Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jake, as I sit and think about what to write I can't help but smile. It seems like only yesterday you laying into me about running all over district trying to get into something. You were one of those guys that all of us "rookies" looked up to. You were the kind of cop we all want to be. I'll never forget that night, listening to the events unfold, trying to get to you guys as fast as I could and wondering what I was going to do when I got there. Getting that medic to the hospital as fast as we could, it seemed like it took forever. And the faces of the guys at the hospital, guys who just hours before were laughing and joking with you, they will forever be in my mind. Even now, all these months later, we still think of you often, always with a smile as we talk about some funny "Jake" story. Know that everyday as we walk past your picture at South District or see one of the memorial shields which we all so proudly display on our cars we remember you and you loved ones, and brother you will always be in our prays. Rest In Peace C421.

Chappy

Ptl A. Chappell
Indianapolis P.D.

January 24, 2005

Thank you for your dedicated service and for your fearless attitude to serve and protect the innocent.

David Burroughs
Union County Sheriff Office

January 22, 2005

Merry Christmas Soupie! For some reason, the snow fall reminded me of you. Perhaps because you were just as pure and beautiful as the snow.

anonymous 225

December 27, 2004

There are 2 things that made me sad this year and those were when my father passed and when I heard the news of Jake passing...I was truely upset by the news of him passing. I knew Jake by a famous restraunt called Wendys that all the officers went to eat at. He was always a friendly person with a smile on his face...He loved his daughter dearly for he talked about her all the time. I remember the time he showed me a picture of his daughter and we talked about our kids. She was truely the apple of his eye. I got had not seen Jake for several months and then we ran into one another but only this time I was pregnant and he pointed to my belly. He had to smile and make a joke. That was how Jake was. Jake was a good officer, for when duty called he was up and out of there, finished or not he was gone. I give my sympathy to the family of Jake and all I can say is that I have you in my prayers and I know Jake is watching over you. Jake, was a true hero that day when he gave his life for others. To the wife of Jake, just remember that he was a good man and that he gave his life doing what he loved..as I remember that my Dad was in this life doing what he loved. Keep him in your heart always and remember the good times...Jake go rest now for we all will watch over your family and make sure they are safe...God Bless you all!!

A FRIEND

December 27, 2004

I had known Officer Laird, since we served together as United States Marines in the Recruiting School in San Diego. Tim had a tremendous sense of humor, and wasn't afraid to stand up for what was right. He was a man of convictions.

I will miss him.

Semper Fi
SSgt Scottie L. Allman
USMC (Ret)

Deputy Scottie Allman
Washington County Sheriff's Office, Washington County TN.

December 24, 2004

Officer Laird,

I did not know you, but I now work with your fellow officers from IPD South District. They are a great group of guys and girls. They speak highly of you and you are still talked about often. RIP and God bless you and your family.

Police Officer Boots Soper
University of Indianapolis Police Department

December 23, 2004

I was sad to hear yet another brother had fallen. Ofc Laird you put your life on the line time and time again, last patrol, rest in peace brother.

Officer Horn
INDIANAPOLIS PD

December 5, 2004

WE GOT THE WORD EARLY THAT MORNING, THAT ANOTHER BROTHER HAD GIVEN HIS LIFE IN THE LINE OF DUTY. I WAS AT THE INDIANA LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY, CLASS 2004-159, WE GAVE A MOMENT OF SILENCE THAT DAY, FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO FIND THEIR WAY. YOU'LL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY ANY OF US. AS I STOOD THERE IN FORMATION I KNOW MANY PEOPLE WANDERED IF THEY COULD GIVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE TO HELP SOMEONE THEY DIDN'T EVEN KNOW. BUT THE STRENGTH YOU SHOWED TELLS ME THAT IF IT HAPPENS TO ME, I'LL BE WILLING TO GIVE MY LIFE TO SAVE THEIRS.

PATROLMAN, GREG TOMLINSON
N. MANCHESTER P.D. INDIANA

December 2, 2004

Peace be with you Brother Laird, and with your family. My heart is saddened, but my resolve to carry on your fight is strengthened.

R. Knotts - Correctional Officer
Alaska Dept. of Correction (Former Indiana State Capitol Police Office

November 7, 2004

Somebody killed a policeman today,

and part of America died.

A piece of our country he swore to protect,

will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect that 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 battle field 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,

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,

of himself gave his all,

And A Part of America Died.

YOU WILL BE MISSED.

JAIL OFFICER
HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT

October 8, 2004

Jake - You are remembered as a GREAT man and a GREAT father. Thank you for all you did. You will always and forever be in my heart and prayers.

D. Acton
Citizen

October 7, 2004

Jake,

I worked with you only a few times but you left a lasting impression on me. You lived life to the fullest and under your conditions the brotherhood could not have a better representative in the heavens. Take care Jake you will always be in our hearts and thoughts

Deputy David E McCormick
Hamilton County Sheriff Dept

October 6, 2004

Jake,

You were a true friend and neighbor to me in high school. I could not believe the horrible news when my brother told me. My prayers are with you and your family. You are a true american hero and I will always remember you for that. My brother David, is a policeman here in Tucson. I will conitue to pray for him and you and your family. I know I will see you in heaven one day...because that is where heros like you go.

love, Lori Miller-Reed

Lori Miller-Reed

October 2, 2004

Jake,
You were a friend to me while growing up during Junior High and High School. I remember the fun times playing hoops in your driveway, at least until you and Gabe ended up slugging it out. I want to remember those times. My prayers are with you and all of your family members. This was the first time I have been to this Memorial Page. I was viewing the reflections of Officer Hardesty from my Department. I am honored to have known you as a friend, brother, and a true hero. I know you will continue to protect others and I will see you in time.

Detective David Miller
Tucson Police Department

September 30, 2004

My deepest simpathy to the family and friends of Officer Laird. 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 - PA

September 30, 2004

We are deeply saddened at Tim's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) P.D.

September 18, 2004

A brief moment of darkness
was all that I knew,
before Heaven's Gate
came into my view.

Loved ones and friends
I had missed for many years,
welcomed me with open arms
and many happy tears.

All the hurt, fear and pain
that I have ever known,
is gone from my life,
I am finally home.

I gazed upon the Lord's
sweet smiling face,
and for the first time in my life
I knew and felt His grace.

I know that you miss me,
but please dry your eyes.
I will always be watching and loving you
from my home in the sky.

A cool breeze on your face,
a touch of light rain,
I will send as a reminder
that we will be reunited again.

Life on earth is but one
brief moment in time,
I am finally home,
Eternity is mine.

S.M.
Saddened Citizen in IN

September 13, 2004

your called upon. Simply at 911. You gave your life. A hero, for all that are left behind.

Was a prcious gift, you left.

in our souls and minds, you will never be forgotten

September 9, 2004

It was a pleasure to work with you Jake. Although I was not working the night of this horrific incident, I often play it back in my head. Driving down the street and seeing the memorial cross is hard to bear. You were an awesome man and for you to run in the face of danger shows your compassion for your friends and community. I have a button with your picture on it hanging from my visor (as do a lot of us), knowing you will watch over us and protect us as you did that fatefull night. We love you and will never forget you!

Officer Scott Yaden
Indianapolis Police Dept. South District

September 2, 2004

YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NOT BE FOR GOTTEN. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

PTL.NICHOLAS J. GIARDONO
SCHENECTADY POLICE DEPT.

September 1, 2004

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Officer Laird.

While I did not have the privilege to have known him personally, I am certain that he has found a place in heaven. Rest in peace my friend; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

September 1, 2004

Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Officer Laird and to all the personnel of the Indianapolis Police Department who worked with him.

While it is no consolation for your loss, remember that we, and many others in this country, appreciate the sacrifice that he made in his effort to ensure the safety of the public.

God bless.

Southwest Central Dispatch
Palos Heights, IL

September 1, 2004

You hear about someone being killed on a daily basis, but when I heard of you being killed it really hit hard. I came to Indiana from Illinois 2 years ago to get away from all the crime that was going on around us. It was the best decision we have ever made. We felt more protected and safe here in Indiana then we have ever felt in the 20 years living and growing up in Illinois. We have people like you to thank who put love into the job. May god bless your family and make sure you continue to keep us all safe. You may be gone but you are not forgotten.

S.M.
Saddened Citizen in IN

August 31, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Laird. The love of my life is a police officer and there's not a day that goes by that I don't pray for the next day with him. My heart breaks for Jakes family.

911 Police,Fire,EMS Dispatcher
Northwest Indiana

August 30, 2004

FROM A FELLOW HOOSIER SERVING OUR COUNTRY, MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY OF PO LAIRD AND TO THE INDIANAPOLIS POLICE DEPARTMENT. LET HIS LIFE NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

SPC ANTHONY NARUG
US ARMY MILITARY POLICE FT HOOD TEXAS

August 30, 2004