Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jimmy was a young kid with alot of potential. I met Jimmy in the Army and Iam glad and proud to call him a friend. He is a Hero. He will be missed.

Xavier Isaac
US Army / Friend

March 30, 2011

Jimmy,
Today is your birthday. I woke up early wondering as usual what you would look like now, what you would have accomplished by now in the Border Patrol and mostly how you would be raising our sons. I miss you, the kids miss you, everyone misses you. The kids, my family and your real friends still talk about you all the time. Your boys are so big and so much like you it is uncanny. I wonder all the time if you are really gone because these boys act so much like you even though they never really had the chance to get to know you, how would they know these things? The only answer that I can come up with is that you are still here, at least through them. I hope that as time passes and they need the guidance only a father can give to a son, that you will be an even stronger presence for them and give them what they need from you. I love you. Happy birthday.


Love Always,


Monica

Monica Epling
Wife

March 10, 2011

It is young men like you who make this country great. It is
so sad thinking of the legacy you left behind and you are not here to help your Monica with the monumental task of raising your sons without you. Her spirit is sweet and loving and I am so sad that your family will have to die to live with you again. But there is a better day coming and when that reunion comes, there will be no more tears or sadness. Whenever that comes, know that your family misses and loves you and God will replace those years that were lost. God bless all the Eplings! Only Christ can give you
a Merry Christmas!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

December 16, 2010

I Thought that with the passage of time
the day would surely come when I would not cry.
Yet here we are seven years later it's not easier
and I don't sleep any better.
I still hear your voice, I still see your face
I still miss your scent and long for your embrace.
It's little consolation that I will see you again-
at some indefinate date when I get to Heaven.
Until that day I carry on;
holding back my tears, trying to be patient and pretending to be strong.
Until that day when I see, hear and feel you again
I continue to enjoy the reminders of you that live on through our children.
Until the day when we are reunited again;
Rest in Peace Jimmy- Friend, Son, Brother, Lover, Father and Husband.

MY LOVE for you was, is and will be ETERNAL.
Love,
MONICA

Monica Epling
Wife

December 16, 2010

Sir, I am truly honored to be able to leave something in your memory today, to be able to reflect on your sacrifice. I know no other words to say, but 'thank you'. May you rest in peace.

Friend of USFS Off. Kris Fairbanks, RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

October 7, 2010

Dear Dad,
I miss you. People say I look and act just like you. I will be nine soon, I wish you were here for it. I think about you and miss you all the time. Watch out for us.

Love, Your son,
Seth

Seth M. Epling
son

September 6, 2010

Dear Dad,
I miss and think about you everyday. Everybody says I look and act just like you. I will be turning nine years old in December. I wish you could be here. I believe you are watching us and taking care of us. I love you.

Love, your son,

Seth

Seth M. Epling
son

September 5, 2010

Hey Jimmy,

Today's your birthday and you would've been 31 today. When Monica and I talk, often getting into some hilarious stories, I can't help but recall what a remarkable person you are. I have to say that in the present tense as I know you are still the driving force protecting your family no matter what. You remain to this day, and for all time, in a very special part of my heart and as I continue to hear about the silly things your kids say from Monica, I can't help but smile knowing that you are getting a kick out of how alike you and the kiddos are. You are thought of daily and know that your family is not only in my thoughts in prayers, but hopefully we'll be living close by in the near future. I can still hear that earnest voice of yours, knowing that you are the type of person who would always aim to do what is right, and that serves as a major part of my motivation to continue improving and growing as a person. You are indeed missed, battle.

SGT B
US Army (345th CSH)

March 9, 2010

We remember you on your birthday and we honor your service when appropriate. Our smiles grow brighter and our hearts weigh lighter at the thought of your courage, friendship, and sacrifice you forfeited to this wonderful country. As a colleague in servitude I would shake your hand, but as a friend, I would give you a hug…say congratulations on being so honorable…and wish your family every bit of happiness and care that you shared with me during our friendship. For the Eplings, the new and the old, keep your faith strong, your chin high, and your smile as bright as his ever was. Always admired, hardly forgotten, and never replaced, we miss you Jimmy, thank you for everything.

marty

January 24, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the sixth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you, especially your wife Monica and your children. The hurt of losing a beloved never goes away and both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 16, 2009

On the anniversary of this hero's death, I wanted to let his family know that he is not forgotten. I send prayers to his family as another holiday season passes without him. I hope for you that the pain eases and the wonderful memories stay strong.

Sergeant
Cincinnati Police Department

December 16, 2009

Six years. It feels like forever sometimes and then again sometimes it seems like yesterday. Some things will never change like ecverytime I see Seth smile or the corners of his eyes lifting when he smiles or when he is up to no good that is all you. I know you are aware of all this, and are often laughing at the things you see going on because just when things are at the worst the kids do soemthing to bring a laugh and that too is all you. So, six years later you are still around in little and big things. We still think of you daily and miss and love you always.

Monica Epling
Wife

December 16, 2009

Monica, thinking of you and your children on this 6th anniversary. May God bring you comfort and peace today and always.

Juanita Garza(Surviving Spouse)
Francisco Garza eow 5/31/99

President South Texas C.O.P.S.
Concerns of Police Survivors

December 15, 2009

I remember the first day I moved to VA you where the first person my age that I got to meet. You will forever be in my memories my brother. I had a son born oct 22 2009 and His name is Korbin James Wyatt. I named him after you, a friend that I will forever miss.

Joshua Wyatt
Friend

October 23, 2009

Iknow it has been several years since Jimmy's passing but I was thinking of him and thought I'd leave my words for his family. I knew Jimmy in highschool. We sat next to each other in Anatomy class and also ran cross country and track together. I have nothing but happy memories of Jimmy. He was always positive and funny. He always had something nice to say. When I think about his untimely death it makes me sad. I am proud however to know that he died serving our country. My heart felt sympathies to his wife and children!

Sharon Barnes Hummel
high school classmate

January 7, 2009

In remembrance of your courage, I want you and your family to know that I am praying for you. Twelve years since we last hung out and not one memory has faded. You were my good friend and now an inspiration. Thank you Jimmy for everything; the world misses you. Keep smiling buddy.

Marty M.
Friend / ICE

December 16, 2008

Jimmy today in class we had a moment of silence and watched your video. I think it was appropriate that today on the 5th anniversary of your death that those who are still here think about you and remember your sacrifice. I hope that by my Police Academy class watching this and seeing just how short life can be they will value it more and take their job seriously and treat it with the respect and dignity that comes with wearing a law enforcement uniform. I love you and think of you everyday but especially today you touched the lives of so many. The kids and I still and will always love you.

Monica Epling
Wife

December 16, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this fifth anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

December 16, 2008

As I look at the faces of the men and women here, I see the faces of my co-workers. I can imagine each of them shooting the bull and swapping war stories at choir practice as the meat sizzles on the grill. I see them laughing, pranking and teasing their fellow agents, as we often do when we relieve stress. I wish that each of them were still here to share the good times.

And I feel compelled to look at each of the faces here and remember…to remember that each of them made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country and we should NEVER forget them or their service.

Too often the sacrifices of those who serve our country are overlooked or casually dismissed by the very public they served so selflessly. But WE should never forget them…each and every one of them. May they each rest in peace eternally in God’s loving embrace.

Agent Epling, I hope your child will grow to know one day what a great hero you were. What greater gift can a man give than to sacrifice himself for another? You are one of the truly rare people....a TRUE HERO. May God find a special place for you in heaven and may you watch over your baby from there.

SBPA James Doran
US Border Patrol

July 21, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 19, 2008

It was amazing the energy Jimmy brought to our class. I will never forget his hard work and dedication.

His memory lives forever,

Christian Tripodi

USBP 537
USBP

March 16, 2008

Today was your birthday, and the kids knew that we would be taking you balloons and flowers. The sun was shining and as we sat there and looked at the picture of us I couldn't help but wonder what you would be like now and all the things that we never got to do, that you never got to do. You would have been 29, but the last memory of you I will always have is your young face and that smile I fell for the first time I saw you. So even when we are leaving you flowers on your fiftieth birthday in my mind you will still be that young husband, father and love of my life that walked out the door and died so that others would live.

Monica Epling
wife

March 9, 2008

Mrs. Monica Epling,

I am really grateful for your husband and his service to this country. An angel fell that day who has returned home to look over us from heaven. I hope you keep demonstrating your courage and braveness so that your children will learn that his father was a true HERO!!
We will keep praying for you and your family.

BP Wife
Yuma, AZ

BP Wife

January 22, 2008

It is always somber when a new join asks “Who’s Epling?” A young guy lost to us in doing what he aspired to do. There is a small memorial at the river that I just learned about last month. Sobering but appropriate… When I saw it I felt that we had just lost you. During the memorial service I held it together until the last radio call the Yankee 513 went out. I think of his kids every year around this time and hope they can be proud of their Dad as we are.

Yuma Station

December 17, 2007

Jimmy,

I never had the opportunity to meet you but from everything I hear and read about you it would of been an honor. Today as we started our shift at muster, we took a moment of silence to honor you. You could of heard the smallest pin drop in that room. Our prayers continue to go out to your family and your young children.

Know that everytime I cut for sign near your monument I stop and make sure that everything is nice and organized. The turtle that is there is still in good shape even with the warm Yuma sun. I know that you are watching over us, keep us safe everyday.

Senior Patrol Agent
Yuma Station

December 16, 2007