Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I know you helped God answer my prayers... Thank you.

June 6, 2007

This memorial day brings a reminder of your loss. You are so missed.

May 28, 2007

Jay,

In the light of what recently occurred in Kenosha, I must say "Thank You" for your ultimate sacrifice. I was at the funeral in Kenosha and I thought often of you and many other officers that have been killed in the line of duty in this fine State and this country. Thank you for your sacrifice, you and your family will be eternally in my thoughts and prayers

Deputy Eric Essinger
Washington County Sheriff, West Bend, WI

May 26, 2007

Jay:

In pondering the senselessness of yesterday's tragedy in Kenosha, my thoughts once again turn to you, Luann and your family. My emotions as I write this are as raw as they were when you were so senselessly taken from us. You'll never be forgotten, Jay. I think of you often, and continue to pray for peace for Luann and your family.

Former MPO
NBVFD

May 18, 2007

Wisconsin lost another fine officer this week and Channel 4 ran a picture of you and it reminded us of the sacrifices that officers and their families make everyday.
Rest in Peace Jay
Deborah Roelandts
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Deborah Roelandts
retired 911 operator

May 18, 2007

Jay,
Be with your co-workers as they investigate the shooting of the Kenosha Deputy,who was killed this morning.

May 17, 2007

Today is National Police Memorial Day, May 15th. On this day I honor you for your bravery and dedication to law enforcement. Continue to watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

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

May 15, 2007

Special Agent Balchunas,

Today I received a phone call from your mother. She informed me that I was to receive the scholarship which has been set up in honor here at Marquette University. I know you had a part in selecting me. I explained to your mother that I am unable to describe to her just how thankful I am for being selected. I still haven’t the words but I would like to thank you as well. I am hoping that you can help me live up to your expectations.

Joseph Mahony
Criminology and Legal Studies Major
Marquette University

April 24, 2007

I was shocked and saddened to hear about Jay just this past weekend. I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. I cannot imagine the grief you have been going though. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Maureen

April 17, 2007

Hi Jay,

What a week it was...last Tuesday Frank received a new kidney. He had been on dialysis 3 times a week since just after you left us, but only on the transplant list for a short time. The doctor was skeptical, even going into surgery, about doing the transplant. I think you must have had a hand in getting the job done...thank you! Frank is recovering well and will hopefully be coming home from the hospital today. It will be such a blessing for him to have his life back again.

We also celebrated Andy's First Communion on Saturday, the same day that Chris turned 40 years old. You were not too far behind him, but I am sure that you would have found an appropriately nasty card for him! It was a wonderful celebration for both of them - we had lots of family and friends with us - but you were definately missed.

Andy always wants to look through your things and take anything home with him that he can. He has lots of tangible reminders of you, but you will never be far from his mind either. He will be going with mom and dad to Washington D.C. in May to honor you and all the other officers who have been killed in the line of duty (of which there are way too many.)

Bryan has fewer memories of you, but also loves to receive anything that belonged to you and be a part of any conversation about you. He will be acquiring some of your childhood bedroom furniture and is thrilled about it. It needs a little (actually a lot!) work, but we will make it presentable. Wish you were here to build a loft for his bed - he is quickly running out of floor space in his bedroom.

That's all for now. Continue to rest peacefully.

Love, Linda

April 16, 2007

--"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." -- Maya Angelou

April 10, 2007

Sending our love to you as we celebrate another holiday without you here. Missing you...

April 8, 2007

My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

April 5, 2007

Amazing Jay isn't it? Just amazing......

April 4, 2007

Top o the morning to you Jay. I will be hoisting a green beer in your honor today.
Happy St. Paddy's day!

March 17, 2007

Happy Valentines Day, Jay!

February 14, 2007

It looks awesome, Jay - even you would approve!

Forever in our hearts and on our minds.

February 12, 2007

Alright, Jay...I know you were shaking your head and laughing like crazy on Friday. Who would have ever thought that something like that would (or even could) happen?!?! I am sure that somehow you had a hand in it - still playing jokes on us from up where you are.
Love you and miss you.

February 11, 2007

Jay,
Do you remember what today is? I have thought about it all week long and now today - it brings a smile to my face. I will stop by and see you later.
Jay, you will never be forgotten. You are still on my mind every day!

February 7, 2007

Happy birthday, Jay!

You should have turned 37 years old today...it's still so hard to believe that you are not here and that this year I will pass you up in earthly years. What a horrible thought.

Bryan is not feeling very well today, but we hope to visit you and bring you a balloon. The boys are always very happy to leave things for you to see from Heaven.

You are always in our thoughts and we miss you tons.

Love,
Linda

January 18, 2007

Happy Birthday Jay!!!

January 18, 2007

While reading my sons reflection, I seen where your mother and sister left a reflection for my son. Jay I know that you and Clint are together and you left a lot of people on this earth with broken hearts and we will never be the same. I know that it was not your choice to leave, because you both fought, God just needed you in Heaven. We just miss you so much, you will never be forgotten.

Linda and Mary I know how much you miss Jay, and thank you for leaving a reflection on Clint's site, I check it everyday, I guess it's just a way of talking to Clint.
I have the Blue candles in my window and they burn 24/7, Jay will be remembered in Fort Walton Beach.

Connie Barker Fort Walton Beach, Fl
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04 Prattville, Al

January 17, 2007

Things hit close to home. There is another Milwaukee Officer / Deputy fighting for his life at Freodtert. I remember your sacrifice.
You are missed.

January 12, 2007

I just read your reflection that you left for my husband. It means so much to me that people remember. I am too sorry for everything that you and your family are going through. I wil always remember.

Tara Zachary
wife of BJ Zachary EOW 1-1-06

January 10, 2007

Hi Jay!
Happy New year in a good place! Jay, is it crazy i cry for your family....because i know they miss you soo much!
And Jay ....and Jay.....I pray!
let's all have a good year! the best we can...

January 9, 2007