Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Happy birthday to you in Heaven Daddy. I love you very much and miss you every day.
This summer had its own unexpected personal obstacles but I thank the Lord for getting me through it, for everyone’s prayers, and that I’m recovered and healthy. As you would say, by His stripes, I am healed. This weekend we traveled to visit your mom’s (Grandma Hunter) grave and to celebrate Aunt Senorita’s 100th bday with her. It was a special weekend but also full of emotions. Being there was like experiencing even more of you with me, any part of you left that I still have. I wish you were here taking it all in with us but even more so I wish you all the incomparable happiness, joy, and beauty that comes with birthdays spent in Heaven. With every beat of my heart, I will always remember you and will love you x infinity + 086.
- Love Your Button Eyes

Erin Hunter-McPhan
Daughter

October 1, 2024

Today was 20 years since you’ve been gone. I remember I have always dreaded any number of years after 14, because it meant I would have lived longer without you than with you. Some days it feels like it hasn’t been that long at all and other days it feels like forever in waiting to see you again.

I know you had looked forward to so many life events and goals, and I wish they could have all come true. That hurts. However, I strongly believe from the way you have touched our family and so many others, that you knew your calling and fulfilled it extraordinarily.

So much has changed in the world.

You would be amazed at the growth of Grand Prairie, the beautiful building the GPPD had moved into years after your passing. You would also be amazed at Mom’s continued perseverance and strength. But maybe you wouldn’t be surprised because you already knew what an incredible woman she is. I wish I could invite you over to the house (now that I’m a big girl, all grown up) for dinner and to watch a movie or basketball game. I’m sure we would pick out scriptures to reflect on before your drive home.

There are many people who continue to remember you and come out to your memorial site every year on the anniversary of your end of watch. Though it is a sorrowful time, it is beautiful and comforting to see everyone coming together honoring you and the wonderful husband, father, uncle, friend, and law enforcement officer/sergeant you were. I pray you are never forgotten.

I still cannot figure out how you were all things to all people all the time and still had energy and a positive attitude at the end of each day. I plan to ask you one day when that time comes. You are truly special and I am blessed for my time with you. I am glad you no longer have the injuries from that fateful day. Just maybe you are learning answers to questions we would reflect on about God, Heaven, and angels or maybe even whistling to beautiful music up there. I love you and miss you so much Daddy.

Until we meet again,

Your “Button Eyes”

Erin Hunter-McPhan
Daughter

June 18, 2024

JUNE 18, 2024 - On the 20th Anniversary of Greg's Line of Duty Death

Greg Never Knew

On the final day of Greg’s life, he never knew it would be the last time he would wake up in his comfortable bed, get dressed in his uniform and pin his badge on, smell fresh coffee brewing in the kitchen or see Erin running down the stairs to give her dad a big hug and kiss before he left the house for work.

Greg Never Knew when he left home that morning that he would never return home to perfectly mow and edge the lawn, hand wash our cars to a brilliant shine, read scripture from his Bible with Erin and teach her how to apply them in her daily life, eat dinner together as a family or load the dishwasher as he sang hymns while filled with the Holy Spirit.

Greg Never Knew his morning routine of bringing in the newspaper for me, our endearing exchange of words of “I love you”, “Be careful” and “I will”, and our exchange of kisses were actually “Good Bye”.

Greg Never Knew when he reported to work for briefing that morning it would be his last, and that he would never drive his squad car back to the station or his personal car back to his safe place of home.

Greg Never Knew that the call of a welfare check and suspicious vehicle would be his last official act on duty.
Greg Never Knew. None of us Did.

BUT…….Without a shadow of a doubt, I can tell you this, GREG KNEW his eternal home would be in Heaven. He, Erin and I spoke about spiritual things daily, but in particular just two months before his passing, we were discussing wordly things and at that time he shared with us that when the Lord decides to take him home, he was ready. He was joyful and filled with the Holy Spirit during that conversation.

James 1:12 says this:
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Greg unequivocably persevered under many trials, however, his faith was unwavering and his moral compass always pointed North.

It is 100% accurate that my husband was an exceptional police officer and Sergeant. But greater than that, first above all things, Greg was a humble and faithful child of God and a very faithful follower and believer, who was so honored and dedicated to living his life according to God’s word, which radiated through his character and in all he did. He lived a life worthy of the sacrifice of Christ. Greg always displayed a resplendent presence and was full of joy and had such a generous spirit. Greg always put God first, then family, then his career. This is why we shared such a blessed and strong marital and family foundation. It goes without saying, my husband was such a wonderful husband and father. What better way to describe our love than to see the beauty and blessing that is our daughter Erin. Her Godliness, her compassion, her patience, her beauty, her smile, her gaze, her loving embrace, is Greg and me. There have been countless milestones that have passed throughout these last 20 years – birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, our daughter’s high school and college years, moving her in and out of her dorms, witnessing our daughter entering into adulthood, her successful career, and our daughter’s wedding are just some of the examples of what a painful reminder it is to Erin and me that Greg is no longer here with us. However, I have a frame of reference for happiness, as I knew it with Greg. Greg taught me so much about grace and mercy, love, devotion, fulfilment, and happiness. That is the ultimate acknowledgement of Greg's legacy, a continuing capacity to love and care for another human being, with all your heart. It is a capacity that Greg, himself, sparked and nurtured inside of me. I know Greg would not have chosen to leave our daughter Erin and me, but I know he was aware that his job had a tangible element of danger that cowered and deferred lesser men. Greg realized and respected that danger, but never feared it. He protected his family and that of everyone else. He was very much a soldier doing a soldier's duty. His uniform may have been blue, not khaki, but his commitment and aim were exactly the same. All of mankind inevitably dies. Greg died a hero's death doing a job he knew was important. It has often been said that a man is measured by what he leaves behind, and that it is up to history to evaluate his contributions. I know that Greg has left a legacy built upon the fruit of the spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I have constantly reminded myself of how blessed and undeserving I am in my own life. Greg's death while so underserved and beyond our ability to rationalize, was not in vain. As a Christian, I know that Greg and I will be together again. Consider that the years I have left on this earth are less than the blink of an eye on God's calendar. If I were to live a thousand more years, and hurt each of those days as I did the minute I first heard the horrific news, all would be washed away when I join Greg in Heaven. I believe in my heart that when I close my eyes the final time here, it will be Greg's hand I feel grasping mine an instant later. All the warm memories of Greg are safe in Erin's and my heart where they will always remain. Erin and I have truly lost the love of our life and our hearts are splintered. Greg, Erin and myself were richly blessed in love, devotion and faithfulness. Greg was truly a unique man who was so caring, compassionate, unconditional, loving and had so much mercy and grace. It saddens me to know the many lives Greg will never personally touch, but I believe lives have been and will continue to be touched through his caring ways and his honorable legacy. I would never trade what my daughter and I have gone through for having never shared our lives with my husband and Erin’s father. The depth of our love has no measure and it will always be alive in every dimension and we miss Greg beyond description to Infinity plus 086. Greg was the most amazing human being I have ever met. I will forever be his wife. Erin and I rejoice that Greg won the victory of everlasting life in the presence of the Lord as a faithful believer and we will always fondly and lovingly remember Greg and be grateful to God for Greg’s life well-lived. Greg will forever enter every day, every week, every month and every year with us always in our hearts and his light is a beacon that shines very bright in our hearts and in our minds each day. Erin and I will forever be indebted to Greg for everything he brought into our lives, for the Christian man he was and for the loving and dedicated husband and father he was. We will continue to say Greg’s name and tell his stories as long as we are breathing. Greg, if there is a day to honor you, it's every day. Greg’s life will always matter. Erin and I love you FOREVER AND EVER AND ALWAYS TO INFINITY + 086!!! ❤

Today in honor of Greg and in the spirit of all he was, please do something kind for someone, as you never know what that kind deed may mean to the other person and perhaps, it may make a lifetime impact.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:16

Badge Number 086 - Written by Erin Hunter-McPhan

My Hero’s Gone But Not Forgotten,
His Badge Was “086”
His Calling Was To Protect And Serve,
His Life, He Willed To Risk.

He Wore The Uniform Dark Blue
That Showed His Sergeant Stripes,
He Was A Man Of God, A Shield,
Against The Evil Types.

And After Work He’d Greet Me With
That Smile That Had No End
My Joy, My Soul, My Heart, My Love
My Dad, My True Best Friend.

He’d Scoop Me Up Into His Arms,
And Sit Me On His Knee,
We’d Read The Bible Verse By Verse
To Grow More Spiritually.

On June Eighteenth, Two Thousand Four,
A Nightmare Had Occurred
The Sunny Skies Turned Cold And Dark
I Felt My Soul Had Stirred.

True Evil’s Gun Fired Several Times,
Demanding God’s Gift End
I Lost My Joy, My Soul, My Heart, My Love
I Lost My Dad And True Best Friend.

The Sirens Sounded Loud And Clear
The Bellows Of My Cry
To Take Him To The Hospital
In Hopes He Would Not Die.

The Doctor Said “I’m So Sorry,
I Did All I Could Try”,
No Way Ever Was I Prepared
To Have To Say Goodbye.

It Was Not Fair To Dad At All
To Pay The Deepest Price
That Thirty Years Of Fighting Crime
Ends with Selfless Sacrifice.

Now Everytime A Siren Sounds
Or We Approach The Month After May
My Deepest Sorrow Comes to Mind
My Hero Died That Day.

I Love You Daddy. Thank you for your brave and selfless sacrifice and for always being a faithful, dedicated and loving husband and father and a faithful servant who honored and served God first.
Your Light Will Always Shine Bright in Mom’s And My Heart and Soul.

I Love You Daddy. Thank you for your brave and selfless sacrifice and for always being a faithful, dedicated and loving husband and father and a faithful servant who honored and served God first. Your Light Will Always Shine Bright in Mom’s And My Heart and Soul.


Love, Your Baby Girl

Denise Hunter
Surviving Spouse of Sgt. Gregory L. Hunter

June 18, 2024

Sgt. Hunter,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Grand Prairie. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 18, 2024

Dios bendito sea este sargento valiente

Jesús Chirinos
Amigo

August 1, 2023

In some ways I can’t believe it’s been 18 years already since the anniversary of Dad’s line of duty death. I never thought to lose him so young. But in other ways it feels like forever because each year and new memory without him is hard. But I am blessed to have such thoughtful family and friends and to know that I will finally see him again one day. Today, I want to wish a Happy Father’s Day to you in Heaven, Daddy. Thank you for your sacrifice, leadership, and unconditional love. Know that you are in my mind and heart ALWAYS. I love you Daddy! - Your Button Eyes

Erin Hunter-McPhan
Daughter

June 19, 2022

Gregg I think about you often the kind of man you were. Fine officer, family man and above all a child of the King

I will never forget that day I was standing beside you when you entered the gates of heaven!

Chaplain Steve Grube Gppd

Chaplain
Chaplain GpPd

June 17, 2022

Dear Hunter family,

My husband saw the memorial for HERO Sgt. Gregory Lei Hunter and took the photos. What a lovely memorial it is! It’s clear that people still visit it to pay their respects. I have read some of your reflections; I hope that you find comfort in the fact that Sgt. Hunter’s service and sacrifice WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

God Bless You All.

Allie Wroten
Proudly Supporting All L.E.O.’s
Wife of a Retired Corrections Deputy

December 1, 2021

Thinking of you today and always, and that big smile that would brighten anyone’s day. Wishing we could play basketball and that I could hug you tightly and hear that infectious laugh of yours. And in honor of Father’s Day on Sunday, thank you for being the prime example of a fathers love. Fourteen years with you may not feel like it was enough time but I wouldn’t trade it for the world because of the memories those years gave me with you. I love you and am proud that you were/are my father. Til we meet again. Love, Your Button Eyes

Erin Hunter-McPhan
Daughter

June 18, 2021

My dear, sweet Greg, you are the most amazing human being I have ever met. I will forever be your wife Greg. I love you and miss you beyond description.

Forever and ever to heaven + Infinity + 086, not even death will separate you, our daughter and me, as our love for you will never diminish and our beautiful memories will forever be alive in our hearts, mind and soul. Your light will forever be a beacon of love and hope for Erin and me and your light will forever shine bright in our heart, mind, soul and spirit. Your faithfulness to the Lord first above all things, blessed our family so much, as the Lord truly provided so much love, happiness and joy in our marital and family foundation. We were rock solid. We will forever be grateful and blessed as your wife and daughter and forever, this will never change. I live a Hunter and I will die a Hunter. Our daughter kept the Hunter name with a hyphen when she married. You would be so proud of her and pleased with the man she married. Just as you were a God-fearing man, he is as well and very strong in his faith.

You were an exceptional Sergeant and officer of the department, however, you were much, much more than that. You were a faithful follower of the Lord and you were an exceptional husband and father. Forever, our daughter and I will be indebted to you for all you brought into our lives, and that was everything beautiful, happy, full of extraordinary love and joy.

It has often been said that a man is measured by what he leaves behind, and that it is up to history to evaluate his contributions. I know that Greg has left a legacy built upon the fruit of the spirit.

He certainly lived a life worthy of the sacrifice of Christ. I love you Greg, forever and ever to Infinity + 086.

YOUR LIFE WILL ALWAYS MATTER.

SAY HIS NAME............

SERGEANT GREGORY L HUNTER

Love, Denise
Wife of Sgt. Gregory L. Hunter

June 18, 2021

Happy birthday, Daddy. I miss that giggle/humor of yours, your whistle while cleaning, and even when you would say “Erin Michelle, did you put up your toys? A place for everything, and everything in it’s place” amongst the many wonderful characteristics and qualities about you. While losing you has been painful, I thank God for giving me you as my dad, and for giving you and mom the incredible strength through all my health complications and heart surgeries. I thank God for the wonderful memories He gave me with you that help shape me into who I am today. Thank you for always believing in me and pushing me in the right directions. Thank you for your selflessness and your service. I know Heaven with Grandmother Dear, Aunt Edwina, and our Lord, along with other family and friends must be grand. We only dream of what Heaven is like and you are living it. Matter of fact, you’re probably scrimmaging in basketball up there right now as we speak. I can’t wait to be reunited one day with you again. You have always been an exceptional leader by example and always hold a special place in my heart. I love you to infinity + 086. Happy birthday to you. ❤️

-Your Button Eyes/Erin

Erin Hunter-McPhan
Daughter

October 1, 2020

Happy Birthday in Heaven my dearest Greg. I thank God for the abundant and beautiful blessings of love, marriage, our daughter and countless and invaluable memories. It will never be "til death do us part". I live a HUNTER and I will die a HUNTER. Your girls proudly wear the HUNTER name. You will always be here with us in spirit and in our hearts. While no one could ever possibly imagine Erin's and my personal and exorbitant pain, just the same, no one can ever possibly imagine the deep love, dedication and faithfulness we shared. You were always a selfless man of faith, putting God first and praying over all things. Each time I pass by a basketball court, I think of you out there shooting hoops as you did each and every day. I still see you and I forever to infinity +086 love you!
You had always told Erin and me that you wished you could save the world. I remember.............
Happy birthday in Heaven my love!

Denise Hunter
Surviving and Loving Spouse

October 1, 2020

Happy Father’s Daddy. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and all of the special memories we made together. Love you x infinity + 086!

Erin Hunter-McPhan
Daughter

June 21, 2020

Sgt Hunter was my first Sgt out of training on the evening shift. One day after our briefing, Sgt Hunter told me to follow him to his office. When I sat down across from him, Sgt Hunter said that he felt I was upset or disturbed about something. Sgt Hunter said.” Byron, you are vocal in briefings, tell jokes, kidding around with the guys. You are different today and I want to help if something is going on. I told Sgt Hunter that I found out before I came to work, that my wife and I mutually agreed to get a divorce. Sgt Hunter asked me if there was anything he could do. I was closed off and just said,”No, I just have to deal with it and suck it up.” Sgt Hunter told me that he did not feel good about sending me out on the streets. He said, Byron, take a few days off. You need to process this and take care of you. I reluctantly said ok. Sgt Hunter said he would call and check on me and if I needed more time, it was ok. Before I left his office, Sgt Hunter asked if he could pray with me. I said that was ok. Sgt Hunter came and knelt next to me and placed his hand on my shoulder. It was one of the most powerful prayers I have ever heard. I did everything I could to fight back tears. Your not suppose to cry on duty as I was taught many years ago. I could not hold it back. When Sgt Hunter finished the pray, he had tears rolling down his face. In my 26 years, I never had a supervisor do this. Sgt Hunter called me everyday for the next three days to check on me and just gave me encouraging words. What Sgt Hunter did for me and what I learned from him was this. He made sure that all his officers knew and felt that they were appreciated and valued. Meaning, that you matter. Officers under Sgt Hunter went above and beyond out of the streets because we knew we had his support. This was a powerful leadership experience I learned from him. Even after retirement, I do this in my insurance business. My clients know that they are appreciated and valued. My family and friends as well. Sgt Hunter put me on a different path that day when he called me in his office. I am honored, blessed and completely thankful that Sgt Hunter crossed my path. I know his mansion in heaven is large. Sgt Hunter always put his people first. No politics, no talking about more stats, no overreacting. He truly believed in serving his men and woman that were on his shift. Out of all the supervisors and 5 Chiefs in my career, not one comes close to Sgt Hunter’s leadership and service that he gave everyday. Miss you brother. You were absolutely one of a kind.

Byron Olivere #305
Honorably Retired 2018
Grand Prairie PD

February 27, 2020

Tomorrow marks the 15th anniversary of the toughest day of my life. I had just moved to a Co Manager position at Wal-Mart store 896 in Grand Prairie Texas. I was coming in to open that day, the Friday before Father’s Day. As I entered the store I was stopped by the opening CSM and asked what to do about a van that had been running its engine on and off all night in the parking lot. I told her if it was still there in an hour, call the police. That was at 7:00am. At approximately 8:30, while in the morning meeting, we received a call that shots had been fired and that a police officer was down. As I ran to the front to secure the store I remember seeing SWAT officers carrying people in and telling them to stay inside the store. As we were barricaded into our store with 100+ customers, I remember we set up a makeshift movie theatre, a nursery and put down lawn chairs and sleeping bags for people to relax. We also prepared meals during what wound up being a 6 hour stand off for police. It was the first time I met Texas Rangers and officers from the ATF. I helped choose items from hardware that were used to create an explosive charge and force the doors open to the van I spoke of earlier. My store team and I were honored with the Samuel M. Walton Hero award for actions taken that day. Sergeant Gregory Hunter, a husband, father and a 29 year veteran of the Grand Prairie PD gave his life that day protecting me, my team and over 100 customers. He was the true hero and I will be forever grateful for his sacrifice. Sargent Gregory L. Hunter EOW 6.18.04

Dawn Sweeny
Wal Mart Manager

June 18, 2019

"From the first time a father reaches to take his daughter’s infant hand, she reaches up and takes his heart. She never returns it. He is her protector, her provider. Her knight. Her hero. In turn she is his lamb. His angel on loan. His beauty of beauties.” -Max Lucado⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣

Erin
Daughter

June 16, 2019

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 7, 2019

I'm just making it clear, I'm reflecting on my brother in blue and in Christ today. That's all. I loved him, respected him, and my heart hurts that he's gone from here. I'm so grateful he knew Jesus in this life; because, now he can look directly into his face. God bless those Greg left behind.

Steve Burton

Sgt. Steve Burton
Bartlesville PD and Grand Prairie PD

January 30, 2018

My dearest Greg, thirteen years ago this morning, an evil man took your life in such a heinous manner. This left our only daughter and me painfully heartbroken and forever lonely without your presence with us here on earth. We will never heal from the pain of losing you and our heartaches have become a part of us. You were the absolute and beautiful goodness in our world and a committed man of the Lord, a perfect, loving and faithful husband and father. Happy Father's Day in Heaven my sweet Greg. Erin and I know you are celebrating the absolute best Father's Day with our Father. Thank you for choosing me to be your wife and for loving me unconditionally. Even if we were to live a thousand years and be married for most of those, that would still not be long enough. Our daughter is living her life according to the word of God because you set such a wonderful example of a Christian father to her. You truly exemplified the character and qualities of a humble and spiritual follower of God, worthy of the sacrifice of Christ. Erin will always cherish and remember your words of wisdom, scriptural teachings and love for the Lord. Daily, she emanates the very qualities of a Godly person you lived and instilled in her. You would be proud of her as she is an angel of mercy, taking care of sweet, little heart lives, giving back just as there were those wonderful professionals who took care of her when she was younger. We will forever and ever be indebted to you for everything you were, that you are and for all that you brought into our lives, which was everything positive and good. Erin and I are honored to be your daughter and wife. As long as we are alive, we will always honor you and your brave and selfless sacrifice. When I take my last breath on this earth, I hope that I honored you in the most deserving and respectful manner, as I will always be a Hunter and I will die a Hunter. Your light will always and forever shine bright in our hearts and our minds. One day, we know as Christians, we will be reunited. We loved you then, we love you now and we will always love you all the way to Heaven + Infinity + 086.
You once lived….you are loved….and your life, service and sacrifice will always matter.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Denise Hunter
Surviving Spouse - Sgt. Gregory Hunter, Grand Prairie PD, EOW 6-18-04

June 18, 2017

Denise and Erin,

As Father's Day approaches this year (2017), I'm reminded that God's Word teaches us there is no sadness nor time in Heaven, that God's children, having had all the mysteries revealed to them, are in a state of complete peace and joy. Although we know there is "a great cloud of witnesses" who see us, and know the all the trials and tribulations we still face, I imagine they smile; because, they have EXPERIENCED the victory of their faith, and they KNOW the "things yet unseen"! How exciting to know Greg knew Jesus as his savior in THIS life, and while we're waiting with great patience and perseverance for our chance to see the face of Jesus, Greg already KNOWS and LIVES this experience constantly and timelessly! How exciting to know someday, our time will come...instantly...in the blink of an eye! Stay strong! Stay faithful! Steep yourselves in God's Word! Above all, you both have incredible messages to share about the faith of your husband and father, and about your OWN experiences as Jesus believers! This was not at all what I sat down to write today, but after praying not to sound foolish, I felt compelled to encourage and exhort you my precious sisters. God bless you and keep you, and give you peace. Love to you both always.

Sgt. D.S. Burton Rsrve. Trng.(GPPD Ret.)
Bartlesville Police Department (Oklahoma)

June 12, 2017

Sergeant Hunter will always be a hero. The lives he touched, the legacy he leavs behind is something that his invaluable. He is now a blue guardian of the sky watching down on his fellow brothers & sisters in blue. I was fortunate enough to make contact with his wife, Denise, who is amazing person. His daughter just graduated college & it brings tears to my eyes that even though he wasn't there to see it, He was their in spirit. May God Bless Sergeant Hunter!

APO Christian Durante
NYPD Auxiliary Police 68th Precinct

November 28, 2016

Rest in Peace Police Sergeant Gregory L. Hunter. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of Grand Prairie, Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers. I also Pray that the scum that murdered you suffer immense pain and agony as he forever burns in the lake of fire.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

June 18, 2016

Miss Brother love you man

Harold Harrington
GPPD

November 24, 2015

Never forgotten.

Police Officer - -
Mesquite (TX) Police Department

June 18, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 18, 2015