Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jesse,
Well, it's been a year, a very long year, that you left this earth. I know you are in a much better place, but still I miss you so much. Please give strength to you family & everyone else who loved you. I will never ever forget this day 1 year ago, the shock & disbelief, the numbness, the denial. I remember walking around like a zombie for months still not accepting it. It's still so hard to accept. I don't want to spend this day thinking of that horrible tragedy that affected so many. Instead I'm going to try & remember all the good times & fun we had. I know that is how you would want it. I still think your going to come busting into our office with one of your famous lines & Gladys will starting yelling at you for messing up a ticket & you trying to smooze up to her, that was just so you. We still laugh about that. I guess I did in a way take our friendship for granted, I just thought you would always be here. It just goes to show that we need to live life to the fullest extent, cause you just never know. At least you did live your life to the fullest & you left such a great impact on everyone you knew. You definetly had a very great impact on my life & for that I thank you. We have known each other for 11 yrs. & I cherish every minute of that. I do believe we will meet again. Like I said God had a plan for you. It was probably getting a little quite in heaven, he need someone to liven the place up a little. Jess, God Bless you, God Bless you family & God Bless everyone who loved you. We all are going to need your strenght on this most difficult day. Love you Jess.

Your friend forever,
Staci

March 24, 2006

It's hard to believe that you've been gone a year Jesse. I remember leaving for my cruise and you telling me not to fall overboard so that you could bust my chops when I got back! I wish I would have spent more time talking with you and asked so many more questions about what was important to you that day. I wish I would have gone for that birthday beer that we always said we would go for because we were both December babies! I will always remember you Jesse, for you were a friend, as well as a brother officer. My heart also goes to Carin, whom I'm sorry that I never had the chance to get close to. No ones sorry can match what she feels or has had to deal with. I know how much you loved her, as you said it many times to me. May God watch over Carin and your children and grant them strenght to share your life with others who were not blessed with knowing you. Know that the loss of you will be felt forever my brother. I miss you and always will.

Jeanne

Detective Jean L. Dubbs
Easton Police Department

March 24, 2006

BROTHER JESSE , AS THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR TRAGIC DEATH APPROACHES I CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOUR LOVED ONES AS THEY WAIT FOR ANSWERS ABOUT YOUR DEATH. RECENTLY I HAD THE HONOR OF SPEAKING WITH SOME OF YOUR FELLOW EASTON PD OFFICERS WHO PRAISED YOU AND CONTINUE TO MISS YOU TREMENDOUSLY. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO TO ALL.LIVING ACROSS THE RIVER FROM EASTON YOUR TRAGIC PASSING BROUGHT HOME THE DANGERS WE FACE EVERY DAY. I TAKE COMFORT KNOWING YOU ARE STILL ON PATROL ON A NEW BEAT IN HEAVEN WATCHING OVER YOUR LOVING FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS.

PTLM JAN BABULA
BOUND BROOK PD, NEW JERSEY

March 24, 2006

As you approach the one year anniversary of you leaving this world, I want to say thank you for being a hero to us all. To your family, my thoughts and prayers. I hope that all turns out well. An email was sent to me from Chrissy Henley (wife of Drew Henley EOW 3-19-05)about your husbands death. I read the article in regards to a grand jury proceedings and I pray that things will turn out for the best. It sickens my stomach to think that things have to go this far for you. We are all supposed to be a family in blue! I thank you Officer Sollman for your true dedication to the citizens of Eaton and for your service to our country. Rest in Peace, you are a true HERO!

Officer J.M. Lane
City of Suffolk Virginia Police Department

March 24, 2006

Carin...I love you...I love your strength...I love your support....you are a hero just like Jess... I know that tomorrow will be a hard day...I hope that you have planned something to do..something fun...something to make you laugh...I will be thinking of you and praying for you all day...I can't say it will be easy, because it won't, but I can tell you this, it will be good...good for you...you have spent the last 365 days tending to the daily activites of life...the kids...take tommorrow for you...talk about Jess...keep remembering the good times...we will survive Carin....I know it...only time will tell how long it will take, but you are so strong...you get up everyday and continue on your journey....I hope that you know there are so many people out here who love and admire you...Jess, keep a watch over your girl especially tomorrow...as you do everyday...I know she can feel you there...keep her head up..keep her strong...say hi to Drew from me....We are the proud wives of police officers...proud of what you do..what you gave up....what you did for your community...Know that you will never be forgotten!!
Much love, Chrissy

Chrissy Henley, surviving wife
PTLM William

March 24, 2006

Brother,
It's been a heart-wrenching year that's felt like ten thinking about all the memories we shared and the one's we never will. Every day I think about you and cry and say why? God only knows. Every day I struggle with accepting your loss thinking as time passes it will get easier but it doesn't. And then I think of Karen and the kid's and my heart in broken again knowing there loss is on a different scale. Jesse I took it for granted that we would be doing so much in the future with our families and that we would grow to be old men watching our grandkids and remember about fighting off thugs in the old neighborhood. But things didn't go as planned. When your son is old enough and Karen doesn't mind I'll tell him the stories of his old man and what it was like growing up knowing him and how in many tight situations he was there right behind me when others ran.
Jesse you are my brother we were raised together our moms beat us together we played sports chased girls shared victories and failures I will never forget you.
Love Esteban "Steve" J.Rodriguez

I'll see you tomorrow.

March 24, 2006

Officer Sollman, as the first anniversary of your tragic death approaches, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Anniversaries are so painfully difficult. Thank you for your dedication, bravery and service.
Carin, I pray that you have some resolution to your unanswered questions. Your beloved husband will always be remembered; he is a hero.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Special Agent Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

March 23, 2006

My dearest son, no one but a mother can ever feel my pain.
We grew up together and shared many wonderful secrets that died with you, now they are mine alone.
You are the wind beneath my wings. I know you are always with us.
Continue doing God's work, till we see each other. We Love you
Mom,Pop Paul and Giselle

Michelle D. Gargiulo

March 23, 2006

After watching your case for so long, it grieves me to see the continued suffering of your wife and family. I know you are watching over them, and I pray that they receive the inner peace they need to recover from this loss. Please guide them to find the Justice they seek.

C. Sheats
PA State Constable D. Sheats

March 23, 2006

As the first anniversary of your very tragic death approaches, please know that your dedication and sacrifice have not been forgotten. You will forever be remembered as a hero.
I pray that your wife is able to find the answers that she seeks...good luck and God bless you all.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

March 23, 2006

To say I really knew Jesse would be an exaggeration. I may have only met him on an occasion or two, but talked to him often through my job at the dispatch center over the years.
I pray that Jesse's family will find a way to cope with all that they have been challenged. Carin's reflections have reminded me to cherish what you have, and for that I thank her. I, too, am a wife of a police officer, and Jesse's death has had an impact that is not easily articulated.
God Bless Jesse's family in this difficult time in the upcoming anniversary of his departure from this Earth.

Jennifer
Northampton County 911

March 22, 2006

Through all of this tragedy the only good that could possibly come out of this is that the members of the Easton PD and every policeman that has heard of this incident will realize how carelessness can ruin so many lives and that all Police Departments work harder to put better policies and rules in place so nothing like this could ever happen again.

tim

March 22, 2006

Jes,

It's been almost one year since you left us, and I'm still waiting to find out exactly what happened to you. Not knowing any details for all this time has made things so much harder for me. The waiting has been torture.

I don't know what the Grand Jury will decide, Jes. Such big decisions are in their hands......But I promise you this. I will not rest until there is accountability for your death.

Accountability.

So many people have just turned their heads in hopes that, in time, this horrible situation will just "go away". The list of people I could depend on was much shorter than you ever imagined. But I'm alot stronger than I ever knew and I promise you, I will see this through to the end and will ensure that Justice is the final outcome. You always told me that I was your rock - I hope you know that I still am.

I love you, Jes. Always and forever.
Carin

March 21, 2006

Dearest Carin,

I know as "the day" approaches your heart and soul and mind is kicking and screaming NO NO NO!!!!! To have to face the day again and go through it is almost too much. My heart breaks for you and your precious children. I come often to Jesse's page, he looks like he has the same build Matthew did. Matt was the biggest guy in our family and I loved having such a wonderful, beautiful, crazy son. One that lived and loved life with a passion that was amazing. I can tell from Jesse's many reflections he was an amazing man.

There is no answer to why life turns out this way, no answer that will satisfy us while we are still here anyway. But you are held in our hearts, hearts that know pain and unbelievable loss, hearts that want only to see THAT face again, hearts that are proud of THEIR officer, and all those that were their brothers and sisters.

I will look for you in Washington this spring and pay honor to Jesse at the wall.

With love,
Linda Rittenhouse
Matt's Mom Always

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Officer Matthew Rittenhouse E.O.W. 9/16/04

March 14, 2006

Jes,

I heard this Trace Adkin's song today and thought of you.

I cannot be bitter
Even when the tears fall
Though I had to let you go
My heart knows
I learned how to love from you

You found something hiding
I did not know was missing
An unlit fire down in my soul
Now my heart knows
I learned how to love from you

You loved like there never was a risk
Shared you heart with every tender kiss
Now I know how much I have to give
'Cause I learned how to love from you

If I start to fall again
I'll close my eyes and not resist
Without fear I'll just let go
'Cause my heart knows
That I learned how to trust
In the power of a touch
I learned how to love from you

You knew how to love, Jes. You loved your family and friends without condition, without hesitation. You loved with your whole heart and soul. Everyone whose life you touched is a better person because of you - especially me. I really miss you.

I look at the kids and I can see you in them. They are the best part of you, and I thank God everyday that I have them. Remember the day Savannah was born? You were so scared for me and for her; I will never forget the look on your face when you finally saw her for the first time. They were both so lucky to have you as a daddy. It's so hard on them without you here.

I think back to our wedding. Remember at the rehearsal, how we both cried and cried. I didn't think either one of us would be able to get through our vows.....but then when I started to lose it at the wedding you made one of your famous funny faces at me - it was all I could do to not bust out laughing right there in front of everyone. You always knew how (and when) to make me laugh. I'm laughing now just thinking about it. I'd give anything right now to have you here, acting goofy and making me laugh.

I love you, Jes. I really don't know how so much time has passed without you. Sometimes I think I can almost hear your voice, or smell your cologne. Sometimes when I'm in the computer room I think I see your truck out of the corner of my eye, coming down the driveway. The house always exploded when you came home - you'd come in like gangbusters, always so loud. You never knew how to be quiet. The kids are just like you, they are both so noisy all the time. I used to love to go to work just so I could be in my car all by myself for a little while without the three of you shouting at me.....my life has changed so much.

Your one year anniversary is coming up. I'm not sure I can get through it.....please stay with me.

I hope you know that my heart will always hold a special place for you, and that I will love you and miss you forever. Always and forever, Jes. Always and forever.

Carin

March 13, 2006

Uncle Jesse,
It has been almost a year since you passed on. Its hard to know that ill never be able to talk to you ever again. But even though your gone, seeing what you have accomplished has helped me make decisions in my life. Ill be joining the military, and i know how awesome of a guy you are. Hopefully the service can help me be just as awesome of a guy. thank you for being a positve role model and a motivating factor for me doing something with my life.

miss you

March 12, 2006

I hope my family never has to experience the pain that this tragedy has caused Jesse's family and friends. I look at this memorial every day; every day I think of all the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. To the Sollman family- my heart goes out to you. Thinking of you and I'm grateful you had the time you did. God Bless you, Officer Jesse E. Sollman.

Trooper
Colorado State Patrol

March 10, 2006

To Officer Jesse Sollman and his loved ones:

The first anniversary of your tragic death is approaching and I know this is a difficult time for Carin, the kids, and the rest of your family. Please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is still with your family and I look forward to meeting them in D.C. You’re all in our thoughts and our prayers.

Jesse, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Jesse Sollman. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.
Semper Fi.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Jessie gave to his community and the citizens of Pennsylvania, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 25, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 9, 2006

I read your reflection on Kyle's memorial. It has been 1 week and 2 1/2 days since the heart shattering news about my husband and my kids Daddy. I can't take it, I am filled with so much pain! I want him back so much. I want our life and love back. I don't want to have memories, I just want him to hold and squeeze and talk to. I want to tell him so much. I want to hear his voice again and see him play with the boys again. This was our life that we were building together. This is not supposed to happen. I don't know what to do, but I am trying learn how others dealt with the pain. I am so sorry that anyone has to go through this.

Laurie Ballard
wife of Kyle Ballard, Pasadena PD, eow 2/24/06

March 5, 2006

You were my first love...when we were too young to even know what that meant. The last time we spoke you had just started dating Carin, but you knew then that she was "the one". You always knew what you wanted.

I would ocassionally Google you just to see what might come up...imagine my shock and sadness to see a memorial.

Since so many years had passed since we last spoke, it didn't really hit me that you were actually gone. Then last September I was having a cigarette (I know, I know) outside Yankee stadium before a game and I thought I saw you and did a double take (that used to happen a lot). And THAT'S when it hit me...it couldn't possibly be you...you're gone. Something inside of me died right then and there.

May God bless your wife and children until you're all together again.

I'll see you again some day...

Love,
Diane

Diane
Old Friend

March 4, 2006

Jes,
I just want to say that I was honored to be your friend. We knew each other for a long time, & you could always make me laugh. God bless your family as I know it must be very hard on them to lose someone like you. Your 1 yr. anniversary is coming up & I know it's going to be hard, but somehow, with your guidance & support everyone will get through it just like every other special day or just like every day in general.

I really miss our friendship & I really miss you. I think of you often & some times & just smile because you were so funny & loud! But that's what everyone loved about you.

Things are just so different at work without you. You were a one of a kind & I'm just so honored to have known you.

Staci, friend

March 2, 2006

Dear Carin, Savannah and Jacob,
I was looking at your husbands reflections today and could not help but to be touched by the way you talk to him through his site. I am currently getting ready to enter the world of law enforcement and I am also a father of 2 young children and for that I send to you my deepest and heart felt condolances. God Bless You Always
Local Citizen

March 2, 2006

Carin,

Thank you so much for the words you left me on Jonathan's page. I won't claim to know exactly how you are feeling but I can say that I am dealing with so much of the same things that you are. It's been 4 months since Jonathan was taken from us and I still feel as if the calendar should be October 2005, but at the same time I can't believe I've lived this long without him.

You are absolutely right, I do have an outstanding family surrounding me. I couldn't ask for a better support group than my family, Jonathan's family and all of my police family. I am incredibly grateful for that and I pray that you and your children have the same.

I know that so many people say this will get easier, but you and I both know firsthand that doesn't seem possible. However, lean on God and He will guide your way and help comfort you throughout each and everyday. He is the only reason I have made it this far.

I am so sorry for your incredible loss. There are no words because the pain is too deep. Just know that there are people who are praying for you and your kids, and I am only one of many.

I hope to meet you in DC in May.

Off. Kelly Dragus
widow of Sgt. Jonathan Dragus
EOW 10-20-05

February 28, 2006

Dear Mrs. Sollman, looking through Officer Serrano's reflection I found yours, I just like to say thank you for thinking of the other "survivors" and you are right, we do know about the "agony" this family is going through, I was also left to raise my two young kids(daughter was 4, son was 7) they grew up to be wonderful people, and I thank God for it. Police Week is almost here(May) me and my family will be there as every year, if there is anything I can help you with before you go, any information you need, please contact me at [email protected].

Take care and I will love to talk to you soon.\

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares, Hialeah PD, Fl 11/6/86

February 27, 2006

Jes,

You've been gone 11 months today.

I don't know how so much time has passed without you. I miss you so much.....I miss the sound of your voice, I miss the touch of your hands. I miss your smell. I miss your laugh and sense of humor. I miss all our private jokes. I miss how loud you were. I even miss how messy you were. I miss you. I really, really miss you.

It is so difficult without you here. I sometimes feel like I'm doing O.K., but other times I feel like I've lost my way. This is not easy - please stay with me.

I love you, Jes. Always and forever.

Carin

February 25, 2006