Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Connie, Amanda, Clayton and the Vick family,

As the third year anniversary comes up, please know Jerry is still constantly in my thoughts and prayers as are all of you. I know there aren't many words that can be said to provide any comfort. Please stay strong.

AMANDA

May 6, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 29, 2007

Jerry
I went to Clayton's first football game of the year last Friday, I laughed when I read the program and it said Clayton Vick 6'7" 250 llbs. Your little boy is not so little anymore! Clayton likes to call me "Little Uncle Mike!" I know your getting a kick out of watching all of us from Heaven. Thanks for pushing me out the door, I wasn't ready yet! (On June 28th 2007 I had a major heart attack, Doctors said I was dead for 3 or 4 minutes before I was brought back to life! The only thing I remember during that time is that I was in a room with a big long table full of people. Everyone at the table voted to see if I stayed or went back. The vote read that I had to go back. I wanted to stay, but Jerry was on duty at the door. Jerry was laughing as he was trying to get me out the door! I tried to convince him to let me stay. Jerry said "You have to go back!" Jerry pushed me back, and then shut the door! The next thing I knew I woke up in the Hospital! Keep watching over us Jerry, we all miss you, and think about you alot!

Mike
Jerry's Brother In-Law

September 5, 2007

We all are family in law enforcement, and I respect ALL who have fallen as sworn, dedicated law enforcement officers.

Explorer/CSO/Soon To Be Police Officer
Robbinsdale/New Hope Police Department

August 14, 2007

Connie, Amanda, Clayton & the Vick Family,

You are all continuously in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that Jerry is not forgotten.

Amanda
SPPD

July 3, 2007

Dear Sgt Vick

Our country could not survive if it were not for the men and women of law enforcement ... brave men and women who, at the start of each say, do not know for certain if they will kive to the end of that day. I and thousands upon thousands of others, Sgt Vick, will NEVER, EVER forget you ... your dedication and courage. I know that since that fateful day when you were taked from this earth, you were that very day in the presence of God.

I pray that God's comforting hand will be upon your family. You are a HERO.

Tom Jensen
Father of Det. Jared Scott Jensen, CSPD, EOW 2/22/06

Thomas Jensen

May 4, 2007

It has been almost 2yrs since the people of St Paul lost a great officer. Thank you for your service.

wife of a leo

May 3, 2007

Jerry, as this horrific day approaches... I am struggling with many issues. I worked in records on/around May 3 (my birthday) when I first met you; we had a great conversation about when was I going to go through the academy and become a cop because you saw how much I missed the military and there was "something special" in my drive and love for this work... but sadly, I kept quite about my personal life. How could I be a cop? a veteran? and yet, be surrounded by negativity and allow it to go on uncountable for! You started my thought process of doing what "I" needed to do for "me"... when your untimely death came, it was a sign to leave my situation - return to NC and start a new for me! Well, I did it!!! I came here, stay focused, went through the academy and join a great department that I always dreamed I would work for... Yet, sadly, a gut feeling told me that my new department would experience something tragic and we did... Jason is now up there with you too!!! I hate that he had to die in the line of duty... He left behind a wife, son and daughter... it is really killing me that I drive pass the place of his last breath to and from work... I still see the markings on the pavement... WHY?? Is what I ask myself. Please allow your passion for this work to shine down on me and keep me motivated in the years to come; I am only a new officer and still thinking of what am I doing. May your family be joyous that your life is still living on in those that you touch... You will forever be remember...

Ofc Rebecca
ex co-worker

April 24, 2007

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY JERRY. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!!!

To the man I love.

February 14, 2007

The two year anniversary of you end of watch is approaching and I know during almost past 2 years your loved ones have thought of you every hour of every day. The silent tears still fall as their hearts have been broken. There are no magic words I can offer to help heal their hearts except to keep your memory alive by telling your story to anyone who will listen and also ask those that worked with you or knew you to tell them stories about you so that those stories can be carried on. You are a true hero and heroes never die, you will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Fathe of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 25, 2007

Not a day goes by without a thought about you. You are missed by all of your brother's and sister's in blue. We continue to carry on your work. Please continue to watch over all of us. The promise of watching over Connie and the kids will last forever. You would be proud of all of them.

Officer
SPPD

January 7, 2007

Happy thanksgiving Jerry, not a day goes by when I don't think about you -

Leiutenant, EMT-Paramedic
South-West Metro EMS

November 20, 2006

Jerry, Everyday is still just as hard as the first day I heard you where taken away from us. It is still hard for me to express the sadness I feel. Ken, Lynn and I are so proud to say you are our brother. Your caring about people turned many lifes around. Mom still cries daily about losing you. I assure her that you of all people have been giving the best reward of life, thats eternal life. Im sure you and dad are a handful up there. Connie struggles daily also over the loss of you. Inside her tough outer exterier she cries over your loss. Shes now a single mom raising Two teenagers on her own. She is doing on her own, what you two planned on doing together. Clayton and Amanda are something you should be so proud of. Clayton keeps Grandma going seeing you in everything he does. Amanda is beatiful and is such a caring young lady. I miss you so much and still can't believe your gone. Keep sending us your pennies from heaven. Mom loves finding them.

Arlene Frokjer
Sister

November 19, 2006

I knew Jerry as a kid growing up across the street from him till the age of 10. For what I can remember of Jerry, he was alway kind and was there for anyone who needed a hand. I do remember running into him one day at a local retail store and said hi. I do not think he remembered who I was. It had been almost 7 years since I had seen him last. He is loved and will be missed by all who knew him on a personal level.

Kelly Jones (Wiesner)
old neighbor

October 24, 2006

Jerry if only I could have a moment to give you one last hug and to tell you how much I love you and how proud I am of you. Loosing you has not gotten any easier. There is such a void. I read the post of our family falling apart and find it hard to believe this has happened but I choose to believe our family hasn’t fallen apart some have just taken a different avenue on life. There isn’t a day yet that goes by that someone doesn’t ask me how Connie, Clayton, Amanda. and Grandma are doing. I have gotten in the habit of saying they are o.k., the truth is way to long to repeat so many times. I think we are all grieving in our own ways and when people grieve they are only thinking of themselves and their own feelings because there isn’t enough emotion left over to think that someone else may have feelings also. Your children are beautiful which I know you know. Clayton’s driving now and the odd thing is I think his voice sounds a bit like yours. The other day he was in another room talking and for a minute I thought to myself Jerry is here. Amanda – she is a doll. Connie will soon have a hard time keeping the boys away Love you always,
Lynn

Lynn
Sister

September 5, 2006

What is even worse then loosing you is the fact that it has torn the family apart so much. I always thought we were the type to be there for each other. It's sad to think that this horrible thing could be worse a year later. You will always be my hero, I love you very much.

August 11, 2006

I am so sad after reading all of these heartfelt words. I will never forget the night of May 6th, when my sister called me to tell me she needed me at the hospital. We had no idea what was going on! When I walked into the hospital and saw the faces of Connie,Clayton,Amanda I just wanted to die right there!!! How do you take away the pain? What can you do? We suffered such a great loss that day! They are all trying to get by, everyone seems to think they know what "they" should all be doing, but who really knows what to do or feel? I am very close to my sister & her children.
They are getting by! They miss Jerry very much, and will be saddened forever by this tragic loss!!!!! Thank you Jerry for watching over them! Miss u Lots!

Lynn

August 7, 2006

Connie,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for writing to me on my husband's page. I've found that talking to other widows has helped a little since they are the only ones to truly understand. You lost your husband about 2 weeks after I lost mine. We are in the same place. I don't know about you but for me time doesn't heal at all. It hurts seeing my son grow and realize what my husband is missing. I'm sure it's the same for you. I was in D.C. this year for the Police Memorial. Did you go?

I truly grieve for you. It's so heartbreaking to lose the love of your life...especially before their time and because of someone else's decision to take a life.

I'll be thinking about you and your children. Your husband will always be remembered as a hero.

Jo Ann Lasater
Wife of Officer Larry Lasater EOW 4/24/05

July 6, 2006

I received a phone call last night about this web site. A friend told me that she believed she found my soul mate. Officer Larry Lasater Jr., killed April 24, 2005. His wife. As I read her last entry I could not stop the tears. It sounded as if I was writing it. I also lost my best friend. And there is no way to compare the loss that we have had. We have all lost something but she is so right... Everyone else there life goes on. Our lives have stopped. We have no one to go home to. No one to talk to. I always knew whatever I told Jerry never left his lips. I could always count on him. His kids need him. I need him. No one can understand the pain I feel. No one. Our lives ended at the knock at the door. Nothing will ever be the same. I don't understand the need for people to compare there pain. Who has it worse? It seems as if everyone has all the answers for me. What I should be doing-not doing. How I should grieve. Yet no one understands my loss. There is no one that can understand. Most days I can't understand.

June 21, 2006

One year to the day we lost you, I was out on my motorcycle. I stopped for gas and as I pulled out of the station, things began to feel strangely familiar. When I reached East 3rd and Johnson Parkway, it all came back...the early morning page, the perimeter, the uncertainty of what it all meant.
I never met you, but I will never forget you. You have made a real impression on this young cop, and I only hope that I measure up.

Deputy Sheriff
Ramsey County Sheriff's Department

May 13, 2006

ST. PAUL TO THE WALL HAS STARTED.... Jerry, the guys loaded up the motorcycles and they are on their way to D.C. The troops start flying tomorrow and Friday. We will be with you and your family. We miss you Jerry!!

St. Paul Officer
St. Paul Police

May 10, 2006

Your dedication and sacrifice are not forgotten as you begin your second year in Heaven. You will forever be remembered as a hero.

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

May 7, 2006

Its been one year already, to this very day. ONe year since I woke up and everyone's lives changed. How could time have passed to quickly? Missing you so often, all the tears that were shed, all the prayers that were said. Its so hard for everyone to re-live that day. But still we come together just to remember your wonderful life. It will never be the same, it can't be without you here. It feels to me like everyone is just waiting, for you to arrive, to make us all laugh, so we can all let out a big sigh. But you never make it, theres just a big hole that no one can ever fill. Thank you for everything, words can not express how much we miss you, badge 186.

Maria Wicker
family friend

May 6, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 6, 2006

May Our Lord give your family extra comfort today and may He strengthen them as they journey on without you.Rest in Peace.

May 6, 2006