Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Gary:

We still miss you greatly. My children often ask about you. I tell them that you are watching over all of us. You were a brother to me in the short time that I knew you. I am trying to write a book about you so that our state will get to know you. Know that both you and Gary Martin are in my thoughts daily. You and Gary Martin will continue to keep me focused on what is important in life. Know also that your spirit keeps me focused as a Police Officer. I shall not let you down.

Patrick J. Holdeman
Notre Dame Police Dept

September 4, 2008

Gary,

I am so glad that you were there from the moment Richard was killed. If we could hand-pick the people to walk beside us in times of need, you would have been everybody's first choice. How fortunate I was to have you beside me through the first, most difficult days.

You are missed by so many beyond all comprehension. Thank you for yor time here with us, and for watching over us now from the Heavens.

Amy Gaston Stehr
Survivor and Friend

August 24, 2008

Gary ~

We think of you often and especially on this day. You were and still are an inspiraton to all who knew you. Please continue to watch over my brother and all the others involved in law enforcment.

Amy
sister of a police officer

August 22, 2008

We miss you...

Mark Hannan
IL C.O.P.S

August 22, 2008

i made your ankle bracelet :]
I am going to give it to Mrs. Dudley for you

Maddie Hannan
Marks daughter

August 12, 2008

Gary
We've never met but I feel that I know you and the kind of man you were and the impact you had on others. This year was the first time that I rode with the Illinois Chaper of C.O.P.S. My brother was killed in September 2006. So many of the police officers came up behind me and placed their hand on my back to help me up those hills. They told me about you and how you were always there to help them through their first ride when they felt that they weren't strong enough. So through them I know that you were helping me. The last time I saw my brother he told me of your passing. He flew his flag in your honor. Then 35 days later he was taken from us. Your friend Mark is my angel. As broken hearted as he was to loose you he reached out to help me. Be with him and be so proud of him. Keep him safe. He misses you so much. Thanks for your help. Your legacy will live on through those that you have touched. And through those that you have touched I know that you have touched me. Especially that last day when I was trying to make up those hills in Orland Park. Rest in Peace my friend.

Marcia
Sister of Thomas A. Cook EOW 9/27/06

August 1, 2008

Gary,

During the month of May we have been honoring a fallen Indiana Hero daily at roll call. Today we honored you, much the same way we honored a fallen hero everyday of our ride throughout Indiana.

After the reading I thought back to the various rides throughout Indiana and to DC. I recall right before lunch on the 22nd you and I had a small race up a bridge - you beat me. I remember you looking over at me in that you didn't stand a chance sort of way.

Tomorrow I leave for Washington DC to attend police week to honor all the officers throughout this nation that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

I am thankful for the lessons I learned from you. Not a day goes by that I don't think of either you or Gary Martin. On Friday we will be honoring Gary Martin in Roll Call. You are always in my hearts and prayers.

Sgt. Pappaioanou

Sgt. Pappaioanou
Fishers PD

May 8, 2008

Gary,
Carolyn has been a blessing to us at the Peru Post during our losses over the last year. Thank you for having her so involved in the State Police family during your time here. She is a good woman.
Mike

Mike

May 1, 2008

Lt. Dudley I remember in the last weeks of my academy running in formation and I was “encouraged” to imitate you. I was somewhat reluctant to do the imitations but a fellow recruit told me to tell you that imitation was the most sincere form of flattery. Your response was “so are push ups”. I still laugh to this day when I think about the academy and hearing you sign “give me that old trooper spirit”. You helped so much through the academy as well as my career. I remember when I was assigned to Lowell and I wasn't to happy about the assignment. You pulled me aside and told me funny stories of when you first went to Lowell. You helped my when I started teaching and encouraged my to teach at the academy as well as the district and other departments. Your encouragement and belief is in no small part why I give all that I have when I teach. Thank you for making me a better trooper, teacher and person.

S/Trooper Detective
Indiana State Police

S/Trooper Detective
Indiana State Police

March 21, 2008

I'm traveling and just wanted to see your photograph, yes yours! I was PT'ing today and wore the 2005 IL ride shirt, and tomorrow it will be the IN shirt. Thinking of you Gary,

Mark Hannan
IL COPS

March 19, 2008

Gary,
Please keep an eye on Daniel Barrett. He just came to meet you and the others in heaven. Don't let the older guys give him a hard time. Thanks

Mike
Indiana State Police

February 6, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 9, 2008

Gary,
We miss you so much and think of you all of the time.

A friend

January 8, 2008

Hey Gary,
Think of you and miss you every day.

S/A Mark Hannan
U.S.N.R.C.

December 13, 2007

Hey Gary,
I was driving through southeastern Georgia last week and thought of you and all our rides together. All those times our group rode thru the small towns of IN, OH, PA, WV, VA and IL...all of those local people who saw the riders pass thru and who learned about COPS...and all those people you made "junior Troopers"!! What fun we all had! I also thought of you and Gary Martin as I passed every single white cross on the side of the road. I never look at those crosses in quite the same way. When I look at your photo, I see that hint of a smile/chuckle that just might come out...you would have had fun in Vidalia, Georgia, home of the sweet onion! We miss you and we will never forget.

Mark Hannan
IL COPS

October 7, 2007

Today is the 7th anniversary of Brads death and man it feels like just yeaterday. I was just thinking of the events of that year, the amazing people we came in contact with, and the terrific friends we gained- which brought me to your page. Thank you for being one of those terrific friends and thank your family for continuing that friendship. It means the world to us and especially to my girls. Always in our hearts and never forgotten!

Angie Matteson
In Cops friend

October 5, 2007

Hey Gary,
Thinking of you while in Ohio...and thought of the drive-up surprise visit in Blufton, Indiana. How I wish I could joke and laugh again...We all miss you.

Mark Hannan
IL COPS

September 12, 2007

Remembering you and your family on this day and everyday. Please continue to watch over my brother and all other law enforcement officers.

Amy
sister of a police officer

August 22, 2007

Lieutenant Dudley,
On this one-year anniversary, my thoughts and prayers go out to your family, friends and department. Your legacy of dedication and honor shall continue forever.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 22, 2007

I see Carolyn every now and then at C.O.P.S. memorials and funerals. She is one fine lady. You were very lucky. I wish you and Dave B. could go with me to Michigan City. Yes, we're still working on that.

You know, I think I'll take you up on that ride you repeatedly offered. I'm sure getting tired of driving all over this state attending police officers' funerals.

John Greene of Lebanon In.
Brother of ISP Mike Greene EOW 2-5-93

July 7, 2007

LT.
I had a family member ask about you the other day. I told them one of my favorite memories about you and the academy. You were putting us into push up position for the first time and got into position at the front of the room to do them with us. I remember laughing to myself, thinking that there was no way this old guy would be able to do very many push ups. Long after I had collapsed you were still going, without any sign of fatigue. It was a trend that would be repeated throughout the academy, and it always inspired me to keep going.

Trooper Jarrod Lents
Indiana State Police

June 23, 2007

Hey Gary,
As I look at your photograph, I know you're watching those riders as they leave Indianapolis this morning...but keep an extra eye on everyone who was with you last year. Take care of them and inspire them during their journey around Indiana. They ride for you! We all miss you...

Mark Hannan
Il COPS and rider

June 18, 2007

Gary, Last week was our Memorial program at the post. I apologize for the tears, they were only for my own selfish reasons. Thank you for all that you have tought me and my fellow troopers. Every sit up I do, is in remembrance of you!

Det. Steph Thompson
ISP, D14

May 30, 2007

Lt.Dudley, daily we strive to achieve those standards by which you lived and passed down through recruit class after recruit class. You will always remain in our prayers.

ISP 65th Recruit Class
ISP

May 26, 2007

Hey Brother : I continue to miss you. it has been almost a year since you passing. I think of you and Gary Martin daily. What you instilled in me contiues to thrive. Your compassion, courage, enthusiasium, and smile were and still are infectious. Especially as we remember you in our minds and hearts. You can still make me smile. My sceensaver is the last photo of you and the COPS Riders at Urey Middle School in Walkerton. You, Rich, and I, went out to the Verkler Farm to pay our respects to Bryan. Two days later you and Gary Martin were tragically taken from us by a senseless act. I'll never forget August 22. It will always be a painfull time time for those that loved you, and Gary Martin. I promise to always live according to the values that you taught me by simply being yourself. You were a precious person to our famly. I have an enlarged photo of you acting "Goofy" with my daughter, Sarah, while at your house. That photo is behind my desk in my office. My children loved visiting you and Caroline. They loved swimming with you, and you "Playing" with them. You always knew how to make people smile. You always could put us at ease. You will NEVER be forgotten. I love you brother!

Patrick Holdeman - Police Officer
Notre Dame Police Dept.

May 24, 2007