Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Joe was my supervisor and he led by example. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to the community and will be forever missed. God bless his soul and the souls of other officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Inv. Jeff Tuer
First Judicial District Warrant Unit

August 4, 2005

On behalf of the young men and women of Philadelphia Police Academy, Philadelphia Police Explorers Post 991, our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Officer Cantrell. Take comfort from knowing your extended law enforcement family grieves with you.

Philadelphia Police Explorers Post 991

August 3, 2005

May God Bless you,your Family,Friends and Fellow Officers.You honorably served your country,The City of Philadelphia,Philadelphia County,and The Citizens of Pennsylvania.May you now watch over your Family ,Friends and Brothers and Sisters in the Law Enforcement Community,guide them in all their endeavors and keep them safe.Every time a Law Enforcement Officer dies a piece of each and every Law Enforcement Officer also dies.
SEMPER FI BROTHER

RetPaState Narcotics Agent II DiMiceli
Pa Office Of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations

July 12, 2005

I first would like to thank Warrant Officer LeClaire for the sacrafice that he made on March 19, 2004. I also would like to forward my condolences to his family who lost their family member, their hero.
On May 10-12, 2005 I will be participating in the Police Unity Tour. During this tour I will proudly be representing Warrant Officer LeClaire during my 250 mile bike ride from Virginia Beach to Washington DC (National Law Enforcement OFficers Memorial). I would love to meet the family or if that is not possible I would like to at least talk to them on the phone.
If you could please contact me through VBPD-2nd Precinct.
When the fatigue and pain sets in during my ride I will be thinking of Warrant Officer LeClaire and those dear to him. I will not give up.

Officer L. Thomas
Virginia Beach Police Department

March 28, 2005

Joe,

You have been gone for a year. I still can not believe the strong Marine I met when I was twelve is gone. Twenty-five years has gone by so fast. The first anniversary of your death was a beautiful day - perfect for golfing which I am sure you are doing right now. Your daughters, Michelle and Renee, have kept you in their hearts and miss you so much. Your grandsons, Marquis, RaShawn, Milek and Jameer, are wonderful and miss you greatly. I can see your spark for life in their eyes. We have all felt your presence in this past year. Your humor has shown itself in so many ways to all of us. God Bless you Joe.

Louise Hale
Friend

March 21, 2005

Sgt. LeClaire,

It has been nearly a year since you were taken from your friends and family. We, FJD Class 100, were never given the honor of meeting you. However, each day we are reminded of your dedication, your good nature, your tireless leadership, and your importance to our unit. You live on in so many ways. Your lessons serve us all each and every day. It is not your death that we learn about, but your life. Your commitment and selfless demeanor.

As the anniversary of your murder approaches, please know that your will always be remembered. Your place in the FJD and the community we serve will always be treasured.

Your brothers are healing well. Your family misses you. Thank you for your unending guidance and your ultimate sacrifice. You are an inspiration. We are a better class because of you.

Class 100
FJD Warrant Unit

March 12, 2005

Uncle Joe, Mommy, Monica, Butchie, Danny, Gabrielle, and myself miss you very much. You have left this family with a legacy of honor, and the will to survive. You are our hero. We feel you watching over us, God only knows how much our mother really misses you, and as do we all. We thank you for being there for us, and loving us unconditionally. You have been a mentor to all of us, and if there is one thing I have learned from you, it is that leadership is the most important thing in life. I miss our talks every Sunday, our routine for the past 20 years. I miss when you would call me "scungilly", and you would say "forget about it". I love you with all my heart. Like I said before, its not goodbye, I will see you again. I LOVE YOU. John.

John Conklin (nephew)

February 23, 2005

Another senseless murder of a police officer. Our hearts, prayers and condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of this officer. God's peace be with you, Officer, and may He grant safety to all men and women serving in law enforcement.

Thank you for a job well done. We love you and will meet you someday.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff

November 7, 2004

Grandpa Joe I am terrebly sorry that I could not come to you're funeral and deeply regret it. If only you could be here with me for my Birthday. If only you could be here to see you're great grandson Nathan. Yes the name is Nathaniel Orthenous Magoon-Diaz. I know that you have some pictures of him now and can always look down on him. Dad/Bill/William/IC1 sw/aw smith is terrebly missing you. However I know that no matter what I will always be with you and you will always be with me. I do hope that Grandma Gretchen is doing a little better. I deeply wish that I could be there at you're memorial. Kami is planning on being there. I have not been able to see you for more than 4 days but I know that now you see me every day. Grandpa may God be with you and Aunt Eileen,Tyler,Holly,Grandma Gretchen,Uncle Ricky,and all of the others... I love you so much and know that we will meet again in the place known as heavenRainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them; who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together......."

Anynomous



Weep Not for Me,
In Memory of a Beloved Cat


Weep not for me though I am gone into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long upon my soul's sweet flight.
I am at peace, my souls at rest.
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed.
For all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death,
But celebrate my life.

Constance Jenkins, c. 1992 All Rights Reserved


A Little Dog Angel

High up in the courts of Heaven today
A little dog-angel waits,
With the other dogs he will not play,
But he sits alone at the Gates:
"For I know my master will come," says he
"And when he comes, he will call for me."

He sees the spirits that pass him by
As they hasten towards the throne,
And he watches them with a wistful eye
As he sits at the gate alone;
"But I know if I just wait patiently
"That someday my Master will come," says he.

And his Master far down on the earth below,
As he sits in his easy chair
Forgets sometimes, and he whistles low
For the dog that is not there;
And the little dog-angel s his ears
And dreams that his Master's call he hears.

And I know when at length his Master waits
Outside in the dark and cold
For the hand of Death to open the gates
That lead to the Courts of Gold,
The little dog-angel's eager bark
Will comfort his soul while he's still in the dark.

Norah M. Holland, c.1870





I just wanted to let you know that I made it home. The journey wasn't an easy one, but it didn't take too long.

Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh and new I wish that you could close your eyes and that you could see it too. Please try not to be sad for me. Try to understand God is taking care of me...I'm in the shelter of His hands.

Here there is no sadness, no sorrow, and no pain. Here there is no crying and I'll never hurt again. Here it is so peaceful when all the angels sing. I really have to go for now... I've just got to try my wings.

Unknown

Robert Harold Magoon
SDUSD

October 7, 2004

My fallen brother,

Corporal
Philadelphia Police Explorers

September 2, 2004

It is again friday night and thinking of our date the evening what to plain for us. You where my Hero and my best friend.Joe I miss you so much,the candles are burning,the music is not playing because there is not a Joe to sing for me.
You will always be in my heart and never never be forgotten.You friends from the warrant Unit Men and women are missing you so much ,Joe the have learned so much from you and carrie on what you have thought them, this are the other Heroes,if I could have an other chance to spend just one more time with you and touching you to hold you in my arms,i know this canot be done,until we meet again,so now i have to go alone the beat that you have walked, but i know that you are watching me from above, and keeping me save, and you are keeping the men and women from the warrant unit save and all the famlies Tyler and Holly miss you so much Holly salutes to you every night when she says her prayers.My love to you will always stay strong love for ever your wife Gretchen.

Gretchen LeCaire
wife

June 25, 2004

We love you and we miss you so much. There is not a day that goes by were we don't think about you. you are always in our prayers. There is so much I wish i could have said to you if i had only known that ther was going to come a day that i would never be able to see you again i would have done it sooner but nobody ever expects things to happen like that to their loved ones. you have done so much in my life for me and my children . i more than appreciate all all the loving things you have done for me as a father. you were always there for me all the time. I miss us all being together and all the good times we all had, especially when we would pick on mom they were the best and the funniest and she never knew how much we team up on her for fun god i miss so many things . I have your pictures all over my house and in my car. I take you everywhere with me at all times. The kids miss you so much. I wish everyone knew what a great person you were and all the things you have done. You are truly respected by all who knew you. You will be missed but never ever forgoten. your always in my heart . I love you joe you were truly a great father to me. with love always your daughter Eileen and your grand kids tyler and Holly

Eileen ,tyler and Holly
Joe's Daughter and grand kids

June 22, 2004

Yet another death of a true freedom fighter. In my eyes Officer LeClaire gave his life for the safety and freedom of the United States and not just for the State of Pennsylvania. Thank you Officer LeClaire for your commitment and courage.


Pennsylvania

Brent
civilian - Josephine County, Oregon

June 20, 2004

A Part Of America Died

Somebody killed a Policeman today, and a part of America died. A piece of our country he swore to protect, will be buried with him at his side. The suspect that shot him will stand up in court, with counsel demanding his rights. While a young widowed mother must work for her kids, and spend many long, lonely nights. The beat that he walked was a battle field too, just as if he'd gone off to war. Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast, to his name they will add a gold star. Yes, somebody killed a policeman today, in your hometown or in mine. While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors, a cop put his life on the line. Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street, and he stands at each rookies side. He answered the call, of himself gave his all, And A Part Of America Died.

Sgt. Aliberti
Philadelphia Warrant Unit

May 21, 2004

A Patrolman's Departure

They are standing straight and stoic, they are standing glove-to-glove, It is raining, it is freezing, but they stand for pain and love. Their hat-brims hide the hatred and the torture in their eyes, They cannot help but feel the void when one of their own dies. The service now is over and the widow staggers out, All arms now at attention as the bagpipes cry and shout. Flag-draped casket on six shoulders, could this day get any worse? A salute's the silent answer as they load him in the hearse. The speeches done, the songs are sung, it's time now for a ride, The cortege is enormous, like a head-of-state has died, The lights roll infinitum and the grief is crawling past, Us citizens just stand there, we are watching to the last. We wonder at the pageantry, our heads shake in despair, We think, as the three-shot volley pierces through the morning air, "Oh, this didn't have to happen, what an awful tragic day," "In this sea of hurt and anguish, how will Justice find its way?" But as the ranks disperse and as they trudge back to their cars, We know that for the killer await four walls of iron bars. They'll put aside their grief just like they're trained so well to do, For even crafty killers can't evade this mass of blue. So the funeral has ended, and the mayor has gone home, I've heard some people question, "are we well within the zone," "To put on such a costly show for cops just pounding pavement?" But how can we sit 'round and judge a slain cop's final payment? To say it's inappropriate, to question it with scorn, Shows that you know nothing of the target that is worn, On every good cop's shirt or vest, on every trooper's heart, It calls out like a bullseye, it is simply called the badge.

Sgt. Aliberti
Philadelphia Warrant Unit

May 21, 2004

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of Battle; Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke Him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who prowl through the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen

Sgt. Aliberti
Philadelphia Warrant Unit

May 21, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you WO LeClaire for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous

April 20, 2004

Joe, I had the absolute honor of meeting you and a majority of the
officers in your unit while assigned to the P.D.U. and also on the street.
In particular one night this past summer during a
foot pursuit, I turned around and there was your Warrant Unit right in it
with the rest of us. We are all brothers doing the same job; no matter
what Dept. we may work for.

There is no greater love than this; to lay down ones life for another.
Brother, you made the ultimate sacrifice and will never be forgotten.
May you now rest in peace and continue to watch over us.

Cpl. John Halligan #8020
Philadelphia Police Dept.

April 20, 2004

To the LeClaire family, friends, and the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. You have lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has one more shining star. Our thoughts and prays are with you all. Thanks Officer LeClaire for all you have done for your brothers and sisters; rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

April 13, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Joseph did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Joseph be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Officer LeClaire's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Joseph is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Joseph was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Deputy Sheriff Dennis McElderry's fiancee - EOW (01/03/03)

April 12, 2004

Joe, you mean the world to the fellow men and women of our Unit. Your leadership will never be forgotten. You are an incredible HERO to all of us. The many times we enter these homes you never think anything like this would happen. But like the true HERO you are you entered first, and you left last. Our pain is great, but our memories are forever strong. We can now all say we have been touched by an angel, we have only realized it today. BADGE 20-YOU WILL LIVE ON IN THE WARRANT UNIT IN OUR MINDS,HEARTS AND SOUL.

Warrant Officer
FJD Warrant Unit

April 8, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

Officer Joseph LeClaire you gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the citizens of Pa. My brother you can now rest easy and watch over us all from heaven above. Family, friends and co-workers of Officer Joseph LeClaire can be assured the LORD will give you comfort in these sad times. GOD BLESS.

Cpl. Vernon Brown
Orange County Sheriff's Office, Fl.

April 3, 2004

God Bless and be with your family, friends, and brothers and sisters in your department. GOD speed my brother....

Officer
West Hills Regional Police Department, PA

April 2, 2004

I had the honor of graduating warrant unit training along with Officer LeClaire in 1995; unfailingly, he was very good to the people with whom he came in contact, especially fugitives.
Officer LeClaire had a vision early on for the warrant unit and quickly inspired great espirit d'corps among his collegues.
The agency's many recent advances signify his hand at work.
I am better for having known him and the many young tears I witnessed of new comrades reveal a quiet affection for him.
I think that that sight would have brought a tear to him, also. Semper fi.

P.S.- The old gang got together after the funeral and toasted many a drink to you. Goodbye, Joe; may you walk with God.

Former Warrant Investigator Richard Zia, #308, Class of '95. First Judicial District of Pennsylvania Warrant Unit

Fmr Warrant Investigator R. Zia
First Judicial District of Pennsylvania Warrant Unit

April 1, 2004