Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Gary,

It's been a year since you touched our lives forever. I remember Dan telling me that he was going to be doing Field Training with an experienced officer. After that first night, I think all I heard about was "Gary this" and "Gary that". I met you at Starbucks and had to admit, you made that lasting, positive impression on me as well. My sister commented that she can still see your smiling face as you waved at her from the police car as she was running. I feel that you were with her that day that she was attacked and fought back...in your beat. Every day, you are with us, I feel it and I know that Dan does also. We joke about the lights going out, the tv turning off, the stereo changing back to CD again and again, those mysterious glasses we found--all practical jokes from Gary. I know that you wouldn't want us to all be in pain, but losing you was more than losing a friend and a police officer, it was the lost opportunity to have you in our lives more than we did. I will always remember the last time I saw you... Dan had been hurt and was facing knee surgery. You hugged me and told me that everything would be ok. I know that it will...we just all need a little bit more time. Thank you Gary. You have touched my family forever and will always be in our hearts.

Steph

Stephanie Evers
Wife of Officer Dan Evers, Unit #555, Chesterfield Police

April 18, 2007

So very saddened to hear of his death last year. He had only been in Richmond for a few months and we are sorry that Chesterfield had him for such a short time. Audrey

March 26, 2007

Somebody Killed A Policeman Today

Somebody killed a policeman today and
A part of America died.
A piece of our country that he swore to protect
Will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect who shot him will stand up in court
With counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids
And spend many long lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battlefield too,
Just as if he had gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
To his name they will add a gold star

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
It happened in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
A cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each rookie's side.
He answered the call, and he gave us his all,
And a part of America died!

Thank you, Gary.

JC
citizen of Raleigh, NC and friend of CCPD Officer.

March 23, 2007

Gary,

I didn't have the honor of knowing you, but a friend of mine did. You are truly a hero, and your actions will not be forgotten. Fine officers like you keep this county safe. I hope you're enjoying being reunited with your wife. Now, you two will be in Heaven forever. God Bless

Lisa Shupe
Chesterfield Co. Resident

March 18, 2007

Gary, I was thinking of you today and praying for you and all your loved ones you left behind...God Bless.

Jenn Fisher
High School Friend

March 14, 2007

Dear Gary,
I can not believe your one year anniversary is almost upon us. You are sorely missed by many. Please continue to watch over us from above and keep an extra eye out for Joe, he really needs you now. These next few months for him will be tough.
I am unable to attend National Police Week this year but will be thinking about you, Ryan, Craig, and other officers who lost their lives. You all are true heros.
To Gary's family: Stay strong!! May will be a tough month but know we are here for you!!!
Rest in heaven Gary!!

N.M. Otero
Chesterfield County Police Department

February 18, 2007

Gary,

For a while I have avoided leaving a reflection of my own, though I have visited these pages regularly. I did not have the honor to know you, and I was not sure that I knew enough about who you were, what kind of person you were, and the job that you did for my words to have any meaning.

Your tragedy occurred while I was in the Academy, and I have to admit that it made me think hard about what I was doing. The days between your death and the funeral were hard and full of questions for me. The painful yet beautiful experience of your funeral made all of the difference for me though as I saw the thousands of men and women, some fellow officers and some citizens, who were there to honor you and the sacrifice you had made. It helped me to see the impact that a police officer can have, the good that can come from such an honorable pursuit. Perhaps this is what it means to live a true and faithful life - even in tragedy you helped me and who knows how many others to be more than we had been.

Now that I have worn the uniform and the badge, I am very proud to call you brother.

Eternal Father, grant, we pray
To all Marines, both night and day,
The courage, honor, strength, and skill
Their land to serve, thy law fulfill;
Be thou the shield forevermore
From every peril to the Corps.

Auxiliary Officer M Comer U732
Chesterfield County PD

February 15, 2007

As usual, I have been thinking about you today...as I do every day. I was thinking that it is still very difficult to believe that you are gone. It is really so hard to believe that it is true. I so often think that I will see you the next time we all get together or you will stop by the house for one of our morning coffee talks. We miss you terribly. And it is so difficult to see the pain that those who loved you so very close to the surface. I sometimes just say your name or talk about a moment in time and the tears just come...so quickly...so close to the surface. We need your strength, your love and your support to get us through this very difficult time. I hope it helps us to find our way. I love you and know that you are with us.

February 4, 2007

Thinking of you today, God Bless.

GLENN PRIMAVERA - FRIEND

January 18, 2007

A Salute to you Gary, remebered ALWAYS.

Police Officer
Chesterfield County Poilce Dept.

January 11, 2007

For all those that serve, especially Gary who made the ultimate sacrifice, Thank you.

Michael Lighthiser
Chesterfield Citizen

November 15, 2006

Dear Gary - It is your bravery and the bravery of your brothers and sisters in the police department that keep us safe. Saying a mere "thank you" for you ultimate sacrifice is simply not enough. My hope is that you are at peace and with your wife. Please watch over Joe Diman and give him strength.

Katie
Citizen

November 11, 2006

Gary,

I just learned of your death. I spent some time reading some of the reflections that have been left by others and I can see that you haven't changed since our time togeather in the Marine Corps. Some of my fondest memories are the great times we had in San Antonio. I especially remember crouching down in a cold and wet fighting hole, and just having the time of my life, because you were there with me. You will be missed.

Semper Fi
Steve

Sgt. Steven S. Ballinger
Wyoming, OH PD / USMC Roommate

November 10, 2006

What wound did ever heal but by degrees ?"
Othello, Act ii, Sc.3


You are in my thoughts today.

Reen

November 8, 2006

I just saw a photo of you, me and "Big Daddy" Scott Burke
yesterday outside Lantana P.D after a SWAT call. Those were
good times buddy. I think about you often. It was both an honor and privledge to have worked and socialized with you. You were truly a class act! LOVE YA BRUTHA
Danny K

Detective Danny Keszthelyi
Citrus County S.O / Former Lantana P.D. Brother

October 23, 2006

thanks for always being there. Semper Fi.

Anonymous

October 22, 2006

GARY I RECALL HOW YOU MADE US ALL LAUGH DURING HIGH SCHOOL AND RECENTLY FOUND OUT YOU LOST YOUR LIFE IN THE LINE OF DUTY. YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED AND FOREVER REMBERED FOR YOUR GREAT SMILES AND WONDERUL LAUGHTER.

LOLA
HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATE

October 18, 2006

Gary,
I regret that our earthly friendship was cut so short. I feel like I have known you forever. I know I was one of your field-training officers here in Chesterfield, but you really taught me more than I could have ever taught you. I miss your laid back attitude, and your sense of humor, Nothing ever seemed to bother you. Not a single day goes by that I don't think of you, and the sacrifice you made.
As it says in the policeman's prayer to St. Michael "And when we lay down our nightsticks, enroll us in your Heavenly Force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of men." Until we meet again Gary, and you can Filed Train me, I love you Brother!

Ken Pope
A-South
"WE OWN THE NIGHT"

Officer K.M. Pope
Chesterfield County Police

October 10, 2006

Gary,

Yesterday was your birthday. Love and miss you always. Happy B-day up there. Jen

Jen Del Pesce
Gary's sister

October 9, 2006

I think of you today as I do on many days. I remember the warmth of your smile and the sound of your laugh.

The sadness of losing you is still sometimes overwhelming and I miss you terribly. I try hard to focus on everything positive you brought to my life. I try to honor your memory by living as you did, with a sense of humor and a smile.

You are truly one in a million Gary and I am grateful for the memories. I cherish them today and always.

JC

October 8, 2006

Gary, tomorrow will be five months. I just got home form a line of duty funeral. Spoke to Ralph on the way home. It was a ride and a conversation you would have been pround of.

Sgt. Chris Decker
Lantana PD / Brother

October 3, 2006

Gary,

Just spoke with Ralph a few days ago. Just keeping in touch. I have been become more of a praying man lately so I wanted to let you know that I have you and Jen in mind when I speak with God.

Keep em laughing up there, pal !

Your friend,

Dave Busch

David Busch

October 1, 2006

Officer Buro,
I have learned a lot about you over the past couple of months. I had the honor of meeting several of your Officers from Chesterfield County.

You are a true hero that has touched the lives of many individuals. We will continue to serve proudly in your honor. Thank you.

MPO Mark Dale K913
Fairfax County Police

September 28, 2006

Gary,
Its been over 4 months now, but I still think about you a lot. Even though I was never your steady partner, I did work with you several times. It's amazing that I'll answer a random job and remember going into that building with you. You were very easy to work with and I learned a lot with you. You used to talk positive about life, family and relationships to me, and it's unbelievable that of all the people, God took you. You served our country, policed our steets, and made us laugh. Gary you were a good person and I am grateful for knowing you. My prayers are always with you and your family and your partner Joseph. R.I.P. Brother We Miss You.

Police Officer MTS
New York City Police Dept.

September 25, 2006

Gary,
Even though we were only partners a short time I want you to know that you touched my life and left a lasting impression on me. "I'm sorry" that I was not able to do more to protect you. Rest in peace brother with your wife knowing that "I got him". I have almost fully recovered and hope to return to work soon. You are my inspiration for wanting to go back and I will try to make you proud. I will carry you with me forever and I know you will always have my back. Godspeed Gary, you are my Hero. -Joe

Officer J.G. Diman Unit-374
Partner, Chesterfield County Police Department

September 15, 2006