Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Nick,

Today has been 10 months. It is still very hard for all of us. I miss you so much. I lay in bed at night, wishing I could some how talk to you and/or see you again. I can't express how much it hurts. My heart broke on January 30th and will never heal.

Bobby is using the potty. He was so excited and proud of himself because he made number two for the first time last night. He ran out of the bathroom, calling for Josh to come in and look in the potty. He was so happy. I know you were very happy for him too. This weekend Gavin went two times on the potty. He was also very proud of himself. The boys are getting so big. Bobby and Gavin love each other so much. They are best friends. They are the cutest little guys. I can't believe they are already almost two.

We talk about you everyday. Before bed each night Bobby says "I love my Uncle Nick in Heaven". He always looks at you pictures and says "Uncle Nick" and smiles really big. He loves you so much.

I love you and will talk to you later. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving, I know you were with us. I love you, see you soon.

Love,

Heather

Heather Claspill
Nicks sister

November 30, 2004

Like many other people, I come to this website often and read about the officers who have given their lives to protect us. I must say I usually do not read the entire memorial and every reflection left like I have this one. I was so drawn to Nick's memorial because of the overwhelming pride and emotion that his family has displayed on here. My heart aches for each and every family member and friend who love and miss Nick. As a mother of 3 young boys myself, I would like to tell Nick's mother that if I could carry some of the hurt for you, I would gladly do so in a second. And to Nick's father..your entries moved me to tears as I see the true love of a father to a son that so many young men do not have in today's society. To Nick's sisters..you two show great love and respect for your brother, and I pray the you draw strength from his memory. To Gavin's mommy, I will pray for you to have the strength that Nick would want you to have to raise the son you two had together. And finally to little Gavin...I never knew your Daddy or any of your family, but I do know that your Daddy is with you every second of everyday. Everything you do in your life, he will be right there to help you through. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan, I will pray for you, and I hope I am able to raise my boys to be as great a man as you raised in Nick.

Jennifer
private citizen

November 30, 2004

NICK:

It has been ten months today. We will love you forever.

MOM and DAD

MOM and DAD

November 30, 2004

DADDY:

Thank you Daddy, I love you.

Gavey

GAVEY

November 28, 2004

Everyday I check this site hoping not to see another addition, but every time I see that another brave soul gave his life protecting us.

Nick, reading what has been posted by family and friends it is hard to believe that someone could be loved as much as you.

We all dread the days when we have to pass by 725 Taylor. It is a site that brings back terrible memories.

When we lost you it was like loosing a part of ourselves, because in all of us is the wish to put the scum of the earth behind bars, yet none want to leave this world with unfinished business.

God bless you Nick. We all miss you. Hey, Marks even fought in G/H and won in 18 seconds. An the guy didn't even have crack on him. We are all proud of him and we know you are too. When we see Marks stopped on Aubert we always stop and listen to him preach. Watch over those guys.

SLMPD

November 28, 2004

NICK:

Happy Thanksgiving. As you know Wednesday night was the yearly Boxing Showdown at the Savvis Center. I was planning to go to the event as we have for the past several years, but when time came, I could not go. As I thought back and remembered all of the fun that we had together, I knew it would not be the same without you being there. I did not have anything to celebrate that night. I know a lot of your friends and relatives attended the event, and I hope that they had a great time.

Thanksgiving day, Mom and I stopped by the cemetery for a visit. We then enjoyed a relaxing and quiet day at Kelly and James house. Saturday morning we are picking up Gavin, I cannot wait to see him. You and Kirsten together made a wonderful young man.

Nick you are so much more to me than just a son. The love that I have for you continues to grow everyday. I have nothing but the utmost respect for you. A father could not be more proud of a son than I am of you.

Thank you for helping me and giving me guidance concerning the hard decisions that Mom and I have to make. I will be talking to you a lot during the next few months.

Thank you for everything.....

DAD

DAD

November 26, 2004

May god bless you and your family on these tough days. Have the best Holidays as you can. I will say a special prayer for your family and Nick.

Sgt. Lawrence Holborow
Palm Beach FL

November 25, 2004

Nick,

As we get ready for Thanksgiving week it makes me think about so many things.

How McKenna had a fever and we didn't make it over to Teresa's last year to see everyone.
How you, your Dad and all the guys would go to Guns 'n Hoses every year.

The next day we would sit around Aunt Teresa's (hung over) talking about the night before.
How things have changed.

Now this year, We are ALL going to Guns 'n Hoses to show our support for YOU! And I don't think anyone is very excited for Thanksgiving. (Sorry Teresa)

I have really been thinking about Kirsten and Gavin all week.

Mike had to work out of town Monday through Friday night. It was me and the girls on our own. It sounds bad, but I imagined if Mike were never coming back.

Not only is it a lot of work. There is no one to take turns with, no one to hug or be hugged by if you have a bad day, no one to laugh with about what the girls just said or did. It was very lonely, and we could at least talk to him on the phone.

I'm not sure how Kirsten does it. My respect for her continues to grow. There is so much we have all been going through since your death.
You don't know how you will handle situations until you're in them. I know she is much stronger then I could ever be. Not only does she hold herself together. She has done so great with Gavin. He is so well behaved, he shares, says please and thank you, gives kisses! He's doing awesome! That is the best compliment any mommy can have!

I know you would enjoy him so much at this age. You never know what they might say next. You can just see the wheels turning in their heads.

I know we are all Gavin has left of you. Every story, picture, or memory we can share with him will bring him closer to who his daddy was.
We all have two things in common We Loved, and Were Loved by you. And We all Love Gavin and will do whatever We can for him. Continue to watch over your family, your friends, and Kirsten and Gav! WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

Michelle

November 21, 2004

You're doing a great job making sure all of us are staying healthy and trying to stay strong! Keep looking out for us! We miss you!

November 20, 2004

NICK:

How are you doing? Your new home must be an awesome place!!! You know how much we miss you every minute of everyday.

I guess God tries to prepare everyone for things that are going to happen. Most of the time we do not understand when something happens, but then thinking back, all of the puzzle pieces begin to fit together. You would always tell me not to worry so much about things -- you would say, "Mom, I could walk out my front door and get hit by a bus." I would tell you that would not happen because busses do not drive down your street. You laughed and gave me that great smile of yours.

I believe the first piece of the puzzle came when you and Gavin stopped by one day. You took off Gavin's jacket and stood him by the couch and said, "Watch this." Gavin took a few steps and dropped to his hands and knees and swiftly crawled to the toys and began to play. You laughed. I was sitting by the desk and you were sitting on the couch. With a serious look, you said, "Mom, I need to talk to you and Dad. Kirsten and I were talking about if something ever happens to me. I want you and Dad to promise me, if anything happens, that you two will take my place. You guys are all that Gavin will have left of me. Be there for all of the decisions that are made. Be as involved in Gavin's life as I would be." I must have looked like a deer in the headlights. "You and Dad have to promise me. Do you promise?" I said, well of course, you did not even have to ask. "You two have always done everything for me, please do everything for Gavin." I could not believe, you who always lived everyday as if nothing could or would happen, came with this request just two months prior to your death. I found out later that you made your sisters, Kelly and Heather, promise that Gavin and Bobby would grow up more like brothers than cousins, and that you want them both very involved in Gavin's life.

It seems, my SON, that YOU DID WORRY about things in life. Even though I do not think you knew you would die that soon, nor did you know how it would happen, I believe God was laying down all of the pieces of the puzzle. Even less than one week before your death, you reminded your sisters of your wishes. Nick, until the day that we die, we will do whatever we can for Gavin.

Kelly and Heather found a picture of you when you were about two years old. Everybody that looks at the picture thinks it is Gavin. Thank you for all of the signs that you send to all of us, especially Gavin and Bobby. It helps us to get through yet another day. Please continue to watch over all of us. I can not imagine how hard it was for you to leave everybody. You will always be in our hearts.

Love you forever and a day!!!!!

MOM and DAD

MOM & DAD

November 16, 2004

From reading all of these reflections, I can really get a sense that Officer Sloan was a wonderful son, brother, boyfriend, and father. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that as this holiday season approaches, you all will all be in my prayers.

November 15, 2004

Nick, I read these reflections from time to time, and it amazes me how many people you touched in your life. You seemed to have a positive impact on everyone who knew you. It has been over nine months since you left, but you are still with so many people. You are truly missed by so many, but luckily you left a piece of yourself behind through Gavin. He is the most gorgeous, unbelievable kid I have ever met. No matter what kind of mood I am in, when I see his cute, smiling face I have to smile myself. You and Kir made a little miracle with him. I think he is the perfect mixture of both of you. Kirsten really misses you Nick, but it amazes me how she is able to put herself aside and take care of Gavin. She has been very strong through all of this. Gavin is really lucky to have her. It is really hard to understand why this had to happen to you. I find myself wondering what the reason is for you having to leave your family so early. You 3 were just beginning your life as a family. I guess no one will ever know why. You will always be a part of Kirsten and Gavin's family though. I am sure of that. So, I guess you know by now that you have an addition to your family. Her name is Bella and she is the cutest little lab puppy. Kir said you always wanted a black lab. She is so cute with Gavin. Stay close to Kir over the next couple of months. With Gavin's birthday and the holidays coming up she may need some extra help from you. Keep watching over everyone.

November 14, 2004

Wow, it has almost been a year and yet it only seems like yesterday you were by our side. You have a wonderful son Nick and great friends who miss you very much. Kirsten it taking great care of Gavin and a moment doesn't go by that your not in their thoughts. Haven't seen your dad in some time, heard he retired this month. Keep an eye on us from time to time as you know we all need an angel above us making sure were not called home too soon. We miss you, hell I miss ya. You know who this is as your here by my side as I type.

Friend

November 12, 2004

We're all thinking of you as the holidays approach. Keep looking out for your son and girlfriend because they will really need a sign from you!

November 12, 2004

Nick,
What love your cousin Kari truly has for you. She honored both you and Gavin. I am sure you will always watch over her. We love and miss you.
Mom and Dad

nicks parents

November 9, 2004

Nick-
Well last week I had my senior art show at William Woods University, I dedicated my portion of the show in memory of you. One of the pieces in the show was a collage I made about you. In my sculpture class last semester we were working on relief sculptures and the one I was working on wasn't turning out so well, so I tossed it and decided that the next week I would come in with a better idea. Thats the weekend I decided to go back home and surprise my mom and everybody with a suprise visit. That same day I was on my way home with one of my friends I got a message on my phone of my mom crying and telling me to call her. I called her when I was about 10 minutes away from our house and she told me what was already on the news of your heroic actions. I cried alot that weekend.
When I went back to school to work on that relief again I knew what I wanted to do, and it was something that had to do with police officers. I ended up making handcuffs which turned out quite well I might add. I framed this as well as some newspaper articles about you and your badge pin and donor ribbon pin as well as a few newspaper pictures. I proudly displayed this in my show and it is titled "My Cousin A Hero," Alot of my friends went to the show and a few of them commented on that collage about how amazing it was. My roomate said that when she saw it "It was the most intense moment of the year for her," she also told me she cried when she was there. Being in college I want to get the message across that Police Officers aren't just out to get you but, more so out to help you.
My art show went very well. But on the collage I made about you and your heroic action the spotlight I had on it went out halfway through opening night, I'm not sure if it's cause you didn't want all the attention or what. But it's getting fixed tomorrow.
College for many is also the time for expiramenting, and every chance I get to Give my innput on drugs to a friend or aquaintance I tell them about you and how far you ended up going to get drugs off the street.
I'll never forget you!
O and eventually your beautiful boy Gavin will be the recepient of the collage, but I'm going to hang on to it for awhile. RIP Nick

Kari
Nicks Cousin

November 9, 2004

Nick,

I know we didn't know each other long, but you had a huge impact on my life. I am greatful that I can spend time with Kirsten and Gavin. Your son is so adorable and Kirsten is the bravest person I have ever met. I have so much respect for her. I am sure she has bad days just like everyone else you had an impact on, but she still goes out everyday with her best foot forward. She tells Gavin everyday how much his daddy love him and how much you and her loved each other. Gavin is the sweetest little boy anyone could ask for. This has been hard on everyone. I ask that you keep watching over all of us they you have been. By the way every time I hear the song Beer for my Horses I think of you. :)

A Friend

November 8, 2004

Hey Nick,

I will do my best to watch over kirs and gav for you. love you

Your Buddy

November 8, 2004

To the family of Officer Nick Sloan
I was very saddened to read of your loss and I offer such heart felt thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Another hero resumes his watch in heaven. What a fine team of officers the Lord has chosen to watch over us. Please know our family extends our thoughts to you and your child, friends and other family members. "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9
Sincerely Susan Hewitt and Family.

susan hewiit/sister SGT JEFF HEWITT
Resident of Waynesville NC

November 8, 2004

Hi Nick,
Pleae continue to look over Kirsten and Gavin. Bless them with strength, hope, and peace - especially over the next couple of months. Kirsten loves you very very much and I can tell that she misses you greatly. She is a great Mom to you son and a wonderful friend.

The holidays will be rough - I will keep your family in my prayers.

A

November 7, 2004

Uncle Nick -
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(I miss you too much. Love you)
Kisses

Bobby

November 7, 2004

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Gavin

November 6, 2004

nick,
hi it's me. sorry i have not talked to you here yet. I read the reflections everyday. There are some real nice ones on here for you. Last night it was Halloween and Gavin was a spider. He is the most beautiful boy in the whole world, man we did a good job!!!! We did the same thing as last year. We all dressed up and went trick or treating. Then we came back our house and had a bonfire just like last year!!! Yes, I took him to Tony Twist's house again. I tried to get another picture but, Gav would not go for it this year. I guess because you were not with him.
It was all the guys and girls this year. You should have seen Brad and Hoosier they were women. Joe was a pimp. It was great. Michelle, Nicole, Skylar, McKenna, And Grant joined us this year. You should see those girls they are beautiful. Grant is almost as big as Gav. He is so cute he looks just like Josiah. We had a blast.We always talk about you all the time. The guys miss you so much. I would not know what to do without them. They are at home everyday helping me they are all a Godsent for me and little guy. I am not going to sit here and tell you how hard it is to go to bed alone and wake up alone. I know it goes without saying. I promise Gavin will grow up to know and love you just as if you were here. Every night we lay in bed and I talk to him about you. Some nights he laughs and goes crazy. Other nights he sits ands listens to me talk about you. I tell him how much I loved daddy and how much daddy loved mommy. Then i tell him that we had you and we both loved you more than anything in the world. I also tell him that daddy loves him more than anything else forever. We kiss your picture every morning after breakfast and have our nightly talks to you before bed, oh and yes he still sleeps with us. I am gonna go now I may come back to talk. You are my soulmate and I love you with all my heart. I will never forget, US. I will always be as you would call me in the mornings when we would get up, your wife!!!
xoxo kir

November 2, 2004

Nick,

I went to the cemetary today and left you some flowers and a note. I am going back this week to leave some pictures of you and some of our friends. I just have to get some frames for them. They are pictures that we took with Jessi's phone at Kirsten's dad's birthday, a week before you were taken from us. I know you will enjoy them being with you everyday.

I miss that you aren't here with us to celebrate Halloween. Last year was so fun when we all came over to your house and went trick or treating with Gavin and then we went back to your house and had a bonfire. I know things are going to be so hard for Kirsten and your family during the holidays, but you need to keep helping them to be strong in every way you can. They will need you more than ever during the next few months.

Jessi brought Gavin over to my house the other day to pick something up and Gavin was the cutest little boy ever. I mean he's always been cute! He was walking around with his hand in his front pocket like he owned the place. He was seriously acting like he was so old. He is growing up so fast. He acts and looks just like you. Kirsten is doing a great job raising him. I know you are still helping her from above. Keep doing that so she is reminded that you are always going to be with her and Gavin.

We need a few police officers to come and talk to our students about anti-violence because we are having this huge "Peace Jam." I know you would have been so good at this since you came and talked to my class before about staying in school and not doing drugs.

You are thought about every day by all of your friends and family. There is not one day that goes by that I don't think of you. Please keep taking care of all of us by watching over everyone.

Tracie

October 31, 2004

NICK:

Another month has passed, nine total, since we have been able to be with you physically. Mom and I know that you are with us everyday. We enjoy the signs that you continue to send to us. About four weeks ago, we picked up Gavin and as we were driving away from your house, our song, Love Without End, began to play on the radio. Mom asked Gavin if that was Daddy singing to you, and Gavin smiled real big and said yea....

Last Thursday we picked up Gavin and we were playing ball in our front yard. Gavin looked at your truck in the driveway, and said "Daddy's Truck." I picked up Gavin and placed him in the bed of the truck, and he ran to the back window and looked inside. Mom said what are you looking at, and Gavin said "Daddy". Mom said is Daddy in the truck and Gavin said, "Yea Daddy's nitety-nite".

Thank you for sending us signs to get us through another day without you.

Tomorrow is Halloween. All of the neighbors said they are going to miss seeing you and Gavin walking from house to house making everyone laugh. We both know how much you love the holidays. It is really sad that you won't be here with us.

We will talk to you soon...

Love you forever...

MOM and DAD

MOM & DAD

October 31, 2004