Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

May you Rest in Peace and may Our Lord wrap His Arms around your family especially tightly today and in the future.May He comfort them as they continue their journey towards you.

May 2, 2006

You and your family are remembered prayerfully on the second anniversary of your tragic death. I am very sorry that they must walk this very difficult journey. May they take comfort knowing that you are remembered with respect for your selfless service to the community. Heores live forever.

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

May 1, 2006

THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN ON THIS 2ND YEAR ANNIVERSARY. I HOPE YOU ALL ARE DOING WELL!

GOD BLESS YOU!

Tammy Ruis Aunt /Deputy Josh Blyler EOW 5-02-04

May 1, 2006

To Sgt. Jimmy Gilbert, his 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.

Reading all the loving reflections left by those who cared for you gives us an understanding of what a good and honorable man you were and of the high esteem with which you are held. It also shows that you are incredibly loved and missed. I don't know if the creators of this memorial web site realized that so many family members would communicate with their beloveds on the reflection pages, but I know that many of us find such comfort in doing just that. I can tell by her reflections that your devoted daughter Allison cherishes your memory. Allison, I am certain that your father is very proud of you.

Sgt. Gilbert, 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, Sgt. Gilbert. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the twenty years of distinquished service Sgt. Jimmy Gilbert gave to his community and the citizens of Georgia, 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 Family ofSergeant James Gilbert,

I have been sitting here reading reflections for Officer Gilbert and want to leave my posting of honor and respect for your loved ones life and sacrifice. We would have been in Washington together last year but I really was not aware of anything much going on. Your family sounds very beautiful and I know you miss your husband and father so much. Life is so hard now but we draw strength from their memory and love.

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

Linda Rittenhouse

May 1, 2006

It will be 2 years that your tour of duty ended. During that time span I know your loved ones have shed enough tears to fill a small pond. You will never be forgotten by those that love you nor will your brothers and sisters in blue ever forget you because you are a true hero. Keep watch over your loved ones and protect them and also those still out on patrol. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement.

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

Bob Gordon

April 29, 2006

Jimmy, we are just a little over a week from the second year that you ended your tour of duty here on earth. I just want you to know that we are still thinking of you and your family -Allison, Austin, Sarah & Pat - We miss you and love you & Chuck. I continue to pray that God will bless your family and replace thier hurt with His Peace & Love. Our memorial basketball game is coming up May 6, I hope to see your family to where I can hug them for you.
In His Service,
David.

Major David McCart
Henry County Sheriff's Office

April 21, 2006

Jimmy,
It's been a while since we have talked. Just know that we all still love you snd that we miss you. Be strong for us down here.

Your Brother,
Sgt M A Cash

February 18, 2006

Sgt. Gilbert,
As we are preparing to go to Wasington this year for police week, we all met in Fayetteville for a meeting breifing us on what to expect. We watched them call the officers names of the officers killed in 2004 and saw your family place the red carnation on the star. It brought tears to my eyes. I know that they still miss you and still hurt. As we approach the one year anniversary of Chuck's death, it reminds us all of both of your sacrifices. You are both heros! I pray for your family and the healing that needs to take place. I cannot imagine that the hurt is any easier just because some time has passed. I still cry alot for Chuck. I cannot imanine losing my father or husband. I do know that life has to go on, and that we all need each other to lean on everyday. I wish there was something I could do to take your children's pain away. Unfortunately, only God can give them that kind of comfort. I pray that they continue to lean on him daily. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Tell Chuck I love and miss him.

Brandy Mapp
cousin of Chuck Haist EOW 2/16/05

February 13, 2006

Just thinking about you Jimmy.

Officer K. E. Phelps
CSU Police Dept. Morrow, GA

February 5, 2006

Daddy, I just wanted to say that I miss you so much! and I Love You! I wish you were here with me but I know that you are watching over me and all of your family, friends, and co-workers! I can't wait till i'm able to dance with my father again! Every time I hear the song by Luther Vandross, "Dance with my father". It reminds me of you and how you could always bring happness to my birthday parties and to all the parties that you had for the police departments. It also reminds me of how I would always run to you when I had a problem or just wanted to try and get my way! You were and still are the best daddy and one would love to have. I am so glad that I had you for as long as I did. You are my HERO and will always be. I LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!
LOVE ALWAYS,
ALLISON (Your oldest girl).
Daddy, Sarah and Austin are growing up so fast! Austin is so handsome and Sarah is so adorable. I can't beleive that Austin will be 18 this year and that Sarah will be 4! But I promise you that I will always be there for them no matter what Pat says. Because we are your flesh and blood and BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER OR PAPER!!!
Love Ya Always,
Allycat

Allison Gilbert
Daughter

February 2, 2006

Hey Daddy its 2006 and I just wanted to say I love you!

Alliosn Gilbert
Daughter

January 11, 2006

Sgt Gilbert,

Thank you for your honorable service to the citizens of Henry County and the state of GA. You will always be honored and remembered. I hope you are keeping CPD Officer Cole Martin straight up there, as he would soon be my son-in-law, had he not been called to God's Angels-in-Blue so early.

To Pat and the Gilbert family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. It has been 1 year, 6 months and 2 days since you lost Jimmy, and I pray that God will continue to provide you with His bountiful Blessings.
I wish I could tell you with certainty that time eases the pain, but that would be a lie. Losing Cole over 2 1/2 years ago still seems so unbelievable and incomprehensible. Please know that GA COPS is available to assist in "rebuilding shattered lives".

John Garger (Jessi's Dad)

In Loving Memory of HCPD Jimmy Gilbert (EOW 5/2/04), HCPD Chuck Haist (EOW 2/16/05) and CPD Cole Martin (4/25/03)

John Garger, Secretary
GA Concerns Of Police Survivors

November 4, 2005

Hey Daddy just thinking about you! Today is paw paw's sisters funeral.
I LOVE YOU! AND I KNOW THAT I WILL SEE YOU WHEN THE GOOD LORD CALLS ME HOME!!
LOVE ALWAYS,
DADDY'S OLDEST GIRL

Allison Gilbert
Daughter

October 29, 2005

Jimmy its been hard without you. We all miss you so much. This is the first time I have left you a message because it had been that hard. But just a couple of weeks ago, we got the new badges for the department. They look great and you cant miss the clock tower with 144 on it. Everytime I look at the badge I think of you and MWC (morning watch crew) . I miss those days. But Jimmy it is an honor to pin your badge number on my chest everyday. I feel safe that you and Chuck are riding with me everyday on every stop. Take care of Chuck up there and soon MWC will be back together up there.

Rest in Peace Brother.

Officer D.H. Gagnon
Henry County Police

October 7, 2005

Patricia,
I come and read some of the love shown to you and your family. Your daughters words and love too.
Know that there are those that are thinking of you and your family even today.
We met in Washington. Please know you are not forgotten!

In Christ,
Tammy

Tammy Ruis
Aunt to Deputy Josh Blyler EOW 5-2-04

August 30, 2005

Sergeant Gilbert, I didn't know you personally - but I do understand what you gave and what your family is going through. I am Chuck's sister. I just wanted to thank you for your service and want you to know that we are honored. I don't know if you heard, but they are making a new badge and are honoring you and Chuck in the badge. I look forward to seeing it soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Give my brother a big hug for me. Sincerely,
Kathalee

Kathalee MacDonald
Chuck Haist's Sister

August 21, 2005

Sarge,
I just wanted to let you know that I went to D.C. this week on family buisness, and visited the Memorial. I took a rubbing of your name, and carried it back to work with me. I put it in a box on my desk with the names, and reminders of others who I knew who have made their sacifices. Thank you for all you did for me. I will not forget you.

Detective Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

August 7, 2005

On Monday May 9th 2005 a group of about 300 Police Officers gathered at the site of the World Trade center in New York City. The reason for this was the start of the Police Unity Tour (PUT), a group of Police Officers ride their bicycles from NYC to Washington DC in honor of those Police Officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and have given their lives in the performance of duty. We ride for those who have died. This year it was my honor to ride for Sgt. Jimmy Gilbert of the Henry Co. Police Department. In NYC I was handed a blue bracelet with Sgt Gilbert's name on it and I wore that bracelet proudly all 300 miles. If I got tired and felt that I could not go on I would just look at that bracelet and remember why and who I was riding for and my strength would return. Four days after we left NYC we arrived in Washington DC. On May 14 at the candle light vigil I had the pleasure of meeting Sgt Gilbert's family where I gave Mrs Gilbert the bracelet that I wore during my journey. My hope is that the bracelet gives you the strength that it gave to me on my trip. Sgt. Gilbert you and your family are always in my prayers. God Bless you.

PO Peter McArdle
New York City Police Dept/E.S.U.

June 25, 2005

Hey Daddy-O,
Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you! Daddy I miss you so much! I wish you would have been at my graduation on Thursday. But I know that you were watching down from heaven! I Love You so much and miss you so much! Just take care or Chuck! Tomorrow is Father's Day and I want to wish you the best Father's Day ever!

Love Always,
Daddy's oldest girl!
Allison

Allison Gilbert
Daughter

June 18, 2005

Hey Daddy,
I just wanted to say hello and let you know that I miss you! I love you! Just keep watching over us! We love you!

Love Always,
Allison

Allison Gilbert
Daughter

June 13, 2005

Hey daddy! It has been a while since I last wrote or here. I just wanted to say and that I Love You! I graduate on June 16! And start college on July 7! I'm so excited! I wish you were here to see me but I know that you will still be watching from Heaven! Tell Cole and Chuck that I said hey! I miss you and love you!

Love Always
Allison

Allison Gilbert
Daughter

June 3, 2005

Hi Jimmy,
I hope you are watching over your family. I just wanted you to know that I'm always thinking of you and the ones you were forced to leave behind. It is not an easy road that we walk, but you will see one another again. Tomorrow is my Cole's birthday...maybe you guys can throw him a little party in Heaven since I can't be there, too.

Love,
Jessi Garger
Cole Martin's fiancee

June 3, 2005

It was an honor to work with Sgt. Gilbert. He was a professional and credit to the profession. He gave 100% when he was in training and as a supervisor on the road. He will always be remembered and missed.

Deputy Allen White
Henry County Sheriff Office

May 12, 2005

I had the pleasure of meeting your wife at one of the viewings for Officer Haist. She is an incredible woman. I know that she herself is still greiving, but she still took time to come by and pay her respects and talk to us. It meant alot to us and I wanted you and her to know that. I know that you and Chuck are up there looking out for both families and friends. Although I am sure I speak for all of us when I say that we would rather have you both here instead. Even though you have been gone a year, I can imagine that is not any easier for your family. It does not make them miss you any less. Chuck has been gone almost 3 months and I still cannot believe he is gone. You both are missed and thought about everyday, and always will be. I have been praying for your family and will continue to do so. I feel a bond with them, even though I have only met your wife once. We are all a part of the HCPD family, and share all of the pain felt in this department as well as in other law enforcement families. Rest in peace, and tell Chuck "Hi" and that I miss him daily. God Bless.

Brandy Mapp
cousin of Chuck Haist EOW 2/16/05

May 12, 2005