Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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

December 5, 2007

I told my girlfriend about our story. She also believes it was you that helped. Thank you so much for saving me that day. I can honestly say that for once in my life I am truly happy. Please continue to look after all of us.

Deputy Sheriff
San Bernardino Sheriff's Dept., CA.-Victorville City Station

November 19, 2007

I never knew you, but we share the same patches. I see your memorial daily when I walk the halls downtown. You are not forgotten.

SBSD Brother

August 13, 2007

I pass the cross placed in your memory daily. I want to thank you and all the other officers for all you do to keep us safe. You are our heroes.
Bless tyou and yoour families, Candy

Candy
My son saw the accident

July 6, 2007

Hey SSgt G.,

We have just gone over the two year mark of your passing. I still can't believe it. Remember at K-Bay, when I introduced you to my then girlfriend Karine? It was so important to me that you gave me the thumbs up. I remember you telling me stories of your son wiping out, but not crying. You raised a strong family, and I am sure that you are proud of them. God Bless You and your loved ones, and thank you SSgt, for always being there for us. You will always be in our hearts.

Sgt Adam Pauzuolis III
1/3 S-2

July 3, 2007

Gunny(Deputy)Gariepy,
It's been two yrs. & a day since you left us, and those of us who knew you will always think of you and your family on this date. Your smile will always be remembered. Keep looking over us 'til we can join you and catch up on things!

A friend
SBSD spouse

June 24, 2007

Greg; It's been two years to the day since you left us. I still rememeber that day. Just to let you know I still carry the round I removed from the chamber of your duty weapon that morning. It was very hard for me that day to have to remain at the scene, documenting and taking photos.We here at the Morongo Station will always remember and honor you on this Special day. God Speed and Semper-Fi Chuck

Forensic Specialist Chuck Robertson
San Bernardino County Sheriff

June 22, 2007

Thanks for having the courage and integrity to wear both of those uniforms. Time will not diminish your
service or sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

June 22, 2007

Greg, Here it is the last day of May 2007, Don't want June to get here as it has been a hard month since you went EOW. I still carry the cartridge from your duty weapon chamber since that awful day. Will keep Mishelle and your family in my heart and prayers. YOU MY FRIEND ARE ALWAYS WITH ME. Semper Fi.

Forensic Specialist Chuck
SBSD Friend

May 31, 2007

SSgt. G.'s Family,

May God bless you in this new year, and keep you all safe from harm. Your husband and father touched so many lives in a positive way. Be proud of his impact, of his deeds in life and of the respect that he earned during his time here. Thank you SSgt G. Semper Fi Brother.

Adam Pauzuolis III, Sgt.
S-2

January 1, 2007

To The Gariepy Family- May be you be comforted at this Christmas season to know that Greg is watching over you and with you in your hearts.

December 5, 2006

To the Gariepy Family, May God's grace be with you. Our hearts and prayers are with you always. We remember.

Semper Fi
Cynthia and Rick
Stafford, Virginia

MGySgt Ricardo C Pinzon Jr, USMC Ret
United States Marine Corps

November 29, 2006

Has it been just over 17 months since you left this world? It feels like an eternity. You are thought of and missed dearly - every single day. Thank you for the wonderful gifts you left behind - your spirit and love lives on because of who you were to each of us.

November 27, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving, Greg. You're still thought of often, as well as your family.

November 25, 2006

It was October 14th 1991. Our DI's were introduced to us and I was fortunate enough to have one of the hardest Drill Instuctors in the history of Parris Island. Thanks for making tough Marines. My prayers go out to your family for their loss.

Potter
Recruit at PI

October 24, 2006

I just learned of Gregs Passing and was deaply saddened. I knew Greg while he was in the Marines in 29 Palms. He was a wonderful person and a great friend. I will always remember you in my heart...I would like to send my deepest condolences to Gregs family, my prayers are with you.
Kim

Kim Keifer
Friend

September 11, 2006

I will never forget meeting then SSgt Gariepy in KBay. Coming from the wing side, you took me in and demonstrated how to be a ground Marine. You gave me the chance to shoot both types of sniper rifles and gave me a home with your "boys". You were always a walking lesson to be learned and idolized. You loved both of your families and never wavered in your dedication. Thank you SSgt G, for being there for me, listening to my drunk rantings and teaching me how to be a Marine. Semper Fi brother

Adam Pauzuolis III
Former Sgt, USMC

June 30, 2006

Greg...this past week has been so hard getting through remembering that it was just a year ago that so many lives were changed...yesterday was the worst...thinking of you

June 23, 2006

Remembering and appreciating Deputy Gariepy's service and tragic sacrifice one year ago. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

M. Walker
Widow, CHP Lt. Michael Walker EOW 12-31-05

June 23, 2006

D.S. Gariepy..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers as they remember you on your 1st birthday in Heaven..continue to watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

mi state police recruit
mi

June 22, 2006

It's been a year since your tragic death, but your memory lives on vividly in our hearts and minds. You were so much - to so many people...Marine, Officer, Friend, Brother, Husband, Father and now HERO... Your passing has left a huge void in the lives of all who knew you. You are missed every day and loved endlessly. May God rest your soul and comfort those left behind.

June 22, 2006

May you rest in Peace and may He hold your family safe in the Palm of His Hand.

June 22, 2006

Please know that your dedication and sacrifice have not been forgotten as the first anniversary of your tragic death approaches. You will forever be remembered as a hero.

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

June 20, 2006

I'm holding your family close in my heart & prayers as this one year anniversary draws near. You will not be forgotten in this community.
Semper Fi, Greg!

Wife of a Deputy
SBSD

June 15, 2006

Semper Fi Marine. Thank you for looking over your fellow brothers and sisters.

Deputy Sheriff
San Bernardino Sheriff's Dept.

June 14, 2006