Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Merry Christmas son,

Today we spend yet another Christmas without you and we miss you so very much. The weather has kept your dad and I at home for the holiday while Susan, Tammy and the great grand babies are all in NC. While we are apart in distance, we are together in our hearts and all of our memories, thoughts and prayers are reserved just for you as we face yet another year without you. This past year has been especially hard as we grieve for the loss of your grandmother in 2007 and your grandfather just 18 months later in 2009. Your dad suffered a stroke and we were so worried but with lots of prayers, the knowledge that you are always near and by the grace of God, he is doing great. I always feel your presence and talk to you constantly. You are my strength and my guardian Angel and I know you'll always get us thru the most difficult of days. We don't know what the new year will bring but we feel so blessed because the Dept. is always there for us and they honor you in so many different ways. I'm sure as you stroll the halls of the dept. you still hear the stories of jokes you played on others as well as those played on you. You will also hear many stories of respect and honor as you set high standards and goals that made lasting impressions on so many. We spent quiet time with you at the cemetary and again at the dept. as we placed Christmas memorials at each place. Susan helped decorate your tree at the dept. and spent the day visiting. The "Golden Girls" are still sticking together; having fun together and taking care of us! You will always be special to them and they will always be there for us. How very special they are.
We love you honey,

Anonymous

December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas Jeff, as with every year our blue lights are burning in honor of you. We went to Tullahoma, a short drive for me as I am living in Chattanooga now. Went to your High School and spent some time clearing away some grass from the marker at the tree the school has planted in your memory. You are still in so many of our hearts and memories and we love you.

Carol Covert
Former BCSO Dispatcher

December 8, 2009

Hey Baby, Yesterday was a "cry" day. I was going through some stuff and ran across some of the cards you had written to me. I miss the cards and the little notes you would leave for no reason at all. One in particular was just a little note you scribbled on a piece of scratch paper.

"Hey Beautiful! I just want you to know how much I love you. I am here for you always and forever! Love, Jeff"

Then there was the one where you were writting to me about our plans to have a baby. You said "Jeffro or Jeffrina would be fine". You were so funny!

I was also looking at all of the commendations and awards you had received. Jeff, people call you a hero. A hero because you gave your life in the line of duty and saved your co-workers. It's true...you area hero! But you know...for me, it wasn't that night when you lost your life that made you a hero to me. You were a hero way before that. You were a hero when you became a United States Marine. You were a hero when you faught for your country in the Gulf war. But to me, you became my hero when I looked into your eyes on May 12th and became your wife. You were my hero when you stood up for me when no one else would. You were my hero when you rubbed my back while I stayed up late trying to study for a test. That's what made you a hero in my eyes. People say you left some mighty big shoes to fill. What they don't know is that even without being a Sgt. for the Buncombe County Sheriff's Dept...without losing your life in the line of duty...you were always a hero and you always had big shoes to fill.

I love you Jeff! Thank you for being my Hero!!

See you in my dreams!
1~4~3
Tracie

Tracie M. Hewitt

November 16, 2009

I'm also still thinking of you.

Thank you for setting an impeccable example. As a young Deputy… You were a great role model. I attribute my success to the leadership and examples set by you and other members of the Sheriff’s Office.

Detective Corporal
Gwinnett County Police Dept

November 2, 2009

May you rest in peace

DS P J Nagel
Cook County IL Sheriff's

November 1, 2009

Still think of you often.

Lt. Chuck Long
Buncombe County Sheriff's office

October 30, 2009

Just missing you today and wanted you to know.

See you in my dreams 1-4-3
I love you!
Tra

Tracie M. Hewitt

October 2, 2009

Hey Baby... I've had some bad days here lately. I am without words. I just heard this song and it says everything I'm feeling right now.

Miss you so much
See you in my dreams
1-4-3
Tracie

NO ADDRESS IN THE STARS

I stumbled across your picture today, I could barely breathe.
The moment stopped me cold and grabbed me like a theif.
I dialed your number but you wouldn't be there.
I knew the whole time, but it's still not fair.
I just wanted to hear your voice, I just needed to hear your voice.

What do I do with all I need to say,
So much I wanna tell you everyday.
Oh, it breaks my heart,
I cry these tears in the dark.
I write these letters to you,
But they get lost in the blue.
Cause, there's no address in the stars.

Now I'm driving through the pitch black dark.
I'm screaming at the sky,
Oh, cause it hurts so bad.
Everybody tells me that all I need is time.
Every morning rolls in, and it hurts me again,
And that ain't nothin but a lie.

What do I do with all I need to say,
Oh, it breaks my heart,
I cry these tears in the dark.
I write these letters to you,
But they get lost in the blue.
Cause, there's no address in the stars.

Without you here with me,
Don't know what to do
I'd give anything just to talk to you.

Oh, it breaks my heart.

Oh it breaks my heart.

All I can do is write these letters to you.
But there's no address in the stars.

Tracie M. Hewitt

August 26, 2009

Just wanted to tell you how much i still miss you and you will never be forgotten. I had to take a class yesterday and had to watch a horrible horrible video and it brought back ALOT of bad memories it just literally made me sick so when it was over i spent several hours with my bestest buddy (and a very good friend of yours that was with you that nite)just to calm down enough to go home,i don't know what i would have done without him i really really don't. He,like you always was, is always there for me to listen to me scream,yell,cuss and fuss then wipe away my tears and assure me it's going to be okay just like you always did but i never got to thank you enough for always being there for me but i do thank you. I still miss you like crazy and i luv ya bunches! And please give Angel hugs and kisses for me.

Cheryl

Cheryl
Buncombe County SO Communications

August 26, 2009

Hey Sweetie,
It' about five in the morning and thought I'd let you know that I haven't forgotten you. There isn't a day goes by that I don't think of you Jeff. How I wish you were still here with us.
I was so sorry to hear that your Grandfather had passed away. He and your Grandmother were very special to me. I would have liked to have spent more time with them. I remember going to the hopital the day after you and Tra got married to visit your Grandmother to introduce myself. We had a beautiful visit and she was such a lovely person. Then the day of your funeral, when I saw your Grandfather walking over, I got up and gave him my seat, and your Grandmother had to sit in their truck, as she wasn't able to walk to where we were.
On Memeorial Day I was going to go up to the cemetary to take flower's, flags and some other things. I had stopped by to see Mom and Dad. As I left their house, I noticed some really dark clouds over towards the Cemetary so I thought I would just take the flower's and all to the Sheriff's Dept. Bad move...I was going on 240 when I ran into one heck of a hail storm. I couldn't even see the road. So I knew I was close to the Chun's Cove exit, so I managed to get off there and get under a bridge. So I sat there for about 45 min. and the storm seemed to have calmed down some. So I get back on 240 heading for the Haywood St. exit, and the storm got even worse. So I was saying a prayer to God and you "Please Help ME GET to that exit. I was having to look through my rear view mirrow to drive, glancing out the front window trying to see my exit. Well, I finally got to the Sheriff's Dept, the rain had stopped some, so I go ahead and get everything out of my car,in the mean time getting soaked. I imagined you laughing at me and saying " why didn't you wait until the rain stopped?" Well Jeff, I was afraid The really hard rain would start up again. Any way I put everything there at the stone with your name on it, and before I left I knelt down and kissed your name, with the tears and rain mixing together falling down my face. But now I start back home, I get close to Biltmore, And Wouldn't you know, I ran into that stupid storm again. By the way, do they have World's Funniest People show in Heaven? Because I bet I was on it that day. Guess you were telling everyone there that you had no idea who that crazy woman was putting flower's at the stone for you. Just someone who didn't have "Sence enough to get out of the rain." So finally at home I got all the wet close off and dried out.
By the way, Tra decided not to sell the house, and I was so glad. I didn't say anything to her when she put in on the market, but was glad when she took it off. She has worked so hard on it. She had a beautiful deck put on the back, you would love it. I only wish the two of you could have done all of these things together. Jeff, when I am over there I still feel your presence so strong. It's as if you are standing right there and as if I can reach out and touch you.
Forever I will miss and love you Jeff. How I wish I could have taken your place that dredful night. And no, I will never understand "WHY", but I know that God does.
Again, I am sorry about your Mom's loss of her Dad and the loss the rest of your family feels, but I know that you, your Grandmother were glad to welcome him home. My prayers will be with those who were left behind to feel the hurt and loss. Becaues just like the loss of you Jeff, the hurt will always remain. I hope you know, that I think of you every day, miss you every day, And will always love you dearly. No one will ever take your place in my heart.
I recall a song of many years ago, " You are my special Angel sent from up above" Well you were Tracie's and Taylor's, And I will never beleive any differently.
So Sweetie, continue to keep watch over all those who love and miss you, along with your Brother's and Sister's in Blue. My forever Hero,
With much love,
Your Mother-in -Law
Carolyn

Carolyn Moore
Mother-in-Law

August 10, 2009

Good morning son,
God has taken another loved one home to be with you and mom. Dad passed away 6/07/09 after a 3 day stay in the hospital. He just went to sleep and never woke up. Before he left us he told us he had been talking to you and mom for several days and he just wanted to be with you both. He asked for three things to take with him; his teeth, his tobacco and oh yes, he said mom asked him to bring her white collar when he came. I found his teeth, his tobacco and the collar just where he told me they would be. You see, the collar was worn by mom on their wedding day 70 years ago! It was sealed in a small plastic bag and placed in a safe place where he could find it. He had turned 90 just two weeks before and his heart was weak and his body was so tired and he had numerous medical problems that could not be healed here on earth. He chose God as his healer and just wanted to "go home". Honey, he never got over your passing and sometimes he would sit and cry when he spoke of you. Now he is at peace and I know he is with you and mom. You are with us in everything we do and we go to the cemetary often just to be with you. You are missed and loved so much. God has taken 5 loved ones to be with him in the past year and 1/2. Please watch over the families as we try to go on without all of you. Five years without you seems like just yesterday.
We love you always and forever,
mom, dad, Susan and family
(Pat, Bill, Susan and Family)

Anonymous

July 4, 2009

Hey Sweetie,
I dont' get on this site as I use to, and at times my computer was down. But you know that you are in my heart and thoughts every day. Five years have passed by since you were taken from us, and as for me every day will be a Memorial Day for you and all of the others who sacrificed their lives for me. You wouldn't beleive how this world has changed Jeff. Every day you hear of an Officer Down, or a Child being killed, a husband killing his entire family, someone throwing a child out of a car and the list goes on.
In one way I'm glad you don't have to see the way things are. There just never seems to be a lot of good news any more. The economy is at it's lowest, people are losing their homes, there isn't any work to be found, and my heart hurts for thoes new graduates who have nothing to look forward to. Families just seem to grow futher apart and it seems as if everything we read in the Bible in Revelations is quickly coming to pass. It tells us of the times that there will be earthquakes in divers places, that and of all the things to come. Which are happening so fast. So when I hear and see these things taking place, I know the sooner I will see you again. And I am all to ready to see your smile, and hug you once again.
I have two blue candles burning for you and Mike in the window. And I have some things to bring to the cemetary, but I'll bring them to you, Joe and Joe' grandfather after Mondays Memorial Service for all the Veteran's who gave their lives for us. Jeff no one will ever know just how much my heart hurts when I look at your and Tracie's wedding picture's or the tears that either flow or are choked back at times. Then I look at Mike's picture and I cry more for the hurt his family still lives with every day. And We All Still Wonder WHY.
Jeff, I hope you are still watching out for all of us, and those who are still on foreign soil. I pray for all of them, along for those who still patrol our street's here in America. Those who wear the Policeman's Blue. Our deputy's, firemen, Highway Patrol, each of them who put that uniform on every day to try and protect us.
By the way, I don't know if I told you that Aaron joined the Marines before he graduated from High School and has finished up most of his training. They have told him now that he will be going to Africa, before it was Iraq. So we really don't know for sure. So watch out for him and his unit.
Well Thank you again Jeff for all that you did, There will never be anyone who will replace the love and respect I hold in my heart for you. Remember you are forever alive in my heart and memories. Wait for me just inside the Eastern Gates.
In Loving Memory of you on Memorial Day.
Carolyn

Carolyn Moore
Mother-in-Law

May 24, 2009

Thinking of you on Memorial Day and thankful for your service to your Country and Law Enforcement.

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

May 23, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today, Police Officer Memorial Day. You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones.

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

May 15, 2009

Jeff - we will never forget what you did for this community. I had a very special moment of reflection last night...totally God-given moment...we were driving home from Charlotte late last night....Where 74 meets I-26, there is a large, lighted cross up on a mountain. At the moment I was admiring the beauty of the cross, the song I remember being sung at your funeral came on my I-pod...a song that every time I hear, I am reminded of you. The song, the cross and the 5-year anniversary.....it sounds dorky, but it was a special moment of remembering you for me. To Jeff's family - I cannot imagine the pain that still lingers - please know we continue to pray for you.

K. Houston
Buncombe County

April 5, 2009

Dearest Jeff,
Saturday, the fourth of April, marked 5 years since you were taken from us. Once again we gathered to honor you. The day began early as the Fire Dept. honored you with a walk/run. After the run we gathered at the courthouse where your name was placed on a new monument they have erected in honor of all fallen officers from Buncombe County. 18 names in all are now listed there. The service was very special and so many people came to honor each and every one of you. It was so painful yet so special to hear the names read and to know your memory is being kept alive in such a special place and in such a special way. As always the dept. took us under their wings, caring for us and making sure our needs were met thruout the day. We visited your gravesite, spending quiet time with you. At the end of the day we gathered at the dept. for the memorial there and the candlelight service. It was beautiful as always and so many memories were shared. Each year we hear news stories. some funny, some serious but all told with fondness and love and we will cherish each and every one of them. Those warm, caring people are the ones that keep us strong and help us thru this very painful time in our lives. You will always be in our hearts and never a day passes that we don't talk to you and remember you as we ask ourselves "Why"? Be with us honey, watch over all who love you, especially Susan. Save us a place because someday we'll all be together again.
Love you and miss you so much,
Love,
Mom,Dad,Susan and family

Anonymous

April 5, 2009

We finally had some good weather for the 5k run/1 mile walk. Didnt have to postpone it for rain or snow. Had several participate in the run/walk, wished it would of been hundred's or thousand's but the faithful few will always work to keep your memory, your life and your service from being forgotten. The memorial dedication service at the courthouse for you and all the other fallen heroes of Buncombe County was a great honor to be a part of. Then of course the service we had at the Sheriff's Office last night was filled with your family, friends and co-workers as we stood gathered to honor and remember you at the time you were taken from us 5 years ago. From one Marine to another..... Semper Fi Brother, Semper Fi!

Rick Wood
Skyland Fire-Rescue

April 5, 2009

On the anniversary of your death, I just wanted to thank you for thinking of your fellow officers and making the ultimate sacrtifice. You are a true hero!! Semper Fi! What a squared-away Marine you are!! I hope you are keeping my CHPs company in Heaven and keeping the troops down here safe! We have had quite a hard time...4 in Oakland CA two weeks ago and three in Pittsburgh today. I pray for the families and co-workers that God will give them strength to get through this tragic time.

Thank you, Marine for keeping us safe while in the USMC and on patrol in NC.

Love you,

Your new "aunt" in California
Aunt LoVae

LoVae Pray Martines, Law Enf. Liaison
MADD-San Bernardino County, CA

April 4, 2009

5 years, and where has it gone. In my heart and mind if feels as if it just happened. The same feelings that flooded mine and everyone's hearts that night are rushing through Tommy and I again tonight. I feel incredibly lucky and honored to have known and worked with you. Van did the honors of your moment of silence on Channel 1 tonight, and he did you proud. There for a moment I had to snicker, though, the radio cut out and I couldn't help but think that it was you messing with him; it's certainly fitting. Regardless of how many years pass, we will NEVER forget you.

Jennifer and Tommy Lawrence

April 4, 2009

I still think of you daily, rest in peace my brother!

Sergeant Chad Edwards
Buncombe County Sheriffs Office

April 4, 2009

Jeff-
Your presence is still felt every day as our guys go out there and fight the good fight. God took you 5 years ago but we will never forget the sacrifice you made. You're our hero- forever and always. We love you and miss you greatly. Please continue to watch over Tracie and your family as well as your family at BCSO. Keep us all safe. God bless you and we miss you so much.

Anonymous

April 4, 2009

It's 1:36am on Saturday 04/04/09. I realize that at this moment...5 years ago, I was cuddled up next to you in bed. Not knowing it would be the last time I would be held by you. It's hard to believe it has been 5yrs today. There are a lot of events to be held in your honor today. I actually have to get up in about 5 hours for the 5k run. Yeah, I'll be the one with bags under my eyes. LOL The white star with the mourning band hangs by the front door. It's there every year as a symbol of you. A hole still remains in my heart. I'm quickly realizing that is going to be a permenant fixture. I thought at some point that empty feeling would go away...but it never does. It's a weird feeling. Something you can't explain. I always thought it sounded sort of corny for people to say "I feel like a part of me is gone"...but it's the only way to explain it. Part of me is gone and I'll never have that back. I feel it. I feel the fact that I am a completely different person now. I'll never be the Tracie prior to Jeff Hewitt. Like the song says..."I don't know if I've been changed for the better...but I know I've been changed for good". Baby, today is a difficult day for all of us who love you. I am grateful everyday for the sacrifice you made and I pray for those who have taken your place to protect us. The monument that will be placed downtown today is a great honor to you and the other heroes. I just pray we never have to add another name. I love you so much! Miss you always.

See you in my dreams 1-4-3
I love you
Tracie

Tracie M. Hewitt

April 4, 2009

Another year has passed but you have not been out of the thoughts of those that love you. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and protect them. You will never be forgotten.

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

April 3, 2009

Hey Sweetie,
It's been awhile since I have left a reflection for you, but that doesn't mean that I haven't tought of you every single day. You will forever be in my heart and the memories of you will never fade. Jeff, I have remembered you on your Birthday, Christmas, Memorial Day and all of the others, but there was a season that went by that I just didn't get on the computer. But I know you knew you were in my heart.
Jeff, today I celebrate your life, the MAN that you were, the Son-in-law, Son, Husband, Stepfather. Officer, brother, uncle, and most of all the friend you were to so many.
There have been so many Officer's who have joined you in the past five years. My heart hurts for all their families. Because it is a hurt and loss that the ones you left behind will never get over. There are people who say, you need to go on and get over it. Well, in the best way we can, we do go on, but it' as if one is still in a fog. The shock stay's with me still. I can hardly beleive that FIVE years have gone by so fast.
I can never thank God enough for allowing you to come into Tracie and Taylor's lives. I know in my heart that you were an angel that God allowed to be with them for such a short time, but it changed their lives forever. I only wish He had not taken you so soon. How I wish you were still here. I turned the TV on last night, and of all the movies showing, it was "Ghost". I sat and watched and of course cried my eyes out. If only we could have reached out and touched you one more time, or had the chance to even say goodby. But that only happens in the movies I guess.
Jeff this is our fifth year without you, but if it becomes fifty. (which by then, I'll be standing with you) I hope you will remain alive in the heart's of those who knew and loved you. You are my forever HERO, Jeff.
May the angel's in heaven, be celebrating you today. And may God Himself put His arm around your shoulder and tell you that you are loved and missed so very much. And to let you know You were the "WIND BENEATH OUR WINGS". As the sparrow's fall from the sky, and God know's, He knew in all of His wisdom, why He took you home. We will never understand, but as I have told you before, God see's the road ahead of us, and we don't know what you would have faced. And I know you would not wanted to be in a wheelchair.
Well Sweetie, I'll go for now, but just know, that when I look up into the sky at night and see the star's shining that one of them is you, and that you are looking down smiling with love for those you left behind. But we will catch up with you soon, so be waiting just inside the Eastern Gate. And keep watch over all of us, okay?
Love and Miss you so much,
Carolyn

Carolyn Moore
Mother-in-law

April 3, 2009

It has been 5 five years and i still miss you every bit as much today as i did 5 years ago. You are definately one of those people that comes into ones life and leaves footprints on their heart forever and you were the best buddy a girl could have! You are a true hero that will never be forgotten. And please give Angel hugs and kisses for me and tell her Mama misses her every second of every day and watch her for me until i get there. Miss you and luv ya bunches!

Cheryl
BCSO Communications

April 3, 2009