Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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 15, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 26, 2007

Jimmy,
I just wanted to say thank you for all the advice that you gave me. My Sergeant went to DC this year and got your name off the wall for me. I will never forget you brother. I will always remember the times at WDW we hung out in the parking lots talking shop. RIP Jimmy.

OFC. J. Avery
Clermont Police Department

July 2, 2007

ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE IVE LEFT A REFLECTION BUT NOT SINCE IVE VISITED THIS SITE AND READ THE TRIBUTES LEFT FOR JAMES AND OTHERS. I WAS AT THE CEMETERY THE OTHER DAY AND I STOPPED BY TO VISIT. ITS AMAZING HOW IT SEEMED LIKE YESTERDAY YOU WERE HERE AND NOW ITS GOING ON 4 YEARS SINCE YOU LEFT. AS THIS AGENCY GOES ON ABOUT ITS BUSINESS AND LIFE CONTINUES, I FIND THE FIRST THING I DO WHEN IM NEAR SECTORS 5 AND 6 IS THINK OF THE TIMES WE HAD AND HOW I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO GO ANYWHERE ON THE DISNEY PROPERTY THAT DOESNT REMIND ME OF THE FUN WE HAD. I GUESS SOMEONE FORGOT TO TELL US WE WERE WORKING WHEN WE WERE THERE. I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE STILL MISSED AND THAT YOU WERE A GREAT PERSON AND FRIEND. GOD BLESS...

DFC
ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

April 9, 2007

G-d Bless.

November 24, 2006

Fallen but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

November 9, 2006

In loving memory of D.S. Jimmy
Weaver: 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 no one greater than Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We don't get to Heaven based on what we do, but by the sacrifice He made on the cross for our sins. 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. I am reaching thru this computer and giving a big HUG to your sweet fiancee and your family, both at home and at work. I wish I could erase your pain, but it is God-size and He's the only One up to the task. I love your red hair!!!

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

November 24, 2005

If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go, Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always, Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own, And in time when men decide and feel safe to call the streets insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind. We will see you in Elysium…

OFC Crociata
GPD, Illinois

April 24, 2005

Jimmy each day it does not seem the same here without you stopping by the office. Many times we think and speak of you. You touched so many of us in our lives and are never forgotten. I know you are looking down upon us each day and watching over us. You will be in our hearts and minds. P.S.

Annonymous
WDW

February 19, 2005

1 corintians 13:4-8

4 Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; 5 it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends

Sheriff Weaver thank you for your service and dedication. You will be missed and never forgotten. May your family, fiancee, and everyone who loves you stay strong in the memories and love you shared with them.

I lost my fiancée, Scott Stewart, in August of 2002. There not a day that goes by without him in my heart and mind. I understand the pain your fiancee must feel from being ripped from you to soon. The support and love from others who know my pain have helped tremendously.

Judy, if you ever feel the need to reach out to others who know your pain, please contact me and other s/o’s. A search on yah groups will bring you to us. Just enter the below as it is.

Always remember as long as your heart beats Jimmy will be with you. He’s there everyday in your heart.

Hugs,
Monica
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit

OfficerDownSignificantOthers

February 16, 2005

It's hard to believe a whole year has
passed since you've left your family
and friends.

I wanted to let you know that your friends at the PD will always remember you.

Your mother brought an awesome
picture of you, which is now in the
lobby for everyone to see.

Your still in our thoughts and prayers.

Barbara Arnovitz
Rockledge PD

November 24, 2004

My thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Weaver's family, friends and co-workers on this 1 year anniversary and every day.

L.E.O. Wife

November 24, 2004

It was exactly 6 months ago today you were taken away from us. It's been very hard trying to go on without you, Jovanni and I miss you every single day of our lives. Please keep watching over us and help me find the strenght to keep going. We'll always love you and miss you.
Forever in my heart,
Judy

Judy - Fiance

May 24, 2004

Jimmy, Although its been six months, it seems like only yesterday. You are in my prayers and thoughts. You are so missed by your family and friends. I would like to express my condolences to your mother and father, Judy and especially Jovanni. I know that you are safe and watching over us. You are a true saint. Until we meet again my friend. Psalm 116:15

May 21, 2004

TODAY WE ATTENDED THE ORANGE COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL AT THE ORANGE COUNTY COURTHOUSE. WHAT A SIGHT TO SEE THE OFFICERS FROM ALL OVER THE STATE COME TOGETHER TO PAY TRIBUTE TO ALL THE FALLEN OFFICERS PAST AND PRESENT. YOUR NAME HAS BEEN FOREVER PLACED ON THE MEMORIAL WALL AND TALK OF YOU AND YOUR CAREER FILLED THE STREETS OF DOWNTOWN ORLANDO. JOVANNI WAS WEARING A DEPUTY UNIFORM SPECIALLY MADE FOR HIM AND HE WAS PROBABLY THE PROUDEST PERSON THERE. ITS AMAZING WHAT THAT UNIFORM STANDS FOR AND HOW IT MADE EVEN A SMALL BOY WALK A LITTLE TALLER. THE SPEECHES RANG OUT AND THAT SENSE OF PRIDE COULD NOT HELP BUT OVERWHELM ALL THAT ATTENDED INCLUDING MYSELF. WHAT AN HONOR IT WAS JUST TO BE ABLE TO ATTEND SUCH AN EVENT.
IM SURE YOU ALREADY KNEW THAT WE HAD AN INCIDENT INVOLVING 2 OF OUR FINEST TODAY. UNWILLING TO GIVE UP AND BOTH HAVING BEEN SHOT, THESE TWO WARRIORS OVERCAME THEIR INJURIES TO SAVE OTHERS. IM SURE YOU ARE WATCHING OVER THESE TWO DEPUTIES AND ITS NOTHING SHORT OF A MIRACLE THAT WE DIDNT LOSE ONE TODAY.
GOD BLESS YOU JAMES AND WE WILL NOT FORGET YOU AND ALL YOU HAVE DONE.

DFC
ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

May 6, 2004

Hey Jimmy
I stopped by to pay you a visit the other day, I was on a call close by. I still can't believe your gone sometimes, you seem as if your still here. There is a great picture of you and Jovanni on your headrest. I can only imagine how much he and Judy miss you, not to mention your mom and dad. Anyway, I just wanted you to know your not forgotten, nor will you ever be. I'll stop by to see you again soon. Keep an eye on us down here, we need it.

Deputy
Orange County SO

March 25, 2004

JAMES,
WE HAD A MEMORIAL BOWL A THON THIS PAST SUNDAY WHICH BROUGHT OUT FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND EVEN THOSE WHO DIDNT KNOW YOU AT ALL. ONCE AGAIN THE TRUE SPIRIT OF BROTHERHOOD WAS SHOWN AND THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT SHOWED UP WAS A TRIBUTE TO YOU.

YOUR MOTHER BROUGHT AN ALBUM OF LETTERS FROM AGENCIES ALL OVER THE WORLD THAT PAID THEIR RESPECT TO YOU. I WAS TOUCHED BY THESE LETTERS AND HOW MUCH EVERYONE CARED AND RESPECTED YOU. I KNOW YOU WOULD BE PROUD OF NOT ONLY OUR AGENCY, BUT ALL THE AGENCIES THAT SHOWED UP, NOT TO MENTION YOUR LONGTIME FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THE BUSINESSES THAT SHOWED UP FROM YOUR OLD SECTOR IS ALSO A TRIBUTE TO HOW MUCH YOU MEANT TO THE COMMUNITY AND HOW THEY MISS YOU.

WE SPENT AN AFTERNOON ONCE AGAIN TELLING INCREDIBLE STORIES ABOUT YOU AND YOUR YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. WE LAUGHED FOR A CHANGE AND EVERYONE THERE HAD SOMETHING SPECIAL IN COMMON, THEY WANTED TO PAY TRIBUTE TO A LOST FRIEND.

WE WILL NOT FORGET WHAT A GREAT PERSON AND DEPUTY YOU ARE. DAYS LIKE SUNDAY SHOW HOW MUCH YOU ARE MISSED AND WHAT A MARK YOU HAVE LEFT HERE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA. GOD BLESS YOU JAMES AND THANKS FOR ALL YOU DID FOR EVERYONE.

DFC
ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

February 25, 2004

Jimmy, We still hear you drive in the driveway and come in the house in the middle of the night. There is no way it is you or is there?...Your angel being is working overtime to help us find and deal with all your belongings.....Thanks to all your friends at Rockledge Police Department and Orange County Sheriff's we're finding new owners. Your friends have been so supportive. Thanks to all friends, family and for all the letters of people you helped and served in your all to short life. We love you so very much....

James' Mom and Dad

James' Mom

February 9, 2004

In honor of the memory of Deputy James Weaver, I will be riding with the Police Unity Tour, Chapter IV. We will be riding from Chesapeake, Va to Washington, D.C. for the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial during Police Week. In honor of Dep. Weaver, during the ride I will be wearing a memorial bracelet bearing Dep. Weaver's name and End Of Watch. Deputy Weaver will not be forgotten. I would consider it an honor and a priviledge to present this bracelet to either representatives of the Orange County Sheriff's Office or Dep. Weaver's family, if they so desire, as a small token of respect and honor for Deputy Weaver.

I do not wish to intrude on the family's private rememberances, but we are honoring Dep Weaver and all those Law Enforecment Officers that have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Very Respectfully Submitted,
Paul C. Barnhill,
(Former) Master Police Officer
Virginia Beach Police Dept.
Police Unity Tour, Chapter IV

Paul C. Barnhill, Former Master Pol Off
Va Beach Va, Police Dept.

February 9, 2004

It's been nine weeks since you were taken away from us; there isn't a day that goes by that I do not think about you, Jovanni and I miss you very much, we wish you could be here with us again.
I try to be strong for our families and friends, but I don't think the pain will ever go away. This is just too hard!
Please keep watching over us.
Love always,
Judy

James Fiance

January 28, 2004

Dear Jimmy
Sorry it's taken so long to write this, but I can't imagine this world without one of my brothers. Thanks for all those times you've saved my butt, especially back in high school. I remember when I had to say goodbye to you and Mike when you left for the Army. You guys were always here to look out for me and keep me out of trouble. You left as boys (ROTC Geeks) and came back as men (Soldiers). I remember when I would tag along with the guys and you always seemed to be the one who drew the short straw and got stuck babysitting me. Thank you. I remember I was making a rum cake and had to call poison control. Thank God you were there!!! (we all know I can't cook). I remember when you were trying to teach me and Kim how to drive a stickshift. We ended up totalling your car and you took it with stride. It only took two weeks for you to talk to me again. I laugh as I remember when you were showing me how to shoot (when I already knew how better than you guys). You made the mistake of putting your finger in front of the barrel and I almost shot your finger off. It only took three weeks that time for you to talk to me again. I recall not being allowed to shoot your guns again.
My heart goes out to your mom, dad, Alicia, Judy and Giovanni. I never had the pleasure of meeting Judy, but she must have been wonderful for you to plan on spending the rest of your life with. I know your in heaven watching over all of us.
Watch over the old gang and we'll all be back together again someday.

Michele
Lifelong friend

January 25, 2004

I HAD THE PLEASURE OF BEING HIRED WITH JAMES AT ORANGE COUNTY AND WORKING AS HIS ZONE PARTNER. JAMES LOVED BEING A DEPUTY AND I COULDNT PICTURE HIM DOING ANYTHING BUT POLICE WORK. JAMES WAS ALWAYS THERE TO BACK YOU UP AND WILLING TO LEND A HAND TO GET THE JOB DONE. JAMES WAS TRULY A GREAT DEPUTY AND A GREAT PERSON. ITS A SAD DAY WHEN A BROTHER FALLS, ESPECIALLY WHEN HE IS OUT HELPING OTHERS AND SIMPLY DOING HIS JOB. HIS HUMOR AND INTELLIGENCE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY MYSELF AND OUR AGENCY.

DFC DON COMPTON
ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

January 18, 2004

It is time heals all wounds but this one seems impossible. Jimmy was such a wonderful son and person, we get letters and cards daily telling of his goodness, things we never knew because it was with his job and that was confidential. Our lives will never be the same, tears still come without warning,when something or someone reminds us of one of his many passions, fishing, hunting, websites,NASCAR.guns, are just a few. We are so blessed to have had Jimmy in our lives for a brief 37 and 3/4 years. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and messages. Let's keep each other in our prayers
now and forever.

We love and miss James very much.
Mom

Marilyn Weaver, James' Mom

January 8, 2004

" JUST A COP "

THE FUNERAL LINE WAS LONG.
THERE'S AN AWFUL LOT OF CARS.
FOLKS CAME OUT OF THE RESTAURANTS,
THEY CAME OUT OF THE BARS.
THE WORKERS AT THE CONSTRUCTION SITES
ALL LET THEIR HAMMERS DROP.
SOMEONE ASKED. "WHAT IS THIS ALL FOR?"
AND THEY SAID, AW, JUST A COP."

SOME CHUCKLED AT THE PASSING CARS.
SOME SHED A SILENT TEAR
SOME PEOPLE SAID, IT'S STUPID."
ALL THESE DUMB POLICEMEN HERE."
"HOW COME THEY ARE NOT OUT FIGHTING CRIME?"
OR IN A DOUGHNUT SHOP?"
"SURE IS A LOT OF TROUBLE,
FOR SOMEONE WHO'S JUST A COP.",

THEY BLOCKED THE INTERSECTIONS,
THEY BLOCKED THE INTERSTATE.
PEOPLE YELLED AND CURSED,
"DAMM, IT'S GONNA MAKE ME LATE!"
"THIS IS REALLY RIDICULOUS!"
"THEY'RE MAKIN' US ALL STOP!"
"IT SEEMS THEY ARE SURE WASTIN' TIME,
ON SOMEONE WHO'S JUST A COP."

INTO THE CEMETERY NOW.
THE SLOW PROCESSION COMES,
THE WOEFUL TAPS ARE SLOWLY PLAYED.
THERE'S LOUD SALUTES FROM GUNS.
THE GRAVEYARD WORKERS SHAKE THEIR HEADS
"THIS SERVICE IS A FLOP."
"THERE'S LOTS OF GOOD WORDS WASTED,
ON SOMEONE WHO'S JUST A COP."

YEAH, JUST A COP TO MOST FOLKS.
DID HIS DUTY EVERY DAY.
TRYING TO PROTECT US,
TILL THEY TOOK HIS LIFE AWAY.
AND WHEN HE GOT TO HEAVEN,
ST.PETER PUT HIM AT THE TOP.
AN ANGEL ASKED HIM,
"WHO'S WAS THAT?""AND HE SAID, "AW, JUST A COP."
" THE JUDGEMENT "
THE OFFICER STOOD AND FACED HIS GOD,
WHICH MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS.
HE HOPED HIS SHOES WERE SHINNING,
JUST AS BRIGHTLY AS HIS BRASS.
"STEP FORWARD NOW, OFFICER,
HOW SHALL I DEAL WITH YOU?
HAVE YOU ALWAYS TURNED THE OTHER CHEEK?
TO MY CHURCH HAVE YOU BEEN TRUE?"

THE OFFICER SQUARED HIS SHOULDERS AND SAID,
"NO LORD, I GUESS I AINT.
BECAUSE THOSE OF US WHO CARRY A BADGE CAN'T
ALWAYS BE A SAINT.

I'VE HAD TO WORK MOST SUNDAYS,
AND AT TIMES MY TALK WAS ROUGH,
AND SOMETIMES I'VE BEEN VIOLENT
BECAUSE THE STREETS ARE TOUGH.

BUT I NEVER TOOK A PENNY
THAT WASN'T MINE TO KEEP
THOUGH I WORKED A LOT OF OVERTIME,
WHEN THE BILLS GOT TO STEEP.
AND I NEVER PASSED A CRY FOR HELP
THOUGH AT TIMES I SHOOK WITH FEAR.
AND SOMETIMES, GOD FORGIVE ME,
I'VE WEPT AN UNMANLY TEAR.
I KNOW I DON'T DESERVE A PLACE AMONG THE PEOPLE HERE
THEY NEVER WANTED ME AROUND EXCEPT TO CALM THEIR FEAR.

IF YOU'VE A PLACE FOR ME HERE,LORD
IT NEEDN'T BE SO GRAND
I NEVER EXPECTED OR HAD TOO MUCH,
BUT IF YOU DON'T ...I'LL UNDERSTAND


THERE WAS A SILENCE ALL AROUND THE THRONE,
WHERE THE SAINTS OFTEN TROD.
AS THE OFFICER WAITED QUIETLY FOR THE JUDGEMENT OF HIS GOD.

"STEP FORWARD NOW, OFFICER"
"YOU'VE BORNE YOUR BURDEN WELL"
"COME WALK A BEAT ON HEAVEN'S STREET,"
YOU'VE DONE YOUR TIME IN HELL"

JIMMY, REST IN PEACE,
NICHOLAS R. GALLUZZI, FOP LODGE 57 NY, PRESIDENT

SR. COURT OFFICER
NYS COUNTY COURT

January 2, 2004

Jimmy
i know your gonna be a great angel in heaven due to all the hard work that you accomplished here on earth. Its good to know you are now proctecting heaven with all the other fallen heroes. God Bless you and your family and I will see you when its my time to help you protect the heavens.

Investigator Nick Galluzzi
Rockledge Police Department

January 2, 2004