Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My heart goes out to the friends and family of Officer Gammill. I just lost my boyfriend on February 16 of this year in Henry County. It is an a pain that is not fair and I wouldn't wish it on anyone!

Rachel Andrews
girlfriend of Henry County Officer Haist

March 14, 2005

Blake,

This hasn't got any easier, even today, just a few weeks since this horrible thing happened. I still can't change the wedding page on my website, take your name away from Dawn's on my email list or erase your cell phone number from my cell phone. I HATE, and am HURT that you are gone, and can't believe this has happened. I knew SOMETHING was wrong when I got a call from Dawn at 5 am, Dawn would NEVER be up at 5 am or call me at 5 am ..... I just knew it was something when I saw her number on Caller ID... and it was... You were wonderful, in so many ways. Dawn and I have been Best Friends since we were 13 or so, and I have NEVER, in my life, seen her as happy as she has been with you. I can remember back to when she first told me about you, and Jeff, the kids and I were in Texas, I couldn't wait to meet you. Each and EVERY time we came back to GA, there you were, right beside her and just as happy as could be. Each time we would drive to and from Texas, we would meet to have something to eat, even if we couldn't stay but long enough to eat. Then, when we moved back East, we enjoyed the many times we got to share together, and how wonderful you are with your children. Even the times that the girls weren't around, you had my Kolby, and all seemed right with the world. The time at the SpiderMan2 movie...Kolby was your buddy, and even though he is just 3, he misses you so much! Emily, Hunter, Jeff and myself do to. It is beyond words how much you are missed. I can't believe it was just a few months ago, while we were in a rush trip to Texas for funeral, you took us to the airport, helped Dawn watch and care for our dogs and then waited for 6 hours in Atlanta's airport for our delayed plane to return. You got us back to Dawn's apartment and said you were just going to go inside, make some coffee and the head to work. You were a true friend, wonderful father, and would have made a GREAT husband for my Best Friend! I was looking forward to being in your wedding, and even now, I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life, letting your girls know just how great you were as a person, and how much you love them. Emily and Haven are going to be the Best of Friends, because we all know, Haven loves to send her letters. You are loved by so many, and it just saddens me to see this happen, not only to your family, friends, and DAWN, but to EVERYONE whom your life has touched. Deer Camp would have been fun, but we will always be thinking of you each and every time Jeff and I hunt. You are the best, and I know you are with the angels. We love you Blake.

Jeff, Carroll, Emily, Hunter & Kolby

Jeff & Carroll Harrison & Family

March 14, 2005

i have visited your grave several times, i stand there trying to put it all together! it is not fair that you were taken from us, you will not be forgotten and lots of us continue to fight the fight in yout memory.
to the family: your leo family will always be here for you... just call

fiancee of a leo

March 12, 2005

Although we did not know Deputy Gammill we would like to share our thought and prayers with the family and friends of the Deputy. We are very sadened by this tragic event and will reember this for the rest of our lives. From what we have heard Deputy Gammill was a devoted father and friend. May his children know that they were loved by thier father and also know that they have the support of the entire community. May God Bless You and Yours.

Bill and Kristin Thompson
citizen

March 11, 2005

If I knew it would be the last time
that I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute or two
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything right.

There will always be another day
to say our "I love you's",
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do's?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear,

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"please forgive me,"
"thank you" or "it's okay"
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

--Author Unknown

March 11, 2005

To my dear friend Blake,
I had the honor of knowing you for two years while I worked at Silverline. Seeing you and just talking to you a couple nights out of the week were a true blessing for me. From you funny stories about your childhood to some stops you have made while patroling the roads. You always kept me laughing and kept me on my toes with your quick come backs and great sense of humor. It was an honor to know you as long as I did, and I will always cherish the memories you have given me. Thank you for all that you have done for not only me but for those at Silverline as well. May God bless your family. <><

Lauren
silverline windows

March 10, 2005

All the people in law enforcement are in my prayers for guardian angels to surround them. God bless the Gamill family.

Benchmark Homes

March 10, 2005

Blake,
Where to start, I remember the first time that I saw you. You had a look of determination that seemed to say you were in it for the long haul and could be counted on no matter what the cost. I was blessed to call you a friend. From offering instruction to working together as partners on Thornton Rd to the SERT team to hunting together to eating together and sharing our issues together........you were and always will be my friend. Your family and all your friends miss you and will never forget you. You truely were a "Sheepdog", a warrior. In 500 BC Hericletus made the observation, "A hundred men enter the field of battle, ten shouldn't be there. Eighty are nothing but targets, nine are true fighters and we are lucky to have them because they the battle make. Ah, but the one....one is a true warrior and he will bring the others home". Blake, you were the warrior........

May you rest in peace knowing that yours was a job well done my friend.

Chuck Martin #589
DCSO

Chuck Martin #589
DCSO

March 10, 2005

I had the privilage of meeting Dept. Gammill once, but that one time was enough for me to know that he was a great man. He was really nice and cared about helping others. My prayers are with his family and friends. I know how close the D'Ville officers are personally. I mean not only are they co-workers, but they're family. I had to make a 911 call to tell them that one of their officers had flipped their car, and within 5 minutes, i mena right hafter that call went out there were fellow police officers all over the place. I thank God that he wasn't hurt, but you could really see the love and the people that cares about him. I'm still in high school, but these people really mean a lot to me and my dad is really good friends with a lot of them. So, R.I.P Blake Gammill. God Bless.

March 10, 2005

Brother, I went to the funeral, and i saw how loved of man and deputy that you were. I hope that you knew how much you were loved by everyone that was there. Save us all a spot up there. Please watch over all of us men and women in blue and brown.

Officer M.D Rook
Aagon Police

March 10, 2005

I did not know you and you did not know me. You were in the background of our lives, keeping me and my family safe, and we didn't even know it. Someday we will see you in Heaven, and we will be able to express our gratitute for what you did for us in the background of our lives.

Thank you.

Susan C., Civilian
Citizen

March 9, 2005

I was so stunned when I woke up that Friday morning to the news that Blake had been killed. Blake, you were always a really nice guy, both in high school and on the baseball field. DCSO has lost a great officer and gentleman.

Jody Snow

March 9, 2005

Thank you for your service to your friends, your family, and your community. Blake I am so blessed to have known you for so long. You will be missed and you always be loved. Your family is in my prayers always. God bless you Blake.

Sister of a police officer

March 9, 2005

Blake you will be truly missed by so many. I am so thankful that I had the chance to know you for so many years, starting back in high school. You made my life better by just being a part of it for so long. I will forever remember all the fun times, the great officer you were and the love for your job, the great love you have for your girls, but most of all for the great man/friend you were. Your great smile that can light up a room and that awesome personality of yours will forever be in our hearts. You were taken from us all so quickly, but you left us with a lifetime of wonderful memories and I know we will see you again. I thank God you're up there on our side taking care of us. My thoughts and prayers are with your family always.

Christine Robison
Douglas County DFCS/Long time friend

March 9, 2005

To the Family: My prayers go out to you. To Blake, Rest in PEACE 591, You will never be forgotten! You were a guy who touched everyone's heart!! You were loved by many and still are!! Rest in peace and we will see you in heaven!!!

Kayla Worthan
Student DCHS

March 8, 2005

Blake,

I am honored to have been your friend and fellow deputy. You will never be forgotten. Your memory lives on!

So long for now. I will see you again!

Love ya brother.

Deputy Andrew Power
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

March 8, 2005

Blake,
You left a legacy behind. I have taken the time to read through the others reflections of you and the life you lived. I will miss you and I see the hurt Matt feels. I will never forget the last time I saw you,sitting across from me at my dinner table. I heard you could eat a lot but hadn't witnessed it. I really cherish that time now. I liked hearing the story of how you proposed to Dawn. I had my concerns about the wedding plans, Ha! I am very sad and my heart is heavy for Dawn and the girls. She is lost without you!. Your parents ache for you too! We are here for them all Blake. I wish the boys and Matt would have gone to the hunting camp and rode fourwheelers with you and the girls.We have learned to not be too busy for friends. We will see you again some day! Tell my daddy his little girl misses him here, as yours miss you!

Julie Gray wife of Matt Gray #575
DCSO

March 7, 2005

Blake Gammill was one of the most beloved gentleman I have ever been associated with. I had the privelege of knowing him in high school and we shared a very special relationship. The endearing memories I have of him and his family will live forever in my heart. I am truly greatful that the people of Douglas County Georgia and all over the state have come together to pay tribute to Blake. He will be missed so much and I can speak for everyone when I say he will be loved forever and always. To Blake - farewell my sweet BG...until we meet again in our heavenly home. To Blake's family - you all are in my constant thoughts and prayers...much love and many blessings.

Jennifer McClure
Douglasville, GA

March 7, 2005

I heard about this tragedy on FM radio and on the local news the morning of Feb 25th. I did not know Blake but felt like I had known him all my life with all the kind and wonderful things that were said about him through the memorials that I had looked at all last week. I am very saddened and cried several times last week, but I know he is in a better place and one day I will have the priviledge to meet him. My prayers are with the family, friends, and co-workers. May God give you strength and comfort.

Michele
Forsyth Co.(Cumming) Georgia, citizen

March 7, 2005

1 corintians 13:4-8

4 Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; 5 it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends

Deputy Gammill, thank you for your service and dedication. You will be missed and never forgotten. May your family, fiancée, and everyone who loves you stay strong in the memories and love you shared with them.

I lost my fiancée, Scott Stewart, in August of 2002. There not a day that goes by without him in my heart and mind. I understand the pain your fiancee must feel from being ripped from you to soon. The support and love from others who know my pain have helped tremendously.

Dawn, if you ever feel the need to reach out to others who know your pain, please contact me and other s/o’s. A search on yah groups will bring you to us. Just enter the below as it is.


Always remember as long as your heart beats Blake will be with you. He’s there everyday in your heart.

Hugs,
Monica
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit

OfficerDownSignificantOthers

March 7, 2005

God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow. You will not be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

March 6, 2005

As an "ordinary citizen" it is easy to take things for granted: safe streets, safe schools, a safe night's sleep. All things that are directly, or indirectly, provided to us by our dedicated law enforcement officers. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a horrbile tragedy-- such as the loss of Blake Gammill- to make us stop and realize exactly what these officers go through on a daily basis.
To the family and friends of Blake, I send you my deepest, sincerest and most heartfelt sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you daily.
To everyone at the Douglas County Sheriff's Dept., and to law enforcement officers everywhere: I thank each and every one of you for your daily dedication, service and sacrifice. THANK YOU for doing your job in such an outstanding manner. It helps many people sleep safely at night knowing that you are out there protecting them.
To the Douglas County S.E.R.T.: Even though you have lost a brother-- a friend-- do not lose sight of your mission, of Blake's mission. Stand strong. Stand united. Continue faithfully in your efforts. JOB WELL DONE!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!

Ann Dix

March 6, 2005

It seems that in the last week I have tried to write this more than twenty times. Words can never express the feelings that swept through our home and lives last Thursday and the difficult days that will follow. We are comforted by the reassurance that Blake is with our God in heaven. Although sometimes it is hard to see, we know that God has a purpose in everything He does. At the funeral, an overwhelming peace came over me in that knowing that his precious girls would be taken care of, that his family will find peace and that the DSCO is closer than ever before. Blake would be proud to see everyone joining together. I am now more proud than I have ever been to be a deputy's wife. God bless every one of the men and women who, like Blake, are willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice. It does not go unrecognized.

Jennifer Catlin
Wife of DCSO #266

March 6, 2005

My fiancé, 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 Blake did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Blake be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Gammill'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 Blake 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 Blake was well respected and well loved. Blake sounds like an amazing man. You were blessed to have had him in your life, even for a short time.

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

Wishing you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

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

March 6, 2005

God speed brother! We will Press the fight! My heart goes out to your family and Department.

Officer William Inman
Birmingham Police Dept. Al.

March 5, 2005