Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jeremy
You know you were loved,This last year has been so hard but during this time we have also learned how much you were loved by so many others.We have had so many friends and even strangers tell us "Jeremy stories" running into a burning house with out thinking or just helping someone out that is the kind of person you were.
Were so proud of you son and miss you so much.On days like these we have so much sadness and heartache,but we are also over whelmed by how many people came to celebrate your life.
Jeremy you touch so many lives in just 26 years.
Your not only our son but you were a hero how you lived you life.My heart aches that I can't see you or talk to you only parents who have loss a child understands it's hard to breathe just thinking about not seeing you any more.

Your Dad and I love you so much.Mom

Diane Chambers
mother

April 27, 2007

I am sure you looked down and said, what is all this for. Thats the kind of person your where. I remember the talks we had sitting in front of the firehouse about, what if's. Well I can say I never thought that it would come true. The service in your honor was just another example of how many people you touched in your life. I know you where proud, maybe asking if you are worth all this? I can answer that for you. YES!!!! So many of your friends think of you everyday, all day. We do not stop thinking about you for any reason. No one can take your place with us. NO ONE. Your mom and dad are very proud of you, so is the rest of your family. They, along with the rest of us will honor your forever. We have 2 more memorials to get past, we will be there to honor you again. Look out for all us that travel to show how much you meant to us. We miss you Bro. As always.." YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN"

Cris Burch
FRIEND

April 27, 2007

Well Jay a year has came and went now what????? I guess we still have to go on. You would have been very proud of everyone yesterday. Your friends did a wonderful job speaking about you. I didn't know your friends that well, but through all of this I am getting to know them better and I can see why you were all such good friends.Mom and dad did an awesome job last night too. Sometimes I don't know how they do it. You had such a big heart Jeremy. I know you held the rain off for us last night, thanks alot for that. Father Mark did a great job at church. He always does a great job. People have often said to me if you can make it through the first year...Well we have made it and it doesn't seem to be any better.......Love you and miss as always

Denise
Sister

April 25, 2007

Jay,

Just wanted to tell you what an honor it was for me yesterday to be apart of your dedication ceremony. I know you were looking down on all of us throughout the day at the cemetery, the church, the monument and at the candle light vigil. I could see it in Logan, Garrett and Hayden's eyes how they miss you...but still think of you and remember all of the good times they had with you. I hope someday I can be at least half the man you are and what you did for all the people who you came upon at fires, ems calls and as a police officer. I was honored to be your confirmation sponsor when you were a child and will keep that memory always. Jay it was so enjoyable to hear all the nice comments everyone said about the Jeremy Chambers we knew and some things we didn't know. I hope soon the pain will ease for your parents, Denise and Chris. The pain will always be there..but I hope they can find a way to cope with it. I know you will always be missed................

Mark Schilli
Brother-in-Law

Mark Schilli
DEA

April 25, 2007

Jeremy,

We gathered yesterday and dedicated your memorial. It is hard to believe that a year has gone by. Everyone misses you as much now as ever, and that will never change. Be there for your family because they need you. You will never be forgotten.

Ptlm. Eric C. Stacy
Friend

April 25, 2007

Definition of Jeremy Chambers: A great person who was willing to give all he had to help another.

I did not know Jeremy as well as some of you but I did have the honor of meeting him and spending some time with him. Today makes a year since the tragic death of Jeremy. Every now and then I log on to the different memorial sites and many thoughts go through my head, including but not limited to; “I need to post a tribute to Jeremy”, “Jeremy was truly a public servant”, “That could have been me”, etc.

But above those thoughts, I think and pray for the family of Jeremy. As some of you know, I am not living in the Cahokia area at this present time, so I was unable to make it to the dedication / memorial service that is occurring as I type this tribute.

This is actually my second time writing about Jeremy, I had to write a paper while attending ISP academy and it had to relate to law enforcement. I chose the topic of, “The Affects on Others of An Officer Dying In The Line Of Duty”. Jeremy was the third person that I had known personally to give his life in the line of duty. The first was my cousin, North Carolina Trooper Damion C. Roberts, the second was, St. Louis City Police Officer James Branson, whom I attended church with, and the most recent was Jeremy.

I met Jeremy in February of 1999 when I got hired with Cahokia PD. Jeremy was always the same. Jeremy was mostly quiet and reserved. I got to know Jeremy a little better after he graduated from SWIC police academy. I served as one of his field training officers, so we spent some time in the police car together. Jeremy was very easy to train because he had been around Cahokia PD all his life.

I remember one time I needed help hanging drywall in my garage. Jeremy came over to the house and he did not leave until the job was finished and he would not accept any money for helping me. Above all the police calls we responded to together and all the fun we had working the streets, that is the thought that stands out to me because that was the kind of person Jeremy IS (agreeing with Father Mark’s Eulogy), noticed I said IS because parts of Jeremy lives ON in all of us that had the pleasure of knowing him. It hurts writing about topics like this because it is so REAL.

I say to all who read this, Continue to pray for The Chambers’ family. I lost my younger brother to a tragic situation and it does not get easier but GOD makes you stronger.

Nehemiah 8 & 10
…………..neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Elbert

Trooper Elbert Jennings
Illinois State Police / former Cahokia Police Dept.

April 24, 2007

ONE YEAR TODAY. WE REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY.

OFFICER CHAMBERS, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

April 24, 2007

To the Chambers Family, I have a heavy heart, knowing what you are feeling today and every day. My thoughts and prayers are with you today as you arrive on the one year anniversary of Jeremys death. Noone can possibly prepare you for such a tragedy. Draw strength from your fellow survivors, they are true heros too. May God bless your family. You will never get over it, but somehow, you will get through it. Mary Ann Tatoian, Mother of Trooper Ralph Tatoian, E.O.W. April 20th, 2005

April 24, 2007

Just thinking about you brother, the service is a few hours away. I know you will be looking donw at us today. Help your family stay strong. You will never be forgotten.

Cris Burch
Cahokia Fire Dept.

April 24, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this first anniversary of your EOW. I know their pain, especially over such a sensless act that did not have to happen. One person who decided to drink and drive caused so much pain and ended so many dreams and tomorrows that will never come about. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heores never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

April 24, 2007

Jeremy, I will have to agree with everyone else. It does not feel like a year has passed. It feels like it was just a couple of days ago. Jeremy, I will never forget the short time we knew each other. Tonight I will be attending your memorial and it will be well deserved. Even though it will be hard, I know people from all over will be there to honor your service that you gave to the entire area. Jeremy continue to rest in peace my friend. Continue to watch over all of us and keep us safe. I will write again soon.

Justin Biggs
SCCSD

April 24, 2007

Today is the day. I have been reading messages on this cite since I found it. I have been trying to come up with the rights words, but words cannot express how we all feel. I laid a rose on the stone at Motomart this morning. I also laid a rose at the covered monument at the wedge. Bryan and I are going to the service later today. We think about you daily. Eliza tells everyone that you were her friend and that you are watching us from heaven. I feel as if you visited me today. I was typing a letter to a client and when I reviewed it to make changes low and behold, I had by mistake, typed "101". Thank you for the visit, it will help me get through this day knowing you are here. Be with us all today, hold our hands and guide our hearts.

Heather
Wife of Retired Firefigher, Bryan J. Van Vuren, Cahokia FD

April 24, 2007

Hi Jay,

I miss you so much I can't believe it's been a year.
I miss how you used to come over to supper with us.
I just miss you and love you and I wish you were here with us right now. Love you, Logan

Logan
niece

April 24, 2007

Thank you for all you did in your short career as an officer. I never met you in life but as an officers wife, I still grieve your loss. I will say an extra prayer for your family tonight. May you rest in peace Officer Chambers.

April 24, 2007

4/24/07

You live on in the memories, hearts, and minds of all who love you. Your loved ones will be in my thoughts today, as they remember the day, one year ago, when their lives were forever changed.

Norie Haas
Mother of Brian Haas
E.O.W. 4/24/04

Norie Haas

April 24, 2007

Watch over them,Dear Lord.Watch over them for Jeremy.

April 24, 2007

Jeremy,

I can't believe it's been a year since you were taken from us. I can still remember everything like it was yesterday but at the same time it feels like forever. Everytime I get on here it tears me apart but now more than ever it breaks my heart. I still catch myself looking out our front door waiting to see you drive down the street. I remember when we first moved in this house we were all so excited because we were making this the police neighborhood. This all still seems like a bad dream, I wish, along with everyone else that we could wake up tomorrow and be told this was just a horrible nightmare. We have a picture of you in our living room that I look at everyday. Everytime I look at it, it brings back another memory of you. Madison is so proud of that picture, she will tell everyone when they come over that is "Uncle Jeremy". Emma just turned 2 last monday and it reminded me that last year on her birthday was the last time we saw you. Chris is speaking at the memorial tomorrow, please let him know that you are right there with him. This is so hard for everyone. My heart goes out to your wonderful parents and family. I can't even begin to imagine the pain they are going through. Your parents should be so proud to have a raised a son that was such a remarkable person. That just goes to show you what a fantastic family you have. You have touched so many people and done so many wonderful things in the life that you lead and it was cut extremely too short. Jeremy, we love you and miss you more than any words can ever say. Help keep us strong, I know that is what you would want.

Amber

April 23, 2007

Jeremy, I cant believe it has been a year. It is still so hard to believe that you arent here. We love and miss you...

Amanda
cousin

April 23, 2007

To the family and friends of Officer Jeremy Chambers - I know what a sad day this anniversary will be for all of you. You will be in the thoughts and prayers of the McEntee family. Kathy McEntee, sister of Bill, EOW 7/05/05

April 23, 2007

Jeremy- I cannot believe that its been a year. Chris misses you so much, and I remember last year like it was yesterday. Your monument is awesome, you would be so proud of what everyone is doing for you. We love you and miss you alot

jessica

April 23, 2007

Jeremy,
Watch over your family on this first anniversary. They will need your strength, as I know they miss you as much now as they did a year ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Continue to keep them safe. Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten. Jayne McEntee, sister of Bill McEntee EOW 07/05/05

April 23, 2007

Hi son,

I can't help thinking that it has been over a year since we talked. I miss you more and more everyday. For some reason this past two weeks has really been hard. Over the weekend a lot of volunteers work at the wedge in Cahokia to get everything ready for Tuesday and your memorial.A lot of firemen were there and shared stories with us about you. I really love you son and miss you. I keep a thought in my mind all the time, it is not how you died but how you lived that made you a hero. The more stories I hear about you makes this very true for you. You will never be forgotten.

Love Dad

Earl Chambers, Father
Cahokia PD, retired

April 23, 2007

Dear Family,Friends & Co-Workers of Officer Chambers,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as the first anniversary of Jeremy's passing draws near. My heart hurts with you. We never understand the why,,why so many Hero's are called home to Heaven way to soon..But God needs the best to patrol the streets of gold.
Always remember we will keep the memory of Jeremy alive in our hearts.
Officer Chambers, I salute you Sir, for your service to the town of Cahokia,the State of Illinois,and our Country. Keep watch over your family, and your brother's and Sister's in blue..Rest in peace, knowing you will remain alive in our hearts forever...Family may God'd peace be with you.
Mother-in-law of: Sgt. Jeffrey T. Hewitt EOW 4/4/04
Carolyn Moore Asheville, N.C.

Carolyn Moore

April 21, 2007

Well I am heading to FDIC, just like every year in the past seeing the sign for Terra Haute IN will bring a big smile to my face. I also have a 4 hour drive to think about what I am going to say at the memorial. There are not words that can tell you how everyone feels. I got to speak with you mom and dad, and Chris the other day. It is so hard to talk to them without crying. I feel for them, I know how hard it is for me to lose a friend, but to lose a son. Jeremy they really miss you. I must say that I am proud to speak on your behalf. I was told that I had to keep it nice, there are some things that a mother does not need to know about her son, we will keep those secrets away for now. Watch over all of us, like I know you do. And as always........
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

Cris Burch
Cahokia FD

April 19, 2007

Good Morning Son,

Everything is in place for your memorial mass and dedication on April 24. I cannot believe it has been almost one year. It seems like it was only yesterday. Everyday I think about you and how unfair this is to everyone. I love you son and I know you will watch over everyone.

Dad

Earl Chamber, Father
Cahokia PD Retired

April 19, 2007