Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Happy Birthday Tara!!!
Man how I wished you were here, I would love to see you tonight, hear about your plans, and find out how it all turns out! Tara just know that I miss you very much, I miss all the talks we had and most of all I miss hanging out!

Love,
Jennifer

Friend

May 19, 2006

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TARA!!!
Just sitting here laughing thinking about how for some reason, you and I use to try to sing the worst sounding birthday song to each other. The worst it sounded the more we laughed so the better it was. I still don't think
I will ever be able to top your Prince inpersonation birthday song, but I sure will try.
I love you bunches,
Stephanie

Stephanie

May 18, 2006

Dear Tim,
Words alone can not express our deep gratitude for what you did for our Tara. It was wonderful meeting you and Melissa. We shared hugs, tears, and stories of Tara with you both. I was so touched by your selflessness and will wear the braclet you gave me in honor of Tara forever. You are part of the family of officers but you will always remain an important part of our family as well.

Frank

Frank Spagnuolo
Tara's Father

May 18, 2006

Thank You to the Officers below from Connecticut. We were in & out at the Wall and would have loved to have met with you. There were so many great Officers from all over the county. Just like you, they came to remember and honor and they completed their missions with absolute success. Tara and the fallen others from 2005 were the focus and it is so much appreciated. There were so, so many names. It broke my heart also to read so many of the stories and listen to many of you tell about your Officer. Thank you to COPS, FOP, NLEMF, and every Officer.

We met President Bush, receiving hugs and tremendous compassion. Just like each of you, his eyes and your eyes gave you away. The care and concern was real, honest, and full of character and integrity. Thank You Mr. President for caring about all of the survivor families. Thank you also for caring so deeply about the greatest family organism ever to exist, that of Law Enforcement.

Thank you Tracy for riding for Tara. We teared up together and shared a few of the most precious moments. We will never forget those moments and we will never forget you and your husband. Every Officer who rides in the Unity Tour and carry's a Fallen Officer's bracelet should contact the family and arrange to meet. We can never express the positive impact.

Friday, May 19 is Tara's birthday. She would have been 24. There are several vigil's scheduled for that evening.
Tuesday, May 23 is the Georgia State Memorial Wall Service. Please remember the 10 survivor families from Georgia.

Even though the next several days will be difficult, our time with all of you in DC is a solid foundational experience that will see us through with strength and character.

We will soon add pictures from the Georgia Memorial Ride and also from DC on Tara's web site. Please check back often and those of you who are our new friends, contact us through the site, we want to never forget each of you and your stories.

Brian & Tina Drummond

May 17, 2006

In 2006, I rode the Police Unity Tour ride in your honor. I met your parents and your sister and was extremely proud to have been riding for you. It was truly an experience and I will always think of you as my angel. You will never be forgotten and I will always wear the bracelet your mother, Tina gave me the day I rode into the wall...May 13, 2006. Know you will always be in my heart!

Tracy

Officer Tracy Clark
Tallahassee Police Department

May 17, 2006

Tara,

I am Officer Tim Hankard I serve in South Windsor CT. I know that would not mean anything to you, your family, and your friends (at first). Just a name of another officer some where else. It is the Officer part that is important and that’s what makes it more like a family.
I was sad to hear of your tragic and completely unnecessary death during a training accident. I still don’t understand how this could happen. I first read of your death during September of 2005. It bothered me deeply. I thought and talked about you often. I talked about you and I have never spent one moment with you, strange isn’t it.
I wanted to do something. Something to show the country the world for that matter, that you would not be forgotten. I was lost, what would I do in Connecticut for an Officer killed in Georgia.
I had heard of The Police Unity Tour. Officers ride bicycles to raise funds and awareness for the Law Enforcement Officer Memorial in Washington DC. Riders also ride for an officer that they knew and wear a bracelet with that officer’s information on it. I did not think I could do it. Me, ride a bike for 300 miles in four days, no way. I made excuses, I have bad knees, I smoke, and I don’t even like bicycles. They were all excuses not reasons.
I was so scared that no one would ride for you. My fear was that your death was too controversial, too painful to even understand. Who would do it? Who would look out for you?
Officer Tara Drummond she served in Kennensaw GA. Your name alone did not mean much (at first) to my family and friends, when I spoke of you. You were an Officer in the academy that lost her life in a training accident. But, to me you were family, in this giant family of cops. Family that looks out for each other, trusts each other, and depends on each other. I needed to ride for you. To tell your story, what little I know. But most of all to honor you! To honor you for entering this madness we call police work.
I quit smoking, started training and I got stronger. I made it to Washington DC. (I am sure you were there pushing me up the hills)
I went to Washington DC this weekend to honor you and the other officers that lost their life in the line of duty. I was proud and sad to stand during the candle light vigil. I was sad and sometimes weepy sitting across from your name on the wall. Sitting and waiting, waiting to see someone from your department or a member of your family. Why? Why am I sad and weeping for someone I never met?
I wanted to give the bracelet that I had made to someone from you family. I sat at that wall for hours with my girlfriend Melissa. We talked about you from time to time. Mostly we had questions about you, who you were, and what you liked.

Then I thought for a moment, I never met you, but I know you. I never spoke to you, but I speak about you. I never saw you, and some how, I miss you. I never spent one moment in time with you, but I will never forget you for the rest of my days.
Officer Tara M. Drummond you are part of my family. I am proud to have done my part in protecting your memory. I know in my heart, you would have done the same for me.

Rest in peace,

Tim
#148 SWPD

May 17, 2006

To the family of Officer Tara Drummond.
I was at the Law Enforcement Memorial for the 2006 Police Week. I had accompanied several other CT Troopers and a Troopers widow from a 1991 shooting death. While at the wall I was moved after I read the incident clipping that had been posted on the wall by Tara's name. I am so sorry for your loss and I understand your pain. God Bless you all, Respectfully yours, TFC. J. Marsh C.S.P.

Trooper First Class Joseph Marsh
Connecticut State Police

May 17, 2006

I'll never forget that day at the academy. I miss you everyday and i'll never forget you. That day we wen't to lunch and you told me you loved me. An hour later you were gone from this earth. I am forever changed from seeing what happened that day. I will always cherish what we had and all that you were about. I miss seeing you across the room and the way you would smile at me. Class 219 and I lost a big piece of our hearts that day. Most of us still talk and you always become the center of the conversation. You deserve to be honored. You will always have a place in my heart. One day our souls will meet again and we can catch up on what we missed out on due to the cruel world and fate. I will leave my opinion on someone out of this because this is for you. Love, Michael

Michael

May 15, 2006

I wish I were not in DC. I wish I had no involvement. I wish you could see everything going on here. There are so, so many. Just like you they left us too soon. You would be so proud of your Kennesaw representatives. They are the finest department here. Anyone watching sees their dedication to your memory and honor.
The candlelight service was spectacular. But, there are so, so many. Just like you, they are remembered, they are loved, and they are missed. My heart is pulled in so many directions and each time I see your face or hear your name in roll call, I can't remain dry eyed. Eight months ago yesterday. It's all as clear as yesterday.
Our love and devotion to you still remains strong. Your sister and your best friend held each other at the Wall and cried last night, standing next to your name. It's so hard to look at your name engraved in the Wall. Know you are loved. Know you are missed.

May 15, 2006

Tara,

I still remember how I found out you were gone. I had just walked past dispatch when I was told of your passing.
It took a while for everything to register. That day was the lowest we have had been since I joined the department. I would say the worst day ever. I was down at G.P.S.T.C. this week for a class and I found your name on the Memorial in the courtyard for the rist time since you left us. Everything came rushing back. I was proud because I can say I know you, but sad over our loss again. Rest easy sister.

Vargas

Vargas
Kennesaw Police

May 13, 2006

Deepest Condolences From The CPD.

My prayers and thoughts go out to Tara's family, friends, and fellow officers.

Patrol Officer
Cleveland Police Department, Cleveland, Ohio

May 6, 2006

Tara,
I miss you everyday. It does not feel real that you are gone some days I still pick up the phone to call you and then it hit's me you are gone and that I can't just call you to talk to you. I miss you so much!!!!! I hope that it will get better but everything has changed now and I am a different person than I was on sept 13. I love you and miss my Best Friend. I just hope that you knew that. I will miss you forever. There is a hole that is left in me that will never be filled.

Lindsey

Lindsey Aiken

May 3, 2006

Tina and Brian,
We raised sisters simultaneously miles and miles a part. Without having formally met, I felt your fierce family love on the few occasions we have spoken. It is no surprise that Tara, as an adult, was loving, responsible and caring, with the commitment to serve others. It says everything about her up bringing. I am so saddened by the news of her death and your loss. Without having yet told Christiane, I know her sense of loss will be deeper than I can know. Although they hadn't met, she had a connection with Tara only they would understand, that only sisters could possibly share. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With much sorrow,
E Gray

E Gray, RNC
Mother of her sister

April 24, 2006

A million times we will miss you,
A million times we will cry.
If love alone could of saved you, you would of never died.
In life we loved you dearly,
in death we love you still.
In our hearts we hold a place no other one could fill.
The Golden Gates stood open,
God saw you needed rest,
Gods garden must be beautiful,he always picks the best.

MG

April 21, 2006

I, EVERY NIGHT DO THE PRIER OF SERENITY WITH MY DAUGHTER CAMELIA...SHE S 3 YEARS OLD ,AND IT IS A PREFER PRIER....
TOMORROW NIGHT , WHEN WE WILL DO IT AS USUAL, WILL DO IT FOR EVERYONE WHO AS BEEN THOUCH, FROM FAR OR NEAR TO THE DEPARTURE OF TARA...IT WILL GO LIKE THIS....
MON DIEU,
DONNE MOI LA SERENITE D ACCEPTER LES CHOSES QUE
JE NE PUIS CHANGER
LE COURAGE DE CHANGER LES CHOSES QUE JE PEUX
ET LE SAGESSE D EN CONNAITRE LA DIFFERENCE
AMEN.
PUIS CHANGER

cst diane desy
montreal police departement

April 17, 2006

Mes sympathies à la famille, aux amis ainsi qu'au service de police de Kennesaw. Mes pensées sont avec vous. Glod bless the family, friends and the Kennesaw Police Department. My thoughts are with you.

Agt Bastien, R. #5628
SPVM MONTREAL POLICE DEPARTEMENT

April 10, 2006

"What I would give"

What I would give to hold your hand,
to feel your warm touch,
and see you smile again,

No matter how far,
or if I have to crawl,
I will endure what it takes,
no sacrifice to small,

I would have given my life
to spare your own,
If only given the chance,
two sparrows would have flown,

I dont know what to do,
I feel so alone,
but your love keeps me going,
through this nightmare,
who would have ever known,

I loved you like no other,
and I may never love again,
not the way I loved you sweetheart,
there'd be no way to begin,

you were always the first,
to believe in this man,
who was often confused and unrational,
and without a plan,

but Tara I promise you,
I tried so hard,
to make you feel like a lady,
because thats what you are,

You are my hero,
the supreme sacrifice you gave,
to your brothers and sisters in arms,
and as long as I breathe,
your legacy will remain,

I will never leave you


Love,
Michael

michael gloyd

April 8, 2006

Au departement de police de Montreal,

Merci tellement de toutes vos pensees et prieres aimables pour notre fille Tara. Nous, sa famille, et ses amis trouvons le confort dans vos mots et nous sommes tellement touches par votre compassion. La fraternite' et confrerie de la police ne connait aucune frontiere ou limite, et nous vous remercions de votre appui pendant ce temps difficile. Vous avez vraiment touche' nos coeurs.

Tara's pere' and mere-
Frank and Renee Spagnuolo

Frank

April 7, 2006

"But the bravest are surelu those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding go out to meet it." - Thucydides

Lt. R. L. Gartman
Gadsden, AL Police Department

April 6, 2006

To the family of Tara, my sincere condolences. We are praying for you...

Manon Trépanier, agent 4103
Montreal Police

April 3, 2006

Thank You to the Montreal Police Department for your kindness and thoughts of Tara and also of us. It always lifts our hearts when another group of the Law Enforcement brotherhood extends themselves, grace, and care to our family. We thank you for your friendship.
www.taradrummond.com

Brian & Tina Drummond

March 31, 2006

God bless the family and all the friends/officers of Tara Drummond. Anonymos

March 31, 2006

When one of our fellow officers leaves us, it affects everyone. My sympathies go out to the family of this young police officer. May this accident be remembered so no other officer dies this way. May God be with you

sgt Frank Bertucci
Montreal Police Department

March 31, 2006

Dearest Tara, your soul now rests in the peaceful embrace of your Lord. Your life has touched many and today those people feel you deeper in their hearts.

Tara's parents, there is no greater loss than that of ones child. My girls are young adults and to me they will always be my little girls. I feel your sorrow.

We also feel for the police officer (instructer) nobody knows the pain he is going through.

Police family of the City of Kennesaw support all those involved for they all need your support.

Accept our deepest condolences and may courage be with you all.

Rosario

Rosario Ioanna Lieutenant
Montreal Police Service SPVM

March 30, 2006

Everytime a police officer dies, it's every police officer's heart that is touched. We are a very big family all around the world and our thoughts are with the family,friends and partners of Tara. All my sympathies to the family and friends, specialy M.G. I know how you can suffer from this loss because I've been through the same a few years ago. God bless her soul.

Sandra Fournier
#610
Montreal police, Québec, Canada

police officer
Montreal Police, Canada

March 30, 2006