Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

When you go home, tell them of us and say,
for your tomorrow, We gave our today.

-Kohima Epitaph
John Maxwell Edmonds

August 9, 2006

This month is your birthday. Happy Birthday! We miss you.

August 6, 2006

Another year, another week of the fair without you chasing little gangsters...

July 23, 2006

One of your favorite holidays is approaching once again, and we will celebrate again without you. I was thinking today how ironic that the fourth of July was your favorite holiday next to Christmas. My big kid, liked to blow up fireworks and suprise us all at Christmas with beautiful thoughtful presents....I miss you....I know you'll see Isaiah's display for you...

michelle gray

July 2, 2006

Hi Michelle,
I met you at the Giants game yesterday. You have a beautiful family. I read some of the reflections for Stephan and he sounds like a wonderful man. Next week it will be 6 months since my husband was killed. This is all so new for me. I see that your husband was killed two years ago. How do you do it? I would like to talk to you if you wouldn't mind.

Did you and your family enjoy the game? It was fun for the kids to be on the field.
Take care

Diana May wife of Richard May
East Palo Alto PD EOW 1/7/06

June 29, 2006

Isaiah hit a home run to you tonight. I swear sometimes he hits the ball so hard like he really is trying to get that ball to heaven to his daddy. He is struggling right now for you..makes me so sad for him and angry that I can't fix it for him..oddly enough I have been waiting for you to call me today like always when you were at work, strange how the mind plays those tricks even two years later. I know now some things will never change...love you

michelle gray surviving spouse

June 16, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and yours, Michelle. You, too, are our hero and you have our sincere gratitude for your noble efforts. We are proud to know you.

"JoJo and The Bear"
Citizens of Merced County

June 7, 2006

Tonight your little fiesty one learned how to ride her bike!!! She is so much like you so strong and independent and funny. Kev took the training wheels off and off she went. She rode for one whole hour, taught herself how to turn and stop and yeah daddy skid like a maniac. We were at mom's and we were all there cheering her on and then tears rolled down my face. I am so sorry you were not there to make that first push off for her. You were the best daddy any kid could of wanted and it breaks my heart for all of us that you weren't there to see Isaiah or Cameron take that first ride. We love you and miss you in everything that we do. Tay just came in and saw my tears and he says be strong mommy not sad, had to explain to him that it is possible to be both. Unfortunately he too knows how to do that. Love you...michelle

michelle gray

June 4, 2006

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them.

4th verse of the poem- 'For the Fallen' - Laurence Binyon 1869-1943

May 17, 2006

Stephan,
We had the local memorial on May 5th, the turn out was the best I've ever seen. The county memorial is a siomple tribute to eveer officer from the county whose life has been taken from us. I saw your in-laws there, I can't imagine how tuff this has been for them too. They must have never thought they'd be thrust into the spotlight. I saw a news crew angling for them, good thing the Sheriff got there first. ;-)
I was told Michelle was in Sacramento, the COPS rep for Howie Stevens family. One year after making that walk for herself she's doing it again for someone else. One tuff lady.
You know, every year is said to get easier. I don't think I believe that. I think the shock wears off after the first year but I still look at your picture and try and wrap my mind around the fact that you're GONE. It's like everything we do is for someone else, it can't be for YOU.
Ah, I'm starting to ramble so it's time to go. Just know we think about about you, remember you and miss you.

May 17, 2006

stephan,

u dont know me but unfortunatly everyone knows your wife...i saw her regularly at basketball for your son..just wanted to let you know that your son is doing well...he played against my son in youth basketball...he was the biggest kid on the team and played very good...your wife is doing fine in teaching him to be a man...i hope i get a chance to coach him at merced high one day...it would be an honor!

merced resident

May 11, 2006

I have just been reading through all the reflections.Officer Gray you were a remarkable man who will live on in the hearts and minds of others.Mrs Gray, when it came to choosing a wife...Stephan so obviously chose well.May The Lord Bless and keep you.

May 8, 2006

Officer Gray,

I just got back from the State Peace Officer Memorial Service yesterday. I had the honor of escorting the family of Sgt. Howard Stevenson from my department. Michelle was our facilitator for the event. She is a phenomenal woman, as I am sure you know. I do not know what we would have done without her. I know that you are proud of her.

While CPD Officer Randy Moore and I spent time down at the Peace Officer Memorial on Wednesday night, I found your name on the memorial. For some reason I found peace knowing that Howie is now among men and women like you who have gone before him. I guess what I am trying to say is that as Howie walks the golden streets in Heaven, I take comfort knowing that he has a good man like you to show him the beat.

Thank you, Officer Stephan Gray, for your efforts in making the streets safer. I salute you for not only your sacrifice but also for your dedicated service to your community. Your family and department are now and will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

Detective Greg Yotsuya
Ceres Police Department

May 7, 2006

I was at the Memorial Services held for you on the weekend of the 15th. At the one on Friday there were officers from all over the county and even outside the county. For Saturday at the morning walk, it was really good to see so many families there, most of the kids really hung in for the walk there and back though a few seemed to really enjoy the stroller ride back. And in the evening the candlelight vigil was really touching. Colin stepped up and spoke at both events, I'm not sure if he had been prepared to or not but he handled it.

Friday the 5th there's a local service for all Law enforcement killed in the county, the Sheriff's department will be unvailing the new memorial. We'll stand tall and represent you well. Of course that's the same day as the memorial in Sacramento so some key players will be missing but we'll do our best.

Well, it's time to go.
Miss ya.

May 1, 2006

I visit your reflections often and I am still amazed how many people still leave heart filled reflections. I especially like to read the ones left by your wife Michelle. I often see her around Merced and I so much want to go talk to her, but do not wish to "remind" her you are gone. Although I never had the pleasure of working with you or even meetng you, but I still miss you. Officer Gray, you are thought of often by many and wish you were still around. You would be so proud of Michelle, and all that she has done for local police agencies. She was a primary factor for Atwater Police getting a full-time gang unit started up. Your death has sparked so much good, but at a terrible price.

God speed, and continue to watch over Michelle and your kids.

APD

April 24, 2006

Stephan,
I thought of going to this site on the 15th but I just couldn't bear it. I know you saw the two days of beautiful tributes to your memory and service. Thanks to Colin getting it all started we were blessed with two days of remembering your sweet smile laugh and singing...not that your singing was all that sweet...a little bit of my wit that always made you smile...but regardless thanks for the sunshine that shone thru the clouds. It has been horrible weather and then on "your" day it was amazingly beautiful. I looked up and saw the sun shining thru as strong distinctive rays and thought how it shone like that when I was announcing the moment of silence at the COPS motorcycle run and then I see Colin drive by right in front of me. Not a coincidence I know.
The walk was filled with so much emotion..you know I have sat on Glenn in my "present" too many nights but to walk up on that horrible spot just broke my heart.
I hope it helps Lan, I love her so much I wish I could bring you back to her...and Tay tay and Cha cha, they need you so much. Isaiah said just today, mama you know what I would dream for, to bring my daddy home, he realizes all too much what this time of year means. I hope the procession and tributes helped the guys too, they need to be able to miss you too. Thank God your new Chief allows for that. I still can't believe it has been two years, people ask me randomly in Raley's and Target yeah you know my favorite place...how long has it been? I hear myself say "two years" and somehow it echos as some kind of lie or confused statement. I guess it just doesn't feel like two years. I am so thankful for everyday of our 12 years together both good and bad. I hope you can rest soon someday, I want that so much for you. Cameron just saw your pic on here and said theres my daddy and I asked her what she liked best that her and daddy did and she said when he would throw me so high in the air and I would land on the bed, because my daddy is so strong. She doesn't understand, she remembers your big arms and how strong you were, she still thinks your invincable, how do I explain to her about that horrible bullet that took her daddy from her forever. I know all to well she will understand someday, how sad for our children to have to know how evil and cruel people can be when we tried so hard to shelter them from such disgusting people. I know its an ugly reality but shouldn't be for any child. You are such an amazing father, you left such wonderful memories for our children, thank you. Speaking of your "babies" they are demanding a little mommy time gotta go... I love you..michelle

michelle gray

April 20, 2006

You and your family are prayerfully remembered as the second anniversary of your tragic death passes. Thank you for your dedication and service to the community. You are a hero whose courage and sacrifice will be remembered.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

April 16, 2006

It has been 2 years since you were called away from duty. I know for your family it has felt like an eternity since they saw your smile and felt your warm touch. Please keep watch over your family and make your presence felt in their hearts. Also, keep watch over those still out on patrol. You will never be forgotten as you are a true hero.

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

Bob Gordon

April 15, 2006

Well we hit the two year mark and it still feels as if it happened yesterday. We walked for you today Stephan. It was a beautiful day after all the rain we have had. I would like to believe that it was you who made sure we had a nice day for our walk. Michelle is still "soldering on" as hard has it must be. I have such admiration for her. She is one classy lady! But then I wouldn't have expected you to be with anyone that wasn't. Know that you are in all of our thoughts today and we miss you.

Employee
MPD

April 15, 2006

R I P HERO!

Trooper
MA STATE POLICE

April 15, 2006

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, April 15, 2006 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Police Officer Stephen Gene Gray who died in the line of duty on this date two years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Gray’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

April 15, 2006

To Deputy Sheriff Stephan Gene Gray and his loved ones:

On this the second anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers. Reading the loving reflections about your beloved Stephan gives us some understanding of what a kind and honorable man he was, and what he meant to his family and friends. I hope that our paths cross someday.
Shelley, as you "soldier on", you lead by example.

Stephan, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Gray. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication. How your loved ones must miss you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Stephan gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 15, 2004.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 15, 2006

Today is the second anniversary of your EOW. I just read 10 pages of reflections. I am so sad for your wife and 3 children. I know your fellow officers your friends, and your relatives miss you, too. Sunday is Easter. Today is Good Friday. This is the day that Jesus Christ bore the sins of the whole world on the cross and it is thru faith in Him alone that we can have the assurance of spending eternity with Him. I hope I will see you in Heaven. You did well while you were here on earth. Time has not diminished your sacrifice. God bless all those who continue to mourn such a great loss.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

April 15, 2006

On the 2nd Anniversary of your tragic death I shall offer up my prayers that day for your family friends and fellow officers.
God Bless you may you rest in peace and continue to watch over your loved ones.

Anne (Civilian UK)
S.W.Police (Retd)

April 13, 2006

Stephan,
The two year mark of you leaving this world is approaching and I know you know how much you are missed. Your children have grown so much. Isaiah is getting taller everytime I see him and he is so sweet to Maddy and baby Savannah. Maddy loves to go to your house and play with Cameron, those two girls are like two peas in a pod; with their wild curls. Michelle is so strong and she misses you sooo much, I wish that there was something I could do to make her feel better, I wish you were back with your family. Colin thinks alot about you and knows your looking down on him taking care of all of them. I pray for your family everyday that their memories of you will bring them some peace.

Denise

April 11, 2006