Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To all Family, Friends, and Co Workers of this Officer:

On Behalf of myself, and the Family of Police Officer Daniel Starks (Ft Myers Fl, E/O/W 10-25-03) we want you to know that you are all in our prayers! The Lord will sustain you as you go through this difficult, and trying time, but just remember your loved one is being cared for in Heaven, and is now eternally safe. We hope that you all remain as strong as possible, and know that we are all thinking of you. No words are quite ever adequate, but Police Officers make the ultimate sacrifice everyday, and our hope, and prayer is that they will always be remembered for their heroic efforts, and kind hearts.
Love,
Jessica Ruhl (Daniel’s Fiancée) & the Family of Officer Daniel Starks

October 2, 2004

A gun salute, flyover, bagpipes, taps and nearly 200 uniformed law enforcement officers helped Jeremy Wilson's family say goodbye during a formal memorial service and burial Thursday in Bellingham.

A senior Border Patrol agent in Harlingen, Texas, Wilson, 29, of Whatcom County died when his patrol boat capsized in the flood-swollen Rio Grande Sept. 19.

"They always say there's a purpose for everything," said Wilson's mother, Bonnie Jaeger, talking to the memorial audience in a shaky voice. "It's going to be a while before I find a purpose for this."

Nearly 600 friends, family, classmates, co-workers and officers from across the country attended the service at Christ the King Community Church.

Border Patrol officers came from the nearby Blaine sector, as well as from Texas, Washington, D.C., and California.

Also attending the ceremony were law enforcement officers from Bellevue, Snohomish County, Monroe, Bellingham, Whatcom County, Ferndale, Washington State Patrol, Bellingham Fire Department, the FBI and Canada.

Wilson was a third-generation Border Patrol agent, following his father and grandfather.

"He comes from a Border Patrol family himself," said Border Patrol Deputy Chief Robert Harris. "It's easy to understand where he learned his values, sense of duty and his call to public service."

Reynaldo Garza, Deputy Chief from McAllen, Texas, described Wilson as a dependable and generous man who loved baseball.

"He left a lasting impression," Garza said. "He was the sort of agent the Border Patrol needed."

A video, projected on two large hanging monitors, flashed photos of Wilson throughout his life - as a little boy in the driver's seat of a patrol car, as a teenage baseball player and as a grown man, standing confidently on the deck of a patrol boat.

Following the ceremony, more than 100 cars, many with flashing lights, followed the hearse carrying Wilson's body in a long procession across Bellingham to Bayview Cemetery.

Family members wept as Border Patrol agents folded the flag draped across Wilson's casket and presented separate flags to his parents, Bonnie Jaeger of Bellingham and Michael Wilson of Ferndale.

A Border Patrol airplane flanked by two helicopters flew overhead. One helicopter peeled off to the right, leaving the formation.

A dispatcher called Wilson over the radio of a nearby patrol for the last time. Receiving no reply, the crackling voice announced that he was "gone but not forgotten." After his casket was lowered, patrol agents filed by, paying their respects and tossing their name badges into the grave with the casket.

In eulogies and speeches, officers remembered Wilson as a hero who gave his life in the line of duty.

His family will remember him as someone they love.

Wilson's younger sister, Stephanie, said that after learning about her brother's death, a friend asked if there was anything she could do for her.

She could only think of one thing: "Go call your brother and tell him how much you love him."

October 1, 2004

I stood on the corner and watched as friends and colleagues followed Jeremy one last time, and my heart broke just a little. I did not know Jeremy, but he will forever have my respect and my admiration for the career path he chose. It takes a special person to do what he did. May he rest in peace.

To Jeremy's parents, please know that your son will not be forgotten. We will always remember his sacrifice, and yours.

Whatcom County Citizen
Whatcom County, Washington

October 1, 2004

I went to Jeremy's funeral in Bellingham, WA this a.m. Border Patrol agents as far away as WA, DC were there to give condolences. I didn't know you, but just couldn't stop thinking about the pain your parents were having to endure. It was very courageous of them to get up to speak. His brother and sister shared some thoughts, too. We are all struggling with the "why", but know you died doing what you loved and that you followed in the footsteps of your Father and Grandfather. You made them very proud. You will be greatly missed in several states. God bless all those who grapple with the sadness and emptiness of your departure.

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

October 1, 2004

My deepest condolences go out to Jeremy's family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. I know what you as a fmaily are going through. My brother in law Jimmy Epling (USBP) died in December as a result of drowning in the Colorado river. My heart breaks for you all.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest In Peace Jeremy

Crystal Casas

September 30, 2004

Your service will not be forgotten. With great sadness for your family and friends.

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside, California PD

September 30, 2004

One day Gabriel saw Jesus standing on the bank of a river in Heaven.
Jesus had a sad look on His face as he watched the water flowing by.
Gabriel asked Jesus about the history of the river and why He had such a look
on His face?
Jesus told Gabriel that the river ran from the foot of God's throne and that
the water was the tears God shed each time a Police Officer was laid to rest.
Jesus said, "Each year the river grows larger and flows more rapid."
As Gabriel and Jesus stood gazing across the waters Gabriel asked, "When can
we bring them home?"
Jesus replied, "The great waking up morning will soon come."
Gabriel then asked, "What will happen to the river?"
Jesus answered, "God will bring them to the banks of the river and let them
see the tears He shed for them and then the river will run dry, never again
to flow."
"Each of His Peacemakers will be called forward one by one to lay their
badges at the foot of the throne and there they will receive their crowns of
gold."
Gabriel looked into the eyes of Jesus with a questioning look about his face.
Jesus simply whispered.... Soon Gabriel.... Soon.


Good speed my brother

Deputy Karl Gusentine
Williamson Co Illinois Sheriff's Department

September 29, 2004

Vaya con Dios!

AC, wife of a senior border patrol man

September 29, 2004

Sir, thank you for protecting those who never knew you.

S/A G.Rowe Jr
RR Police Department NJ DIV

September 29, 2004

We are deeply saddened at Jeremy'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 25, 2004

The members of the Royal Palm Beach Police Department wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, coworkers, and friends of Agent Jeremy Wilson. He has fought the good fight and has now gone to his reward. Many of our brothers and sisters are gone, but none are ever forgotten.

Sergeant T. E. Murphy
Royal Palm Beach, Fl. P. D.

September 25, 2004

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE
OFFICERS SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH PATROL
AGENT WILSON, HIS FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

September 25, 2004

Our sincere condolences to the family,friends and co-workers of Senior Patrol Agent Jeremy Wilson. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Police Officer
Hunterdon County, New Jersey

September 25, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in southeast Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Jeremy did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Jeremy be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Agent Wilson's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Jeremy is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Jeremy was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Agent Wilson for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

September 25, 2004

Rest in peace Brother Jeremy, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service and courage.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

September 24, 2004

Rest in Peace...

Police Officer
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

September 23, 2004

Agent Wilson, Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Rest Easy Brother!

Dep. Paul Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, La.

September 23, 2004

Senior Patrol Agent Wilson,

God Bless You for your service, my thoughts and prayers are with your family and the US Customs and Border Protection. Rest in Peace Brother...

Officer
NC

September 23, 2004

We will always remember your ultimate sacrifice and your devoted service to God and country. We will always remember you and your families in our prayers. Godspeed. Rest in peace.

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Tony Dur
U.S. Border Patrol Academy - Glynco, GA

September 23, 2004

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Senior Patrol Agent Jeremy Wilson gave the ultimate sacrifice protecting the members of his community. You now walk a beat where there is no violence, only peace. See you on the other side.

First Sergeant Salvatore Torelli
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office, VA

September 23, 2004

Your brothers and sisters of the Patrol will never forget you. God bless.

Senior Patrol Agent L. Cabranes
USBP

September 23, 2004

To the family, friends and co-workers my prayers are with you. I wish there was something I could say to help you at this time, but as everyone knows there is nothing. The one thing that kept me going was all of the memories and knowing the fact that Clint loved being a police officer, and he would not have traded places with anyone.
Agent Wilson your family will miss you everyday, but we will never forget you. Look Clint up for me, tell him I miss him...

Connie Barker
Mother of Police officer Clint Walker 1-14-04

September 23, 2004

Jeremy, as you now know, Jesus Loves You, so do we!
John 3:16

Ret Officer RB WAde
Richmond, VA Police

September 22, 2004

Rest in peace sir.

Shannon
concerned citizen

September 22, 2004

Rest in peace. God bless you and keep you always.

DE
St. Louis City Police

September 22, 2004