Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This time of year is always difficult. Jake, I miss you so much! I think about where we would be now if God hadn't taken you away from me. I think about your mom and Mike, they are so amazing! I think about Kaylee and wondering how she is doing... you were her world Jake. I know that you were sending me signs today, and I want you to know that I haven't forgotten about you!
I miss you, I love you... its so hard to be here without you!

August 14, 2007

I went to the cemetary today. Sometimes I just have this powerful feeling I need to go there to talk to you. It's still too much Jake. It's too much to comprehend that you are gone and aren't coming back. You would think after 3 years it wouldn't still hit me like a ton of bricks, but it does. The last month I've had this heavy feeling--I feel this way every summer as the anniversary of your death creeps closer. On the 18th, I will try to celebrate your life Jake and remember how awesome you were and how happy we were togther. But that day also brings back the grief. You had no idea you wouldn't be coming home that night. Please watch over us Jake and make sure we all make it home.

Love always,

Kelli

August 1, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

July 31, 2007

I just wanted to let you know that I think of you each and everyday. I still miss you so very much. There will always be a place in my heart for you.

Thinking of you

July 21, 2007

Indiana lost another officer last night... I feel so bad for the family. It seem like just yesterday that we lost you. Please watch over the Troopers family and now I guess you will have yet another brother in blue to share war stories with... just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you....

July 6, 2007

And they say time makes it easier... whoever said that had no clue. A song will come on the radio, a show will come on tv, someone will say something that you use to say... it hasn't gotten easier with time. My heart is not mending they said it would get easier! Its amazing how many lives you touched, its amazing some of the stories I heard after God decided to take you... I was upset at first, but then realizing that some people just wanted to have that relationship with you made me realize how fortunate I was to actually have it. I am so happy that I am able to say that I was loved by you! You are an amazing man, officer and ... friend! I love you.. you will forever live on.

June 24, 2007

Just wanting to wish you a Happy Father's Day! I know your shining down on your family today.

June 17, 2007

Hey there. I was just thinking out you. The summer's are always hard because though its my favor time of the year it means August 18th is getting closer. The day my life changed forever. I just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten you.. I never will.

I miss you!

Missing you

June 12, 2007

Hey you, long time since I have been on here. Well to write you anyway ... cause I usually get on here every couple weeks just to see what amazing things people who never even met you have to say about you. Of course anyone who knew you already thinks that you were one of a kind :-) I have been thinking a lot about you lately, even more then usual. There have been several changes on the department now since the merge. I am sure you wouldn't be any happier then most of the other officers. But knowing you like I do ... you would have hung in there and made the best of a bad situation .. just like you did with anything else. I go to work everyday thinking that maybe it will be a better day then the last one, but it's usually not. It helps though that I can come home and see your smiling face in that picture I have on my desk, and know that your looking over us 24/7 ... keep up the good work buddy :-)

Your Friend Always and Forever

LuAnn

June 3, 2007

Jake,


I am sitting in my office getting ready to leave for the pistol range. I couldn't help but think of you. I miss you brother. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. We are doing a lot of great training getting ready for the next deployment and I would love to tell you about it. I know you would understand and appreciate it.
Mom and Dad are doing ok. They both spend time with Kaylee often. Dad is really busy working on the tournament for September. I won't make it this year unfortunately. I will be in the desert again. Anyway, I miss you bro. Keep watching over me. I appreciate it. Love Gaben

gabe

May 15, 2007

So here we are... August 18th is coming near... the worst day of my life. I think about you everyday and wonder where we would be... only if...
I cry often and laugh much thinking about the times we have shared... I cry because I miss you and I laugh bc anyone who knows you understands...
I hope that Kaylee grows up knowing how wonderful her father is... I know that your parents will make sure that will happen.
I love you!

A Dear Friend....

May 5, 2007

I did not know Officer Laird but I recently had an opportunity to meet his parents.I appreciate Officer Laird's ultimate sacrifice for the community he served and I appreciate the generosity being shown by his parents in his honor.

God Bless

Chief Paul Norris
IUPUI Police dept.

May 3, 2007

I was on duty covering a shift for a Merit the night of this tragedy. I remember dispatch telling the shift of an officer down in Indianapolis. Our prayers were immediately for the officer's quick recovery. However, that was not meant to be.

I remember watching Officer Laird's funeral on television with my wife and weeping. My three children too young to understand were playing in the next room. I also remember in the days and weeks to follow this tragedy our entire department purchasing the memorial decals for our cars. Long after the black flags were removed from our cars and the pieces of black elastic taken from our badges my thoughts and prayers are still with Officer Laird and his family. Another daughter left to grow up without her father and a family who will always have a longing in their heart. Officer Laird was and always will be a Hero. God Bless.

Reserve Patrolman (former) Jim Snider
Martinsville City Police Department

May 1, 2007

A corporal of the South Bend Police was killed in the line of duty by gunfire yesterday. He too like you leaves behind a small child of his own. I passed by Gimber and Dietz the day prior to your incident. I too have a son who like you was a U.S.Marine. Like your dad, I too am proud of my son. I don't know how I would handle the loss of my sons..or my daughters if tragedy should ever befall them. But this I do know. It gives a dad some degree of comfort to know that his son died a true hero, a man, rushing into danger while attempting to protect the public! Your daughter will one day come to understand what a brave dad she had. Seeing how well liked and respected you were, she too may find some degree of comfort in that as well. Your reward definitely is in heaven, where all the honored fallen go to rest!

Sgt. Clinton Geer, Sr.
Marion County Constable, Indiana

April 25, 2007

I miss you--we all do. Not a day goes by that you aren't thought of and remembered. I just wish you were here--with your smart comments and that big smile. Things just aren't the same without you here, I guess they never will be. Almost three years have passed and it still seems like such a horrible dream sometimes. I learned from your life, and as officers, we have all learned from your death.

Watch over us this summer, Jake.

Love always,

Kelli

Kelli

April 25, 2007

"...I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. Yours very sincerely and respectfully, Abraham Lincoln..."

patrolman
indiana

April 24, 2007

We kiss you goodbye as you walk out the door
Never knowing if you will live to see another day
If your children will get to hug your neck again
Or if we'll have to explain to a toddler about death

We tell you to be safe and trust that God will protect you
Then go about our day and think very little of your safety
Until you're late returning from work...
Or the telephone rings unexpectedly...
Or we hear news of a police officer down...

People say, "How do you do it?"
As though there's a choice
We love those who put their lives on the line
We try not to worry but fear of death is always at hand

Those who are killed are called heroes, as they should be
Officers who survive are heroes, too
They continue to kiss their wives and kids then walk away
Will they be there for graduations...
For weddings...
For retirement and happily ever after...?

Your loved ones are heroes
They have bravely faced what the rest of us dread
They have gotten that call and learned to move on
Never quitting...
Sometimes crying...
Always remembering

Yes, survivors are heroes too

Wife of an IPD Officer

April 3, 2007

Hey jake it's been a long time since I left anything on here. But I do check it from time to time and there is rarely a day that goes by I don't think about you. It's amazing how so many people still talk about you and what an amazing father, human being, and officer you were. I'll say this much you were definitely a credit to the IPD badge and I know that even though you would've hated this merger. You would've done everything in your power to still be the best damn officer you could be. Because after the day was done you did you're job and you loved it. I know this because of the stories I still hear from friends and loved ones when sharing a beer every once in a while down @ the hall. Rest easy brother and know that you will always be missed and never forgotten.

Anon
IMPD/MCSD

February 26, 2007

REST IN PEACE ON THE STREETS OF GOLD!!!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD

February 22, 2007

Jake,

There are still many days I think of you, and miss your voice on the radio. Today was one of those days that I just need to sit and cry. I miss you so much and thank God for the day he brought you to protect all of those people. You are my hero that is ever so close to my heart.

A friend who dearly misses you

February 22, 2007

I usually read 1 or 2 posts, give my respects and move on in order to visit as many of our fallen brothers and sisters as possible, with you sir it didn't work. I found myself 20 minutes later still reading as I began to wipe tears from my face. I looked down at the floor to my K-9 partner who was grabbing a quick nap between calls and just thought about you, your family, friends & partners on the force. There are times in this line of work that I ponder, even thinking outloud, why do I bother! Then for reasons I don't quite understand, I'm introduced to a hero! Then the enormity of it all comes back and it's like sharpening a wore-down pencil...I'm back on point to carry that torch you passed off with pride and honor, so that your service and sacrafice will never be forgotten!

May God bless you and your family Jake, and may they be comforted knowing you are a hero to us all-

Sgt. Chris Kielman
Spirit Lake Police (Iowa)

February 11, 2007

Jake, although I didn't know you, we are in the same business... of trying to make our part of the world a safer place for our kids, and families. I'm a relative rookie (1 1/2 yr) on our department (HCSD) but I have talked to several people on your department that have nothing but the greatest of things to say about you. I often find myself thinking of you on the way to calls, asking what you would do, because you done it the right way. I just say thanks for being a fellow brother and someone I would call my hero!

Rest In Peace

JW 33-29

Jason Williams
Henry County Sheriff Dept

January 31, 2007

I miss you Jake. For some reason today has been a "Jake" day. Those are days that I really get down about missing you. Some days are worse than others. The worse ones are my "Jake" days.

I still think about you every day, wondering how you would feel about this or that and imagining what you would be saying. It brings a smile and a tear to my face at the same time.

I want you to know young man that you have made me a different and better man than I ever thought I could ever become. (The young pup teaching the old dog, How cool is that?)

Thank You son.
I love you.

Dad

Father

January 20, 2007

well soupie its been five years now since you came into my life, and i'll never forget the times we shared. you touched my soul in a way i never thought possible. i miss you dearly, but know you are in a better place. i love you always

melissa

November 30, 2006

Jake,

I miss you. I guess that says it all. I still think of you everyday and I know that you watch out for me. So much is changing on our department, you would be so fired up. It makes me sick to think of them doing away with a department, a uniform, that you died for. I just want to make sure you are remembered, regardless of where we all end up and what patch we wear. You were such a good man, a good officer and you made me so happy.

Love,
Kelli

Kelli

October 26, 2006