Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jay,

You could always be counted on, and were always there. You loved others more than yourself, and loved til the end. Our hearts are at their breaking point knowing you're no longer with us, but find peace knowing that you've gone to a place where there are no guns, no wars, and no hatred.

As evidenced by the tremendous turnout at your funeral, you were a truly magnificent man, important to so many people in so many ways. You left your mark, and made this world a better place. I'll remember you simply as "Jay," a great fire liutenant and a good friend.

See you on the roof...

Matt McGuire
NBFD (Retired)

November 11, 2004

Jay you were my best friend and I will miss you. I will always remember the times we shared together. I promise to watch over Luann for you. Rest in peace brother, some day we will be on the roof together again.

Lt. Brian Wisniewski
New Berlin Fire Dept.

November 11, 2004

On behalf of the Mount Pleasant Police Department in Racine County, and myself, thank you for your contributions in law enforcement and your sacrifice to the community. Our prayers are with you and your loved ones. You will never be forgotten.

In Valor There Is Hope

Officer Farrell

Police Officer Chris Farrell
Mount Pleasant Police Department

November 11, 2004

TO OFFICER BALCHUNAS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR LOVE ONE.
MOTHER OF OFFICER RON JONES
EOW 12/26/01

November 11, 2004

Jay, you have left an impact on so many lives. I will never forget you or any of the times we have spent together.To Jay's family: I'm sorry for your loss and i would like you to know that Jay has been a role model for me since i first met him, i've never seen him without a smile on his face and he was always willing to help anyone. You are a true hero Jay, and by far the least selfish guy i know. watch over us Jay and rest in peace. we all miss you, and you will never be forgotten.

friend from new berlin

November 11, 2004

Thank You for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

November 10, 2004

My wife and I attended the funeral service today. A great tribute to you and all you have done. Rest in Peace, Jay.

Officer Paul Thomas
Watertown Police Department

November 10, 2004

The Law Enforcement and Fire community are now better places because of your efforts. You will be missed and the world has lost one of the " Good Guys " but God has his own Cop and Fireman. God Bless you and God Bless your Family.

Andrew Mahnke Lieutenant
Former Employee City of New Berlin Fire Department

November 10, 2004

I just returned from your funeral and learned from the news that we got the cowards that are responsible and they confessed. I hope you rest easier with that news. Godspeed brother, we have the watch now.

Police Officer
Milwaukee Police Dept.

November 10, 2004

Job Well Done. We will always remember you throughout this family of blue! Rest in Peace.

November 10, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers go to the immediate and extended police family of Special Agent Jay Balchunas. Peace be with you brother we all will take over from here.

Grand Prairie (TX) PD

November 10, 2004

May God Bless you Jay, you are now in a better place. Thanks for being a friend, a great Police officer, Special Agent, and Firefighter. No words can truely express the sadness we feel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family, and all your co-workers, may God bless you all.

Paul Milkovich And Family
NBFD Firefighter (Retired)

November 10, 2004

Jay and I were the absolute best of friends in our youth. I recall that, even then, we were always playing some form of 'Cops and Robbers' on Jay's behest. Weather it be with the toy guns we made out of wood or our collections of HotWheels, he would insist that all played one of the 'Good Guys'. The bad guys, which nobody ever wanted to play, were all imaginary. From what I have read here, it seams to me he was a team player to the end.

We all lost one of the best true 'Good Guys'. God bless him.

(Please for give my intrusion if this is not for civilian use. I just felt you all would like to know.)

David Uselmann
Chilldhood Best Friend

November 10, 2004

Our hearts go out to Jay's Family and to Louann. Jay was an outstanding person and anyone who met him felt that way. God Bless

Milwaukee police department
Probation/parole Officer

November 10, 2004

On behalf of the members of the Sutherlin Police Department, I send to you, our heartfelt condolences and prayers in your time of sadness. May your fallen officer’s legacy live on in the memories of his friends and family. Rest now brother, after a job well done. We’ll take it from here.

Cpl. Justin Marquis
Sutherlin Police Department

November 10, 2004

Rest in peace Agent Balchunas. My condolences to the family and friends.

We will continue the fight and never forget our fallen brothers and sisters.

Officer Krull
Marshall P.D., WI

November 10, 2004

Thanks for everything you have done both in Law Enforcement and the Fire Department. You maybe gone but you will never be forgotten. Prayers go out to your family, friends and co-workers.Stand Proud, Ride Free, and Rest in Peace.

Rob
NBFD Retired Wind & Fire MC

November 10, 2004

"We ask Thy blessing and eternal rest to all our brothers who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of their duties. Give to their loved ones the peace and strength to bear the anguish of their loss. Remove all resentment from their hearts, knowing that eternal peace and rest will abide their departed loved ones forever.
This we beg Thy name forever and ever, Amen."

You have done your duty; go rest.
We will never forget the fight you fought; it's in our hands now.
Your family will be forever in our prayers; and you in our heart.

Thank You Jay.

Deputy Caryn (McCollum) Majeskie
Jefferson County Sheriff's Department

November 9, 2004

Words cannot express one's true feelings at times like this. Your unending spirit and dedication to your family, friends and life of community service is unmatched. I will never forget your humor, humility, friendship, and zest for life. I am a better person having known you. My sincere condolences to your entire family. God bless you.

MPO T. Scherer (former member)
New Berlin Volunteer Fire Dept.

November 9, 2004

God Bless you Special Agent Jay Balchunas. Our prayers are with your family and friends, thank you for your service and know that you will never be forgotten.

Deputy Jeff Bessinger
Delaware County Sheriffs Office,Ohio

November 9, 2004

I hope that your family and friends find comfort in the reflections that are left by your extended Law Enforcement family. May they also find peace and strength. Rest assure, the cowards that took your life will be found. May your spirit have a joyous homecoming and "Rest High on the Mountain" our fallen brother!

D/Sgt. Vencent Woods
State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

November 9, 2004

So many wonderful things are being said and great stories are shared about Agent Balchunas. Watch over us, Jay. Remind us to always press on toward higher goals, to take time for one another, to say good things to one another while we have the chance to do so. Give us strength and help us feel the presence of all the saints in public service whether they walk with us or with you.

Another "kid" from New Berlin

November 9, 2004

Jay may you rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers to family, friends and co-workers. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten. We have lost more then just a friend in you!

co-worker Shirley
NBFD Retired

November 9, 2004

As your long time friend, you will be deeply missed. Your dedication to law enforcement and the fire department can be matched by none. When ever there was a call for service, and you were around, I knew that we could count on you. Your selfliss dedication to the fire department will be greatly missed. I wish your family and friends my deepest and sincerest sympathy and hope that some good can come from this. You will always be in my prayers. Gods speed and watch over us.

A/C Fred Schultz
New Berlin Fire Department

November 9, 2004

In God's hands, Jay now lays.
To protect and serve, that was Jay's way.
Always there to lend a helping hand, always firm yet balanced his plan.
There for you any time of day or night, ready to help no mater what your life.
Now he's in the biggest family in all the land, God's police and fire department just recieved a great man.

God Bless you Jay and your family. May the winds always fill your sails to where ever your distination finally may be.

The Schulz Family

Gregg Schulz
Former Member NBFD Ladder 1

November 9, 2004