Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
Author Unknown

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired

August 23, 2006

Gary, we deeply appreciate your efforts to assist survivors of law enforcement line-of-duty death, and are heart-broken that your family will now need support. We stand ready to help them; know that they will be held close, and you will not be forgotten.

Washington State Concerns of
Police Survivors

August 23, 2006

Brother's in law enforcement who died doing for others. Go with God to both of you.

Sgt David G. Atteberry
Autauga County Sheriff's Office

August 23, 2006

Please continue to keep watch over your family, friends and co-workers from above during this difficult time and always. God bless all of you.

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)

August 23, 2006

Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.

Rest in peace my brother we will take the watch from here.

The Officers of the Sweetser Police Department

Sweetser Police Department

August 23, 2006

Each day they don a uniform, strap on a gun; pin on the shield. Prepared to face yet another day out in the field.
They log many miles on their journey each day
Many see these brave warriors; but few e'er stop and say
For all that you do; our lives you protect and defend
From my heart, I say thank you, my friend.
They go about their duties ne'er faltering or even pause
As they continue bravely - for that is their cause.
When their radios crackle as the call comes rolling in
Sending them, with speed, from where they had been.
The one call they hope they never do hear
Is the one that can surely, to each eye, bring a tear;
That call that has the worst possible sound
The code that says "an officer is down"!
And, if that one had made the final journey for ever more
They have walked on and have gone through Heaven*s door.
But, as their loss is felt by a pain in each chest
They live on forever cradled near God's loving breast.
Far beyond the clouds, a silent legion of fallen heroes stands. United forever in their new home in an eternal band. They snap to attention each time they hear the sound
That code which says "an officer is down".

Travis Hueston, T/Comm Oper II
Indiana State Police Fort Wayne Post

August 23, 2006

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.

GILBERT DANIEL

August 23, 2006

Rest in peace brother, you will not be forgotten.

Patrolman Shaun McCready
Altoona (PA) Police Department

August 23, 2006

While we did not know you, we are truly grateful for your dedication, mourning your death; never forgetting your sacrifice! Not to worry, dear friend, your brothers and sisters in blue will carry on your watch for you ~ may you rest in eternal peace.

Daniel & LaWanda Ross
Citizens/Iowa

August 23, 2006

Rest in peace my brother in blue. Now you can walk Heaven's beat. Your family, friends, and co-workers with the Indiana State Police are in my thoughts and prayers.

God Bless

Sr. Officer D. Johns
City of Sandy Springs Police, GA

August 23, 2006

This is such a tragedy for officers to be killed while doing something for the good of others. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Lt. Dudley.

Officer J. Norton
St. Joseph MO. Police Dept

August 23, 2006

Today, I listen to stories about what a great man you were. To have worked so hard at organizing an event and to give your life while participating in it, it brings tears to ur eyes. You will be not be forgotten.

TB
Indiana State Police

August 23, 2006

My deepest condolences to familes of Lt. Dudley and Chief of Police Martin, the men & women of the ISP, LCPD, and Gary, IN P.D.

In addition to serving their communities both these fine men helped a generation of young men and women fulfill theirs dreams of entering into a career in law enforcement.

Lt. Dudley served as Commander of the ISP Training Academy and Chief Martin served as an adjunct professor at Indiana University (IUN) teaching criminal justice classes. Chief Martin also pioneered the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Training Academy.

COP Martin retired from the Gary, IN Police Department before taking a position as Chief of Police at the Lake County Police Department.

Both men were dedicated to teaching, inspiring and mentoring the young men & women who would become the next generation of Law Enforcement Officers in the State of Indiana.

May God Bless Lt. Gary Dudley and Chief of Police Gary Martin (Ret.). May there memories be eternal.

I Dukic
Pleasanton, CA P.D.
(Gary, IN - Lake County native)

Ilija Dukic
Pleasanton Police Dept

August 23, 2006

God bless you and your family. Thank you for your service to your community. We are praying for your loved ones.

MPD Employee
Mishawaka Police Dept

August 23, 2006

Again we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Lieutenant Dudley. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.

Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service GA

August 23, 2006

LT Dudley, thank you for your years of service to your fellowman. Rest in peace my brother. May God bless you and your loved ones. May the Lord grant your loved ones the strength to endure during this difficult time.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

August 23, 2006

Speaking for all Police Unity Tour riders from Minnesota, our hearts go out to the families of Lt. Dudley and retired officer Martin. Lt. Dudley, a former Police Unity Tour rider who rode from Indianapolis to Washington DC, was a true hero for his tremendous efforts to remember officers killed in the line of duty. We are all so very sorry over this tragic accident.

SA Lynn Gannon
PUT Rider - Team MN

August 23, 2006

Lt. Dudley trained hundreds of Troopers and police officers, including myself. He is the picture of Integrity, Service and Professionalism. He was a great man and Trooper. God now has called for one of the greatest men to wear a uniform. Rest easy Lt. your job is done here, you will never be forgotten.

Trooper Michael Jones
Indiana State Police

August 23, 2006

Rest in Peace

Deputy Bennett
Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

August 23, 2006

Lt. Dudley:

Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace. I saw the officers on TV this past weekend when they rode throught South Bend and what a great cause you rode for.

Godspeed to you and may your family find comfort in this terrible time.

Citizen

August 23, 2006

My family would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fellow co-workers of Lieutenant Gary Dudley~you're in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May God give you the strength to carry on and help heal your hearts. May you find comfort and support from those around you.
God Bless You and Rest in Peace, Lieutenant Dudley!

Gail M. Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2/16/04

August 23, 2006

GOD Bless you and your family.
Rest in Peace.

Officer Paladino
Colorado Springs PD

August 23, 2006

"The only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who have sought, and found, a way to serve." Albert Schweitzer.
Dr. Schweitzer was not a police officer, but he spent his life in service. So, too, did our fallen brothers. How ironic that they died while trying to help survivors of law enforcement deaths.
Nothing can replace these dedicated officers, but I pray that memories of them in happy times will help to ease the pain their families and friends are feeling now.
I also pray the fast and full recovery of the other officer injured in the crash.
Rest easy, Brothers; you will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Barbara L. Beland
Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN USA

August 23, 2006

When I saw this story on the news last night my heart absolutely broke. What you were doing, cycling for families who have lost their loved ones in the line of duty, was truly admirable. I hope that the contributions that you have made to families of fallen officers will be returned to your family ten fold.

God Bless you Lieutenant Dudley and Rest In Peace

-Joliet, Illinois

August 23, 2006

On behalf of the men and women of the Camillus Police Department, our deepest sympathys to the family, friends and co-workers of Lieutenant Gary Dudley. Rest in Peace Brother, we now have the Watch.

PBA
Town of Camillus Police Department, CNY

August 23, 2006