Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 30, 2007

"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

November 28, 2007

My dearest sweet heart....
I cannot believe that 368 days have passed since the last time I saw you, spoke to you, hugged you, kissed you and held you. It has been such a roller coaster of a year. It feels like your end of watch happend just a couple weeks ago. On the day of your 1st birthday in heaven (what I told the boys so they understand) I decided to have a poker tournament at the house in your honor. Jimmy helped me and he invited everyone you used to play poker with. What a turn out! We had 27 players and about 10-15 observers. These were all friends of ours from your department and friends you made in poker along the way. We put your picture on a barstool in the corner of the room by our dining room table. I also snuck you a coors light. It was so wonderful to hear the sound of poker in our house again. The boys were so excited to see everyone. Creighton wrote a journal about you in his home journal for school. He misses you so much. Chancellor talks about you all the time. He is so much like you it is not even funny! I wonder if that is why you had the connection you had with him. Today Creighton wanted to see what the driver of the car looked like who was in your accident. I asked him a few times if he was sure and he was. I looked him up online and showed Creighton. He reacted well. I have been honest with the boys all through this journey. I hope that I have made the right decision in that respect. I miss you with every breath of my existance. I keep you involved in our everyday life. I feel the boys and myself are better for it. I want to tell you thank you for the morning of your anniversary. It did not go un-noticed. I love you! I heard a new "mantra" to live this 2nd year of my life by: Always blessings...never losses. I am going to live this year noticing and being thankful for all the blessings your life has brought to me. Last year all I could think of were all the losses that we have endured due to you being gone.
Creighton wants to say something: I love you so much ...I love you so much in the whole wide world! I am going to ride my dirtbike without training wheels all day long. Chancellor has a few words: Me love you daddy in the whole world! I miss you! I ..hee hee ...oohhh hee...that funny one. Me going to ride my motorcycle a training wheels.
Ok, the boys let the cat out of the bag! We are going camping for the holiday. We did not go last year because of your accident. You would be proud of me trying to get the trailer ready like you would have. I wore your jeans today to give me the extra knowledge to know what to fix and get ready. I will be pulling the 5th wheel on my own and I am so excited to re-start our family tradition. I love you and I will forever feel your love throughout my being.
Happy 1st birthday in Heaven on 11-14-07....

Carrie amanure amenahuganut....

Carrie Hudnall
Spouse

November 17, 2007

We haven't forgotten about you Joe. Your memory lives on. RIP.

Kern Valley Lawmen

November 15, 2007

Thanks for your many contributions to law enforcement.
One year isn't long enough for anyone to heal, especially for those who hold you close to their heart.
Time has not diminished your sacrifice. There's
nothing I hate more than drunk driving. Go gettum,
guys!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

November 15, 2007

Carrie...You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today. I am here to listen whenever you need me.

May God grant you peace and comfort you, not only today, but always.

Kelly Dragus, widow of Sgt. Jonathan Dragus
Oklahoma City Police Department
EOW 10/20/05

Det. Kelly Dragus
Oklahoma City Police Department

November 14, 2007

We pause today and offer a prayer to your family and fellow officers as they deal with the first anniversary of your death.
You are nor forgotten rest in peace Deputy and may God be with your family.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

November 14, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this first anniversary of your EOW. I know their pain and daily struggle as they awake each day and attempt to get through the day. You are thought of constantly and they relive all the wonderful memories of love you left behind. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and protect them from harm. You are a true hero.

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

November 14, 2007

Carrie, you and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers on this sad day! Thinking of you....Joe will always be remembered by so many.

Rose W.
Wives Behind The Badge

November 14, 2007

To the Family and Friends, It has been 1 year since Joe's death, and reading all the reflections show he is missed. I pray you are able to find comfort over the upcoming holidays, and know you are not alone. We are all here remembering, praying and reflecting on what we have lost as a way to heal. Joe is a True Hero and will always be remembered.

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05

November 14, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Hudnall Jr on the anniversary of his passing. Heros are never forgotten. God Bless you all.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

November 14, 2007

I sit here and think about how last year at this time we were in Chicago with your wonderful son watching him graduate Boot camp...it seems like just yesterday. I was looking though my scrapbook today and all i could do was laugh when I saw the picture of you asleep at the mall and Josh made me take a picture of you. I just want you to know....To this day that was one of the best weeknds of my entire life. It was the first time i had seen josh in months and I was so happy that you were there to share such a wonderful moment in his life. Im so glad I got to spend that time with you. Miss you so much

Johanna

November 8, 2007

HEY DAD. WELL, THINGS ARE GOING DOWN HILL FOR ME. ME AND BRANDON ARE NOT MAKING ENOUGH MONEY. I AM TRYING TO GET HELP BUT EVERYONE IS DENYING ME. I WISH YOU WERE ALIVE TO HELP ME OUT. I CANT ASK MY MOM NO MORE. I OWE EVERYONE MONEY. LIFE IS JUST SUCKY RIGHT NOW. BUT ERIC AND VINCENT ARE BOTH HEALTHY AND I TALK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME TO THEM. THEY DONT UNDERSTAND YET BUT SOMEDAY THEY WILL. I LOVE YOU DAD. TALK TO YOU LATER
YOUR FAV GIRL
JEN

JENNIFER HUDNALL
DAUGHTER

November 7, 2007

Hey baby! I sit here at home 16 days before the the anniversary of your last day with us. I thought anniversaries were supposed to be celebrated. I cannot celebrate the last day I saw you, spoke to you, kissed you, made you laugh, hugged you, smelled you, and told you I love you, be careful and have a great day, the last time you kissed the boys goodbye while they were asleep. They dont even remember the last kiss from you. They both talk with me about you everyday. At church the other day Creighton held Chancellors hand and said "Mommy, I am holding Chancellors hand the way daddy used to hold mine!" Sure enough he had his pinky wrapped around the outside of Dinky's hand just like you held Creightons hand. I was so taken aback that he remembered that almost 1 year later. Chancellor tells me that he sees you and talks to you everyday. He even disobeys me and says that "Daddy told my I could." Bless his loving innocent heart. I believe with all my heart that he does see you and talk to you. I had to convince him yesterday that we did not leave daddy at the old house. He has learned the sign language sign for I LOVE YOU and puts it to the sky and says "I miss you daddy, I love you daddy" He tells me that he wants you out of his heart again so you can be here with us. It is so hard telling him that you are in his heart to stay and that you will never leave his heart. Our friends have been wonderful. I have become really close with a few that we knew and they have been amazing. Unfortunately some have disappeared...some that would really surprise you. That is ok...people are people and they make their choices. I have you in my heart and in our boys daily. Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you as I do non-stop all day long everyday. Today is just especially hard for some reason. I wish that you could come visit me in my dreams. I love and miss you so much that I feel like I am dying inside. Love ya bye

Carrie Hudnall
Spouse

October 29, 2007

Hey daddy. I have another son. His name is Eric William Cesenas.. Vincent enjoys his little brother alot. I miss you daddy. I cant wait to see you again. And when I do, I want to hold you forever. I love you dad. Your one and only, favorite Daughter,
Jennifer

Jennifer Hudanll
Daughter

October 11, 2007

To Carrie: I read your poem and your reflections for your husband. There really are no words of comfort to offer, but know that many people care about you and your children and your terrible loss. It is just so crushing when we lose a loved one so suddenly and violently before they have had the chance to live out the life they deserved. Thank you for the reflection you wrote on my son's page. I'll be thinking of you all at the ball game. We live in Washington state, so there's no way we can join you in person. I send my love to you and your family.

Caroline Clearman
Mother of Brent W. Clearman EOW 8-6-06

September 14, 2007

Joe,
It has been a long time my friend! I recently heard of your passing and I cannot express how deeply saddened I am. I have to say that I truely appreciate what you did for me 11 years ago. You saved my life and became someone to me that I will never forget. The world will not be the same without you in it to protect and love the people that were important to you. I never got the chance to meet your two boys or your wife, but I would like to say to them how sorry I am for their loss. I can only imagine how wonderful Jennifer and Josh grew up to be, and it was because they had a father like you. God Bless you, and may you rest in peace!

Joanna Beebe
long ago friend

August 30, 2007

Hi baby! I miss you so much that words cannot describe as I sit here writing you in tears more than 7 months after you were so abruptly taken from us. I thought that I would let you know that the boys are growing so fast. We try to go swimming when it isnt too hot. Creighton is swimming like a fish and Chancellor puts around the pool in that blue and yellow thing he used to hate as a baby. I have so many wonderful memories of the three of you in the pool daily for hours at a time and having dinner by the pool. Creighton is going in to 1st grade. I took him out of the school he was in as we had discussed prior to you going "home". I cannot believe that our 7th wedding anniversary is in 6 days. 7 years ago you made me the happiest woman in the world. I cannot believe that you will not be here to celebrate in person. We will spend that wonderful day together...I promise! I wish you were here holding me and letting me know that everything is going to be ok. I wish that I knew that you are ok and that you are looking over us everyday. I feel you as if you are with me and home. It still feels like you are at work when you are not home. Chancellor is looking more and more like you everyday. I sit and just stare at him because I see you staring back at me. Jennifer is having another boy. She is talking about having his middle name be william after you. She misses you so much. I am there for her as much as she wants me to be. Our grandson Vincent is standing on his own and crawling all over the place. The boys are so good with him. He see's me and has this huge smile. I love him so much. I see mom and Andrea everytime they come to town. We have lunch and if the kids arent in school I bring them too. I got a german shepard puppy that is the baby of mom's Leo and Andrea's Naomi. He is going to be our protector when he gets older. We have the trial date set and of course I will be there every second. I still cannot believe that you are gone. Rob brought me the gun belt, the back half of your vest and other leathers you had on that night. I felt like I was right at the hospital all over again just hearing about you being taken from us. Creighton played with one of the pairs of handcuffs you were wearing that night a few weeks ago. He wants to be just like you! He and Chancellor were handcuffing each other and being taken to "jail". I love you more than life itself. That will never ever change. I will visit you on the 4th with the boys! Start thinking of what you want to do and talk about on our anniversary! I love you my wonderful husband and soul mate!

Love ya Bye!

Carrie Hudnall
Wife

July 2, 2007

I was looking at some pictures taken of us when we were small. Whenever I read about Joey or hear about him, all I hear about is 'Deputy" Joe Hudnall. Yes, I know he was a Deputy Sheriff, but what about Joe-the man, or, as I knew him...”Joey'. For 9 years he served with the Sheriff’s Dept. For the 34 years before that, he just had the great luck to be Brother, Son, Father, Husband. I can remember laughing with his wife, Lisa, as we both decided that he was just like Jack Tripper from ‘Three’s Company’. So funny, laughing all the time, happy to ‘get ahead’ in life. He enjoyed his family. He was my favorite brother. So fun-loving, active, and a hard worker. He did enjoy motorcycles, just as the media has announced a million times, but I was on the back of his motorcycle when he tried to take a home-made ramp the wrong way and I still have the scar from the burn I received as a result of my thigh scraping the exhaust pipe during the motorcycle wreck. I’m also the one who took all the cacti and Joshua tree spikes out of his back after he pulled another motorcycle stunt. I remember his first motorcycle, a blue Honda 70. I watched him progress from there.

Debra Edwards
Sister

June 23, 2007

Carrie,
I know you supported us in prayer during Erick's funeral, and I just want you to know you and your family have been in my prayers as well.

Thank you Joe.

Nina Manny
Wife of California Highway Patrol Officer Erick Manny EOW 12/21/05

June 8, 2007

Joe, though you are gone your memory still lives on. There is not a day that goes by that you are not remembered. Kern 9, 10-7. Rest in peace.

Kern Velley Lawmen

June 1, 2007

Joe,
I can't even begin to write how much i miss u. Everyday I see Josh, I see u in his face. You have raised such a wonderful son and i promise i will make sure he's ok. I love him so much. I wish you could be here to see everything he has accomplished, you would love his truck:), Its 6 months today you were taken from us. I still can't believe its true. Watch over you family as they are in D.C, they love u so much. They need your love and guidence, if you could do anything for me, I want you to reach down from Heaven and Give Carrie a big hug, she needs you, Everyday I see her, i see how she longs for u. She loves you so much. While your down from Heaven and your not too busy maybe you could give the boys, and Jen and hug. I think they could really use a big hug form you.Well enough of my rambling. I love u and miss you everyday.
Love ya
p.s.
thanks for all the sunny days, I know it was you who asked God to make these past few weeks beautiful

Johanna Rhoads

May 14, 2007

May the Lord comfort the family of deputy Hudnall. Rest in peace Joe and thanks for a job well done. It is truly a long road to healing but together we pray for you all.

Mother of: Deputy Dan Archuleta
Kern County Sheriff Dept.
EOW September 12, 2004

Linda Archuleta
Seal Beach, California

May 2, 2007

I didnt know that i would miss bieng slapped in the back of the head or called a dalean or have someone forget my name so much untill it wasnt happening anymore I MISS YOU JOE

Mary
Daughters Best Friend

April 30, 2007

You are not forgotten. I often got told that I was one of the funniest guys around, but I think you got me beat. I remember helping you out with a call where the folks did not speak English. After that you would always say something about me not looking like a "Spaniard". You never did figure out my nickname "Rico" but you sure could put the bad guys in jail. You had the heart, loyalty and dedication like no one else. You were just starting your prime when the Good Lord took you home. Take care of us from above and God Bless you and your family. Thanks for all the laughs. 10-7 in Heaven
"Rico"

Senior Deputy Eric R. Fennell aka"Rico"
Kern County Sheriff's Office

April 1, 2007