Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Another Christmas has passed without you and we continue to miss you every day. Visiting your grave on Christmas Eve instead of being with you in person was horrible. I miss your presence more than words can describe.

I'm sure Christmas for you was spectacular - beyond our imaginations - and I take comfort in that. Please continue to pray for us as we face another year without you.

Love,
Mom

December 26, 2006

I am sure that you had a beautiful Christmas in heaven, but we sure missed you down here. Please continue to watch over us, especially Andy -he is sooo much like you!
Love, Linda

December 26, 2006

MERRY CHRISTMAS JAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!

December 24, 2006

Wisconsin lost another hero, officer, and volunteer with a suburban fire department. You two will get along well. You are both honorable young men. Welcome our friend Greg RAHOI and know what we think of you often.
Special prayers to your family during these holidays. I know your nephews, family and Luann especially miss you.
Angels about you.

Sergeant Elizabeth IBARRA and LEO wife
Milwaukee Police Department

December 20, 2006

My thoughts are with your loved ones during this holiday season. I have decorated the outside of my home in all blue lights. One of those lights will be lit every night until New Years in your honor as my way of saying you are a hero and have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

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

December 19, 2006

Ms. Balchunas,
Thank you for the reflection you left on my dad's page. This is obviously a tough time of year for all of us. It helps to know we aren't going through it alone. Though we are far apart, we are united by our tragedies and loss. God bless you and your family.

Lori Johnson Rowley, wife of NC LEO
Daughter of Sgt. James Johnson, EOW 11/11/04

November 9, 2006

Jay,
I'm sure you were with us today. How much we laughed and I can hear you laughing with us.
I'm sure your watchful eye from heaven saw the ridiculous event - but how could it not make you smile - it made us smile.
I think of you every day - know you still continue to make us smile.

November 8, 2006

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 2nd anniversary of your end of watch. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. I know they think of you every hour of every day and will continue to shed those silent tears because they love and miss you so dearly. You are a true hero and heroes never die, you will never be forgotten.

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

November 7, 2006

Hi Jay,

Seems like only yesterday that the phone rang in the middle of the night and we got the horrible news. At the same time it seems like you have been gone forever...

A neighbor saw your picture today and the first words out of her mouth were "I see Andy!" You live on in many ways, but definately through him. And Andy told us that he is glad to be so much like you. A few of those qualities we could do without, but for the most part we wouldn't change much.

Both Andy and Bryan wrote you notes that we were going to send to you in Heaven, but the balloons did not have enough umph to get up and go, so we left them at your grave along with the painting that Bryan made of you and the police car picture that Andy so proudly drew for you.

We all miss you terribly.
Love, Linda

November 5, 2006

TODAY WE REMEMBER AGENT BALCHUNAS ON THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH.
I CAN FEEL THE PAIN OF HIS MOTHER, ESPECIALLY HOPING AND PRAYING THAT EVERYTHING WOULD BE ALRIGHT. MRS. BALCHUNAS KNOW THAT OTHER MOTHERS FEEL THAT PAIN AND WE ARE THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TODAY AS YOU REMEMBER THOSE PAINFUL DAYS.
IT IS SO HARD TO COPE WITH THE MEMORIES, OF THE LAST TIME YOU SAW HIM, THE LAST TIME YOU SPOKE WITH HIM. THOSE MEMORIES WILL BE SO VIVID IN YOUR MIND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
WE ASK WHY THESE THINGS HAVE TO HAPPEN AND WE HAVE NO ANSWERS, BUT WE CONTINUE TO HAVE THE FAITH THAT EVERYTHING WILL BE MADE RIGHT ONE DAY.
GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY AND MAY HE GIVE THEM THE COMFORT THAT ONLY HE CAN GIVE.
REMEMBERING.........

LORRAINE BOND (MOTHER)
HAMILTON COUNTY, TN SHERIFF DEPUTY:
DONALD K. BOND, JR.
EOW: 09.06.01

November 5, 2006

Jay, time passes but it does not get easier to bear the loss. You meant so much to so many and you can never be replaced. If only your days had been longer, the more you would have touched. You are missed.

November 3, 2006

Thinking of and praying for your family today.

Terry Donovan
Spouse of Amy Lynn Donovan EOW 10-31-04
Austin Police Department

November 1, 2006

It's so hard to believe that it's been two years since you lay in your hospital bed with your mother @ your side hoping and praying for you to be OK. I know that a day does not pass that you are not remembered by your parents, sister, brother, brother-in-law and nephews. They miss you so much and strive to keep your legacy alive. You would be so proud of them!!!! Keep smiling down on us, Jay, and know that you are loved and missed by so many.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily and especially this week as we remember the anniversary of the day you left this earth.

friend

November 1, 2006

Dear Luann,
I know that yesterday and the next several days to come will be difficult days for you and Jay's loved ones. I'm lifting you up in my prayers. May our Lord comfort you in this time, sheltering His loving arms around you. Jay would be proud of who you are and all that you have become through this tragedy. You have been such an encouragement to me through my grief. I imagine what a glorious time Josh and Jay are having in Heaven. We're one more day closer to them. Talk to you soon.

Love & prayers,
Kelly (Joshua Blyler EOW: 5.2.04)

Kelly Gillain
Friend of Luann/OfficerDownSignificantOthers

October 30, 2006

Policeman's 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
His comforting hand reduces fear to naught;
He makes me walk through streets of crime,
But He gives me courage and peace of mind.

He leads me by still waters in the path I trod,
And He says in Romans I'm a "minister of God,"
He leads me in righteousness as He restores my soul,
For His name's sake He keeps me whole.

When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door,
I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more;
For Thou art with me every step of the way,
As thy rod and thy staff protect me each day.

He prepares a table, especially for me,
As I work daily among life's enemies;
He gives me authority to uphold the law,
And He anoints my position in the midst of it all.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
Each day of my life through eternity;
As I long to hear Him say, "Well done...,"
When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun.

Author Unknown

October 18, 2006

Jay,
Yesterday was 9/11, five years after the attack. So much has changed but so much remains the same. I think of you and all the men and women who have served on the police and fire units that have lost their lives. I pray for you and your family.

September 12, 2006

Know that you and all of those you left behind remain in our prayers. Watch over your family and keep them from harm. Give them strength to forge ahead in your absence, until they are called to join you in Paradise.

You are in our thoughts

August 16, 2006

Hey Jay,

Your memorial golf outing was a blast again this year. So many of your friends from high school, college and your early police days gave generously of their time and talents to make this event a huge success! You would be so humbled by all of the people who wanted to volunteer and promised to be back again next year.
Although there were so many people there who loved you, and many who never knew you but were there in your honor nontheless, the biggest impression was left by the Lehnert sisters who came from far and near to be with us on August 5th. They are all so sweet and so much fun to be around, but you know that.
Anyway, thanks for the great weather - remember to send more of the same on August 4th next year for the third annual Jay Balchunas Memorial Golf Outing (a little less humidity would be appreciated though!)
Love ya.
~Linda

PS: Andy cried when he saw the sponsorship sign with his and Bryan's name on it, but was so pleased to have it there for you. The boys miss you so much too.

August 16, 2006

8/7/06
Thanks for the great weather for the golf outing, Jay.
A great time was had by all.

eileen

August 7, 2006

The Second Annual Jay Balchunas Memorial Golf Outing is just 2 weeks away. Once again, we are overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of so many who honor you by continuing your legacy through the scholarship fund. We love you and miss you every hour of every day.
Love,
Mom

July 22, 2006

I can't get you out of my mind today. I know that today your excitement would be growing, how fast could you get out of work and get to the station....wash and wax the rigs, get the station ready for the big 4th of July Celebration and then you'd go home, sometimes earlier than you wanted...quite possibly because Luann called and made you! Although I don't think you minded.

Then the big day - the 4th. I can picture your face so excited, the smile when Luann got to the station, walking the parade, the honor you had for the department, the respect you had for the other firefighters. The grilling out at the station, the festival, the fireworks.
In your absence we remember you.

The memories of you on this most special holiday are endless. Brother you are never forgotten and always remembered. You hold a special place in my heart and the 4th of July will never be the same without you. Yet, I know that tomorrow you will be right there with us, in the station, the parade, the festival and watching the spectacular fireworks from heaven.

Take care of us, stand by in our midst, and as promised to you that fatefull night, I and the rest, will continue to watch over Luann. RIP
See you on the roof - my friend.

NBFD -

NBFD

July 3, 2006

always in my thoughts..... an awesome man... a man from my childhood! I have A MEMORY of going to alpine valley to see Brian adams and you were just the sweetest older brother to my best friend! i knew you would be more than words......always and forever! peace and love.....jennifer zeier

jennifer zeier
friend

July 1, 2006

Jay, Aunt Mary went home to God today and I know that you welcomed her into the Kingdom. We will lay her to rest on Monday. The last time the family came together to bid one of our loved ones goodbye, Aunt Mary sat next to me at your grave. My heart aches as I remember the love and joy that both of you brought to our family and the tremendous void that your deaths created. May both of you rest in peace in the loving arms of the One who created you and loves you for eternity. I love you. Mom

Mom

June 22, 2006

Today is Police Memorial Day and as I remember all those who have served and given the sacrifice of their life, I remember you.
As you patrol those golden streets also protect those that still serve and put the uniform on daily. Watch them and send the angels to protect them as they take their beat.

Citizen

May 15, 2006

Happy Peace Officers Memorial Day, Jay. We are thinking about you today, as always, and missing you tons.

Love, Linda

May 15, 2006