Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Blake-

My heart sank as I watched the news and seen your picture flash across the screen. You rode with me several time while at Thomas County Sheriffs Dept. You spoke of how you wanted a career in law enforcement. I encouraged you, since this is what I chose to do. I recall many converstions about your hopes, and when Douglas County called for a reference I was glad to support you. We faced a fatal accident together, and you kept your composure and handled it so well, I knew you would be an asset to this large family. Words cannot express my feelings for your family and co-workers who have to figure out a way to cope in these times. Know this my brother-you will never be forgotten, but always missed. Take care-your watch is ours now. I will miss you
Major Jim Anello-Ret

Jim Anello-Law Enforcement Instructor
Simulation Technology-Law Enforcement Division

March 2, 2005

Blake, you would be so proud. Kicks 101.5 and Travis Tritt have came together to provide a benifit concert to raise money for those beautiful angels. I cant even begin to start to tell you how many phone calls we have had requesting tickets to help. Not only this, there are comforter sales, auctions for Dale Earnhart jr cards and many many more. Have no worries buddy, Haven Leeann and Jewell Grace will be taken care of no matter what. We all miss you so much. Now more than ever, each time I see your name on something, the BBQ house, or your phone number still in the book it makes me miss you that much more and wish that I could still hear you say, "591 Douglas County 1038..." rest in peace Blake.

Alicia Graves
Douglas County Sheriffs Office

March 2, 2005

Thank you for your service. May you watch over us. Rest in peace my friend.

Officer Randy M Taylor
US DOJ

March 2, 2005

My dearest Blake. I will never forget when my phone rang on Thursday night and Brande was on the other end crying. I knew immediately something was wrong but I never dreamed it would be you. After we talked I could not close my eyes. I went to the photos and got all of the ones from your wedding and the ones of when we all went to Helen for Octoberfest. I came across a picture of you and Tony together and thought of how ironic it was that now you both are in heaven. Tell him Hi! I will never forget you. You came into all of our lives at at time when everyone needed you. You impressed me from the first time Brande introduced us. There are not enough words to express how wonderful of a man and a father that you are. I will make sure that everyday that passes that I will tell those beautiful children just how wonderful you are. They will know their daddy through pictures and memories and stories that Brande and I and all of the family will tell them. To Dawn, I never got the chance to meet you, but I know you are a wonderful person from what Brande has told me. This will be a difficult time for you, but know that Blake loved you and he is watching you everyday. To my wonderful Blake, watch over us everyday and keep all of the officers safe. I love you and I will see you in heaven!!!

best friend of Brande/ Kristie Harvey Br

March 2, 2005

Im very sorry to read about Dy,B Gammill . Ive also been in a shoting in 1996 and also lost a great fellow Deputy and also was shot .Dy,B Gammill we will prayer for you .

Lt C Gommel
St. John Parish Sheriff Office LaPlace La.

March 2, 2005

If heaven was an hour, it would be twilight
When the fireflies start their dancin on the lawn
And suppers on the stove and mammas laughin
And everybodys workin day is done

If heaven was a town it would be my town
On a summer day in 1985
And everything i wanted was out there waiting
And everyone i loved was still alive

Dont cry a tear for me now baby
There comes a time we must all say goodbye
And if thats what heavens made of
You know i ain't afraid to die

If heaven was a pie it would be cherry
Cool and sweet and heavy on your tongue
And just one bite would satisfy your hunger
And hered always be enough for everyone

If heaven was a train it sure would be a fast one
That could take this weary travler round the bend
And if heavne was a tear it'd be my last one
And youd be in my arms again


Dont cry a tear for me now baby
There comes a time we must all say goodbye
And if that's what heaven's made of
You know i ain't afraid to die
-By Andy Griggs

*This song was played for Blake Gammill this morning on an Atlanta radio station. My prayers are with the family and friends. God Bless you.

JM

March 2, 2005

Blake,

Brother, I do not know where to start. I remember back in the day when you were working night shift on patrol and I would come out and ride with you. We would have so much fun. I remember the night that we arrested three DUI's in the same night. I remember the day that we stopped that car on the interstate and the driver bailed and I told you to get him that I had everything else under control. You were such a great friend to me and taught me alot from riding with you on patrol. Another thing that was great about you was your personality. Blake you will truely be missed not only so much by me but by several other people all over.
Blake, when i started to write this to you I thought that i would have words for it. But there are no words to describe how good of a Father, Son, soon to be husband, and Deputy Sheriff you were. Blake i will be there to do anything i can for your girls Haven and Jewell Grace, Your parents, and Dawn. They will be taken care of by many so dont worry.
Blake I miss you brother and someday will get to hear you saying 591 is 10-8 when i come home with you.

REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER BLAKE 591
I LOVE YOU MY BROTHER

DEPUTY BRANDON HUGHES "OPIE"
DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
PATROL DIVISION

Deputy Brandon Hughes "OPIE"
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

March 2, 2005

What a senseless tragedy. My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Gammill. God Bless you all.

Wife of L.E.0.
Burbank Police Dept. (CA)

March 2, 2005

I graduated with Blake and had gone to school with him for as long as I can remember. I remember him being a wonderful person, friendly to everyone and always in a great mood (and could put others in one!). I didn't know him any more than just as a classmate, but I hurt so badly inside over this.
I will always remember Blake. And what a blessing to have known such a great person! My prayers are with you all.

Misty (McLarty) Smith

March 2, 2005

There are no words to express the sadness that I feel in my heart. Blake you are such a hero. I feel so fortunate to have been able to have met you. I am so impressed by the person that you are. You should be so proud. Thank you for making such a positive impact on our community.
Matt and I feel comfort in knowing that you are up in heaven taking care of our sweet baby, Mason. He is lucky to have you with him. We look forward to seeing both of you again.
We love you and thank you again!!

Noelle Wilson-wife of Douglas Co. Deputy

March 2, 2005

BLAKE,

MANY TIMES WE SAT AND TALKED AND YOU WERE ALWAYS UP BEAT AND HAPPY. I WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT YOU DONE FOR ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS AND YOUR HEROISM.

I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.

WE LOVE YOU BLAKE

DOUG DICKERSON
FRIEND

March 2, 2005

Blake...Thank you for doing our dirty work. You served the citizens of this county professionally and with bravery. You were a asset and a blessing to the Sheriff's Dept. and the community. The brothers at the DCSO miss you greatly, but will remember you deeply..

Capt. Herb and Karen Emory

March 2, 2005

ALL of our Officers, both Civilian and Military, mourn the loss of Deputy Blake Gammill. Our thoughts and prayers are with his Family, Police Family and friends. Deputy Gammill, we know why you responded with DEDICATION.

Officer
NAVAL WEAPONS CHARLESTON, SC

March 2, 2005

Blake you are the best of the best.
Blake I'm so sorry!!.
Blake, you and I started at the Sheriff office about the same time we both worked our way thought the jail togeather then finaly made it to mandate school and we went our different ways in the Sheriff Office you went to the road and served the citizens of Douglas County proudly and I went to the schools. Then the Honor Guard came up and we were back togeather again. Then the S.E.R.T. TEAM try-outs and we both made it and I along with the other TEAM members always looked to you during training or a call-out. BLAKE NOW WE LOOK TO YOU TO BE OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL DURING TRAINING AND CALL-OUTS. I know Blake will watch over each and every DEPUTY.
GOD is lucky to have such a special angel by his side.

Blake you are our Guardian Angel watch over us but Blake you need to watch
over your LOVE DAWN AND YOU TWO YOUNG GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE,
Deputy Lewis Fredenburg (FRED)
STRENGTH and HONOR
MY S.E.R.T. BROTHER
GOD BLESS
Blake (591)
Time for you to go 10-8.

Deputy Lewis Fredenburg (FRED)
Douglas County Sheriff Office

March 2, 2005

Blake,
I will miss you beyond words. Our conversations were never long but just long enough to leave an imprint in my heart. I will miss you saying, "Hey girl." and seeing your beautiful eyes. Your eyes always reflected kindness, they were beautiful enough to calm any storm. You are still touching my life even though you have gone home. I will never forget how I felt the day that we escorted you to your reasting place. That was the day that I became truly honored to be a deputy. You have inspired me to be a better mother, person and to always tell the people in my life how much I love them.
I love you and I will never forget you. Thank you for the legacy that you have left behind as an example of how to be an incredible human being. Thank you Gammill family for allowing him to spend so much time with us. You all are in my prayers. Blake I see you again when God calls me home. Until then continue to guide us and inspire us.

Dep. C. Baitey
Douglas County SO

March 2, 2005

May God bless the hearts of all of the friends and family members of deputy Gammill. Let this tragedy bring all of closer together and help keep us strong. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
To Blake: You are missed and loved dearly by all.

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rain fall soft upon your fields,
and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

- A Traditional Irish Blessing

girlfriend of deputy sheriff #278
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

March 2, 2005

Lots of people die every day, in many different ways and situations. They are all loved and all missed. But when there is someone that gives their life to protect the many men, women and children in the community that they did not even know, it makes them a HERO. Blake Gammill was a HERO to us all. He did not know me, he did not know my wife or children but he gave his life to take someone off the streets that could have done harm to us. He did not do it for the money or the fame, he did it because he cared about his community and the people in it. If all the people in this world had a heart like Blake's it would be a much better place to live. Every day you can see and hear the Thanks for the men and women that loose there life everyday for us in our military and I do thank them for what they do to, but you never hear about the men and women that loose there lives for us on our police forces. Well I want to Thank you Blake for what you have done for me and my family and all the other police officers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Our prayers are with your family and children. God Bless
An old saying from a City of Detriot and City of Atlanta retired Police Officer.
There are Good Cops and Bad Cops, but on any givin day either one would step in front of you and a bad guy with a gun to protect you.
Thats why I respect and Love each and ever Police Officer out there

March 2, 2005

Blake I did not know you personally, but my daughter dispatched for you. From talking with others, I learned your compassion for you family and friends, and you dedication to your job. Blake I am so proud of you. You died making Douglas County children safe, and I thank you for that. I say this prayer for you.
Our Father who art in Heaven
In a few minutes I will assume my daily beat. Facing the unknown but being closer to thee than ever before.
Hallowed be Thy name
Even in the face of death and crime, Thou art everywhere to guide me. I will fear no evil. Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me.
Thy will be done
Thy will, not mine will be done. Do not let me be selfish. O Lord, if you choose to take me,let me die as a man in order that another man may live.
On Earth as it is in Heaven
Let me be a guide here on earth to those who are misguided and lost. Help me to help those who are in need of help in order that we may be worthy of Thy Kingdom in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
Especially those who live in poverty and misery
And forgive us our trespasses
I am a sinner. O Lord, let me never forget get that I am no better than my fellow men. Let me never forget that by Thy grace I am on the right side of the law.
As we forgive those who trespass against us
Forgive those who despise me and the uniform which represents law and order. Forgive them for they do not know better. I have forgiven them.
Lead us not into temptation
Make me strong for I am only human. Deliver me from hate and jealousy and from wanting something I should not have in your eyes.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory
Let me be no judge or jury. Let me be impartial. Let me be just and fair. Forever and ever, Amen
God Bless You and your family. I love you my brother.

Lynn Morris
Villa Rica PD

March 2, 2005

Offcer Gammill...God bless you and all who serve and protect. It is because of HEROS like you all that make Douglas county a great and safe place to live.

Sam Congie and Family
Douglas County residents

March 2, 2005

WHEN YOU THINK OF BLAKE YOU ARE AT A LOST FOR WORDS. BECAUSE THERE WAS SO MUCH GOOD THAT THE YOUNG MAN DID YOU DONT REALLY KNOW WHERE TO START WITH ALL THE GOOD. HE TOUCHED EVERYONE IN THERE OWN WAY. BLAKE WAS AWSOME TO RIDE WITH AND WAS NOT ONLY A FRIEND BUT WAS A TEACHER. YOU COULD TALK TO HIM AS A FRIEND AND AS A CO-WORKER VERY RELIABLE PERSON. THE BEST TIME I HAD WITH BLAKE WAS WHEN HE WAS ON LIGHT DUTY IN RADIO, THAT WHERE I REALLY GOT TO KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT HIM. HE WAS A ROLE MODLE TOO ME AND IF I COULD I WOULD BE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER JUST LIKE HIM, BECUASE HE WAS A HECK OF A OFFICER. WHEN WE WORKED RADIO HE ALWAYS TALKED ABOUT HIS TWO LITTLE GIRLS AND HOW MUCH HE LOVED THEM ON FRIDAYS HE WOULD LEAVE A LITTLE EARLY BECUASE HE WAS IN A HURRY TO GO GET THEM FROM ALBANY. HE WAS A FAMILY MAN I COULD TELL. EVERYTIME I WOULD SEE BLAKE HE WOULD ALWAYS SAY " WHATS UP PUNK" MAN THAT IS GOING TO STAY WITH ME FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE AND IAM GOING TO MISS HEARING HIM SAY THAT! IAM DEFFINTLY GOING TO MISS HEARING 591 ON THE RADIO, HE HAD HIS OWN TONE WHEN HE TALKED ON THE RADIO. I NEVER GOT TO MEET DAWN BUT HE TALKED ABOUT HER ALL THE TIME AND I KNOW SHE WAS A SWEET LADY. HE LOVED HER WITH ALL HIS LIFE. IF I COULD TELL DAWN SOMETHING I WOULD TELL HER THAT HER BLAKE WAS MY ROLE MODEL I WANTED TO BE JUST LIKE HIM. WHAT A OFFICER HE WAS MAN.. BROTHER REST IN PEACE. I LOVE YOU.

DAVID WHITEHEAD
DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIIFS OFFICE EXPLORER

March 2, 2005

What is a Hero?

Is it a man who drives a race car or is is someone who plays professional sports?

Sadly society has taught adults and children that those people are heros. I ask you, how many of those people would put their own life at risk by racing to the scene of a fatal accident? How many have stood face to face with a someone pointing a gun at them or another innocent by-stander? How many?

Those who knowingly and willing walk the thin blue line between good and evil are the REAL HEROS, never waivering from what they stand for. Taking an oath to protect and serve and meaning every word no matter what the cost. Upholding the badge they wear, never to disgrace it. That's a real HERO!

Blake was a REAL HERO!

For those who love him:

I pray that his girls will always be surrounded by peace and love. I pray they will be told everyday how special their Daddy was and that he is guiding them from the stars is heaven.

I pray that Blake's family will take solace in knowing that they raised a man of honor and a man willing to walk the thin blue line with courage.

For Dawn, I pray that she will take comfort in the fact that she was able to share her life and love with a man of Blake's calibur and know that he will always be with her.

And for Blake,

Thank you for doing a job that most people would not do, for you made the ultimate sacrifice for the people you swore to protect and serve. May God hold you in his arms and say, JOB WELL DONE!

Wife of a Police Officer & Friend

March 2, 2005

God bless you brother....please watch over us with a hand on your gun. We have never met, but will met one day. When the Almighty calls us to roll call we will stand shoulder to shoulder...knowing that there is nothing that we haven't seen that will scare us now. You and your family are in my prayers.

Deputry Sheriff Luke Rehwoldt
Osceola County Sheriff's Office, Fl.

March 2, 2005

Blake..I am writing again, after your funeral..Even though I didnt know you, sitting there it was apparent that all of your co-workers and friends loved you so much. you were a great man from what I heard.. It broke all of our hearts hearing all of the nice things that you did and had planned in life. I know you are in a better place and I know you saw how all of your brothers came out to show our respect. just rest knowing that dawn and your two beautiful girls will always be a part of the Douglas county sheriff;s office and they will always be loved. as you will always be loved and cherished. you died a hero, and your girls will be proud that there daddy died saving others from harms way. I Know you are in a better place than we are. but one day we will all be patroling the streets of Gold..until then R.I.P. brother.

Sgt. W. M. Riley
Aragon Ga Police Dept.

March 2, 2005

Rest in peace brother.

Cpl. Bradley Raper
Gainesville Police Department

March 1, 2005

Blake I am so sorry this has happened to you and I am heartbroken for your family, my husband is a former officer and I thank God everyday that he is still here and I can't imagine the pain your loved ones are feeling right now.I pray for them everyday. You are a legacy that will never be forgotten. I only met you once but you touched my life too and I miss you too but I know you are in a better place and we will see you again. God bless you and your family. What an awesome guardian angel to have!

Shelley Bullock
wife of former officer

March 1, 2005