Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Joshua Edwin Blyler

St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Sunday, May 2, 2004

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Joshua Edwin Blyler

Dear Josh, Mom needed to talk to you today. It is Sunday. Sunday will never be the same for me. Wanted to give you an update on life. Aunt Tammy & Uncle Bruis purchased a new home. BJ is going to college in Tallahassee. Last week we ran into Trey Edenfield who you trained with. I am always uplifted when I can share or hear something about that part of your life. Tyler, our other warrior in the family, just returned home from Iraq.
If all goes well, he will not have to go back until Sept 07.
We will soon be going to the COPS Parents Retreat. Speaking as a parent I wish we could do that more often.
When we return Dad will have his hips replaced.
Last week Grandpa had to go into Shands and we had to go where you were. That was tough on both of us., but realize as these things happen we hope to become stronger. I miss you so much. Love Mom.

Jean Blyler
MOM

September 17, 2006

Dear Josh,
Just wanted to say hi... I found the message board for the first time, I talk to you a lot, especially when I was going through the academy. I saw your mom the other day at a C.O.P.S meeting that a few of us went to, now I know where you got you ability to make people feel welcomed. well I get sworn in on September 11Th 2006, I know you will be there alone with all the other LEO'S that make the ultimate sacrifice. Talk to you soon.

-R. Ellis.

Ryan Ellis
Friend/C.C.S.O.

August 30, 2006

Josh,

Just thinking of you and Kelly. I pray you are doing wonderful in our Lords company with all of our guys. Keep watch over everyone especially Kelly, your mom and all of your family. Reading the reflections left for you shows how wonderful and special a man you are. You have two wonderful women who love you and continue to keep your memory alive. May all the love extend out and swallow up one day.

Much Love,
Many Hugs,
Monica
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8/11/02 Detroit
Officerdownsignificantothers

August 28, 2006

Hey Josh~
Its been awhile since i have written you and told you how much ur missed, ur accident occured while i was away on my first deployment to Bosnia and now that i am preparing for another deployment this time to IRAQ to fight the war on terrorism, i can only say that i send a prayer to ur mother, father, loved ones and other family, i also ask that u look down on myself and my unit and help keep us safe from harms way during our deployment, you were a great deputy and friend, best of luck to ur family and just know you were the best in our class.

SPC Mackley, Chris
HHC 1/111th (Florida Army National Guard)

August 11, 2006

Dear Josh, I was so blessed tonite. A few of your high school classmates came to our COPS meeting. It was such an honor to meet them and talk to them one on one. One of them will soon be sworn in and wear green as you did. We miss you so much. You picked an awesome agency to work for.
We took your partner out for her birthday. Just had to talk to you. I love you. mom

JEAN BLYLER
MOM

August 10, 2006

Dear Josh, Thank You for watching over your dad during his recent heart valve repair. Your fellow high school graduates celebrated your 5 year anniversary this weekend.
I understand they were going to honor you during this celebration. Dad & I miss you so much, call dad & wish him a Happy Birthday. love mom

JEAN BLYLER
MOM

July 16, 2006

May the fireworks that are on the 4th be spectacular from Heaven. And may Kelly, watch them, enjoy them and know that you are at peace in the arms of the holy one.
All our day's are numbered here on earth and this brings all those that remember you, and especially Kelly, one day closer to seeing you again.
May the power of prayer surround those that love you and continue to comfort them, providing them peace and the assurance that you are where we all strive to be.

Friend of Kelly's

July 3, 2006

Josh, man, it seems like yesterday that we were playing basketball at Nease High School. You were so proud to be off FTO. Me, you Mark Hall, Mike Hauge, Staci Sexton, and others would play ball till all hours of the morning. You were couragous, and dedicated to God. You are a tue HERO. Thank you for everything. One day we will play basketball up in Heaven. I look forward to it.

Officer Karl J. Hall
JSO

June 29, 2006

My dearest Josh,
Today is the 3rd birthday you have celebrated in Heaven. I know it's indescribably wonderful where you are. I miss you every day. I can't wait to see you again one day. Happy Birthday, sweetie. I love you.
Love,
Your Kelly

Kelly

June 26, 2006

Dear Josh, Dad & I have been busy with all the memorials that go on in the month of May. It is awesome all of the officers & volunteers that give so much to help with the memorials. Unfortunately we have new names added each year.
JSO lost one in a motorcylce accident, still waiting on funeral arrangemants. (not in the line of duty) but still a brother! I love you honey! Mom...

JEAN BLYLER
MOM

May 27, 2006

'A man is what his mother makes him'. Reading all the lovely reflections about Joshua I know that you did a wonderful job Mrs.Blyler.

May 26, 2006

It's police memorial day and I remember the sacrifice you gave that day.
May you know you are still remembered and thought of.

Citizen

May 15, 2006

My dearest Josh,
You’ve been gone for two years now, yet I’m still unable to wrap my mind around the reality of your death. I don’t know that I will ever truly understand God’s timing, but it was never intended for me to understand. All I know is that you are in Heaven with Jesus...and that’s all that matters. The song I posted below is special to me because there are so many times when I feel you with me. This past weekend, when the Clair’s and I were coming home from the shrimp festival, we were sharing memories of you with one another. Just as I finished telling them a story of you, a white Z-28 Camaro passed us. We all smiled and the boys talked about your "awesome" car and how "cool" you were. They admired you and looked up to you so much...they will never forget you. Thank you for letting us know you will always be with us. You visit me in dreams and throughout my day with little things...reminding me of us and the love we share. I know we’ll always be connected. I love you with all of my heart, always and forever. I’m one more day closer to you...

Forever in my heart,
Kelly


"To Where You Are"
Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be?
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
'Cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

I know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
Notes:

Music: Richard Marx
Lyrics: Linda Thompson
Produced and Arranged by: Richard Marx

Kelly Gillain
Josh's One & Only Love Always

May 11, 2006

Dear Trevor, I see you have written to Josh. We would really like to see you and hear about your career as a firefighter. Take care , Jean Blyler

Jean Blyler
mom

May 5, 2006

Dear Josh, It is so hard to believe some days you are gone.
Two years normally is not a long time, but when someone you love is gone time seems to go slow. I could not write on you e.o.w. day.-too hard. The month of May is always busy with memorials. It is helpful to meet others who truly understand what you are going through. Unfortunatly we add new families to this group every year., but you know this already. Dad & I love you very much . Until we meet again Love MoM. Sunday is Mother's Day - I hope you know I love being your Mom.

Jean Blyler
mom

May 5, 2006

hey man just thinking about you and your family. Man its been a while dude seems like forever. Miss ya bro bout all i can say. later man my prays go out to your mom, dad, and brother see ya soon bro but hopefully not too soon.

FireFighter Trevor Olinto
friend of josh

May 2, 2006

Just wishing you a Happy Second Birthday in Heaven. I know that all of you are having the best time up there. Just watch over your Mom and Dad, they really miss you.
Tell Clint we said hello, and we miss him.
We will never forget.

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

May 2, 2006

D.S. Blyler..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers as you celebrate you 2nd anniversary in Heaven with our Lord..i'm sure everyone who knew/loved you will be remembering all the good & fun times you all had while you were still here..please continue to watch over them (esp. kelly..she really needs you) & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

KELLY..i can't say that i know what you are going through..because i don't..but i know everytime my boyfriend puts on that uniform..i dread it..only because i want him to come home safe & sound..we can't help who we fall in love with & what they do for a living..i'm sure josh was doing something that he really loved..he died doing something that he really loved..you will be reunited with him..i'm sure not soon enough for you..but just keep the memories that you have of him alive..BE STONG..JOSH IS LOOKING DOWN ON YOU & STILL LOVING YOU....

girlfriend of a dpd
detroit

May 2, 2006

Ascension

And if I go,
while you are still here...
Know that I live on,
vibrating to a different measure
-behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me
so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
-both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to the fullest.
And when you need me,
Whisper my name in your heart,
................I will be there.

Collen Corah Hitchcock.

To the Blyler family and Kelly....Josh is just a little further down the road ,ahead on you.You can't see him but if you close your eyes you will hear his soul singing to guide you.G-d's Blessings on you all.

May 2, 2006

Dear Jean & Johnny,
EOW anniversaries are very painful. Please know that you and Josh are in my thoughts and prayers on this difficult day. Josh was a very handsome young man with a bright future. It is obvious from your reflections that he was dearly loved by many people. I am very sorry that his life was cut short so tragically. May God bless you with many wonderful memories and much love and support on May 2nd.

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

May 1, 2006

Dear Josh,
Tomorrow will be two years since you went to be with our Lord. I have carried our love in my heart every day and will continue to carry it until we meet again. I am so proud to have known you and shared your life with you. You were an amazing person and will always be remembered. There are so many people who love you and miss you, Josh. You touched so many people's lives with your caring heart, with your humor and smile, with your gentle spirit...by just being wonderful you. I count each memory with you as a blessing. I will love you my whole life, clinging tightly to the beautiful memories we made together. I wish you were here...oh, how I wish you were. I cherish the last conversation we had, as well as the last day we spent together, before you were called to your Heavenly Home. I cherish every memory of you, but those memories are so uniquely special to me. Thank you for being you and for choosing to love me. I love you and miss you more than words could ever express.
Love you...always and forever.
Love,
Kelly
(Your Perfect Angel)


“One More Day”
By: Diamond Rio
LAST NIGHT I HAD A CRAZY DREAM
A WISH WAS GRANTED JUST FOR ME
IT COULD BE FOR ANYTHING
I DIDN'T ASK FOR MONEY
OR A MANSION IN MALIBU
I SIMPLY WISHED, FOR ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU
ONE MORE DAY
ONE MORE TIME
ONE MORE SUNSET, MAYBE I'D BE SATISFIED
BUT THEN AGAIN
I KNOW WHAT IT WOULD DO
LEAVE ME WISHING STILL, FOR ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU

FIRST THING I'D DO, IS PRAY FOR TIME TO CRAWL
THEN I'D UNPLUG THE TELEPHONE
AND KEEP THE TV OFF
I'D HOLD YOU EVERY SECOND
SAY A MILLION I LOVE YOU'S
THAT'S WHAT I'D DO. WITH ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU
ONE MORE DAY
ONE MORE TIME
ONE MORE SUNSET, MAYBE I'D BE SATISFIED
BUT THEN AGAIN
I KNOW WHAT IT WOULD DO
LEAVE ME WISHING STILL, FOR ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU

LEAVE ME WISHING STILL FOR ONE MORE DAY
LEAVE ME WISHING STILL FOR ONE MORE DAY

Kelly Gillain
Josh's One & Only Love Always

May 1, 2006

To Deputy Joshua Blyler, his mother, father, brother, and his other loved ones and his fellow officers:

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

May your family continue be to comforted by the warm embrace of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with them. My heart is with your family, and I share the anquish of your parents in losing a beloved son in the line of duty.
I hope to meet your family in D.C.

Reading all the loving reflections left by those who cared for you gives us an understanding of what a good and honorable young man you were and of the high esteem with which you are held. So many people love you and miss you.
Whenever I visit your memorial site, I am always struck by your glorious smile...it is heartbreakingly sweet and innocent.

Josh, as a peace officer 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, Deputy Blyler. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Josh gave to his community and the citizens of Florida, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on May 2, 2004.

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

May 1, 2006

Dear Josh and Family,

We are thinking of you and your family, honoring your life by remembering you and knowing how deeply and painfully you are missed on this earth. We are also coming up on the two year mark. On one hand it seems like forever and on the other like it just happened yesterday. One day our families will all be whole again and we won't remember this unbelievable time we are going through. Until then, we look at our sons and daughters beautiful faces and thank God that we were blessed to have you.

Always remembering,
Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 1, 2006

Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as the second anniversary of your tragic death approaches. Thank you for your dedication and service. You will forever be remembered as a hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

April 30, 2006

TODAY MARKS 2 YEARS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN GONE. I REPLAY ALL THAT HAPPENED THAT MORNING IN MY HEAD. GETTING THE CALL FROM YOUR DAD, ARRIVING AT THE HOSPITAL TO FIND YOU WERE GONE. OUR FAMILY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. I KNOW THAT YOUR
MOM AND DAD MISS YOU DEARLY.
TODAY WE ARE ALL GETTING TOGETHER TO GO TO ST AUGUSTINE
TO THE MEMORIAL AT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND TO THE CRASH
SITE. LATER ON WE ARE GETTING TOGETHER WITH SOME OF YOUR
COWORKERS. IT HELPS YOUR MOM TO BE WITH THEM ON THIS DAY.
THE FAMILY HAS BECOME CLOSER THAN YOU WOULD HAVE EVER IMAGINED. WE ARE PREPARING FOR TALLAHASSE AND THEN WASHINGTON. WE PRAY FOR ALL OF THE OTHER FAMILIES THAT HAVE LOST SOMEONE LIKE YOU.
CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER YOUR MOM AND DAD!!!
WE LOVE AND MISS YOU DEARLY.

LOVE ALWAYS,
YOUR FAVORITE AUNT TAMMY

TAMMY RUIS
AUNT

April 30, 2006

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