Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

Dear Jes,
You know I'm not very good at this....I was the brain's of the operation, not the eloquent speaker and communicator like Car.
Oh, Jes how you are missed by so many. We visited with Car and the kids this past weekend and missed you so! You made that house vibrant, you made Car and the kids glow, you made us all laugh so hard we cried.
I want you to know ( which I am sure you already do) what a wonderful job Carin is doing. I am, and I am sure you are so proud of her. She is keeping your memory alive. She is a strong, dignified, and honorable woman of integrity....just as you were. Jesse, you two shared more love in 15 years than some couples do in a lifetime.
We all who have had the chance to know you in this short lifetime are better people because of you. I love you, Jes. I love the way you walked your silly walk making fun of me, I loved the way you called Savannah "mama" and "Rosie", trying to sound tough but just a big Teddy bear inside, I loved the way you looked at Carin and loved her with all your heart and soul, I loved the way you tossled Jacob's hair, I loved that you were proud and humble all at the same time, I loved that you put your family first, I loved your hugs, and the list could go on and on.
We all have to believe that God knew that taking you was the best for you and the rest of us. The Bible says "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God". That's you Jes....Had you been here we all wouldn't have been dumb and silent for the last 6 months. I am so sorry.

I promise to do better and try to be more like you. This world would be alot better if we all tried to be more like you.

I pray we will all be together again someday...eating ice cream cones in one big gulp.

All my love,
Dianne

Dianne Watts
Friend

February 21, 2006

Jes,

I was cleaning out a drawer in the kitchen the other day and came across the cards from the balloons you sent the kids last Valentine's Day. I didn't even know I had kept them; it made me both happy and sad. You were never good about giving cards, or remembering the little holidays, but I always knew how much you loved me. You made sure you told me every day.

Happy Valentine's Day, Jes. Another "first" without you. I'm almost through the first year - I hope it gets better with time.

We love you and miss you. Always and forever.

Carin, Savannah and Jacob

February 14, 2006

Happy Valentines day we miss you all so much

February 14, 2006

Jes, sometimes it seems like forever since I last saw you. Other times it seems like you were just here.

I can still see you leaving for work that morning. Hands in your pockets, looking so at ease......you loved SWAT days. They were your favorite.

I miss you. Always and forever.

January 31, 2006

Carin, Thanks for your message on Drew's page...I read back through some of your notes to Jesse and found such comfort in knowing that I was not the only one who uses this place as a way to communicate with my husband... I am so sorry for your loss...Jesse was not much older than Drew.... the shock was so great... I guess the good really do die young... I know you are struggling, as am I, as are all the other survivors... but that is what we are doing, surviving.... and each day I think of Drew and remember something good about him... I still miss him everyday... I think I love him more now than ever... in 5 or 10 years we will look back and say "wow, has it been that long"... for now, time stands still a little while longer... there is hope for us.... and our children will grow up knowing that they had a dad that they can be proud of.. A true man... A true American Hero... for that I will always be grateful... hopefully they will find love in their lives like we have had in ours.. and the boys will want to be police officers like their dads... and we will have to smile and say "ok" even though our hearts are sinking... Again we will survive... that's what we do.. we are after all, the wives of police officers... they don't do it for the money, or the fabulous schedules... they do it because they love it.. because they want to make a difference....and that is why we love them... Be strong... we will make it... I hope to see you in DC in May... where we can shed a lot of tears with the others who truely understand how we feel.... much love and prayers to you and your precious children... Chrissy Henley, wife of Drew Henley, Suffolk PD EOW 3/19/05
They live on forever in each of us!!

January 30, 2006

Jesse,

It was 15 years ago today that we went on our first date. Margaritas at the Cantina and a movie - it was the best date ever and neither of us wanted it to end. I told Dianne and Alicia that night that I was going to marry you. The first time they met you they knew that you were perfect for me. We were perfect together.

We were supposed to spend our lives together, Jes. We were supposed to watch the kids grow up and then grow old together. Why did you have to leave me?

I will never, never understand why this happened. You should be here with me and the kids.

We miss you, Jes. We will always miss you and love you. Always and forever.

Carin, Savannah and Jacob

January 25, 2006

Jesse,

At first the pain of your death was coated with a numbness. Now that time has passed, the numbness has worn off. Please give all who knew you, including myself, the strength to continue. God bless your family.

EPD officer

EPD

January 21, 2006

Thankyou for the reflection at my son Michael's page. I try and visit as many officers as I can, but sometimes it gets really hard. I retired after 30 years in law enforcement and I can tell by just looking at Jesse's picture that he was a hard working and dedicated individual that any police department would be proud to have representing them. Such a tragic loss and I know you keep asking why and then there are the what if's. Those two ideas of thought have no answers to them. Keep Jesse's memory alive for his children and I know they miss him just as much as you do. Grief brings on stress, stress can lead to health problems so keep on top of that too, especially if Jesse has older parents. Jesse, keep watch over your family and help them the best you can with their grief. Watch over and protect your children and lead them down the right paths in life. You will forever be in their hearts and in the hearts and thoughs of all of those that love you. You are a hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
michaelpgordon.com

Bob Gordon

January 11, 2006

To the Sollman Family,

I know how hard things are for you especially with the anniversary of Jesse coming up. Know that you are not alone and other like you including us think and pray for you. There are still times when the going is so tough but we are there for each other. Our local chapter of Cops called MI COPS has been so supportive for me. I don't know where I would be without them. Take care and God bless you. I am sure Jesse and Mark are getting acquainted with each other.

Faith Sawyers
mother of Officer Mark Sawyers EOW 6-04

January 11, 2006

Jesse, I wanted to thank you for your service to our country, and helping to make it a better world to live in. It really breaks my heart that you had to leave us, but you are a true hero and I will never forget you. I have blue candles in my window that burns all year, for all you guys that gave your life in the line. Just help watch over all of us, and tell Clint I miss him everyday. I will be looking up because I know that all of you will be looking down.

Carin, I know that your heart is breaking as is mine. To have something so wonderful and it be ripped away, there are no words that can every describe how we feel. We just have to keep praying, and know that God has a plan,(sometimes I just wish I knew where he was going with it.) I know that God has to be caring me right now cause I only see one set of footprints.
Clint was killed alot like Jesse, I sure wish there were someway to change things, if only they had to wear their vest, "maybe one day." Clint was also a Marine, I know they are together now.
Thank you for leaving a reflection on Clint's page, I check it daily, it's always nice to see a new reflection. If you every want to talk or need anything please look me up, I'm in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.

Connie Barker-Ft. Walton Beach, Fl.
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

January 10, 2006

Carin,
Thank you for your kind words on my son's memorial page. You and your children are on my heart and in my prayers as you travel this painful journey that none of us wanted to take.
I know that your husband was a wonderful man from reading the reflections left on his memorial page. You and your children can be so very proud of him and the service he gave to his country, his family and his community. May he rest in the peace of God's loving arms.
Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

January 9, 2006

From the first day our daughter brought you home to meet us we loved you.You were funny, sweet, and kind. Our daughter was lucky to have you for a husband. We know you made her happy, and we know you took good care of her and the children, Savannah and Jacob. But now our hearts are broken for her and our precious grand children. All of us will keep you alive in the childrens hearts. God gives us love, but people like you he lends to us. I know you are safe in the arms of the Angles. God bless you and keep you for eternity.
Love,Mom

Carol Hentz
Jesse's Mother-in-law

January 6, 2006

Carin,

Thank you so much for the words you left on my husband's page, Sgt. Jonathan Dragus. I, like you, never expected, planned or ever even thought for a second that I would be spending my life without him. I am left to raise a baby, who's now almost 8 months old, by myself. It is so hard but I am so thankful that I have him. He is begining to look like Jonathan did when he was a baby and he has already started acting like him. Kaden is pretty much the only thing that brings me any happiness.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years were so difficult as was my birthday on December 28th, without Jonathan and I'm sure they will never be the same.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband. I know the holidays and every other day for that matter are hard for you too. I do believe that God will and has comforted the both of us. He is the only reason I have made it this far and I know I couldn't even take another step if He weren't there helping me. God is with you as well. Lean on Him when you need strength and He will be there.

Try to find comfort in knowing that our husbands our with our precious, loving God and know that we will see them again.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers. I will continue to pray for you are your family as well.

Off. Kelly Dragus,
Widow of Sgt. Jonathan Dragus, E.O.W. 10/20/05

Officer Kelly Dragus
Oklahoma City Police Department

January 6, 2006

Dear Mrs. Officer Jesse E. Sollman:

We just read your post for the officer who lost his life on New Year's Day. Your post was heartfelt and appreciated. God bless you and your family in this holiday season. We know how difficult this time of year can be as we just went through our first holiday without our loved one. Our prayers are with you and we are extremely sorry for your loss. We look forward to honoring your husband and the rest of these heroes in Washington in May.

Shawn and Michelle Rogers
Brother and Brother-in-law
Sgt.Jonathan Dragus

Shawn Rogers

January 2, 2006

Jesse,

I still can't believe it every time I see your name listed on this site. I still can't believe you are really gone. I never thought we would be spending Christmas, or ringing in a New Year, without you here.

Everyone misses you, Jes. You touched so many lives and impacted so many people. You were truly a testament to others of a life well lived.

This is a very painful journey which I never expected to take, and I know I will stumble along the way. But I'm doing my best, Jesse, and I hope I am making you proud.

Please stay with me and the kids, watch over and protect us and continue to guide us. We will love you always, and miss you more than you will ever know.

Happy New Year, Jes.

Always and Forever.

Carin, Savannah and Jacob

December 31, 2005

We will all meet our maker one day. Our lives are short. The memories we leave with the living will last many life times. The character of a man is how many lives he has touched and how many memories he leaves. Jesse, I am here to tell you, you have touched my memory greatly as well as many, many others. The world truely took a lost on March 25th. God Bless you and your family.
A brother and friend

December 29, 2005

It goes without saying that Jesse is missed and remembered often.

Prayers and good thoughts for Carin and her family as they get Savannah and Jacob through this first Holiday season without their daddy.

CPL Wayne Smith
Palmer Township Police Department

December 20, 2005

god bless you & your family during the holidays

December 20, 2005

God Bless your family during the holiday. I am sure it hard with out your lovely husband He is always there with you in your heart and dreams. God Bless you and your beautiful children.

December 19, 2005

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

You took my breath away a million times, Jes.

We miss you more and more everyday.

We love you. Always and Forever.

Carin, Savannah and Jacob

December 4, 2005

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall shall be called sons of God.

SEMPER FI!

Det. Mike Pearre
Daviess CO. (KY) S.O.

December 2, 2005

We think of you and your family during these holidays, and offer thoughts and prayers as you celebrate without your loved one. Cherish the memories of the past and be open to new ones with your loved ones and friends. Your loved one will never be forgotten and always honored for their sacrifice.

Alissa Scott
Widow of Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-03

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network
www.survivorhelpnetwork.org

November 29, 2005

Happy belated birthday Devil Dog. Sometimes I don't know why I read some of these reflections, they always seem to be able to bring me to tears when I read of the loss of not only a brother officer, but a brother Marine. The pain suffered by your family nearly breaks my heart as well. But I hope they can rest assured that though we will never know the reasons why you had to be taken so early, the Lord in Heaven in all His infinite wisdom had a greater need for you there than we did here. I'm sure that the time had come for you to immortalize the final verse of the Marine's Hymn and once again suit up in your dress blues to stand guard at the gates of Heaven. Rest easy motivator and know that you will forever be a hero to us all.

C. Strong
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department

November 17, 2005

Jesse,

You were a true professional, a great street cop. Easton Police will never be the same without you. We will all miss you brother.

Jack Dressler

Officer
Forks Township, PA

November 13, 2005