Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Josh,

I know we never met, but I have heard a lot of things from you from Kelly. Don't worry they're all good! Kelly has started working on a memorial page for you. It's amazing. I've learnt so much about you, and about your relationship with Kelly. You were blessed to have each other.

Josh, Kelly misses you terribly, just as I'm sure the rest of your family misses you. Please continue to watch over them from above and help lead them to the path of happiness and inner peace. Help them use the love you shared as strength to move forward in life.

Thank you for your sacrifice Josh. Know that you did not die in vain and that your memory lives on in Kelly, and in the hearts of all those lives you've touched.

Peace, love, luck, health, and happiness!

Jocelyne :)

PS: I hope you've been able to meet up with my fiancée Dennis. Next time you see him give him a "purple nurple" from me and the kids. I'd ask you to to give him a hug and a few "smackers" for us too but that's not really a manly thing to do is it? :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

May 4, 2005

Josh,

It's been one year since you were taken from everyone who loves you. I have come to know you through Kelly. I enjoy hearing about the love you both shared and all the great things you have done in your short life.

You would be so proud of her. She has been such an inspiration to me and a lot of other women. She has shown such Christian virtue during the past year. She has helped me strengthen my faith in God again with her faith and Christian ways. I know you would love this in her since you yourself have a very strong faith in God and loved to bring others closer to Him.

I know you are in Heaven enjoying all the promises He made to us. Please say hello to my Scott.

To your parents and family. I can not begin to imagine your pain in not having Josh in your life. Losing a child is something no parent should have to endured. Children are an extension of their parents. To me it would be as if a part of me died, and I'm sure a part of you died that day.

Hold on to the good memories of Josh. Love everything and everyone Josh loved, even those you might not care for because they are an extension of him.

In the end everyone who loves Josh will sit with him, together, enjoying Heaven.

Josh is always with you. Our love ones never truly leave us, they are here everyday we think of them. They live in our hearts and minds. The memories of Josh will help you smile when you need one.

I'm not an expert, I don't know all the answers. I have been walking this road for almost 3 years and have come to realize a few things in that time.

Josh,
I hope your family and Kelly will have all the support and love in they need to walk this road and maybe one day they can walk it together.

I have this same prayer for everyone who needs it, including myself.

From what I've been told about your faith. I know you would want this. I know you would think of 2 phrases - Love one another as I have loved you and Forgive one another as I have forgiven you.

God Bless you, and all your love ones, keep an eye out for all of them and send them little kisses from time to time.

Monica
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit

May 3, 2005

To my Josh,
I cannot say this enough....there is no greater peace, than knowing you are resting with our Lord in heaven. I celebrate your life with each breath that I take, thanking the Lord for His gift of salvation, which makes it possible for us to be together again one day. I also thank the Lord each and every day for allowing our path's to cross, and for bringing us into each other's life. Josh, you gave me the greatest 4 1/2 years of my life. I am so blessed and thankful that the Lord allowed us to experience love in the most incredible way with one another---a love that is so deep and beautiful. You are the most amazing person that I have ever known. Watching you grow in the Lord every day that you lived on this earth was such a joy. I love you and miss you more and more as each day passes. I look forward to seeing you again one day.

~Your Kelly~

Kelly Gillain
Josh's One & Only

May 2, 2005

to josh's family
it been a year yet i know it seems only yesterday. you are in our prayers. josh and daniel looking down and telling us to get r done. we received our copy of american police beat today and it had josh's picture in it as the youngest officer lost. so young to be lost to us but so lucky to be in heaven. god chooses special ones to join him early. their work was done in a short time on earth. we love you all and look forward to seeing you very soon

to josh
thank you. you are loved and missed and will never ever be forgotted.

kathe, jerry, andrew an ben starks
family of
officer daniel starks eow 10/25/03

May 2, 2005

Today makes one year.We are hanging in there buddy, we think of you every single day.We love you and miss you soo much.Keep us under your wings.

April Blyler

May 2, 2005

DEAR JOSH - IN OUR TIME YOU HAVE BEEN GONE FOR ONE YEAR. IN MY TIME IT SEEMS MUCH LONGER. AS WE CELEBRATED YOUR FIRST YEAR IN HEAVEN WITH SOME FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND GENTLEMEN(AND LADIES) DRESSED IN GREEN THERE WERE TIMES THAT I THOUGHT AT ANY MOMENT YOU WERE GOING TO WALK UP AND JOIN US (HOPE U DID). I KNOW YOU WOULD LOVE TANNER SO MUCH. AS DOGS GO, HE IS TERRIFIC. I WILL HAVE HIM 1 YEAR NEXT SUNDAY, MOTHER'S DAY.
I WILL BE SO GLAD TO GET TO HEAVEN WITH YOU BECAUSE THEN ALL THIS PAIN WILL BE GONE AND THERE WILL BE NO MORE TEARS.
I FOUND A MIGHTY WARRIOR ANGEL. HE IS SO BEAUTIFUL. IT LOOKS JUST LIKE YOU, BUT THAT IS A MOM THING YOU PROBALY WOULD JUST SAY OH IT LOOKS NICE.I LOVE YOU MY BABY SON MOM

JEAN BLYLER

May 2, 2005

Officer Blyler, today is one year since you have been taken from your loved ones, family and friends.
We remember you and will continue to remember you. Your sacrifice and courage will remain forever in our hearts. Your memory will live on in the hearts of the many that you touched and continue to touch.
I will continue to pray for your loved ones, especially Kelly. She has been an inspiration to me of strength, courage and grace.
I pray for your parents, family and friends that they may receive the grace of God and peace knowing that you are now securing the precious gates of heaven.
Rest in the almighty arms and peace of Christ, whom you loved so dearly on earth and whom now you praise with the heavenly hosts.

A friend

May 2, 2005

Josh~
Thank you for paying the ultimate price in serving your local area and reaching the entire nation. I'm sure you never expected to leave so soon, but I know you are joining many others in Heaven to watch over us "survivors." Those who knew you and loved you were blessed to have had you in their life, even if only for 20 years. I hope that was enough to show them true, unconditional love and to bring glory and honor to our Lord above. Please watch over them all. I know Kelly is dealing with this as best she can. I personally feel her pain as I lost Cole two years ago now. Your parents are facing another type of grief, one that I cannot possibly imagine. I pray that the good Lord will give each person in your life special strength and comfort especially today, but also every day. You will soon be honored at Police Week. We will remember you along with the other officers who gave their lives in 2004 as well as years past (including my Cole :) ). Please take care of my fiance. My heart still hurts tremendously. Thank you, Josh!

Jessi Garger
Fiancee of Cole Martin EOW 4.25.03

May 2, 2005

On this the anniversary of your passing, I salute you Deputy Blyler.

I am sure you had no idea the impact you had in just 10 months.

Rest in Peace

Michigan

May 2, 2005

Joshua
As tommorrow will be one year since the Lord called you home. All of those that love you will gather to celebrate your life and your going to be with the Lord.
We will be with you all day and eating your favorite foods and telling memories.Somedays it seems like yesterday and other times its very today.You touched so many lives and each time I read this page I'm reminded
of this.We love and miss you everyday,alway and forever.
Love,Aunt Candy

April 30, 2005

Hey man just saying hey brother. Hey i got promoted to Lueitanit at hilliard fire dept. the other day. finally man i making in the big world. got news the other day i get to go to iraq with army in july. hey place your hand over me while i'm gone. kinda scared but you know i knew it was coming. tell the lord to help me out too. i ask for it every night. but man i miss ya bro. i think about all the crazy stuff we did in the cameros that was fun. all right i'll catch up with you later i'll see you soon but not to soon i hope. Later Love ya man

Lt. Trevor Olinto
Hilliard Fire Rescue/ Jacksonville Fire Rescue

April 28, 2005

DEAR JOSH, AS WE PREPARED FOR MITCHELLS WEDDING THIS WEEKEND I WAS HAPPY FOR HIM. WONDERING WHAT YOU WOULD DO IF YOU WERE THEIR.HOW MANY TRICKS WOULD YOU HAVE PULLED ON HIM OR HOW YOU WOULD HAVE DECORATAD THEIR CAR, ALL THE TIME SEEING YOUR SMILING FACE. SOMEONE ASKED ME IF I COULD MAKE IT AND HOW I WAS DOING AND I SHARED THAT FOR SOME REASON ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT WAS YOUR TEARS AND PAIN ON THE PHONE THE NIGHT YOU CALLED ME AND TOLD ME KELLY HAD BROKEN UP WITH YOU.THAT I REGRET NOT GOING TO YOU THAT NIGHT AND HOLDING YOU AND TRY TO GIVE YOU SOME COMFORT. YOUR HEART WAS BROKEN AND NO INSTRUCTIONS HAD CAME TO TELL ME HOW TO DEAL WITH IT. NOW MY HEART IS BROKEN AND I DEAL WITH IT EVERYDAY. THANKFULLY I HAVE WONDERFUL FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT HELP HOLD US UP WHEN WE CANNNOT STAND. YOU ARE MY MIGHTY WARRIOR AND MITCHELL, HAS BECOME MY KNIGHT IN SHINIG ARMOUR. I LOVE YOU, MY SON , MY BABY . LOVE MOM

MOM

April 25, 2005

Josh
As I think of Mitchell & April's wedding tommorrow and how happy they are and excited,I also feel sad for many reasons. I know that Mitchell would love to have you standing with him and I know you will be there ,not in the flesh.I just hope you reach down and let them both know your there in your special way.Thinking of you always
Love,Aunt Candy

April 22, 2005

As I am reading all of these reflections for this hero it is so hard not to cry. I know how it is to lose someone so dear. I lost my father and uncle in the line of duty and it is never easy to get over. I wish Joshs' girlfriend and family can go on knowing that he was doing what he loved to do and that he is looking down on you and protecting you everyday.

rest in peace
Sonia
daughter of Glen Kettering EOW 3-19-1985
neice of David Powell EOW 11-30-2002

April 16, 2005

Josh,
Each time I stop and read the many memories and love shown for you on these following pages I am still amazed. Your life touched so many! Your parents are still amazed at the reflections written for you.
I read something today that touched my heart and it made me think of these past 11 mths watching your parents.
You may forget with whom you laughed but you will never forget those with whom you wept.Those that have supported the Blylers you will never know what it has meant to this family. We love you Joshua and continue to keep watch over your Mom, Dad and Bubba!

Tammy Ruis

April 14, 2005

My dearest Josh,
May 2nd is approaching, and it will be one year since the Lord took you home. A thousand years is like a day in heaven, so when you turn around and see me one day, it will be as though we were never apart---like we both just arrived. What an amazing gift of grace the Lord has given us.

I received this poem from a dear friend not too long ago. When I read it, it was as though you had written it to me. I can hear you saying these words to me. You assured me of our love every day you lived and said the most beautiful things to me. I know that if you could've written a goodbye, it would've sounded much like this (it probably would'nt have rhymed as well :0) ...but you always had a way of making words beautiful).

---------------------------------------

"When Tomorrow Starts Without Me"
Written by: Julie Carlson

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
and each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready in Heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
for all my life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for a while,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe make you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things I'd miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you.
Today, for life on earth is past, but here is stands anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free,
so won't you take my hand and share my life with me?"
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart
for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.

---Julie Carlson

---------------------------------------

I live each day in joy because of the love we shared, Josh, and the fact that you are with our Lord. There is no greater peace. You told me that Saturday, just days before you passed, to always believe in our love, no matter what. You said it would get us through anything. I promised you that I would always believe in the love we share. Everything about that day, and everything you told me that day, is such a special day, filled with special memories. I carry your memory and our love in my heart. As always, I look forward to seeing your smiling face when it is time for the Lord to call me home.

Love,
Kelly

Kelly Gillain
Josh's One & Only

April 13, 2005

I miss you more and more as each day passes. I love you with all my heart, Josh...I love you more than words could ever express (but you already know that). The love we share keeps me smiling each day...it will never fade. As you wait on me in heaven, I continue to remind myself that this world is not my home. I look forward to resting with our Heavenly Father and you one glorious day.

All my love,
Kelly

Kelly
Josh's One & Only

April 6, 2005

Psalm 116:15 (KJV)
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints."

2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV)
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the LORD."

1 Corinthians 15:55;57 (KJV)
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ."

Josh's One & Only

March 31, 2005

My precious Josh,
Yesterday, I heard the song, "Healing Oil" and thought of you. I thought about the fact that you are experiencing Jesus' love in a way that I can only imagine, and wait for. When listening to the song, I could imagine Jesus pouring His healing oil on you, and it running down your brow. The song says, "I wouldn't trade another life time, for how I feel right now". I know that's true. I know that you are resting in heaven, completely content. Thinking about your life in heaven is such a joy. People ask me if I ever question God and His reasons for taking you so soon in life. I think it's only human to wonder that, but I don't anymore. I know that everything is in God's hands, and taking you to heaven when He did was just another part of His divine plan. Maybe the Lord took you to heaven so soon because He wanted you to be with Him....maybe it's just that simple.

Easter Sunday, I celebrated the resurrection of our Lord, and celebrated your life with our Lord as well. I missed seeing your face in the church crowd, when I looked out from the choir. You would always smile at me, and give me a wink. I loved that. I miss those times. When I pulled into the church parking lot this Easter, I remembered last Easter Sunday with you in the church parking lot. I remember the sweet conversation we had by your car and all the things you told me about our future. You hugged me so tightly that day and for so long. You complimented me on my outfit and how I smelled so good. You always smelled so good too. I will never forget that day; that moment we shared, among so many other moments before your death will always be in my heart.

I know that you are with me always. I heard Metallica's "Enter the Sand Man" last week some time. I immediately thought about you and all the times you would blast the song in your car with the t-tops off. You especially loved my "Metallica impression" of the song. I would get you laughing so hard. You would say, laughing, "You're such a crazy girl". And I'd say back, "Crazy about you". I miss everything about you, Josh.

I know you're with the Lord, and I can't express in words how happy that makes me feel. I look forward to seeing you again some day.

Love,
Kelly

Josh's Kelly

March 31, 2005

Hey Bro its been so long dude just found out about this site. I know man your looking down on all of us praying for us. Just know you were always one of close freinds you even showed me a road i've never seen the road to christ. Thanks Man. Hey I've also reached my goal as a fire fighter just to let you know. Pray for us and pray for me i'll see you soon but not know. Love Ya bro
SPC Trevor Olinto Go ARMY HOOAH

Trevor Olinto
Hilliard Fire Rescue

March 31, 2005

I recently came upon a memorial to Deputy Blyler. While we in law enforcement all share a special bond I felt the need to learn more about him as I also wore badge 3257. I was saddened to see that Deputy Blyler had been lost at such a young age, so early in his career. Deputy Blyler will be in my thoughts when I travel to Washington this May.

Lt. Gary Leader
Suffolk Co. N.Y. Police Dept.

March 29, 2005

Josh
I just wanted to tell you Happy Easter
but,I know you already know about that happiness.What a wonderful place to be beside your Lord and Savior. I must say I envy you sometimes. We will all be at your mom & dads Sunday and we'll all be thinking of you. I miss you buddy!!!
Love,Aunt Candy

March 25, 2005

JOSH,
OVER THE WEEKEND ME,MITCHELL,MEGAN,TIFFANY,AND YOUR MOM AND DAD, WENT TO THE MONSTER TRUCK SHOW WE HAD A REALLY GOOD TIME.THERE IS A NEW TRUCK THIS YEAR AND IT JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE A "SUPERMAN" TRUCK. EVERY TIME I SEE SOMETHING TO DO WITH SUPERMAN IT LETS ME KNOW THAT YOU ARE STILL HERE WITH US,AND IT MAKES US ALL SMILE REAL BIG! WE ALL MISS YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY,YOU KEEP DOING WHAT YOUR DOING AND WE'LL BE OK. WOULD YOU PLEASE COME SEE YOUR MOM,JUST A DREAM WOULD BE NICE FOR HER. GOTTA GO.......

APRIL HOLMAN

March 3, 2005

MY DEAREST JOSH IN ABOUT AN HOUR YOU WILL HAVE BEEN DEPARTED FROM THIS EARTH FOR 10 MONTHS. I CANNOT BEGIN TO DESCRIBE THE HURT & PAIN THAT COMES WITH LOSING A CHILD. ON THE OTHER HAND THEIR WAS GREAT JOY WHEN YOUR DAD AND I EXPERIENCED THE BIRTH OF OUR BABY SONS.
YOU BOTH ARE UNIQUE & LOVED VERY MUCH.
WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN, WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE! LOVE MOM

JEAN BLYLER
MOM

March 2, 2005

Josh,
As more time goes on it seems harder and harder to believe you are really gone. We all spend time together and the conversation always goes back to you. I was so happy to hear that you were finally doing the things you wanted in life and were surrounded by people who truly loved you and were loved by you. From what I have heard the last few weeks of your life you had truly enjoyed. The new friends you had made with SJSO have been so supportive to Aunt Jean and Uncle Johnny and continue to help them today. Mitchell seems to be doing well, but sometimes it is hard to tell. The wedding is coming up and it's so weird to hear about the planning without you being involved. I have become so close to Mitchell and April in the last few months, it's hard to picture day to day life not being around them. I know they say things happen for a reason, but I always find myself asking why you. Look forward to seeing you again. We love you and miss you dearly!

Amy Bell

March 1, 2005