Grand Prairie Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Friday, June 18, 2004
Reflections for Sergeant Gregory Lei Hunter
Sgt. Hunter and Family. I regret that I never had the priviledge of knowing Sgt. Hunter. I am a young officer, fresh out of the academy and will soon be patrolling the streets. I hope and pray that if my career spans as Sgt. Hunter's I will be as respected and as professional as Sgt. Hunter seemed to be. I get the impression that Sgt. Hunter was a "quiet professional, that would take care of his troops and lead by example." Thank you for allowing me to share.
C/O A. Young #28664
Tarrant County Sheriff's Department
September 18, 2004
god bless you and your family
skip roberson
August 18, 2004
Greg not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about you. It still doesn't seem real that you are gone. I finally went into your office the other day I suppose it was a step toward trying to heal, oh how I wanted to see you leaned back in that chair smiling doing your paperwork, at least I have the memory of it and for that I am grateful. I miss you sir each and every day. You may be gone from us but sir you will be in our hearts each and every day. God Bless You Greg Hunter for being the man were.
friend-employee
gppd
August 3, 2004
My brother Gregg, I preached your funeral and the words came so easily. It is such a blessing to preach a service of celebration such as your final send off. Gregg, there were over 3000 people to pay tribute to you.
I shared Jesus with them just as I know you whould have wanted. I told the story of how we were going code to help Dianna when she put out the 6 and how we were going to have to lay hands upon the suspect and have a "Come to Jesus Meeting".
I remember on the way back from that call you and I talked about the old days and how things have changed in the past 30 years since we had been in law enforcement.
I check on Denise regulary to make sure she is doing ok. She and Erin came over the weekend of the 4th. I fed them ribs and we swam. I have never seen a young girl put away so many ribs my friend.
I told Denise I was so sad the we had not fellowshipped socially before now, But I know how you protected her from the Dept.
So I must ask you my friend.. How you Wuz... how beautiful it must be as you patrol the streets of Gold...
We will be together soon.. my friend...
Steve Grube Chaplain
GPPD
July 20, 2004
Greg, It's been just over a month now since you were taken away from us. It's tough to go into the office that you shared with the other guys and see your empty desk. I miss hearing you greet people with that voice of yours that was always cheerful and upbeat. I regret that I will never hear your voice or see your smiling face in the halls of the PD. Most of all I regret a conversation we had a few weeks prior to that dreadful day. During the conversation, I was rude to you because you were defending the actions of one of your officers. You defended his actions because you believed he did all that he could have done, and I believed that he could have done more. In typical Greg Hunter form, you maintained that ever-present air of professionalism and I allowed my anger to get the best of me. Whether you ever realized it or not, you were a great teacher. You were the epitome of what a good police officer and supervisor should be like and I will try to become more like you.
Soon, at least two new sergeants will be promoted. One to fill a promotional vacancy, and one to replace the position you vacated when God called you back to be with Him. Nobody can ever expect to replace you, so I would encourage them to strive to be as much like you as possible, because emulating you will serve to make them not only a good supervisor, but also a magnificent person.
I miss you Greg and I continue to mourn for you and your family.
GPPD Sgt
Grand Prairie Police Department
July 20, 2004
Sarge not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about you and how much I miss you sir. I pray each day and night for our department and your family. I wish so very much I was able to see your smile one more time and hear your laughter but I feel so very grateful I was one of the lucky ones who experienced that first hand..God Bless you sir...keep smiling down on us please. There will never be another like you.
Grand Prairie Police Dept
July 15, 2004
From birth some are destined for greatness, few achieve, You Greg, achieved.
A humble, obedient, servant to the Master, a good man and a loyal friend to all.
The positive impact you had on so many lives, will long be embraced and remembered.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Rest in peace.
j shinpaugh
July 13, 2004
I wanted to express my deep sorrow for one of your fallen officers and one of my fallen brothers. I felt the impact of the loss as my brother, Det. Mitch Szempruch works for your agency. I also felt the impact of the loss as I represented the Bossier City La. Police Dept. at the services for Sgt. Hunter. I put your family in my prayers and I pray for the safety of all officers in our country. My God always be with you and protect you from all of the evil in this world. And to Sgt. Hunter, thank you for dedication, your service and loyalty to our country and to God. You have crossed the thin blue line and now you are at rest in Heaven. God Bless you Sir and thank you. You are now a guardian angel for the rest of us. Protect and lead those who are new to our career. Lead them in the right path and teach them the brotherhood of being a Police Officer.
Cpl. Mike Szempruch
Bossier City Police Dept. Louisiana
July 10, 2004
A COP ON THE TAKE
First he takes the oath.
Now look at all he takes---
He takes it in stride when people call him a pig.
He takes time to stop and talk to children.
He takes your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket that you deserve...
He takes on creeps that you would be afraid to even look at.
He takes time away from his family to keep you safe.
He takes your injured children to the hospital.
He takes the graveyard shift without complaint because it's his turn.
He takes his life into his hands daily.
He takes you home when your car breaks down.
He takes time to explain why both of your headlights have to work.
He takes the job that no one else wants---
telling you that a loved one has died.
He takes criminals to jail.
He takes in sights that would make you cry.
Sometimes he cries too, but he takes it anyway because someone has to.
If he is lucky, he takes a retirement.
He takes memories to bed each night,
that you couldn't bear for one day!
Sometimes he takes a bullet.
And yes, occasionally he takes a free cup of coffee.
Then one day he pays for all he has taken...
GOD takes him!
Officer David Carroll
Choctaw P.D. Choctaw Oklahoma
July 9, 2004
What you did was heroic. You gave your life to save that of many more. God bless you and your family.
Police Officer Anthony V. Papaleo
Richmond City Police Department
July 7, 2004
Sgt. Hunter,
My brother sent me word of the terrible tragedy that took your life in the line of duty. We are all brothers and sisters from the moment each of us puts the badge on. So, for me, I lost a valued member of my "family". We didn't know each other personally, but I can easily see that you were loved and revered by both LE and civilian. You set the tone. You raised the bar. You served for your entire life and died doing the job you loved so much. Peace be with you, my brother...
Trooper Erik Torrey Wickman
Washington State Patrol
July 7, 2004
Today the Grand Prairie Police Department gave a promotional exam for the rank of Sergeant. Although the exam had been scheduled for some time, to fill a vacancy cause by another promotion, it is a very, very important exam. One of the officers that pass this exam will try and fill the shoes left behind when Sgt. Hunter was taken from us. I hope that all the officers taking this test will understand the gravity of the task of trying to take the place of a such a good supervisor.
The future of our department will be affected by this exam. I hope that the officers that will be promoted will try in every way to emulate the supervisor that Sgt. Hunter was.
I don't think that we as a department truely knew what we had in Sgt. Hunter. I hope we won't take each other for granted ever again.
I will miss Sgt. Hunter very much.
Detective David Griesinger
Grand Prairie Police Department
July 7, 2004
Dear Hunter family and friends,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. Only a coward would shoot a police officer. I am glad to hear that the coward met his justice swiftly by the hands of Sgt. Hunter's backup. Please take some comfort in two verses from the Bible: "Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." Matt. 5:4 and "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the Children of God." Matt. 5:9. God Bless.
Ofc. Mike Snyder
Coral Springs PD, Florida
July 6, 2004
My deepest simpathy to the family and friends of Sergeant Hunter. May God bless you and give you strength through this terrible time.
Rest in peace Brother.
John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Sgt. Edward Bachert
Allentown Police Department
July 6, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you Brother Hunter.
Ofc. D. Sewell
Baltimore County Police
Pc09
PFC Dale Sewell
Baltimore County Police COT Unit
July 5, 2004
I couldn't count the number of calls that you most likely answered that were the same nature of this call. This one night, you gave it all.. I can only imagine what was going through your head as all this unfolded. It kills me to see an officer go down. I never knew you but you are still a part of the largest family in the world. Brother, rest in peace and I am praying for the family that you left behind. I can't say enough but I will leave you with two words; Well Done....
Sergeant Britt Godsey
Amory Police Dept.
July 5, 2004
Sgt. Hunter.....may you rest in peace and may God bless always bless your family!!!!!!!
Explorer Deputy Josh Legan
Onslow County Sheriff's Office
July 5, 2004
Sgt. Hunter and Family,
I'm so sorry that I missed the funeral, even though I had every intent of going.
Sarge, you epitomize what every man has the potential to be. While I know that it seems that you have failed, you have shown the potential to hundreds if not thousands of others that we are in a respected and needed proffession, and that we are'nt trying to hurt, annoy, or inconvenience anyone but to protect as many as we can, just as you were trying to do that fateful day.
You may rest in piece knowing that you have affected many and made them think "I don't wnat to live that life" due to your death.
You have helped us all!!
T. Wilson #144
Glenn Heights P.D.
July 4, 2004
Though I have not had the previlege and honor of becoming an officer I still feel the hurt and sorrow of losing a human being in most cases for no good reason. These men and women risks their lives day and night just so that my family and friends can sleep at night. My heartfelt sorrow and sympathy goes out to his family, friends and co-workers. I'm sure he will always be missed and loved eternaly . May you rest in peace sir with our father above
gilbert gonzales
citizen of fort worth
July 4, 2004
I never met Greg Hunter, however I know that he was a respected and loved police officer, an outstanding family man, and a brother to all police officers. God bless his family.
Officer Mark Courson
Denton TX Police Department
July 3, 2004
Thank you, Sgt. Hunter, for your service to your community and the sacrifice you've made to protect and serve your fellow man. At the Texas Police Games in Abilene this year, we had a moment of silence in your honor. My heartfelt sympathies go out to your family during this trying time. God bless you sir.
Deputy G. Lucas
Comal County Sheriff's Office
July 3, 2004
"A Part Of America Died"
Somebody killed a policeman today and
A part of America died.
A peice of our country he swore to protect,
Will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect who shot him will stand up in court,
With counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids
And spend many long, lonely nights.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield too,
Just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
To his name they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
It happened in your town or mine
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
A cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call, and gave us his all,
And a part of America died!
(Written by and full credit to
- Angel Sparks)
---------------------------------------
My thoughts and prayers to my brothers in Texas.
I honor your courage for not giving up "the fight" in the days after this incident, and for being able to continue to come to work and somewhat function under the thoughts of lossing one of your own...
And also for you guys to be able to continuing answering calls for service having your Sarge and this incident on your mind, I tip my cap to you....
Respectfully,
- A "brother" in Massachusetts
July 2, 2004
It was two weeks ago today that you were taken from us. I went to Walmart for the first time since the day and viewed the memorial for you. It was so hard to pull into the parking lot but Greg the memorial from your family,friends,your police family and citizens was overwhelming to see. You were so admired,respected,and loved. I miss you so much we are all pulling together and trying to stay strong at work like you would want us to do. God Bless you sir we all miss you so much.
GRAND PRAIRIE POLICE DEPT
July 2, 2004
DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.
GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.
LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.
FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.
THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.
A Brother In Blue
Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force
July 2, 2004
The one thing I will never forget about Sgt Hunter was he would never walk passed you without saying hi and asking you how you were doing. Sgt Hunter was the kind of officer that many strive to be, but few accomplish and he will be greatly missed.
patrol officer/ chad walsworth
grand prairie pd
July 1, 2004
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