Cahokia Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Monday, April 24, 2006
Reflections for Police Officer Jeremy Preston "Jay" Chambers
Officer Chambers,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifce for the citizens of Cahokia. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
May 26, 2006
Dear Uncle Jeremy, Nico is missing you. I love you. I just needed to talk to you today.I miss you so much.I wish you were
here right now.I will miss all the fun times we had together
and all the games we played that saturday before Easter.I wish
that we could play those game again but we can't.I will miss you so. Nico just got a baby rabbitt I have to go. Love you always Logan
Logan Schilli
Niece
May 21, 2006
Jeremy, It is so hard to believe that tomorrow at 5:26 a.m. it will be four weeks that you were taken from us. Some days it feels like yesterday and others it feels so much longer. This is the hardest thing our family has ever had to face. We miss you so much, and I wait for those phone calls after 10:00. I always knew it was you without looking at the caller i.d. We are doing our best looking after mom and dad. You would be proud of all great things people are doing in your honor. The kids want to have a lemonade stand to raise money for your memorial fund. I am so proud of you for all the peoples lives you have touched. You done good. We love you so much.........Denise
Denise Schilli
Sister
May 21, 2006
Jeremy,
I was thinking about you today brother. I think about you everyday. I was sitting here looking at some of our police academy pictures. We had a great time in the police academy together and I'm thankful to God for the time I was able to spend with you and for the wonderful memories. We lost you way too soon Jeremy. The Almighty God needed you in Heaven and I know that you are watching over all of us. You lived an exemplary life Jeremy. You had a servant's heart and you never expected anything in return. You are sadly missed Jeremy, I can't wait to see you in Heaven!!
"Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9
Brothers,
Jason
Patrolman Jason Hergenroeder #100
Cahokia, IL PD
May 19, 2006
On behalf of the International Police Association (IPA), I want to extend our condolences to the Jeremy’s family. Jeremy was a member of the IPA and credit to the law enforcement profession.
Mike Lynch, National President
International Police Association
May 17, 2006
Rest in peace now, my brother...
Sgt. Steve Livingston
Columbus, Ohio Police - IPA Region 21
May 17, 2006
Dear Uncle Jeremy, We all loved you very much. Its a shame
that you had to go.I love you very much.I will miss telling you all my stories.love you Garrett
Garrett
nephew
May 16, 2006
Jeremy,
Someone said that God puts you on this earth to do your share of good. When you are done with that good God brings you back to him. I guess this shows how much good you done in such little time, being only 26 years old. I’m at 31 and haven’t done half the good you accomplished in 26 years. Sorry I am selfish, but I wish you would not have completed your job on this earth so fast. A big brother is supposed to look out for his younger brother, but I guess on that day I could not protect you. There was a bigger brother than me that was looking over you. God must have decided that your job on earth was finished, and took you to be by him. I wish you had the chance to come ride with me at work and me with you, but I guess our schedules never met. I do know that you will be riding by my side everyday. I carry your badge with me everyday at work. I have all the memories of 26 years of you and I. I’m proud to stand in the photo with you at my wedding at the park only six months ago. You were my best man and will always be. Know that Eyck and Nico are in good hands. I will never use the word forgotten again, because you will never be.
CPD 101 CVFD 23
I love you!
Your brother, Chris
May 14, 2006
Jeremy, it's still so hard to believe that you are really gone. So hard to believe that I will never again bump into you at QT or see you at the Schilli house. You are my hero and I know you are looking down on us from heaven. We all miss you so much and can't wait to see you again. You will NEVER be forgotten.
Heather Wagner
Friend
May 13, 2006
Here is the poem I forgot to attach earlier..
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me:
I wish you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too:
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand.
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity.
And all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things
You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?"
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.
Author Unknow
Amanda
sister of Jessica, wife of Chris Chambers
May 13, 2006
Jeremy,
I want to thank you for all you have done for Fred and I, you were a friend and always will be in our thoughts. We talk about our wedding day and all the fun times we had together. We will meet again one day
Karrie Brayfield
Friend/wife of Fred Brayfield
May 12, 2006
Uncle Jeremy, I love and I miss you so much. I wish you were
here right now. I wish this did not happen to you. I miss you and love you. See you up there.
Logan Schilli
Niece
May 12, 2006
Jeremy,
I am so sorry this happened to you. I wish so much that I could have protected you from this. There is a missing piece in our family now, that we will never be able to fill. You are my baby brother. We are so proud of you. You truly are an inspiration for our whole family. There will never be a day that goes by that I won't think of you or talk about you. I will make sure that your nieces and nephew know what a wonderful man you were. The kids had so much fun with you when you watched them the Saturday before Easter. I hope you know how much we love you and we only wanted the best for you. I always tried to be the best sister I could. I hope I succeeded in your eyes. You will always be missed, but never forgotten. Love, Denise(mom #2)
Denise Schilli
Sister
May 11, 2006
I salute you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. I know the pain your father presently feels in his heart with your loss. All because of an individual who made the wrong decision to drive a vehicle while intoxicated. So many lives are now devastated. I know your Dad would change places with you in a heart beat so that you could be here with your loved ones to carry on your life, I would do the same for my son but facing reality we can't and must go on with our lives. There are no magical words I can offer to help your loved ones with their grief except to keep your memory alive, talk about you, find others to tell them stories about you. You are a true hero Jeremy and will never be forgotten by those that love you nor will the Blue Family ever forget you.
Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
Bob Gordon
May 9, 2006
Reality
Imagine how our world would be
If every police officer quit
Turned in their gun, turned in their badge,
Just finally had enough of it.
No respect, no loyalty,
No appreciation of all they do,
They’d give their lives for all of us,
These wonderful officers of “Blue”.
Kicked at, spit on,
Punched, stabbed and shot,
Everyday assaults on officers,
Done…without thinking a second thought!
Our laws are in favor of criminals,
There’s always some loophole in their case,
Out again to commit more crimes and murders
…creates pain, that we, the family and friends
…in time will never erase.
Why should they do it?
Why take the risk?
Why put their life on the line?
Subject their loved ones to endless suffering,
When their precious life is lost while fighting crime.
More murders, more kidnappings, more robberies and rapes,
Just to mention a few,
Please ask yourself how life would be,
If there were NO officers in Blue!
Would you do it? Could you do it?
And for how many…would YOU give it all?
Rewards are a 21 gun salute, a Medal of Honor,
And your name gets added to the Wall.
Think about it. Why are they here?
And why do some hate them so?
Because they enforce the laws that put convicts and murderers
In jail serving time, or on “Death Row”.
All give some and some give all,
It’s a risk they chose to take:
To put their heart and soul in it,
To put their lives at stake.
So, please take a moment,
Please give it deep thought,
Think of what “you can do”…
To help show respect,
To help follow the laws,
So we’d quit losing our Heroes in Blue!
Written by Jaclyn Pocceschi Mosley
Sister of Fallen Officer Rodney F. Pocceschi EOW 6/23/03.
www.fallenofficersremembered.com
Fallen Officers Remembered
May 8, 2006
To the family of a local hero, I speak for myself and my family that have lived here for 45 years, We are so sorry for your loss, and I hope you all find strength in knowing how loved your son was. To jeremy, whom i never met, thank you for being a part of keeping my family safe, always knowing there are great men/women out there like you patroling the streets at night. You are not forgotten by the people you gave your life for, while protecting and serve us.
Mark Donald
Lifelong resident of Cahokia
May 8, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go to all who knew this hero. I'm sure that in the too short of time he was with us, he touched many in a positive way.May god bring you peace.
PO Kevin Simmons
NYPD, ret.
May 8, 2006
I have a special place in my heart for all of Cahokia's Finest. You are all heros. I will never forget how much I was mentored by your good example of bravery and public service. Jeremy, I remember your Dad -- you were someone very special by all that I have read. May the Lord bring you into His eternal presence. Please pray for all that are still on patrol. I was made aware of your tragic death by my good friend, Fr. Ed Lisson, S.J., who was a former instructor at the Cahokia Campus of Parks College. Fr. Ed frequently assisted Cahokia PD in a chaplain capacity and is proud of his association with Cahokia's Finest, as I am.
Civilian: Joseph Spelz
Navy Flight Test (former Cahokia PD Dispacher '70 - '73
May 8, 2006
Jeremy, Thank you for being you. You were such a wonderful friend and I am grateful that I had the chance to know you. When I hear hero, your name is what comes to mind. Although you may be 10-42, we know that you are about to begin a whole new assignment up there with God. Let all be at ease knowing that we have a new amazing guardian angel to watch over all of us. Until we meet again, know that we will love and miss you everyday of our lives.
To the Chambers Family, Words cannot express the sympathy I feel for you all. As you already know Jeremy was a true hero. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Amber
Girlfriend of Chris McGinnis (Cahokia P.D.)
May 8, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and co-workers of Jeremy Chambers. I'm repeatedly amazed to hear and learn more about Jeremy's tremendous life of honor and service. I am saddened by the circumstances by which it took for me to learn all about Jeremy's life, but I do believe he is a hero and he stands proud in heaven to have served his community in the most honorable and ultimate way. My heart goes out to all who mourn for him and I hope you may find peace in knowing that true angels belong in heaven where they are rewarded and at peace.
Here is a poem for Jeremy's family and closest friends- may it bring you some peace in this difficult time.
Amanda
sister of Jeremy's sister-in-law, Jessica
May 6, 2006
Jeremy, just want to say hi and let you know that I miss you so much!! I am so thankful that I was one of the many people who got to know you. I'll never forget all the fun times we had. There's not a single day that goes by that I don't think about you. Watch over all of us. We love you!
May 6, 2006
To Officer Chambers Friends and Family:
I have kept you in my thoughts and prayers since hearing of Officer Chambers passing. Although I don't think I ever met him, I felt the loss to the area law enforcement family. I know he will ride as our silent partner keeping watch over us. I pray God be with you all to help you through your pain and suffering. Please feel free to contact me or the department if there is anything I can do. God bless you all, and thank you Officer Chambers for your service and dedication to your community. May you always rest in peace. We will meet someday.
Police Officer Joe Berry
Marine Police, IL
May 5, 2006
In memory of our dear departed son we wish to thank everyone for their kind reflections. We will never know the reason why this happened but Jeremy will never be forgotten. As we work through these trying times we also are keeping everyone in our thoughts and prayers.
Earl and Diane Chambers
Father and mother
May 5, 2006
To the family of Jeremy Chambers:
Although we did not personally know your son, we would like you to know as an officer for the Cahokia Police Department, and we as citizens of Cahokia, appreciate the dedication your son had for serving and protecting the community. I can only hope these words and thoughts can help ease your pain in your time of need.
We are not only sorry for your loss,but for the loss of a dedicated officer, and friend to many. Thank you Officer Chambers for serving and protecting our community. You will be missed!
The Girtman Family
Renee
Resident/Community
May 5, 2006
Ofc. Jeremy Chambers I was reading your memorial and felt a connection. I noticed that we share the same badge number (101) and I too work full time in law enforcement and I am also a volunteer firefighter. From reading the reflections your friends have left I can tell you were very dedicated to both jobs and will be missed greatly. Rest in peace, we have the watch from here!!!
Capt.David Platt
Payette Police Idaho
May 5, 2006
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