Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Connie and kids,

I just wanted you to know that I think of you often and wonder how you guys are. We have moved to the beach and enjoy the slow pace and quietness of a small town. I can't believe that it's been two years . I'm sure you still pinch yourself and shake your head in disbelief . I often think to myself ,will that feeling ever go away? I hope to talk to you soon. S

Shelly Hardin
Survivor, Sgt. James Heath Hardin EOW 01-11-07

October 1, 2008

Hey its just me..

it's been 2 years since that horrible day. Sometimes it seems like yesterday others it seems so long ago. We are doing as well as we can. . Tyler has become an Ohio State Buckeye.. Hes doing realy good . Trent is a Senior at River Valley and is doing fine.
Dale there's not a day that doesn't go by that we don't think of you and miss you ! LOVE YOU ALWAYS !

Anonymous

September 29, 2008

Memories last a lifetime...gone but not forgotten!!!!

Brandy
P27

September 26, 2008

WE love you and miss you each and every day !!!

Anonymous

September 9, 2008

Hi Sarge, I was just setting here looking back through all of the reflectiions that people have left. Some I cried over and a few I smiled at. I read Capt's several times and it broke my heart a little each time.

I hope you know how much people down here still miss you and Josh. I dont know about other's, but it still seems a little strange. Kind of like it didnt really happen.

I just wanted to say hi and that I think of you so very often. Rest easy.

Heather
None

September 3, 2008

Just wanted to let you know that we still think of you all the time, Dale. We sure do miss you. Gallia County just isn't the same without you. Wish you were here.

Anonymous

August 22, 2008

It is men like you that make America great. You have a devoted wife and have
raised boys who will contribute to society. Thanks for your service and for
being a blessing.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

June 20, 2008

Happy Fathers Day !!!! WE Miss you and love you ... Me

June 17, 2008

Hey Girl,

WOW what an experience. DC was was amazing. Very emotionally draining though. All my phone numbers are packed away. We have moved in with my parents for a while. So much has happened this past year. I'm sure the same for you as well. Give me a call. I would love to catch up with you. Hope all is well. Talk to you soon. S

Shelly Hardin
Wife of Sgt J. Heath Hardin EOW 1-11-07

June 7, 2008

Hey Sarge! With National Peace Memorial Week going on, I wanting to let you know that not a day goes by that I don't think of you guys. You will never been forgotten and are surely missed by me and many others. Love ya, Brandy.

Brandy
P27

May 14, 2008

Hey I havent wrote for a while just been busy . Both the boys are keeping busy. Tyler is still showing cattle and doing very well. Trent is going to school and hanging out with Tyler Canady. There a job to keep track of. Its getting the time of year where we are going to have alot to do around here. Its not going to be to long till we have to mow the yard for the first time this year. Well you knew for a long time that your mom has been sick. She passed away Monday April 1 . Your dad is doing pretty good hes going to be very lonely but he will be fine. Well im going to go for now. We love you and miss you and think of you every single day !!!

April 2, 2008

Happy Birthday, Sarge. We sure do miss you.

Jennifer
OSP

March 7, 2008

Never forgotten, Sgt. Sure do miss ya.

Brandy
P27

February 11, 2008

Proud to have known you My Brother. G-d Speed

UC
ODPS-Inv Unit

January 28, 2008

Dale, You'll be seeing your mom sometime soon. She's not well and is coming to join you. She says she's ready because she misses you so much as we all do. We're all praying she doesn't suffer and praying for your Dad and family, too. I know you'll be waiting for her at the gate. Have a wonderful reunion.

January 10, 2008

Good News came today Dale , Not that it will help anything or bring you and Josh back, but maybe your families can have peace of mind. Always thinking of you and Josh .

January 9, 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 8, 2008

Merry Christmas Sarge!! You are missed very much.

Brandy
P27

December 24, 2007

Hey Sarge, I just wanted to tell you Merry Christmas.

Heather
None

December 24, 2007

Dale,

Spent most of the day thinking about you, Josh, Dave and Brian and your families. We miss you guys. I am very thankful for the good times I had with you.

Robbie
OSHP

November 22, 2007

HEY SGT HERE I AM WORKING ANOTHER HOLIDAY AND AS YOU KNOW WE USUALLY DONT HAVE THEM OFF AND I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT YOU ALOT TODAY AND ABOUT CONNIE AND TRENT AND TYLER I HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING WELL THROUGH THE THANKSGIVING DAY I JUST WANTED TO SAY TO YOU THAT I MISS HAVING YOU AROUND HERE AT WORK I HOPE YOUR HAVING A GOOD THANKSGIVING

REGINA RUSSELL
REGINA RUSSELL

November 22, 2007

Dale, you are not forgotten. We miss you working with us though we all know you are not far away. You were the best and such a wonderful influence on me. I am a better person for knowing you. Thank you. Thinking back on the time I spent working with you, I was such a kid, but you still treated me with such respect. Now, I'm so proud of the fact that you just knew my name. I was such a nobody, but you never treated me that way. We miss you. God bless you, sir. He's already blessed us by giving you to us.

November 8, 2007

God be with your family and friends. May they smile each time they think of you. We are better people for knowing you.

trooper
OSHP

September 28, 2007

Hey Dale,

I can't believe it has been one year already. It still seems like yesterday. My memories of when I heard the news is still so vivid. More vivid than I would like maybe... I miss ya, Dale. I'm so proud to be able to say that I served along side you. You were the best, sir. You really were. I'll never forget what I learned from you. I am really thankful I had the opportunity to meet you and work with you in Gallia County. The success I have experienced should be dedicated to you and a few very special others. You will always be ranked as one of my most favorite people I have met in my life. I think you would be very proud of me if you could see me now, sir. I will carry what you have taught me until the day I die. You'll never be forgotten and that's a promise. September 28, 2007...it came a lot sooner than any of us were ready for. We miss you, Dale. We're so proud of you and Josh. We miss you both. Home will never be the same without you there.

Firefighter/EMT

September 28, 2007

One year has passed and you have not been forgotten by those that love your dearly nor will they ever let your memory be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and protect them and help them with their grief. You are a true hero. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 28, 2007