St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Sunday, May 2, 2004
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Joshua Edwin Blyler
Beautiful Boy,
Untitled Hymn by Chris Rice
Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!
Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!
And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!
Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!
O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!
And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
Lynn Kole
Washington State
May 2, 2007
Today unlike any other day I was thinking of my dad (Robert F Grim Sr). My dad was killed only 3 weeks after I was married. And we were very close. Often when I want to feel him or reflect on what others have said of him I go to his memorial page and read the wonderful reflections of those who are like I am and I am so touched by how wonderful of a person they new my sweet daddy to be. Today....I decided to go to the officer down memorial page to read some of the reflections people have left. But today while I was scrolling down I noticed Joshs mom had left a reflection and my heart bursted. While at the Tallahassee Memorial, I remembered her and I remembered him so young. No words could express how it felt to read her reflection. So here I am reading Joshes page and felt compelled to leave mine.
This was my dads favorite. It is the irish blessing.
JOsh.....
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind always be at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
My heart is with you and your family and hope to see you at the Tallahassee memorial this year to represent all of the officers who lost their lives doing a service to protect us. And to Joshs mother....thank you for your reflection. Words can not begin to express how that felt.
May god be with you and your family.
Tiffany Grim McAlister
Daughter of Robert F. Grim, Ormond Beach Police Dept.
EOW: Nov 12, 2004.
Tiffany Grim McAlister
Daughter of fallen Officer
April 28, 2007
Josh,
it is coming up to a real hard time for your loved ones.
Please wrap your love even tighter around them.
April 20, 2007
Josh
It's been a while but you are never far from my mind. We had Easter at Aunt Sherry's and your mom and dad and Mitchell were all there ,but as the day went I thought of you and how you was not .I miss you so much and wish I would have had more time with you. I thought I had lost another nephew last friday .He is only 4 and was ran over but the Lord blessed him and he only has one fracture on his pelvic bone.Watch over us and always know you are in our hearts.
Love,Aunt Candy
Aunt Candy
April 14, 2007
Josh,
It's been almost 3 yrs since you've been gone.
So, many things have changed. Your Dad has new hips
your Mom is helping others in their time of need.
They have cried many tears missing you.
I hope you know we have not forgotten you and what you
you mean't to all of us.
love you always,
Aunt Tammy
Tammy Ruis
Aunt
April 11, 2007
You were in my thoughts today. I never met you, I've only come to know of you through this site, after reading everything people have left here. I saw a white camaro on the road the other day and immediately, you came to mind. Isn't life funny, I never knew you yet I feel connected when i see something that reminded so many others of you. Continue to watch over your parents Josh, may they feel your love and spirit with them always.
Stephanie, wife of a Detroit police officer
Stephanie
March 29, 2007
Parents of Josh,
I have no idea how you feel, I can only imagine.
My son became a LEO at 18 and is now 21. It is unthinkable
that this could happen to him.
I am truly sorry for your great loss. Josh is an American Hero.
Police Officer II David E. Haney
Glynn County Police Dept., Ga.
February 1, 2007
Hey Josh it is me again, mom. No sleep, so I thought I would talk to you. Do not think Mitchell would appreciate me waking him at this hour. You were getting used to shift work. Protecting during those hours the rest of us normally sleep. Dad is preparing for hip replacement #2. I miss you all the time. Everytime I hear Officer Down my heart breaks all over again. It is a bond that will never be unbroken. I love you. I want to come see you so very bad.
Love Mom!
Jean Blyler
mom
January 28, 2007
This is really the first chance I've gotten to sit down and look at the websites honoring my cousin and it amazes me to know there are people out there who genuinely care. Josh was a great man. I remember growing up together playing games and pulling pranks like boys do. He was so full of life and so energetic, always willing to help whoever needed it. He used to scare me with this mask he had. I, being 2 years younger, didn't know any better. He always made sure I was okay when he was done. I'm in the the Marine Corps and have been to Iraq twice now and am about to go back for the third time. People say thank you to me and my fellow Marines for what we do. I say thank you to the men and women of our law enforcement agencies across America. We only put our lives on the line in a time of national crisis. You guys put it on the line everyday. You never know the situation you're getting into when you respond to a call. Joshua's was an amazing life cut short. My cousin is a true hero in every sense of the word. Always willing to help others and always doing what was asked of him no matter the burden it beared upon him. I miss him and my family does too. Thank you to all the people who have honored Josh and helped my family. It really is a blessing. Respectfully Submitted, Cpl Gray T.C.
USMC
Cpl Tyler C.Gray
1st BN 1st Marines Camp Pendleton, CA
January 22, 2007
DEAR JOSH, I REALLY HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE WITH GLOW IN THE DARK STARS. DAD HAS BEEN KEEPING ME BUSY AS HE RECOVERS FROM HIP SURGERY. GRANDPA DIED IN DECEMBER ALSO. TIME SEEMS TO FLY SOMEDAYS AND OTHER DAYS THEY TORMENT ME. I STILL COULD NOT PUT UP A TREE. IT IS ONE DAY AT THE TIME. WE JUST ATTENDED A FUNERAL FOR OFFICER COREY RUSS. I AM SURE YOU HAVE MET BY NOW. SORRY I AM LATE WITH THIS "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" SJSO STILL TREATS US WONDERFUL. CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER ALL OF THE GENTLEMEN DRESSED IN GREEN. I LOVE YOU MOM.
Jean Blyler
mom
January 7, 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR JOSHUA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 1, 2007
Merry Christmas Josh! I am sure that you boys are all having a great celebration up in Heaven, but things here on earth are a little tougher for those of us left behind. I know your family misses you and loves you unconditionally and for forever. I hope that you remember to visit them and give them extra hugs and angel kisses during the holidays. I also hope that you remember to send your love to Kelly. I haven't talked to her in a while, but I hope that somehow the days are looking brighter. Tell my own blue angel i love him! :)
Jessi
Cole Martin's fiancee
December 25, 2006
MERRY CHRISTMAS JOSHUA !!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 24, 2006
Dear Josh,
I find myself thinking of you alot lately.
Knowing that you are in heaven and that you are watching over your Mom,Dad,Mitchell and the rest of us.
I try hard to keep your Mom in line!
We love and miss you!
Love,
Aunt Tammy
Aunt
December 19, 2006
Such a beautiful young man and such a horrific tragedy! I am so so sorry to have met your love, Kelly, this way. My sincere condolences, sympathies, and much comfort to all your family, Josh. You were taken away far too young but you are standing proud in Heaven watching over your family, friends, co-workers and your love! God Bless you and thank you for all you did! Say hello to Ryan and tell him I love him!! =)
Amanda
Deputy Ryan Seguin's fiancee'' EOW 2/15/06
December 7, 2006
DEAR JOSH, IT IS ONE OF THOSE SLEEPLESS NITES. I NEED YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT THESE DAYS. A LOT GOING ON, BUT IT IS UNSPOKEN, JUST BETWEEN US. I AM HELPING A LITTLE WITH COPS CHRISTMAS PARTY AND DOING SOME CLEANING OUT IN THE HOUSE TRYING TO KEEP MY MIND OFF MISSING YOU SO MUCH. I THINK ABOUT YOUR SMILE OR HOW FUNNY YOU COULD BE THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I AM IN PAIN. ONE OF THE LAST FUN MEMORIES I HAVE OF YOU IS THE DAY I CAME TO ST. AUGUSTINE AND WE WENT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TOGETHER. I SAW A WRECK ON SATURDAY AND ALL I COULD SEE WAS YOUR CAR FROM THE ACCIDENT. I SURE MISS SEEING EVERYONE AT SJSO BUT LIFE GETS BUSY FOR EVERYONE. YOU AND MITCHELL MEAN EVERYTHING TO ME. I KNOW YOU HAVE NOT MET "TANNER". HE BECAME A MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY THE SUNDAY AFTER YOU WERE GONE. HE IS THE SWEETEST LITTLE DOG. YOU WOULD HAVE LOVED HIM. WELCOME TO MY SLEEPLESS NITE- LOVE MOM.
JEAN BLYLER
MOM
December 6, 2006
Josh--I didn't know about this page and actually stumbled upon it by accident. It was an honor to know you. You are an amazing man. Funny, caring and a good friend. I am glad to have attended the Police Academy with you. I was in the convoy of Police Cars at your funeral with Eric, and we were proud to be a part of it. I remember I saw you a few weeks before you went to be with the Lord at the mall, and we were talking about "cop stuff". You left us too soon, and all of us that knew you miss you.
I never met your family, and I only met Kelly once, at "Family Day" at the academy, but to them...Josh touched so many lives, and you could see that God lived in him. I am so proud to call him a friend.
Jessica Hastings
Fellow Graduate of BLE 03-01
November 26, 2006
Remembering what would have been your 2nd wedding anniversary, on the 13th, your love for each other and for Christ.
You are always remembered, never forgotten and thought of daily.
Kelly, stay strong in your love and passion for God and rest your heavy heart and head in the hands of those that created you! Lay your burdens on the cross and let Jesus touch your broken heart.
November 15, 2006
When the warmth of the sun touches my face,
I see your smile and feel your embrace.
I hear the whisper of love in the wind
And I know that you are close to me again
The rain speaks of tears and the thunder of pain,
But soon the sun comes the earth to reclaim.
As the days come and go and the world moves on,
I know you're still here, you'll never be gone.
On the night the Angel came and took your hand,
We cried as you left for an unknown land.
But Heaven rejoiced as you came into sight,
For your soul was a diamond, shining so bright!
---Author Unknown
Missing you every day...wishing you were here with me.
Love you always & forever,
Kelly
Kelly
November 1, 2006
Josh my Brother, It is has been a long month and like many other here, I find myself thinking of you. As you know I was working, when another friend D/S Williams and K-9 Diogi of Polk County Sheriffs Office were killed in the line of duty. The suspect, also shot another Deputy and then shot at two of my agencies officers. While searching for the suspect, I thought about you, and how I knew you were with me as my Guardian Angel. The suspect was located about 24 hours later, and was killed by members of the SWAT Team. I know you were watching over all of us in the woods on this sad day, and it put me at some ease. Its hard to believe our great lord brought you home over 2 years and 5 months ago, but I also know you were waiting for Matt and Diogi to welcome them into Heaven. Give them a "Thanks" for a job well done, just like you, they were both true Hero's. Take care brother, and continue the great Guardian Angel work that you are doing protecting you fellow brothers and sisters who will continue in your honor.
W F Schrader
Lakeland Police Dept.
Motor Unit
W F Schrader
Lakeland PD Florida (ex SJSO)
October 24, 2006
Hey buddy. This is the first time I've written to you on here. I still have the letter I wrote you though. I just wanted to tell you that I miss you. I know I tell you that everyday, but something told me to come here and put it on this site. I'm sorry I never told you how much you mean to me. You know how us cops are...we're too cool to tell each other that stuff. But I want you to know that I do try to tell people how much they mean to me now. You definately taught me to say how I feel instead of holding it in.
I read some of the other reflections and I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who talks to you when scary things are happening at work. I get so frustrated sometimes when I think about you not being here anymore. Sometimes it's so hard to understand why you had to leave so early. It's supposed to be 2861 and 3257 tearing it up in whatever zone they decide to put us in. I'd even talk them into giving you your old radio number if I thought that could somehow get you 10-8 again. 3808 did sound pretty good on the radio, or so you thought. :)
Josh, for the most part, I'm able to keep a positive attitude and feel fortunate that I was able to meet you at all. But some days, I'm angry that our time together was only a few months. You were my little brother. You talked to me every day and kept my chin up. It's so hard to stay positive without you here to lean on. How could you be so young and sometimes act so old and mature?
I love ya', buddy. I miss you more than I will ever be able to put into words. Continue to watch over our brothers and sisters at the S.O. Oh, and go visit your momma in her dreams. She told me you hadn't done that yet. Just jump in there and smile at her. She'll probably get the best night of sleep she's had in a long time. And thanks for the visit in mine. It was nice to hang out with ya' and laugh for a while.
Talk to you soon. C-ya, lil' bro.
Dep. F. Faucette
S.J.S.O.
October 15, 2006
Hi Josh. With everything that has gone on over the last 2 weeks, I decided I needed to express to you my gratitude for watching over all of our fellow Law Enforcement Officers, not only those we have lost recently, but those I truly believe you assisted in Saving.
You never knew my husband, he became a Deputy with Putnam County after you went to Heaven. But he knows you well, as i talk about you often. I still have the stapler you and I laughed about in those minutes you were here before your accident.
Last week, my husband found himself in pursuit of a suspect with several felony warrants. The vehicle chase ended with a foot pursuit. During this pursuit, my husband was injured and the suspect was able to get far enough away to effectively hide from the k-9 that was sent in.
The next morning, he was caught after another pursuit, with my husband's partner, and shots were fired, both by him and at him.
Come to find out, while my husband was chasing him, there was a high likelyhood he had been armed with that gun, but for some reason, chose not to use it.
For that I thank you. I honestly believe that if my husband had not gotten injured, and had actually caught up with the suspect, he may have been shot. I cannot escape the feeling that you were there to hold him back, getting him tangled in the vines and underbrush, which is what dislocated his shoulder, and in my opinion, saving him.
I cannot express how much gratitude i have toward you for watching over him.
We miss you Josh, and think of you often.
--Jennie Wilfong #3114
Jennie Wilfong
SJSO - Charlie Shift Communications
October 8, 2006
My dear Josh, Today you have been in heaven 2 years & 5 months. I am saddened at the fact in the last 2 weeks you have escorted many officers to be with you. One being from your own agency. My heart always breaks for each and every family, as I know firsthand the grief & heartache that will consume them. I am also sure that you know that someone special came to join you. April's grandmother is now dancing on streets of gold.
Please be with Mitchell, April & Tiffany as they go through this heartbreak in their lives. Dad & I will be going to the COPS Parent Retreat, a much needed time of healing in our lives. We love you! Mom
Jean Blyler
Mom
October 1, 2006
Dearest Josh,
Last evening as you know we have lost yet another young officer from our department, Dep M Barnes (3321), he was only 26yoa, So young, I know that you spread your wings and gathered him in as he was coming. People are saying along with me about he was so young but as my mom said God needed him to walk the Heavenly beat along side you and Chris Dale, Please keep a watch over his family, friends and extended S.O. family friends. For as always I have and always will have your family and friends in my thought and prays,,, God Speed my friend,,,,,,,,
Laura L Morgan
LAURA MORGAN
ST JOHNS CO SO (BOOKING)
September 30, 2006
Dear Josh,
I was thinking about you today. An unfournate event occurred in Polk County. I know you probably did not know me. I was a School Resource Officer when you came on the agency.
What I would like to tell you is, THANK YOU FOR WATCHING OVER ME!
I havent told many people this and I would like your family to know. Last year, I was confronted by a homicide suspect that just killed an innocent lady in front of her children. Shortly after the BOLO came out, I had spotted him. During the course of attempting to conduct the traffic stop, the suspect rammed my patrol car. Due to how fast the situation unfolded and believing the murdered victim's 3 year old child was in the vehicle, I did not fire my weapon. Instead, the suspect came charging at me with his vehicle, to T-bone me. This lead to him getting in behind me and repeatedly tring to ram me. We continued southbound, until I finally had to decide to end the chase and force a vehicle crash, before another innocent life was lost. I dont know if you remember me talking to you during the final crash, but I want to Thank You for being there with me. I was lucky on that day, but I believe you had a hand in getting me though those very tense moments. Once again, Thank You, may you rest in peace brother.
Deputy G. Harris
SJSO
September 28, 2006
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