Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi Jeff,

Wanted to stop in and say hello and let you know that I was thinking about you and Mike most of the day yesterday, but thats not unusual for me. Funny thoughts go through ones head, like for instance, all that you and Mike went through while in the military, fire fights, motar attacks to name a few, and you guys come out of it without a scratch and then come home and pay the ultimate sacrifice doing a job that pays really no money and the public really doesn't understand except when they dial 9-1-1 that you should be there within minutes. They have no idea what you see on the street on a daily basis, what people do to one another and how some just throw their lives away with drug use. A Gold Star father who lost his son asked me, why would his son want to be a police officer as it didn't really pay any money. I told him that you guys, including his son and myself never did it for the money, it comes from the heart and we'd probably do it for free if our families could have survived without an income. It takes a special person to put up with the shift changes, politics, internal conflicts in the agency, not to mention those that suck up to the brass and politicians to get promoted but we continue on in the career because its in our hearts. You and Mike had it in your hearts, both good officers with promising careers ahead of you. Why you both were taken I don't know, but thats going the be the first question I ask when I meet up with you guys and the "Almighty Chief." Keep looking down on your family to comfort them and keep them safe.

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

Bob Gordon

August 30, 2005

Hey Sweetheart!
Well, it's raining today! You know it's funny how people get "depressed" by the rain. But I can't help but think that if you were here, I would be glad it was raining, because I would know that you wouldn't be running off to mow grass somewhere. You would be home with me instead. So, I sort of like the rain. It's been a difficult couple of weeks. A lot of the usual "stresses" of life along with missing you. I've been having nightmares for a while. I wish you were here to hold me and tell me everything we be ok again. But I know that you and God are constantly working on everything and looking out for us. After all, you are a "peace maker". Taylor is getting ready to start back to school. 7th grade this year, can you believe it! You would be so proud of him. He has stepped right in where you left off in becoming the "man" of the house. He helps me so much! He has matured so much over the past year and a half. There isn't a moment that goes by that he doesn't tell me how much he loves me. I guess he's somehow keeping up for the both of you. He sent me flowers for my birthday last week. There was also a card from you in with his. Isn't that sweet that he thinks of things like that. He always has that perfect timing too. Just when I'm missing you most and trying to hold it inside.. You know me, trying to be strong. Can't let anyone see the "soft" side. Then he comes up and says, "Mom, I love you more!" I just melt inside. He always reminds me that you love me too. I also wanted to say thank you for your unconditional love. Through good days and bad, make-up or sweat pants, regardless of mood....You still loved me. With all of my flaws...you loved me anyway. I am so grateful for that! Well, honey! I had better get to work. Just wanted you to know how much I miss you. Thank you for being in my life!

I love you
Tra

P.S. See you in a minute 1-4-3

Tracie M. Hewitt

August 23, 2005

I only knew Jeff for a very short period of time. I can say with great pride that I was a Buncombe County Sheriff's Deputy (Adam 9/MEG 329) from 1994 to 1996 before I transferred to my current agency. I remember Jeff as being a true professional - capable, competent, and just a great human being overall. Cody Muse tried to get word to me while I was deployed to Iraq, but Fallujah One was underway and I was stationed at a remote forward operating base. I mourn his loss. We just lost two of our officers on Thursday, August 18. The loss of Jeff and all other officers only serves to reinforce my desire to remain in the field, to stay professional, and to continue the fight. I believe this is the best way to honor the memories of our fallen comrades. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers and that he will never be forgotten.

P 1/C Andrew Roberto
Albuquerque Police Department, NM

August 20, 2005

I am sorry to hear of Jeff's death. I haven't been to Classmates.com in a while and this is where I noticed this a year later. My sympathy goes out to his wife and family.
Jeff was a great guy in High School...and yeah you are right, he was one funny guy. Always cutting up in class with everyone ( : Just keep the good memories alive because that is the way he would have wanted it.
Take care,
Jennifer

Jennifer Adams
1988 Classmate

August 18, 2005

Dear Jeff,
I know in my heart that you can't read this but I guess it helps to think you can.
I know I never write much but it's a lot harder for me to. I still think that you are coming back sometimes. Although my memories of you begin to fade. It has been almost two years now but still fells like yesterday.
I miss you so much. This is the only way to " cope " with it I guess. It's hard to think about you without getting water in my eyes, so I don' t write.
Mom misses you more than anything in the world. She needs you now more than ever. You wrighted so many wrongs in our life. We need you to do it again.

I will always love you.

Taylor

Taylor
jeffs step son

August 17, 2005

Buncombe County to EDWARD 2.....

Jeff, we all miss being able to say that and call your unit number. But even more miss your "Edward 2" response back to us. We all love and miss you as much today as the night of 04-04-04.

Communicator
BCSD

August 15, 2005

Good morning son,
It's such a beautiful day and as always you're in our hearts and thoughts and on our minds. We've just ordered new decales for the car and truck plus extras for family and friends. We haven't seen the new design but we understand it's beautiful. It's a special design developed by the printing company. They have worked on it for months and are so proud of it. Honey, your memory is very much alive in the hearts and souls of all who knew and loved you. A family reunion is coming up soon and we will miss you so much. We will place your picture and a candle with a "blue light" in a place of honor. Each time we enter your reflection site we find a heartfelt message from someone from your past. It means so much to us as we read their thoughts and know you made a difference in their lives. What an honor to have you remembered with such love.
Watch over us honey and keep a special watch over mother and dad as they continue to struggle with so many health issues. The family will gather on the 20th for their 67th wedding anniversary. They miss you so much. It's very hard for them to talk about you. Be with them always.
We love you and miss you every hour of every day,
Love,
Mom and Dad

August 14, 2005

Jeff,
Things have been so hard lately. It's been well over a year now and I still miss you as much if not morethan I did a year ago. Your name still floats around the jail and when I hear your name I don't know if I should laugh or cry. Right now someone I considered a dear friend is mad at me for being honest... I miss that about you - you always took my honesty as a good thing not a flaw. Some days I feel like no one will ever understand me the way you did. I love you and miss you so... Please stay close.... I really need you now.

August 12, 2005

Tracie:
I just found out today that Jeff is gone. We went to grade school together and kept in touch through junior and high school after I moved to the neighboring town. I ran into someone who went to high school with Jeff and asked about him. I had tried to locate Jeff over the years to see how he was doing. He couldn't believe that I didn't know that Jeff was gone. I can't believe it.
I've read other people's reflections on Jeff and know that they knew him well. He was an outstanding person and a good man. Even as a young man, he was good and honorable. Looked out for other people and was very considerate and kind.
The last time I saw Jeff was after we graduated high school and I was moving away; he came to see me before I left. We said we'd keep in touch - how I wish we did. Even though many years have passed since I last spoke with Jeff, I feel a loss. A loss on this earth of a good, decent man of integrity.
Tracie, you are in my prayers this night. God bless.

Julie (Johnson) Arnold
Childhood Friend

August 11, 2005

Dearest Jeff,
Last night I had a dream of you that seemed so real. The dream was centered on the night we lost you and all the pain, agony and grief came flooding back. I still want it all to be a very bad dream but in my heart I know it's very real. I talk to you daily as I travel back and forth to work or if I'm just working around the house, etc. I see your smile in every cloud, I feel your gentle, loving touch in every breeze and I know you are with me as I shed so many tears as the rain drops steadly fall thru out the night. Your dads pain is the same as mine and it is still so hard for us to face reality. Watch over us honey and know that our love for you will only grow stronger with each passing day. Each day it seems another list is added to the brotherhood of fallen officers. Tomorrow marks one year since Michael Gordon lost his life. We met his parents in D.C. during the Fallen Officers Memorial Services. We understand their pain and wish we could comfort them but we know nothing will ease their grief.
Someday we'll be with you again so be sure to save us a place.
Love,
Mom and Dad

August 7, 2005

Tracie,

Ma'am I don't know you, but my heart goes out to you and the strength that you show through your reflections. I was stationed at Cherry Point from 1993-1995, the same time that Jeff was there. I was in the canine division and he was on the SRT team. I enjoyed the time that I had to be around him. He displayed awesome leadership skills which I have no doubt allowed him to succeed while working at BCSD. I am sorry for your loss and I will pray that God will give you peace that passes understanding and that He will continue to strengthen you.

The bible tells us in John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Jeff did that. Everyday he put on that uniform he did that.

I lost a friend of mine on May 22, 2003, while he was stopping a vehicle on I-70. His vehicle was struck from behind while he was in it. His name is Trooper Micheal Newton. It was tough, but it can't compare to your loss. I only knew Mike for two years. I found my strength through my faith in Jesus Christ and God's word. One verse in particular is in Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

I know God loves you. No matter how hard it gets, He will never leave you nor forsake you. That is His promise.

Again, I am sorry for your loss and I'll keep you in prayer.

God Bless
Bill

Trooper W. E. Oliver
Missouri State Highway Patrol

August 6, 2005

Hi Jeff,
I went to your house yesterday. Daren was there mowing your lawn. we talked for quite a while and it helped. Your in-laws loved you so much too. He told me of your Gator vs vols experiences and how the last game you shared he left with a big T in his car window, not knowing to this day when you put it there. I can hear you laugh as you did that: I miss that. So often I hear that laugh and it makes me laugh too. That is a guaranteed smile anytime of my day, even when I don't feel like smiling. It is so odd how the strangest thing bring back memories. There was a set of sheets in a friends closet and they were the same sheets on your bed when you were little. I remember your yellow room, your bed, the bedroom, everything. I remember each school picture and what you wore in them. Oh to turn back time. To know how precious each day was. I know now. The twins are growing and so cute. I wish you could hold them, they would love you so much. Their sister will be here soon. She will be "Chloe
Ann. She should arrive around Sept.5th. I am to be a granny x3. I know you wouldn't let me forget that. Traci and I will have a birthday this month. I know you would make them special. I will miss sharing it with ya'll. Well I'll go for now. Be with me this weekend as your boat has been totally repaired! I will take you fishing, so be there! I love and miss you. Susan

susan hewitt
sister

August 5, 2005

Hi Jeff,

Was thinking of you and Mike today, but thats something normal for me now every single day. Sometimes I can be very bitter and I know your Dad probably knows how I feel. In 2004 there were 153 men and women who died in the line of duty across this country. When you consider that there are 800,000 sworn officers, then throw in the auxiliary officers and we are now over a million. So thats 153 in a Million chance that you would be killed in the line of duty. You probably had a better chance at winning the State Lottery with odds like that. So, as you can see today is a bitter day for me and people who have lost a child can understand. Once you lose a child ones who life changes and we have to take one day at a time. I know your parents have good memories of you Jeff and I do of Mike and these memories will be precious to us forever. Some families are not as lucky as we are. Remember, you and Mike will never be forgotten and you are both true heroes and I'm sure your Dad Jeff, would trade places with you like I would in a minute to bring you back to your loved ones. Take care.

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

Bob Gordon

August 2, 2005

At the rising of the sun and at its going down,
We remember them.

At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.

At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring,
We remember them.

At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer,
We remember them.

At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn,
We remember them.

At the beginning of the year and when it ends,
We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

When we are weary and in need of strength,
We remember them.

When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember them.

When we have joys we yearn to share,
We remember them.

When we have decisions that are difficult to make,
We remember them

May God Bless Tracie and the Hewitt Family. May the wonderful memories of Jeff bring you peace. What a HERO!

When we have achievements that are based on theirs,
We remember them.

As long as we live, they too shall live,
for they are a part of us, as we remember them.

July 29, 2005

I thought of you, Larry, Michael Gordon, and Larry Cox especially today when I awoke to the news of another young officer being brutally murdered in San Leandro. Another family whose lives have been torn apart as their loved ones were senselessly taken from them. There are too many of us on this painful journey, but it does help to know that we are not alone. None of you are forgotten and all of you are loved. Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, Pittsburg P.D.

Phyllis Loya, Mother of fallen officer

July 26, 2005

Hey Baby!
Just wanted to take a minute to let you know I love you! I will be going to Forest City in the morning with the honor guard where you will be honored. Darren said, "Elvis didn't get that kind of honor" Ha Ha! Anyway, I love you so much! Miss you to pieces!!!

Love
Tracie

See you in a minute 1-4-3

Tracie Moore Hewitt
Jeff's Wife

July 21, 2005

Hi Jeff,

Wanted to drop in to say hi and that I've got the candle lit for you and the boys tonight. I have pictures of several fallen officers and light a candle for you guys to let you know that none of you have been forgotten. I read Tracie's reflection how people expect us to go on, yes we do by taking one day at a time. Funny, people ask me all the time how I am enjoying my retirement, I say it was great for about 17 months and then my son was killed. That usually stops them in their tracks, but see how soon they forget. Unless they walk in our shoes they just don't know, or as my Mike would always say, "They just don't get it." August 8th is fast approaching, the first anniversary for Mike, we are not looking forward to it but we have to face it. Well, like I said, wanted to stop in and pay a visit to a true Hero to let you know that you have not been forgotten nor will you ever be.

Bob Gordon

Bob Gordon

July 17, 2005

Hey Baby! I was just sitting here thinking about you and thought I would let you know. It is such a beautiful day! Clouds started to roll in a little while ago, but the sun broke through again. I guess you would be out mowing somewhere if you were here. You worked so hard! It isn't fair that law enforcement officers have to work secondary employment. We were cheated of so much time together. I know that most law enforcement families make the same sacrifice, so the officers can do the job they are destined to do. I know you wouldn't have had it any other way. Things had really calmed down since our trip to DC., until the last two weeks. Sonya's sister passed away on July 1st and then Mom had surgery. So I was sort of busy with that. It is so amazing, how life just goes on. Someone at the Dept. told me they felt like it was time to "move on" after the D.C. trip. I know we do have to carry on without you, but do they really know what it is like to loose a husband, son, brother??? I try to keep on "living", but nothing seems "right" without you. This just isn't "natural" for me. Funny, I don't really know what I was expecting things to be like after a year. All I know is 15 months hasn't changed the fact that I miss you, it hasn't changed that I love you with all of my heart, and it will never change the fact that I will always be looking for you in my dreams!

Tell Michael that we are all thinking of him and his family is in our prayers as his 1 year anniversary approaches.

See you in a minute 143
Love
Tracie

Tracie M. Hewitt
Jeff's Wife

July 17, 2005

To The Hewitt Family,

I went to high school with Jeff. I have been out of the area for several years and just read about our loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. The last time that I saw Jeff was at our 10 year class reunion. He was still a funny guy and as I remember him he was always smiling and laughing. I will always remember him this way.

I will keep your family in my prayers.

Tiffany

Tiffany Battles

July 15, 2005

Dear brother,
As so very often, I'm having a hard day. I know you would not want it but loosing you is just unbearable for me. I keep waiting for time to ease this deep pain for I know it will never heal it. Nothing seems to help. I feel as if more of me is gone than is left of me. This hole in my heart is so big that I feel it wont beat sometimes. I lose my breath as I hold back tears that you dont want me to cry. I choke as I try to be strong like you. God didn't make me that way I guess. Please be with me as You have so many times here on earth and as you have from heaven. The signs that you walk with me are everywhere. Thank-you for those. A few weeks ago I woke very early and sat straight up and said "My brother is gone, Jeff is gone." Its like I've been dreaming for over a year and reality just slapped me in the face. Even that isn't enough to make me believe that it's true. I have turned in every direction I know but I never get the answer I want to hear. I never will. I Love you Jeff and you know how hard I am struggling right now. Be with me okay? I still need you, I always will. You and your fellow brothers and sisters know how much we all need you down here. I miss you. Love always Susan

susan hewitt
sister

July 11, 2005

To the family of Sgt. Jeff Hewitt:

I wanted to send my deepest sympathy to all of you for the grievous loss you suffered when your Jeff was murdered. I share the agony of your loss as I lost my son this April, Officer Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg, CA Police Department when he was shot and killed.
I do not write into my son's memorial pages as I hope one day to be a witness in the penalty phase of the trial of the defendants who killed him, so it is comforting for me to reach out to another fallen officer's family. I can tell from your writings that you miss Jeff so much and I miss my son so very much. It is difficult to realize that they will never walk in the door again. I know they will always be in our hearts and that they are the first thing we think of when we awake and the last thing we think of when we go to sleep, for what is more often than not a restless night. I especially wanted to write a reflection for Jeff as my son was born in Durham, the town I was born and raised. My sons grew up in California, but we went home generally once a year and so much of my family still lives in North Carolina. Jeff has my utmost respect for his service to his country and community as do you all for your supreme sacrifice.
Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya, Mother of fallen officer

July 5, 2005

Jeff,
You have been on my mind for the last couple of days. I had a dream about you the other night. You were wearing the old beige uniforms that Buncombe use to wear. I don't know why I dreamed about you wearing that, other than that was what you were wearing the first time I met you. You were so real in my dream. I have to keep telling myself that just because your not here, that doesn't mean that your not alive. You're more alive than the rest of us! It must be awesome! Now, you're living forever.

As Tracie says, "Come visit in our dreams." You're welcome anytime. We could all use some of the eternal wisdom that you now hold.

BCSD .5

July 4, 2005

Good morning honey,
Just wanted to check in to say we love you. Be with me today as I drive alone to N.C. for the first time since my wreck. Thanks for having a talk with God and asking him to turn off the "water works" for just a little while. Learning all the whistles and bells on our new car while driving in pouring down rain, plus a nervous driver, is not a good combination. Hopefully I'll be meeting with some of our friends from the Dept. today or tomorrow. AS always, you will be there with us. We will be swapping stories; some funny, some serious and some sad. Whatever the story, it makes us feel so close to you. We share our grief and our love for you and , as always we support each other. Dad sends his love as do your grandparents, Susan and the rest of the family.
You are in our hearts always and we love you so much.
Mom and Dad

June 30, 2005

Hey Sweetheart! I was just sitting here thinking about you and thought I would write. It's been a really busy week. I had two memorial services to attend this week. One of which, was for Bobby Rainwater's wife. My heart goes out to him. I know what he is feeling! I can't imagine losing a spouse that you have been with for so many years. I know that you and I were only married for a few years, but I still feel like the only time that existed was when you, Taylor and I were together. Taylor's cousin came over the other night. He asked me if you and I ever faught. I laughed....and said, "Sure we did!". I told him that was how I knew that we were truly meant to be together. No matter how mad we got at each other, we always made up! I told him we had faced some pretty severe "storms" together, but we survived it! Our love always held us together. That's real love!!! Knowing at times, we could have strangled each other, but still loving so much we would kill anyone who tried to hurt the other. I look at some of the friends and family around me who are talking about divorce....some who are seperated and I can't help but think that if they could only stand in mine or Bob Rainwater's shoes for one second, they would be so ashamed that they even considered divorce as an option. I know it crosses all of our minds at some point, but when it's "real" and you have no option of going back, it changes everything! I'm just so glad that our love held us together and I know I would have sailed through any storm with you if I only had the chance. Honey, I love you and wish you were here! I miss your smile and laughter so much! Please continue to watch over us and tell God to send a little strength our way. It's so hard to live this life without you!
I'll see you in my dreams!

Love always,
Tracie

See you in a minute 1-4-3

Tracie M. Hewitt
Jeff's Wife

June 24, 2005

Good morning son,
It's almost fathers day and your dad is really having a hard time dealing with the reality that you won't be here with him. As always, he'll receive a special card and a gift from you, a gift he can always keep close to his heart. You are so loved and we miss you and think of you each and every day. There is never a moment when you're not just a memory away. Last night I discovered your great-grandma passed away 04-04-74 and was laid to rest 04-08-74. You both left us exactly 30 years apart and were laid to rest on the same day, 30 years apart. I know she's there with you and it just takes my breath away. Take care of each other and know that we'll be with you someday. Until then please watch over us and send" Butterfly wings".
Love,
Mom and Dad

June 16, 2005