Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Jeff, There isn't a day goes by that I don't stop by here. But you already know that.I look at your picture and still can't beleive your gone. You were such a joy to have in our lives. I wonder why!!!!!!!so often I ask the question...I know I'm not suppose to. But time hasn't changed, especially the Holiday's.........I haven't even put up my blue lights yet. Don't know that I'll even get that done. Probably not...Anyway just wanted you to know I miss you and love you. Thank you, Jeff for the time you were here. Tracie still stands tall, and when you walk in the house, your still there. I guess you see Teddie geting older. He does't get around like he use to, doesn't hear as well anymore, but still lays at the foot of the bed. Tra keeps one bed for him in the bedroom and another in front of the fire place right beside your picture,flag,sword,plaques and other things she received in Honor of you. But we all wish all the things she and Taylor received weren't there. We wish YOU were. Well I'll be back soon. Love You,Carolyn

carolyn moore

December 9, 2006

Dear Jeff,Just a note to let you know your on my mind.To let you know I miss you and love you. You know this time of year,I always think of going shopping for presents,and knowing I would always pick up the light weight thermal wear for you to wear to keep you warm. But also other items. The last Christmas you were here, finding such a great deal on the 'Tommy" heay duty sweat shirt and the jogging pants. How I enjoyed just siting back and watching, as you,Tracie,Taylor,Darren,Amy,Marcie and Andrew opened your presents.That was Christmas for me. To see the look on your faces,hoping I had made each of you happy. You will always be missed at our family gatherings. but I know you are smiling down on all of us, as you,Mike and all the Fallen Hero's celebrate Christ's birthday with Him. Just know we know you will be with us,and our love will be with you. You and Mike keep watch over all of us and Mikes family. love and miss you, Carolyn

carolyn moore

December 5, 2006

My dearest Jeff,
It's strange isn't it? How you never really know how much you love someone untill they are gone. I have always loved and always will, but I suppose I never really realized how much of an influence you had on my life.

Taylor Youngblood
step-son

December 5, 2006

Hi Jeff,

Just stopping in to say hello. I was at work talking to some people recently and we started talking about you. It's amazing how much emotion still comes out when you're talked about (and thought of). I was trying to tell one of the new rookies about what happened, and trying to explain how amazing your funeral was, the depth of the love and honor that was there that day surrounding you, and still is today. There are no words to describe it. These rookies have no idea, Jeff. I don't think any of them realize what it means to put that badge on and step out the door. They take for granted they will be coming home at the end of the shift. Please watch over them. I was at the cemetary the other day and I went over and sat down beside you. Even with the sadness, I get such a sense of peace every time I visit the cemetary. You are always in our thoughts.

November 29, 2006

Hi honey,
Each day I visit this site and reflect on what is written there. You are loved so very much. I know you, Joe, Joe's dad George, Mike and so many others stood so tall and proud as you were honored on Veterans day. The cemetary was beautiful as all the flags blew gently in the warm, soft breeze. Susan and your grandparents came with me to visit for awhile. Your dad had to work but he sent his love. Jan was there and placed a rose on Joe's, yours and her dad's grave. We placed flowers, a bunny (to replace a missing one) and a flag on yours. On Joe's we placed a red, White and Blue bow. Once again our lives have been touched by someone with ties to the Sheriff's dept. It seems they're always there in time of crisis. The babies are thriving and we see them often. Your grandmother is getting stonger everyday in spite of the dr's predicition. God has been so good to us and we feel your presence and your loving touch in every blessing we receive. Things won't be the same at the dept. anymore. We'll miss Bobby very much. He became a very special part of our lives when we lost you and we know you'll watch over him as he moves into another phase of his life. Please keep watch over all of our friends who are still there as well as those who may leave as the transition takes place. Susan took your grandparents to see your park the other day. Changes are taking place and hopefully the dedication won't be far off. As I started to work the other morning and looked toward Heaven just as I do every morning, I saw your Star(the one I've chosen as yours) and I spent a quiet moment in prayer as I said good morning to you. Dad and I both spend our drive to and from work with you by our side. You are our first thought in the morning and our last at night. It seems the tears will never stop but that's okay because we know you'll always be there to wipe them away and help us make it thru another day. As always, Susan sends her love. She misses you so much. She knew you would always be there for her; her baby brother; her strength and her shelter when things seemed to get to much for her to handle alone. Her love for you will always be as strong as the strongest wind and as gentle as the softest breeze as it passes thru the tree tops. We'll see you Christmas honey.

Love,
Bill, Pat and Susan Hewitt
Mom, Dad and Sister

Mom

November 26, 2006

Jeff, its been awhile since I've been here and read some of the reflections others have left and I am glad that everyone still visits this page and talks to you through it. Some time has past since that night but from time to time we at Skyland still talk about it and talk about you. We will still have the Memorial run every year in your honor, this year I rode a bike through it and it wore me out, hopefully next year I'll be in better shape and run it, this jarhead is getting old. Just wanted to say that your friends and comrades at Skyland Fire-Rescue still think of you often and still honor you. Semper Fi my brother, Semper Fi!

Rick Wood, Battalion Chief
Skyland Fire-Rescue

November 24, 2006

HAPPY THANKSGIVING JEFF! WE MISS YOU. THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS UNDERGOING SOME CHANGES RIGHT NOW, AND I KNOW IT IS ALL FOR THE BEST. IT IS HARD TO SEE SOME GOOD PEOPLE LOSE THEIR JOB'S, BUT I GUESS IT WILL FIT THE NEW AGENDA. WISH YOU WERE HERE TO HELP GUIDE US THRU THIS.

BCSD

November 23, 2006

Hey Jeff, Well Thanksgiving will be here Thursday........time goes by so fast. Seems as if I can't get into the holiday seasons anymore. Still havent been to the cemetary yet, at least I can come here and talk to you and Mike. I've tried to get in touch with Joe's family,but I haven't been able to. So many changes Jeff, I hate to see or hear about them. My heart is hurting for a lot of people. You know what I mean. Hope everyone in your family is okay. I pray for them every day. Please tell Mike and Joe hello for me,and that I love all of you. Keep watch over all of us, you and God. Jeff please keep watch over Tracie and Taylor for me. Also the rest of our families. It seems like the whole world is falling apart. Jeff tell all the Hero's that have left this world for a better one this year, that I'm trying to leave a reflection on the odmp for each of their families but I don't have enough time for all,but will get to them. My heart breaks everytime I read about the officer's, they are so young, like you and I will just never understsnd. Well if I don't get back to you before,just know that on Thanksgiving I wiii be thankful that you were apart of my life. The time was just to short. love you & miss you carolyn

carolyn moore

November 19, 2006

My dearest Jeff,
So much has happened in the two years you have been gone from us. My fourteenth birthday has come and past and yet I don't stop missing you anymore. People say that things get easier as you get older. That hasn't proved to be true yet.
even as I sit here and type this, I think of all of the times you would just sit there with small sheepish grin on your face. Or a look of confusion,like the time when me, you, and mom were in Lowes and I was standing in front of a mirror making all of these wierd faces at my self trying to see my mouth!
I hate to end this so abruptly but I have to go. Im in school.
Luv always Taylor.

Taylor Youngblood
Step-Son

November 16, 2006

Dear Jeff, just a note to let you know i'm tinking of you. can you beleive the holiday' are upon us and belive me i'm not ready for them. tell mike and all the other hero's i said hello, and i thank each of you for the sacrifice you made for the rest of us. i'll get back to you soon. watch out for all of us here. love you and miss you. carolyn

carolyn moore

November 15, 2006

Today was Veteran's Day. There was a wonderful ceremony at the VA Hospital to honor all our military servicemen and women like you who have served to protect our freedom. Afterwards, you know I went to the cemetery to see my daddy and you and Joe. Of course, your faithful loving mom and sister were there. I just wanted to let you know that I think of you often and you are dearly missed by so many people.
To Tracie and your son as well as all of Jeff's family, You continue to remain in my prayers. It is comforting for me to know that my beloved daddy, George Ray, my precious nephew Joe Ray and your treasured Jeff are together in peace.
God Bless You now and always.
Jan Banks

Jan Banks
Buncombe Co Sheriff's Dept Reserve Unit

November 11, 2006

Happy Veteran's Day, Jeff! Please keep smiling down on us and know that we think of you every day and appreciate all you and your family have sacrificed for us.

Lauren

November 11, 2006

Happy Veterans Day Jeff. Thankyou for your service to your country, we have not forgotten you.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon

November 10, 2006

Hey Sweetie! Well, as Mom has already told you...I've really been through it the past month or so. Just when I was recovering from the tonsilectomy, there goes the appendix. Good thing is...I've gotten rid of a few "extra" parts. hehe I'm coming along though. I don't really have any energy yet, but I'm sure it will improve soon. Everyone there was so nice to me. I don't think the President would have gotten any more special attention than I did. I just can't thank them enough for taking such good care of me. It also helped knowing that you were there the whole time holding my hand while I slept. I wasn't scared at all because I knew that you were there with me. I just wish I could have opened my eyes and looked at your face and heard you say, "Hey Beautiful".

Jeff, I'm sorry I don't write as often as I would like. It's gets pretty crazy being a single mom sometimes. Taylor is involved in a lot of activities. I see he has already told you that he will be traveling to Europe to study during the summer. I don't know what I'll do without him for a month. You better watch over him while he is gone. You know he's everything I have in the world.

Well Sweetie, know that I think of you everyday and you are always close in my heart.

I love you,
See you in a minute 1-4-3
Tracie

Tracie Hewitt
Jeff's Wife

November 8, 2006

dear jeff, well our election is over, and Van will be our new sheriff. as usual bobby was very humble when he conceded to Van. and i admired bobby's humility and his offer to help Van in any way. i know you were friends to both bobby and van, and i know they both respected you as a friend and officer. i thank bobby for keeping you memory alive as i know van will do the same. i wish them both the very best. my upmost thanks to bobby, my congratulations to van. my prayers will be with both of them, and every officer. but i see van as a fair man,that will put the wellfare of the people first and foremost. well just thought you would want to know how things went. the main thing is i hope everyone will respect those uniforms that your brother's in blue wear. so i'ii be back soon. love and miss you jeff. and please continue to watch over each of us, you and all the other HERO'S that stand guard on Heaven's streets of gold. love and miss you. carolyn

carolyn moore mother-in-law

November 8, 2006

dear jeff, just wanted you to know i was thinking of you as i do everyday. i miss you and wish you hadn't have had to go home. seems like it worse when it begins to get cold weather. sorry i haven't made it to the cemetary lately. i'll get there soon to see you and joe ray. keep watch over tra nd taylor for me and everyone else. give mike my love and all the other hero's that stand with you. love and miss you with all my heart. carolyn

carolyn moore-jeff's mother-in-law

November 2, 2006

dear jeff, well i guess you already know we were back at the hospital with tra again last night. only one day since she had her tonsils out now the appendix. please watch over her. i worry about her. i don't think she has stopped since you went home,jeff. i miss your being here so much, i didn't worry so much when you were here. but thanks for sending her some great friends. amanda was at the hospital and stayed all night with her. and what would she ever do without john? i know GOD sent him into her life when taylor was a baby,then you............and ther will never be another you...GOD only made one you. jeff, please continue to keep watch over tra (help her to always make the right decisions for herself and taylor). you know i've only wanted the best for her. when tra married you, i knew it was right. she has gone through so many heartaches in her short life, you were such a ray of sunshine, for much to short of a time. please continue to watch over all. tell mike and all the other HERO"S i send my love. carolyn

carolyn moore

October 27, 2006

Dear Jeff:
When the question is posed, "What is an example of a hero?", one might easily refer to you and the sacrifice you made to save the lives of the other brother officers with you. Jeff, all the loving words in the world cannot bring you back, or ease the sorrow your family has to endure.
However, what can be done, is to thank you first off, for the manner in which you conducted your life. Though we have never met, just to read about you, makes me proud to be a part of the fraternity that you are a part of...forever. Second, I would like to extend my gratitude to your Mom. For without all her suffering and sacrifice, our country would never have had the honor of your service. And the people of North Carolina would never have had such a true hero. She truly helped make this world a better place by having you.
Third, your wife is deserving of EVERYONES respect and gratitude. The sacrifice that she too, now has to make, shall NEVER be forgotten. So many people take so little care or interest in what a police officer and his family must give up, in order that our fellow countrymen live the style of life they enjoy.
With each loss of a brother officer, a piece of all of us dies also. But, oddly enough, your death gives birth in all of us, the determination to emulate you and your manner of service...to put the needs and safety of others first. You epitomize what the much used saying, "To serve and protect" truly means. Now, rest in peace brother. We will meet again, I am certain. "In valor, there is hope". Semper Fi. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida

October 27, 2006

Dearest Jeff,
I know I haven't written in a while, I'm sorry. I hope you will forgive me. I've been really busy lately, staring my third and final year at Rugby Middle School, and getting recommendations for a trip to England, Ireland, and Wales. I am going to be a Student Ambassador. I'm going with an organization called People To People. Iwill be gone for 20 days. I can't wait!! Only 11 or less people from my school have been chosen. Listen, I have to g so I love you!!!
Love Always,
Taylor Youngblood
Step-Son

Taylor Youngblood
Step-Son

October 22, 2006

hey jeff, you know i'm always stoping by to say i love you and miss you. with the election near, the night you left us has been brought up in the news. seems to bring it all back again, not that it really ever goes away. it's just that it's a deep reminder. but one thing i can say for bobby and van, they are both being gentlemen. this i admire in both of them. you get tired of hearing negative things, some of the canidates say about each other. so i'm glad they are showing respect for the other. that is the way it should be in every race. but i know you will always be remembered by whoever holds the office of sheriff. i respect anyone out there risking there life for the rest of us. you, mike and the rest of you hero's watch over us. watch over tra and taylor for me. always thinking of you and missing you. see you soon, love carolyn

carolyn moore

October 22, 2006

dear jeff, i stop by every day,but you already know that. just read the poem bob left, and you know the tears came to my eyes. everyone says i'm to emotional, but i can't help the heart god put in me. i will never forget you, yes, i still ask why. i always will, not just for you and mike, but each and every officer that has been killed, also the firemen soldiers, troopers, all who have given their lives for us. and the sad part is that, people just don't realize how many hero's have been taken from us until they lose someone. but those who wear the blue (or black or brown) whatever the color of the uniform, they are still hero's to me. i'm glad i was raised in a time that respect was taught, for our flag, having devotions in school, we always started class with our pledge to our flag and praying. you can tell the difference since it has all been taken away. i guess it't the signs of the times. and you know me i will always be praying for my family, friends,and all your fellow officers who still patrol our roads, i haven't forgotten them. linda stops by,she is one fine lady and officer. don't forget to watch over tracie, taylor and the rest of us. talk to you soon, love carolyn

carolyn moore

October 18, 2006

Jeff...With the Sheriff's election coming up, there have been discussions of officer safety on TV and in the newspaper. It reminded me that no matter how well trained and how able an officer is, tragedy can still strike. Please watch over your fellow LEOs and keep them safe. We miss you at Talledega!

K. Houston

October 18, 2006

Hi Jeff,

Thought I'd drop in and leave a reflection. Carolyn has been wonderful in writing at Mike's site. She can write as much as she wants. You couldn't have asked for a better mother-in law. My oldest son John was at a funeral and at the cemetery after the service he was walking and found a beautiful grave marker that had two public servants buried side by side. Evidently the first husband was a police officer and after he died she re married a fire fighter. On the police officers marker she had the following poem:

An Angel in the sky must leave his place of rest
Gently tucking his wings beneath his armored vest
For duty has called, there is much to do
Little did he know, this one is dressed in Blue.
Arriving at the scene he knows just what to say.
"Follow me Fallen Brother, I'll Show You the Way
Your duty has ended, your work is now through
Come hang your hat beside mine, I'm A Cop Too."

Wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you today Jeff, you have not been forgotten nor will that ever happen as your loved ones and brothers and sisters in Blue will never let that happen. Say hi to Mike for me and keep watch over your loved ones and those still on patrol in and around Buncombe County who are watching over the Thin Blue Line.

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

October 16, 2006

dearest jeff, had another dream about you. seems as if you are there so often now. maybe it's because i visit your site everyday. maybe you already know the dream, i guess you do. you know usually you don't remember dreams, but each one is so vivid. in the dream your mon had put a memorial to you in the paper. there were pictures of you and tracie. the first one was like when you were dating. the next one was as if we were all at a bridal shower. the next picture is hard to explain. it was made at your wedding, you were siting in a chair and tracie was kneeling before you , you were smiling at each other as if no one else was around. in the picture it was if it were taken in sections. but still in one photo. tracie on her knees, then slowly raising up toward you until she could kiss you. i wish now there had been a picture, taken like that. but maybe there is someone who will read this that is getting ready to be married and have a picture made like that. sounds pretty doesn't it? well sweetie please know that i love you and miss you. how i wish you were still with us. but i know you are watching over us, please dont't stop. keep tracie, taylor and the rest of us safe, will you? i know god is in charge, and he makes all of the decisions,so please ask him to continue to let you be our guardian angel. i'll be back soon, until, love and miss you carolyn

carolym moore

October 15, 2006

dear jeff, just stopped in to say i love and miss you. just learning the laptop tracie got me for my birthday, i come to your site everyday. i look at your picture and still ask why? i had a dream about you the other night, you were laying in a hospital bed at my house. i heard you talking to me as if you were reall here. you told me you would be fine they just wanted you to rest. when i woke up my heaart was beating out of my chest. it was all so real, jeff i miss you and forever will love you. tracie still stays busy now that taylor is back in school and working to. jeff can you beleive how much taylor has grown? as tall as his mom now. he is doing so well in school, an honor student. he would make you proud. well, keep watching over us, you, mike and all the other hero's that have gone on before us. i hope i can leave reflections for the other famlies who have lost a loved one. it hurts so bad. i just want them to know we care. as i go to the odmp page, there are so many reflections left by bob gordon. mike's parents are wonderful people, well i'll talk to you again soon. remember you are only a heartbeat away from us so we will see you soon. love, your mother-in-law, carolyn

carolyn moore

October 12, 2006