear, and always willing to step up and help a brother officer or citizen. His boys should be well proud of their father and his legacy. our comfort comes in knowing that he is smiling in our Heavenly Father's kingdom. A guardian angel there as every officer goes 10-8. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God". Matthew 5
Rest in peace Terry. You are not forgotten!
Billy

Detective William Santarsiero
San Diego Police Department

April 21, 2006

rest your soul!! your memory will always be with us! thank you for all you have done for all of us!! we all love you!! ill pray for your family and friends!!!

kimberly
epd

January 5, 2006

What a tragic story. I am so glad that scum is off the street. Too bad he is still on this planet. He has no rights. They ended when he took someone elses life, Someone who bravely took to the streets everyday and risked his life so that we could live a safe life. I'm so sorry to his family. May you always know that there are people who appreciate what he did and gave everyday,

God Bless,
OHIO

October 6, 2005

Terry I remember the first time we met. We were at the California Memorial for fallen officers in Sacramento. I have a picture of us standing in front of the Capital. I start every day looking at that picture on my locker. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Fellow Officer
SDPD

August 3, 2005

Terry,

I met you at Motor school and you were one of my training officers there. You were a kind and gentle man. You taught me some good things to keep me safe while riding a motorcycle. I only wish I could have been there for you. Gods Speed brother.

Traffic Officer J. Coley
Ceres Police Department

May 3, 2005

"Till our course on earth is done, may it be said, well done. Be thou at peace."

Police Officer
San Diego Police Department

April 26, 2005

I just stopped by to say we haven't forgotten you or the sacrifice you made, Terry. We miss you.

831M (Ret)

Tom Simonds
SDPD (Ret.)

April 8, 2005

Thanks academy brother for your sacrifice. I graduated in the 111th but we are all brothers and sisters and classmates. I'll look forward to meeting you some day...Jack

Jack Lane
Escondido P.D & La Grande P.D

February 11, 2005

I saw your smile and I went back 15 years. We weren't in the same academy class, but I remember you well. You are my brother and you are missed. You and Ron will live forever, because I will pass on your courage, honor, and sacrifice to my children. I have told them stories of both of you and remind them that it is their sacred duty to pass it on.

I will meet you both at the gates to Heaven and I look forward to going there when my time comes knowing that two of the finest officers I have ever known will have my back. Rest now and wait for me, I'll be 10-6 here for a few.

May God bless and keep your family forever in his arms.

Academy Brother

January 22, 2005

You always had a smile on your face and knew how to fill a room with laughter. Another good officer lost in the line of duty. We've lost a friend, father, husband, and co-worker in such a senseless act. Don't worry Terry, all of your friends are watching over Michelle and the boys. We will always remember you.

Michele Perkins
Family Friend

January 10, 2005