Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It's been over 20 years and when I think of Gary it is as if was yesterday. My mother lived in the area Gary patrolled. I met him on a call to my mother's home one night. We had a mutual friend who was an officer and naturally it was as if we knew each other for years, even though it was less than a year. My mom never forgot him after that call to her home.

I left Jacksonville In February of 1983 and when my mom called me to tell me what happened just blocks from her home, I could not believe it. It still stings today the way it did that day in 1983. I know however, he is resting in peace and we shall see him again one day!

I am grateful I found this site today because he crossed my mind and I did a search on his name. I am honored to be able to leave my reflections for a honorable officer of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

M Hammonds

November 27, 2005

This was a truly devastating event in the lives of the many who new Gary - as both a police officer and a "civilian".

Many people have heard his story through the years as his killer came up for new trials. There is no sense to be made from the delays in imposing the sentence handed down by several different juries, but I have some peace knowing she will have to answer to God one day concerning her actions.

As for Gary - I'm sure he is with God and happy. I'm looking forward to seeing you in the future, Gary - you are still VERY missed these many years later!

B Brown

August 6, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero.

May 17, 2005

Too bad such a wonderful officer met such an untimely death. Wish there was something I could do to keep his killer behind bars forever. I prayed every time she went back up for trial that she got the death penalty permanently.

Rest in Peace Officer Bevel

Xena

November 8, 2004

Rest in peace. We have the watch now.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

I was Gary's primary training officer and can tell you, he was MORE than what everyone said about him. Gary was the BEST recruit I'd ever trained. Constantly kept me in stitches with his sense of humor and he always smiled, no matter what.
Rest in peace, brother......I hope to see you again when my turn comes.

Det. John Frascello
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

I worked as a reserve officer with Jacksonville SO from 1983 to 1985. Though I did not know him personally, I heard many other officers talk about him as an honorable, and courageous person willing to help others. I think of Gary often and the circumstances involved in his death. For all fellow officers working the streets, no matter what the call, or how many times you run across someone, or how many times that false alarms come in, dont take it for granted.....After Garys death, my motto is....When you least expect it...expect it......

Deputy William Coggins
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, Ann Arbor Michigan

WE WILL NEVER FORGET.REST IN PEACE

Ptlm. G.V.DAUNHAUER
JACKSONVILLE S.O.