Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Even though it has been 6 months since you have let us for a better watch, we still miss you terribly.
You were a really good person. I thank God I had you for 33 years.
I'll see again soon!!

Debbie Gibbons
Brian's mom

December 22, 2006

Deputy Brian godspeed to a great officer. May your children and family be blessed with a special angel above. Our world shall be without another great officer.

Christy
Wisconsin Criminal Justice

September 3, 2006

I know the pain is still fresh in the hearts of your loved ones for something that should never have happened. I also lost my son to a drunk driver while he was on patrol. I was fortunate that I did not have to go through the court system as the driver was also killed. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

September 1, 2006

Sir, I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9.

Daniel
Citizen

August 29, 2006

Chief Brian,
Sitting here in the office at 2 or 3 in the morning is not the same without you around. I’m just thinking back on the times I had to call you out (even when you didn’t want to come), puts a smile on my face every time. I guess we’ll call that dedication. Never once did you turn down a call. Id ring your number and you would always answer (might have took 3 or 4 rings), but always answered. One call will always stick in my mind and I think you know what one that is. Bud, you always had something interesting to say. Well, the summer is almost over and autumns about to turn, which means winters just around the corner. You are not missing much around the office. It’s still the same ole crowd. Things are starting to settle down around here. People still talk about you and how much they miss you. You truly were a one of a kind.
Until next time, your good friend.

Jim Horman Jr - Dispatch
Calhoun County Sheriffs Dept.

August 23, 2006

Thank you for your service to the people of Calhoun County and to all. Those of us in blue will work in your memory. Peace be with your friends, co-workers and family.

Patrol Officer
Quincy, IL PD

July 18, 2006

Peace be with you always...

Mrs. Natalie Jensen
wife of Detective Jared Jensen EOW 2/22/06

July 15, 2006

A Note To My Friend:
You are away from us now my friend, but only for awhile, patrolling a much better beat. Jesus said "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God." I believe God called for you on that fateful day. He must have needed a new "centurion" to assist St.Peter at Heaven's gate. He called upon you, and as always, you responded.
Brian, you are only away, my friend, you will never be gone, because I can remember! I can remember the times we have shared, good and bad, therefore you are only away, never to be gone!
We will miss your personality, opinions, guidance, and most of all your smile! You will never be gone because We can remember!
True friends are like brothers, and you my friend are my brother!
I have thanked God, and your parents for that unselfish friendship that we shared. That friendship shall remain, because I can remember!
Rest in Peace my Friend, because I WILL always remember!
Sgt.Michael Rexford
Hardin, Il. Police Dept.

Sgt. Michael Rexford
Hardin, Il. Police / Friend and Brother

July 11, 2006

I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Chief Deputy Gibbons. Less than one year ago my sister was also taken by a drunk driver. I wish you STRENGTH and COURAGE for the journey you are faced with in dealing with your tragic loss. May you find comfort in your memories. Rest in peace Officer Gibbons, you are gone but will never be forgotten.

Suzie Brown
Sister of Officer Robin G. Vogel EOW 10/03/05

Suzie Brown
Sister of Fallen Officer

July 8, 2006

You served your children and community proudly!

Detective Adam Romine
Colorado Springs Police Department

June 30, 2006

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS ,YOU WILL BE MISSED,BUT NOT FORGOTTEN,REST IN PEACE,OUR TRUE HERO.

OFC.J.L."PEPE'"HERNANDEZ
ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPT.(NM)

June 29, 2006

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS ,YOU WILL BE MISSED,BUT NOT FORGOTTEN,REST IN PEACE,OUR TRUE HERO.

OFC.J.L."PEPE'"HERNANDEZ
ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPT.(NM)

June 29, 2006

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Chief Deputy Gibbons. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Brian, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Brian's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Brian's life was about so much more than the way he died. Brian will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Chief Deputy Gibbons, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

June 28, 2006

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

June 28, 2006

Chief Gibbons,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Calhoun County. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
Anonymous

June 25, 2006

God Bless You Deputy Brian Gibbons

Sgt Paul Ulrich
Swiss Army, MP Service, Traffic Unit

June 25, 2006

We'll miss you buddy!

Here in Calhoun County, the typically quiet and serene place that Chief Deputy Sheriff Brian Gibbons called home, vitually everyone has been grieving the loss of Brian. The outpouring of love and support to his family and his department has been nothing short of remarkable and if anything, it has drawn this area closer and has made people just stop and think about life in a way that no one expected.
Brian was a quiet and unassuming man but his funeral service was unlike anything I have ever witnessed in my life. It was absolutely mind boggling the way his comrades came from all around to pay their last respects.
As we were making the trek in the motorcade from Jerseyville to Hamburg, passing the Calhoun Sheriff’s Department in the process, I couldn’t help but wonder what in the world this quiet man would think about all of the ‘fuss’.
Well if I know Brian, he was probably watching from above and he saw that we all made it across the Joe Page Bridge without being stopped by a barge, the little detour on Park Street went pretty well, and a lot of city folks got to see the spectacular countryside.(Although after the services I did hear numerous people asking how in the world to get out of the sticks.) It was at that precise moment that I could envision Brian with that cocked smile simply shaking his head.
One thing’s for sure, Brian will be missed and there will never be another one like him and I’m proud to say that he was more than a deputy giving me a report or other information related to the job, he was my friend.
Brian met an untimely fate and if we get nothing else out of his passing, let us remember that there’s no promise of tomorrow, we live one day at a time, minute by minute. So let this be a reminder to us all to live each day to the fullest and take time out to be with loved ones as lives can change in the blink of an eye.
Let us continue to be supportive of each other I truly believe that’s the way Brian would want it. I’ll miss you buddy!

Jill Thurston/Reporter Campbell Publications

Jill Thurston-friend
Reporter/Campbell Publications

June 23, 2006

BRIAN,
I KNEW YOU FOR SUCH A SHORT TIME,BUT IN THAT TIME YOU BECAME
NOT ONLY A CO-WORKER,BUT A GOOD FRIEND.I WILL MISS YOU DEARLY,BUT YOU ARE ON PATROL IN HEAVEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. WILL SEE YOU AGAIN 10-4

LINDA BUNKER
DISPATCHER CALHOUN CO IL

June 20, 2006

Chief Deputy Gibbons, thank you for your courageous service. My prayers are with your children, family, friends, and Police brothers and sisters.

Tim Reise

June 18, 2006

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

June 18, 2006

The following is a Fallen Officer's Prayer that was found while a Pueblo Police Officer visited the N.Y.P.D. Museum & Ground Zero in 2005 Officer's Prayer
Fallen Officer’s Prayer
I Never Dreamed It Would Be Me.
My Name For All Eternity.
Recorded Here At This Hallowed Place.
Alas, My Name, No More My Face.
'In The Line of Duty' I Hear Them Say.
My Family Now The Price To Pay.
My Folded Flag Stained With Their
Tears.
We Only Had Those Few Short Years.
The Badge No Longer On My Chest.
I Sleep Now In Eternal Rest.
My Sword I Pass To Those Behind And
Pray They Keep This Thought In Mind.
I Never Dreamed It Would Be Me.
And With A Heavy Heart And Bended
Knee, I Ask For All Here From The
Past...
Dear God, Let My Name Be The Last.
We have lost so many officers since the first of the year.
They are all heroes, and bless the families that are left behind. May they all find strength in the wonderful memories that each of them have.
You will all meet in the future. Let that be your guiding light.
Marilyn Robinson aka MamaWolf
Canon City, Colorado

Marilyn Robinson aka MamaWolf
The Chauffeur Internet Radio

June 18, 2006

Chief, rest in peace, and know that a community not only thanks you, but will miss you.

Officer Scott Parker
Covington Police Department, Texas

June 18, 2006

Brian, thank you for your service, kindness, and well being to Calhoun County. You will not be forgotten in the hearts of the citizens in the Kingdom of Calhoun. Your short service as an officer has probably rewarded you as a chief deputy in heaven's sheriffs department. God Bless you and Thank you.

Derek Vetter

June 18, 2006

Brian,
Had one heck of a time working with you the year i did. Its not the same without. You will always be rememberd, and we'll meet again.

Dispatch-J. Horman Jr.
Calhoun County Sheriffs Department- Hardin IL

June 18, 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
Fallen Officers Remembered, Founder & President

Fallen Officers Remembered

June 17, 2006