Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

JEFF, I DON'T KNOW WHAT I DID WRONG, BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST MOST OF THE REFLECTION I WAS LEAVING. SO I WILL WAIT A FEW DAYS AND CHECK IF THAT PART WENT THROUGH. IF NOT I WILL REWRITE IT. UNTIL THEN SWEETIE, KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH. THAT THERE ISN'T A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T THINK OF YOU. THAT I MISS YOU AND THANK GOD THAT YOU WERE A PART OF OUR LIVES. A VACANCY THAT CAN NEVER BE REPLACED. I DID GET A REFLECTION TO MICHAEL GORDON TOO. I CAN SEND YOU A REFLECTION ANYTIME I WANT TO NOW. GEE, I HATE I MAY HAVE LOST WHAT I HAD ALREADY WROTE. SO HOPE THIS MAKES IT TO YOU. WE ALL MISS AND LOVE YOU, FOREVER; SO WATCH FOR US, THE WAY THINGS ARE LOOKING IT WON'T BE LONG BEFORE GOD CALLS US ALL HOME. JEFF I BELEIVE THIS HAS BEEN THE WORSE TWO YEARS I'VE HAD. JUST SEEMED LIKE IT HAS BEEN ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. MIKE GORDON'S PARENTS CAME DOWN IN MARCH, WE WENT TO THE CEMETARY, AND THEY PUT A BEAUTIFUL CROSS ON YOUR GRAVE. WELL I'LL GO FOR NOW. JUST KNOW HOW VERY MUCH YOU ARE LOVED AND MISSED BY ALL. FOREVER IN MY HEART. MOTHER-IN-LAW, CAROLYN

October 4, 2006

I never met you, and was hired at least a year after your passing. However, your memories are everywhere. When I first got hired on and I was trained that you were always logged onto CAD, I thought that was the kindest, most memorable way we could honor you every day. When I leave the parking lot from BCSD every day I see your sign, "E2." I respect BCSD and everyone here who continues to honor and remember you. I wish I could have met you and your wife. Respectfully yours, BCSD 418

Karin Whitley
BCSD Telecommunicator

September 29, 2006

Hey Sweetheart! I've been missing you so much. I've been doing some cleaning around the house and now and then I run across something that triggers a memory or two. I'm having surgery tomorrow. I'm a little nervous! I know everything will be fine, but I'm a little scared. I know you will be there holding my hand and I will have nothing to worry about. Someone asked me the other day if I was afraid to die. I said how could I be afraid to die...when death would only lead me to you. I know this surgery is not a real big deal and I will be fine. You know how tough I am.....as long as I dont throw up afterwards. Thats the main thing I'm afraid of. How stupid! All of my friends and family are being very caring and supportive. Mom is coming home with me for a few days...so I'm in good hands. I also know you will be with me every step of the way.

I still run into people who mention your name. They always have the same thing to say....."Jeff was a good friend and co-worker. My life was changed because of Jeff. And things like...life will never be the same without him." Honey you are a hero and cherished by all. You even touched the lives of people you never knew. I am so proud of you and proud to have been your wife.

Well, I had better get in bed....big day tomorrow.
Baby, I love you always. Miss you every minute.

See you in my dreams! 1-4-3
Love,
Tracie

Tracie Hewitt
Jeff's Wife

September 24, 2006

Hi Jeff,

I still stop by here every now and then just to spend a few minutes reading and remembering. Don't think I will ever forget, because that won't happen. I am grateful I was able to reach some peace and move ahead. It's amazing how you have touched so so many people, even people you didn't know. You changed my life. That night gave me the courage to make life decisions that I may not have otherwise made, and if it weren't for you, I am afraid I would still be living the unhappy life I was in when you were taken from us. I owe you so much. You'll never be forgotten.

Anonymous

September 24, 2006

Jeff,
I have started to write several times but for some reason never have. You are stilled very missed around the office and thought of all the time. I had to laugh the other night; it seemed as if you were able to give me a hard time even with you gone. I was in the snack room where it seemed that we would often meet and give each other a hard time about weight gained, you coming to CID, and me going back to the road, etc. With you already on my mind when I went to push the buttons for my Snickers guess what I had to push E2.
I worked for you when you were first promoted, and you would jump in there answer calls; take reports, just like the rest of us. The supervisors on Edward Squad were all good, but you remembered what it was like without the stripes on the shirt, and wasn’t afraid to lead by example. Recently I was promoted and hope that I will be able to remember and do the same kind if things. Just FYI to my knowledge there still has been no one else to loose a VW bug in a 43, and the cost of pizza in Fletcher has gone way up. Continue to look over us until we meet again.
Preston

Sgt. Preston Honeycutt
BCSD CID

September 17, 2006

9/11
What a day to remember a hero such as yourself. I fear some have forgotten... I will never forget the sacrifice you made: The thoughts of you in my own decision making may have already saved my life numerous times. But then, only the Lord really knows doesn't he? I thank him for the life he gave you to be with us, even for only a short time. It was a blessing even though we hardly knew one another. We still make up part of that "thin blue line". But most of all, I thank the Lord for shedding his own blood to give us eternal life, for the chance to get to see you again soon brother. God bless this hero's family.

Asheville City Officer

September 11, 2006

Dearest Jeff,
It's been awhile since I've been in touch but we visit your web site each and every day. Time just seems to stand still and the pain and the memory of that horrible night seems like just yesterday. Once again we had to make a late night trip to Asheville to meet an ambulance carrying mom to Mission. The last time we made that journey to be there with her you waited for us on I-26 with blue lights flashing to escort us the rest of the way. As we made that trip the other night I looked for you, praying you would be there to once again take us in. Even tho I could not see you I felt your presence and I know your hand was on the wheel. I now hate ringing phones in the middle of the night. A phone call brought us the news of your death. A phone call that changed our lives forever. What a horrible, painful trip to Asheville that was. So many tears, so much denial and so much pain. Susan's computer is still down but she sends her love. She is settled in her apt. and seems happier than she has been in a long time. Keep watch over her honey. She still needs your protection, your guidance and your loving touch. Your dad sure could use your help with the grass this year! A bountiful dose of weed and feed in the spring has the grass growing like crazy. Talked to Carol C. last night and as always, we talked about you and how very much you are missed at the dept. She is happier than I've ever seen her. Donald is so good for her. You would really like him. Also talked to Rosemary and we're all making plans to meet very soon. I love going to the dept., spending time with everyone. Honey, they are so good to us, always taking time to tell us stories about you and filling us in on some of the pranks you pulled. I know you still walk the halls at the BCSD and no matter how much time passes you will always be a very real part of their daily lives. Keep the watch with Joe and Mike. We sure need your help here on earth.
Keep watch over the babies honey.
We love you,
Mom, Dad and Susan

Mom

August 24, 2006

Miss you bunches... keep waiting to see you at the store getting your dip & mountain dew & driving off with the pump still attached to your car...LOL!!!! Rest easy Jeff, you've done your duty.

Lauren
friend

August 16, 2006

Hi Jeff,

Been some time since I've stopped in but that doesn't mean I don't think of you every day along with my son Mike. I came across this poem and wanted to share it with you, your loved ones and close friends. Take care and keep an eye on Mike for me.

No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.

By Richard Fife

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

August 2, 2006

JEFF, YOU ARE MISSED IN TULLAHOMA! EVERYONE THAT KNEW YOU CAN NOT BELIEVE YOUR GONE. ROBERT, JAMIE, JIMMY AND SEVERAL OTHER MISS YOU. YOU PASSED WAY TOO EARLY! YOU ALWAYS HAD A WAY OF CHEERING PEOPLE UP

JIMMY FULCHER
FRIEND

July 27, 2006

Jeff,
Hey brother it's still hard to believe that your gone. I was just thinking back to nights on the road and those extra duties down at Dennys so I googled and found this site. I was sad to hear of that night on April 4th, I was on my second tour in Iraq and had just come through some tight spots in Falluja and a real bad ambush on April 6th (which I learned later the Citizen times reported me killed) I came back inside the wire and called home and thats when I learned what happened. I couldn't believe it I had been seeing so much sensless death and then to learn about you just killed me. I have done three tours in Iraq now and had alot of close calls some I should'nt have made it through and I can't help but think that you were there backing me up like old times. I still remember that night down at Denny's that I told you I was joining the Marine Corps, the look on your face and then you asked what I was thinking at my age and prior Army to go to Parris Island. Well my friend I have done well and I'm proud to not only be your brother in Law Enforcement but in the Corps as well. I look forward to being back home patrolling the streets before to long I only hope I can do it as well as you did. To your family I send my heartfelt condolances and support. If they ever need anything I'll be happy to help out.

Semper Fi Bro
Rest in Peace
Sgt Ronnie B. Sprouse
USMC
Former G-8 BCSD/W-8 Woodfin PD

SGT RONNIE SPROUSE
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

July 21, 2006

Good morning son,
When I was reading your reflections I remembered I forgot to tell you about the beautiful Orange Butterflies we placed on your grave memorial day. Orange for UT! Butterflies are still so special to us. When we lost you, both Carolyn and I found several perfect sets of Butterfly wings without the bodies. Carolyn found hers scattered, I found mine in perfect formation on the front walk. It gave us comfort because we felt they were a sign from you letting us know you was with us. Butterflies & bunny rabbits(Susans sign from you) will always bring us peace.
It saddened us to learn that another Officer with ties to N.C. lost his life. Officer William "Drew" Henley grew up in Haywood County, NC. and moved to Suffolk, Va. You were born in Newport News, Va., (just across the river from Suffolk) grew up in Tn. and after the Marines moved to the Asheville, NC area. We'll keep him and his family in our prayers.We know he is now patroling the streets of gold along with you, Mike and Joe. Honey, continue to watch over and bless everyone at the dept. We stay in touch and know they still miss you so much. We know that someday our circle will once again be complete when we're all together again. Until then, watch over us, protect us -especially the babies- and know that you are loved and missed so much.
You are always in our hearts and on our minds,
Love you always and forever,
Mom and Dad

Mom

July 7, 2006

I recently traveled to Washington D.C for National Police Week to honor my brother, Officer William "Drew" Henley. While I was there, I looked for and sketched Sergeant Hewitt's name from the Memorial Wall. Although my brother was a member of the Suffolk Police Department of Suffolk, VA, he grew up here where I still reside in Haywood County. Sergeant Hewitt was a local hero and we appreciate all he did for our community. I hope that someday our families can meet as I now know the pain you have felt. Like Sergeant Hewitt, my brother was a dedicated hero, and I hope people never forget how truly wonderful they were. To the Buncombe Country Sheriff's Office, thank you for all that you do on a continuous basis to keep our community a terrific place to live.

Thank you Sergeant Hewitt for the hero you were for us all.

Elizabeth
Sister of Fallen officer Drew Henley

July 2, 2006

I just wanted to let Tracie and Jeff's family know that on Memorial Day, I took my kids to the cemetary and we places a flag at Jeff. And you know, there were butterflies? I wish you peace and comfort.

APD wife

June 17, 2006

Hi Jeff,

Been a while since I stopped in to say hi. Think of you and Mike all the time. Last week we released red balloons (sorry, they didn't have any blue ones) at our Bereaved Parents of the USA meeting. They were in memory of our lost children. We released one for you and one for Mike. There was no wind that night and the balloons went straight up and kept going up until we lost sight of them. I have no idea how high they went but then I started wondering about the jet traffic as we are in the flight path of two Chicago airports. I imagine someone flying along saw all these red ballons out their window and wondered what the occassion was. Keep watch over your loved ones and have Mike to the same. I know there is not a day that goes by that someone is not shedding a tear for you guys or someone is thinking about you. You both will never be forgotten. Take care

Bob Gordon

Bob Gordon

June 14, 2006

Sarge,
I was listening to Buncombe on the scanner tonight. I still expect to hear Edward 2 enroute to a call. I mentioned to my wife that Edward 2 will always be your number, as it should be.
I think of you and your family often. I hope they know that if they ever need anything, I'm not too far away.
I haven't been able to post anything on this site all of this time....just couldn't. Can't say why I am now. Sorta think it was seeing a memorial sticker for you in Mckee's truck window...it just hit me, you know?
I just want Mrs. Hewitt to know how much we all miss you and feel you near every time we go to work. Your professionalism,bravery and compassion will always inspire me.You will NEVER be forgotten. How could I?
Galloway

Officer Galloway
Biltmore Forest Police

June 12, 2006

Dear Jeff,
Just wanted you to know that you are as always on my mind. It's summer, and I think of all the memories I have of helping you with Lawn care. I miss those times. I can see you laughing as you rode circles around me with your super speeded lawnmower. I miss watching you shoot your bow in your back yard. I miss holding you as a child, and picking on you as you did me. I miss calling you on the phone, and coming to the rescue with your truck if I needed anything moved. I miss your smile that would light up the darkest of days. I am so proud to have those memories that are only mine. It makes me feel special. You had such a way of making people feel that way. You will always be one of a kind and forever be the center of heart. I love you brother and will never stop missing you. I want so bad just to have my little "big" brother back. I will see you in heaven some day, until then watch over me okay. My world is better knowing that you are. I Love you.

susan hewitt
sister

June 11, 2006

Dearest Jeff,
Susan, your dad and I attended the Memorial services at the cemetary. The day was beautiful, the services were held outside and so many people came. Among them were the four families who had lost loved ones this year. They received special plaques in honor of their loved ones. We spent a long time with Joe Ray's family; his wife, chldren, mom, dad & aunt (from the dept.) They are such good people and they miss Joe so much. We placed flowers on Joe's grave which is straight in front of you about three rows down, and they placed flowers on yours. So much pain and sadness and so much love for both of you. They placed a picture of him on his stone just like we have for you on yours. Each time we go, it will be replaced with a new one. While talking to them we learned you both have something else in common- Jeff Gordon! Honey, Joe was wearing your bracelet and when his things were returned to his wife she found it was broken. When you passed away the bracelet you were wearing for the Marine missing in action also broke. Could it be because you're all together again? From the cemetary we went to the dept. and placed Orange Lilys with an orange and white bow behind your marker in front of the dept. Orange and white for Tenn. Each time we go to the dept. it gives us a feeling of being so close to you. We know you still walk the halls there and always will, keeping watch over each and every one of them. You will remain in their hearts forever and we're so grateful for that. Tell Mike to continue to watch over his mom and dad. They miss him so much.
We love you and miss you always honey,
Pat, Bill and Susan
Mom, Dad and sister

mom

June 10, 2006

Hey Jeff! I just wanted to thank you for all you did, serving you Country and your County. WE WILL NEVER FORGET

BCSD

May 30, 2006

Dearest Jeff,
Missing you so much today and, as always wish you could be with us. Dad's mowing the grass(he sure could use your help) and Susan is fishing. I KNOW she could use your help! As for me, I just need you as we prepare to honor you on Memorial Day. Honey, wish we could have been at the service at Trinity but we weren't notified that it was going to take place. You are being honored in so many ways and sometimes it's impossible to let us know of each one. We honor you each and every day in our own quiet way. You are our only son, our heart and our soul. Because of your busy schedule as well as our, we didn't get to see each other on a day to day basis but you were always and forever in our hearts and on our minds. We talked often on the phone, sharing your days (and nights) with you, the good times and the bad times. Just to hear your voice and know you were alright had to be enough sometimes. Those who traveled to DC from the dept. did you proud honey. Once again they marched in the parade and once again they proudly carried your banner and----once again it rained on them. Honey, you really have to have a talk with God about always letting it rain on your parade! There are so many brothers and sisters there with you and each and every one was remembered and honored again this year. Today I had the pictures developed of the Memorial Service at the Dept. The pictures of the Badge they unvieled in your honor is especially beautiful at night. It is the first thing you see when you pull into the front parking lot of the dept.
Honey, watch over Carol, Rosemary, Helen, Amy and all of brothers and sisters who are working so hard to keep the watch here on earth.
Love you Honey,
Mom, Dad, Susan and Faimly

Mom

May 27, 2006

Hey Sweetheart,
Today was Law Enforcement Day at Trinity Baptist Church. It was a beautiful service and was dedicated to you. There were many guest speakers which included Bill Stanley and Congressman Taylor to name a few. There were officers from Buncombe County, Asheville City, and NC State Hwy Patrol. It was so nice to see everyone. Dr. Ralph Sexton Jr, reflected on the night that Sheriff Medford sent him to the house to deliver the news to me that you were gone. I don't know how I would have survived that night had it not been for him and everyone who was there that night. Tammy Elkins will never know how much I appreciate her support. She jumped right in and just made things happen. She brought order to complete disorder. She is an angel. Two years later...and there are still little details that come back to my memory. Things I didn't remember and then all of a sudden an image will pop into my mind. The hardest part was seeing the unspeakable pain on the faces of Your Dad, Mom, Susan and Justin. I felt so helpless. The families have drifted apart over the past two years. I know that we have different paths to follow now and the bond that connected us is no longer there. We didn't get to spend much time with them when you were here...holidays and dinner now and then...we just all had such busy schedules. Jeff, I want you to know that I will always respect your family as long as I live, because they were a part of you. They were important to you and that's makes them important to me.

Honey, one more thing...Tell God to send a special blessing to R.C. He needs it so much. I know that he feels like he let people down. I hope he knows how much his friends love him and support him. He has been such a blessing to me. I don't know what I would do without him sometimes. He is such a selfless person and deserves to be blessed.

Honey, I love you so much! I am so proud of everything you accomplished in life. You may not know it, but you are still working in the lives of others even after death. Whether you're being used as a senario in a classroom or on the job, or a funny memory that crosses someone's mind when they're having a bad and you make them laugh again, you are still working in the lives that you touched. Thank you for being the man that you were and always be in the hearts of all who knew you.

I love you and I honor you!

See you in a minute 1-4-3

Tracie

Tracie Hewitt
Jeff's Wife

May 21, 2006

In May of 1995, I was a criminal justice student at A-B. Tech. One of our assignments was to do a ridealong with a law enforcement officer. I did my ridealong with Sergeant Hewitt (he was a corporal then)he was very kind and very helpful, Buncombe County has lost a fine public servant.
Ironically one of my classmates Brian Frady, did a ridealong the same night I did, he rode with deputy Anthony Cogdill who later became a state trooper, and was run-over by a 18-wheeler on I-40 in Haywood County. Rest easy brothers, we will meet again.

Michael Roberts
acquantice

May 20, 2006

Good morning son,
We attended the memorial services in Asheville and once again you were remembered with gratitude and love. The songs, the poems and the words of kindness spoken for all of our fallen officers came right from the heart of those who spoke them. Everyone was so kind to us . Members of the Sheriff's dept.,the Police Dept, the Highway Patrol and so many others let us know how much you are still a part of their daily lives and how much you are still missed so very much. We grieve for you honey and for all of the officers who have joined you since you left us. The numbers grow larger, the Thin Blue Line grows brighter and the grief here on earth rests in so many hearts of so many families.
Susan sends her love. She wanted me to tell you she "caught one or two for you." She has gone fishing with some friends. Give her a fishing pole, a quiet spot to drop a line and her memories of you and your smile and she seems better. Continue to watch over her. You have always been her rock and she is so lost without you.
Your grandparents are both failing honey. Watch over them and care for them. They love and miss you so very much. You were so special to them and now you are the brightest star in their sky. Continue to watch over the babies in the family. We'll be with you at the cemetary Memorial day honey. Just look for the "Special Butterfly". You'll recgonize it right away. You'll find us there.
Love you always,
Until we're together again,
Love, Mom, Dad, Susan and family

mom

May 20, 2006

JEFF, NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT YOUR NOT IN MINE AND CHAD'S MIND. I KNOW YOU ARE HAVING A WONDERFUL TIME WITH THE OTHER ANGELS. THE JOKES AND PRANKS WE PLAYED ON EVERYONE IS GREATLY MISSED. WE WILL BE UP THERE WITH YOU ONE DAY, UNTIL THEN WATCH OVER US. WE MISS YOU!

Sgt. Dawn Roberts
Woodfin Police Dept.

May 19, 2006

Continue to watch over us and keep us safe,rest in peace my brother. You will never be forgotten!!

Sgt. C.A. Edwards
Buncombe County Sheriffs Dept.

May 19, 2006