Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Joe, remembering you on the anniversary of your death. Time has not diminished your sacrifice and you will never be forgotten. I will always remember your dedication, leadership, loyalty, and friendship. My heart goes out to your wife “Gretchen”, your children, and your family.

Rest in peace, Joe! You are not forgotten.

“Families are forever”

GALICIA
USBP

March 20, 2008

Thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Daughter of an officer

March 19, 2008

Hi my Darling I miss you so much today is the day when you were taken four years ago march 19 2004 i will never forget that knock on my door at 3:00 am last nigth we had a vigil at the plaque and had candles burning for you and the police drove by and had there sirens on for you and the saluted to you it was very touching to me it brought comfort to me the unit was there on duty for you I will be in Arlington to touch your name and kiss that cold stone you will always be in my heart with all my Love your loving wife Gretchen

Gretchen Leclaire
Wife

March 19, 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

January 17, 2008

Hi my beloved I had spent my time in ST.Louis with other police survivors it was so good to be with many of the wifes who went through the same hurt as I did it was a good weekend had many laughs and lots of tears I miss you so much Eileen has Tyler back she is so full of happiness
your letter made a big factor even it has been three years that you have been gone Joe I pray to the good Lord to keep save not having you with me is so empty I think every day and close my eyes to wish that you will be with me holding me your Love was so beautiful in my Life I was reading a letter that Ben just has written to me ther are so many of your Golf friends who just found out of the shooting they all say so many kind words abaut you until the next time with all my Love your wife Gretchen.

Gretchen Leclaire
Wife

October 5, 2007

Dear Gretchen:

A very kind and helpful local police officer told me about this memorial web site. I just had to visit because Joe and I go back a lot of years. We played many rounds of golf together - at FDR in South Philly and at various courses in New Jersey. We played as a two-man team in the Harker Memorial Tournament at Buena Vista Country Club.

When the news about Joe reached our home course at FDR, we were stunned and terribly saddened. We all loved him, not because of his great skill on the golf course - which he had - but because of his humble manner, his wit and humor and his eagerness to be helpful to others who were not as gifted as he was.

I thank my police officer friend for telling me about this web site. It has given me an opportunity to let you know of my love for my golf buddy. And I now have a way to stay in touch with him, from time to time.

Somehow I know that Joe is smiling down upon us. Somehow, I know...

Ben Dati
Havertown, PA

Ben Dati
Golf Buddy

September 30, 2007

Hi my love,i went with the laweforcement memorialrun and your son went with me to run in behave of you he did very well he ran with with many Police Officers who have lost one of there on,it makes feel very good to see how all this runners have the strenght to carry on for our fallen heros,it was a three day run to washington they all did grate when I see your name on the Officer memorial wall it hurts me so much as always i kiss your name I know that I will see you again yur loving wife Gretchen

Gretchen Leclaire
Wife

May 21, 2007

Thinking of you this Police Week. God Bless you Sir!

Dave Dopson

May 14, 2007

I was very sad to hear about Gunny LeClaire. I served under him as a Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune in 1994.He was always easy to approach, was a good leader and had a good sense of humor. I remember the Kevlar helment he kept on his desk. It was a helmet we used to test different types of ammunition on. It was full of holes and Gunny LeClaire stenciled "Company Gunny" on the front.

I'm a Senior Deputy with the Kern County Sheriff's Department in California. I just learned of his death when I saw his photo in the Peace Officer Memorial calander. I'm sure he was as great to work for as a Police Officer as he was as a Marine. My sympathies to the LeClaire family for your loss.

Semper Fidelis, Gunny.

Sr. Deputy Royce Haislip
Kern County Sheriff's Dept. Kern County Ca.

April 16, 2007

To Joe and Gretchen and their children and other family and friends:

A week ago was the second anniversary of Joe's tragic death and the day all your lives changed forever. As I read the loving reflections left by those who called Joe beloved, I am mindful of the journey we all struggle with as we try to make a life for ourselves...we know that is what our beloved would want us to do, but the heart always aches for the one who can only be with us in spirit for now.

I hope that you all find some peace in your heart as you hold your memories like the rare and beautiful pearls they are.

May Joe's spirit continue to soar and his memory continue to inspire.

Rest in Peace, Joe. Your valor and dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

March 23, 2007

Hi my love it is three years this is so very hard for me that you had been taken from me, I went to your plauqe where i saw Larry Alberty and Saselli standing watch from midnigth until 12 noon. this has touched me so much I took Richard to see the roll call room it was for you as always the men miss you so much as always the police department and state troopers have send me lovely e-mails it has comford me so much I had recieved beautiful white roses from Judge Fitzgerald they are all thinking of me and you love you always your loving wife Gretchen.

Gretchen LeClaire
Wife

March 19, 2007

Sergeant LeClaire,

On this the 3rd anniversary of your untimely death, I wanted to let you and your family know you will not be forgotten. You are a true HERO! I know you are watching over us as you patrol the golden roads of Heaven. God Bless you and your family.

NC LEO
Winston-Salem Police Dept.

March 19, 2007

Gretchen, I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you today and hope that you are able to make it through the day. It doesnt get any easier, I know. But hang in there. You are not alone.
Love Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Wife of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman

March 19, 2007

Gretchen,

Thinking of you and your family today. You are in our prayers. God Bless and be strong.

Carmen & Vicki Petrelli

Vicki Petreli
MIL of NJ State Trp. Bertram Zimmerman

March 19, 2007

On this the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sense we pay tribute to your spirit. Tonight the Evening Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department’s North Precinct will hit the street in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entire shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

March 19, 2007

Rest in peace sir and know that you will never be forgotten on this day or any other day.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

March 19, 2007

G-d Bless.

March 19, 2007

Funny thing, I didn't know Sgt. LeClaire in a Law Enforcement capacity. I knew him as the man who was always washing his car when I was walking my daughter. Sgt. LeClaire fussed over my daughter and always talked to her...he did not know us... he just saw us pass by at times...and he would eventually say HI to me....The day he was killed and I saw where he lived....I felt my knees give and just knew in my heart it was this kind man who saw a child he did not know and brightened up and said hello to her. My beautiful daughter would kick her legs when we passed his house. She knew she was going to have someone go GOO-GOO over her.
"It is not how these men died, but how these men lived" is a popular saying when it comes to cops killed LOD.
Joe LeClaire will always be a hero to me and my now 5 year old daughter not because some scumbag shot him....but because he took the time to treat us as neighbors, not knowing us at all.
I promise his family that my daughter will NEVER forget the kind man with the white hair who washed his car.
Our professions were a coincidence. I write this with a tear in my eye as a man who saw goodness from a stranger.
God rest your soul, sir.

P/O Joseph Leighthardt
Philadelphia Police Department

March 18, 2007

Three years have passed and you are still thought of every day by those that love you dearly. You will forever be carried in their hearts wherever they go. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones, protect them and also keep watch over those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will nevr be forgotten.

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

March 18, 2007

Thinking of you especially this evening, and I will say a prayer as always in your honor. I will never forget what happened to you. I miss you. Love you Sir. Dave

Dave Dopson

March 18, 2007

I can't believe it Sarge, monday is 3 years! I can still remember like it was yesterday. You with your hair brushed so nice, and your boots so shiny hollaring at me to put a "better crease in my pants" before I come to work. God I miss you! The Warrant Unit,and this WHOLE world was a better place with you in it, and I don't think there is a person around that would disagree with me. There is not a day goes by that I don't see a picture of your face to remind me what a great person that scumbag took away from us. I will NEVER forget! I love you!

Heather Macready
Warrant Investigator/ Friend

March 14, 2007

Happy Birthday Joe Just can't believe that the time has gone by so fast for you to become a year older but you will stay for ever young up there with the angel I was there again to visit you at your grave it is so hard for me to exept that your life was taken from you by a killer who hated law Enforcement Officers. Arlington is such a peaceful place to be I do not have to worry that it is not taken care of, as you know you are with the other heros love you so much and I miss you for ever Happy Birthday your loving wife Gretchen.

Gretchen LeClaire
wife

February 26, 2007

Hello my Love happy New Year we are im the 2007 it is a new beginning and praying that this will be a good year to start for all uf us. You are the Officer of the month for march when I saw your picture and cried you are so handsome as always your men in the unit were also touched by this they play a tape where you was speaking to them, I also have so many beutiful moviesof you.Richard is taking his written test on the 6 of JANUARY keep him in your heart. We miss you so much Holly and Tyler keep the wite candle burning for you as I do also Love you for ever we have a special prayer for you in Diana and Dan House at Christmas Butchie Angele Monica and John Richard and Diana's Mom and Dad and Dannys Children and your sister Peggy it was a nice Dinner you are always present with us and missed I Love you your loving wife Gretchen

Gretchen LeClaire
Wife

January 1, 2007

Just wanted to check in reak quick as I am going to play a round tomorrow. Thinking of you yelling at me for "stinking like a hobo" from the night before a round when I had to lug your bag. Miss you, Sir.

Ofc. David C. Dopson
Friend, Caddie, & subordinate

November 15, 2006

Hi my love it is the day where we celebrate the marine corps birthday yes we allways went to that and you looked so handsome with your uniform you are wearing it for the angels to look down on me you catch my tears and always kissed them i feel very lonely with out you oh how i miss you Billy is still in Iraq and Bobie is leaving for the second time Joe keep them save it is also the day where we think of all the ones who gave there lives like you my ring is still on my finger and it will be there as long as i am able to keep it on,Holly and Tyler send there kisses to you and ask about you always Ricard has aplied for the state trooper his testing will start in January stand by him he wants to do it so much he is so smart he has all the credits from college wich is good i am trying to move on but itis so hard for me becouse you are not with me, we are going to have dinner with Dianna and Daniel on thanksgiving and her famalie and always have the salute for you with the cheesecake love as always your lovig wife Gretchen

Gretchen LeClaire
wife

November 11, 2006