Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I just wanted to say that it doesn't get easier, it just gets different. Its been 311 days since that nightmare happened and I want you to know that there isn't a day that goes by that I don't smile for you, that I don't cry for you, that I don't long for you...that I don't remember you.
My heart aches for Kaylee, your Mom, Dad and Gaben...
I love you! I miss you!

June 28, 2005

Jake, this poem reminded me of something you would have said...


I once saw a police car at the age of threes, and thought,
"That’s what I want to do, and that’s who I want to be."
"I want to have my red and blues flashing at you."
I want to be the one who pulls you over when you’re driving too fast,
I want to be the one to help when you run out of gas.
I want to be the one little kids look up to,
I want to be the one who knows just what to do.
I want to be the one who locks you up when you beat your wife,
I want to be the one who’ll lay down his life.
I want to be the one who’s mad at you,
Because you’ve been drinking and you thought,
"I’m fine, I’ll drive home too."
And I don’t want to be the one knocking on your door saying,
"Daddy didn’t wear a seatbelt, he won’t be coming home anymore."
Now when the time for me has come,
And you’re wondering where I’ve gone.
Don’t worry, I’m never far away,
I’ll be watching you each and every day.
Just look in your rearview mirror and you’ll see that’s where I’ll be,
Always watching and waiting,
Always with my red and blues watching over you.

by Ryan Bloom

Melissa
friend

June 9, 2005

Jake-We all miss you everyday. I am actually supposed to be researching my speech for summer school speech class but I couldnt help but stop by this site and tell you how much I love you. Kaylee has come camping with all of us a couple of times and you dont even know every time I see her all I can think about are the good times you and the rest of our family had the last 8 years of your life. Jake I just dont understand why you had to go at the time you did, you're so young, I just dont understand. I bet your happy as can be up there with Granny and Gramps, but I just want you to know that we all miss you so much. Uncle Tim is taking this so hard, even worse than the rest of us. Jake I love you and I cant quit thinking of you and all the good times we had singing, dancing, EATING, and having such a good time at all the good 'ole family parties.

Jake I Love and Miss You So Much.

I try to take care of Kaylee just as you would if you were still here, when she is with our family. Of course she misses you so much but I just dont think she quite understands it yet, but when it really hits her dont worry we will ALL help her through it.

I Love You

Love Amy

Amy Lennon
Jake's Cousin

June 9, 2005

I did not know you my brother in blue however this past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting your wife and daughter at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC. They are wonderful people and they miss you dearly. You may rest in peace knowing that they are and always will be members of our Blue Family.

Officer Greg Jansen
Davie Police Department (FL)

May 17, 2005

There are sometimes when you miss someone so much, that you just want to pick them out of your dreams and hug them for real !!! I can't even begin to tell you how much I miss you Jake. Just know that I think about you and that awesome smile of yours everyday. And I'll always treasure the friendship that we shared.

LuAnn
Your Friend Forever

May 16, 2005

we miss you so much. what i wouldn't give to be able to spend one more day with you.

May 12, 2005

I wanted to send my condolences.

Officer Gage Clark
Phoeni Police, Oregon

April 29, 2005

I hope the CD left memories in your heart and mind. I drive to work and listen to the CD for Jake, probably almost every day... and cry, my husband still won't listen. I also am thankful each day when my husband comes home.

Everyone please take care,
His wife.

IPD

April 17, 2005

I visited where you are laid to rest Jake, for the first time since your funeral. I finally had the courage to visit you... You are missed just as much as you are now as almost eight months ago. Your headstone is beautiful, and you had plenty of flowers and American flags... you are in my thoughts almost constantly. I miss you

melissa
friend

April 12, 2005

Officer Laird,
I read about you in an old newspaper article, where it also mentioned that you were a Marine veteran. I would like to say thank you, not only for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Indianapolis but also for your service to our Country and to our Corps.

Semper Fi Devil Dog,
A fellow LEO;former Marine

April 1, 2005

As a practicing Roman Catholic I will be praying for your loss on this Easter of 2005. My mother and I were reading through the ODM page because my uncle was killed in the line of duty in 1961. His name was TPR Salvatore Embarrato. We do not understand why some lives are taken so early but we have Faith and believe that those who are called to defend our country and laws are special individuals who live on in the hearts of many especially their family and loved ones.

One day you will be with Timothy again but until then be courageous in his honor.

Cynthia Sauer
none

March 28, 2005

HAPPY EASTER TIMOTHY

March 27, 2005

Everytime I see those yellow decals on my car and others, it reminds me of Officer Laird. It not only reminds me of his sacrifice, but then that picture of him smiling comes to mind, and I am reminded that he is watching down on us from Heaven.

Mike and Debbie, Jennifer, and Kaylee, we have not forgotten. You remain in our prayers and in our hearts. God bless.

Kiel Kinnaman
Civilian

March 22, 2005

A new CVP Recruit Class begins and with it the memories of callouts and details of days past.

For those of us just starting out, we find the career is much more then we had bargained for when faced with traffic, public, and even fellow officers.

But even with that stress, your smile and kind words at the gas line were always appreciated. Never a scoff when waiting behind one of our officers, but a smile and friendly conversation about how the night is going, how our process is proceeding, and what we may have planned for the weekend.

It was those simple acts of kindness that made the crime scene and funeral details so hard but at the same time absolutely neccessary.

Every CVP Officer you had come into contact with felt it their duty to be there just as you had for us.

While we may miss you down here, it is understood that you are one of St Michael's Officers now.

Support Services - CVP Unit
Indianapolis Police Dept

March 16, 2005

It only takes a moment to look back and see all the special qualities you have and shared with those who have met you, for those memories will be remembered for a lifetime. And a day does not pass without remembering you and your brilliant smile. The angels are blessed to be with you, you are forever in our hearts. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Indianapolis. God Bless

Joan Smock
Friend

March 8, 2005

We're sitting here today once again reflecting with the guys in the unit about all of the good times we had on and off of the job. It seems like every day someone comes up with a new story to tell and it always brings a smile and a laugh from all of us. It will always leave a bitter taste in our mouth knowing that we weren't there that night, but to know that we were able to spend some time with you just hours earlier makes it a little easier. Know that there will always be a special place in our hearts and our minds for you and that will will never forget. Jake, please watch over all of us as well as the rest of our brothers and sisters as we continue to do our duties .

Your Brothers Forever

South District Narcotics Unit
Indianapolis Police Department

March 7, 2005

I didn't know Ofc Laird, I just read about his death in a magazine. Like he was, I'm a cop and former Marine too. I was in a shootout in June 2004 in which another officer (also a former Marine) and I shot/captured an armed robber who'd just killed our sergeant. Both my sgt and Ofc Laird did their duty to the end and they died honorably. Semper Fi, Ofc Laird.

Officer Ken Haney
Jackson Police Dept, TN

March 7, 2005

Although I think about Jake almost constantly, I rarely "talk" to him. Yesterday I wondered aloud what he would be doing if he was here. Would he be working in his yard or spending time with Kaylee? I finally told him I am sure he is happier where he is now, than he would be here, even on on beautiful Spring day. When I got home, I walked around the backyard and went to where I had transplanted perennials from Jake's yard. Jake and I had planted flowers in his yard just weeks before he died. Evidently when I dug up the perennials he and I had planted I also dug up a crocus bulb, because I have never planted crocus. There, in the middle of his flowers was a single gold colored crocus. For me, it was just another sign, from God, that Jake is just fine.

I miss you, Jake.

Love,

Mom

Debbie Laird

March 7, 2005

To all the officers,friends,and citizens who have taken the time to express the kind words about our son, we thank you with all our hearts.
One of our greatest fears Jakes mother and I have is that people will forget.
Reading your comments lets us know they won't.
It has been six months now that Jake has been gone. It still feels like yesterday. His mother and I miss him all the time. Your comments about his smile,his attitude,and his bravery are all very true statements.
Once in a while people will write us or call us with a story about Jake that we never knew. It is so nice to hear them.

When Jake was off duty he was a normal, fun loving kid who liked to play golf, watch the Cubs and Colts, and especially
loved being a father to his daughter Kaylee. Kaylee was his everything.
We see a lot of Jake in Kaylee. Her attitude is sometimes amusing in the way it reminds us of Jake.

In closing we wish to again thank all of you for your kind thoughts and words.

His mother has said it best. "We don't know why Jake was taken from us at such an early time. Only God and Jake know for sure what the plan is."
I only know that God has with him a boy who will serve him well. for you see, we got to winess that here seeing Jake as a Marine and Policeman.
I love you Jake

Dad

Mike and Debbie Laird

February 28, 2005

We Do Not Need A Special Day

I do not need a special day
To bring you to my mind.
The days I do not think of you
Are very hard to find.

Each morning when I awake
I know that you are gone.
And no one knows the heartache
As I try to carry on.

My heart still aches with sadness
And secret tears still flow.
What is meant to lose you
No one will ever know.

My thoughts are always with you,
Your place no one can fill.
In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.

There will always be a heartache,
And often a silent tear.
But alwasys a precious memory
Of the days when you were here.

If tears could make a staircase,
And heartaches make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
And bring you home again.

I hold you close within my heart,
And there you will remain,
To walk with me throughout life
Until we meet again.

February 27, 2005

Jake, it has been six months now since you were taken from us. Not a day has passed that I haven't thought of you. You are my Hero Jake. You are missed more than you could imagine

February 19, 2005

Happy Valentine's Day Jake. You will be missed far beyond an eternity.

February 14, 2005

Go Easy Bro

Lieutenant John R. Lewis
Terre Haute Police Department,Indiana

February 4, 2005

I come to this site every day and I wanted to stop in and say that you have not been forgotten and never will. May God watch over your family and help them through this very trying time. I would like to leave a short saying that was given to me in memory of my son,it says, "Always in our hearts, always in our words, forever young, forever blue. Our Guardian Angel."

Robert Gordon, Father of Officer
Michael P. Gordon EOW: 8/8/04

Asst. Chief (Retired) Robert Gordon
Riverside PD, IL

January 25, 2005

May God rest your soul, Brave Warrior. May God bless and comfort your wife, your daughter, your family, and your fellow officers. You are not forgotten.

Deputy B. P. Styles
Buncombe Co. Sheriff's Dept., NC

January 25, 2005