Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The other day when I turned on the 400 in the car and hit "scan" I heard matt, taylor, and "tuh-muggins" on the net clears. It was so weird to not hear you. You and I disagreed and had different approaches but,all those conversations we had at Walmart or Hope Mills Middle school at 3 am, all come back. The little tid-bits of advice and encouragement you would so easily and naturally give. You had "leader" written all over you. I remember you, me and Servie feeding off each other being smart-asses during classes. Or, the G.I. that was hopped up on booze and amphetemines running around Colorado dr going berzerk, I had him on the ground and you ran up and put your hand on my shoulder and said "I got your back".

You were quick with a smile, a joke, something to lighten the mood. All the times you asked if I wanted to ride with you, after I bought my bike. I should have taken the time. Thats my regret with you. Heath, you truly are the best of us. God speed Heath.

Nolen

Nolen Caudell
Methodist University PD

March 24, 2007

Another night of being up and down replaying all the events that have happened so far. Seems like every corner I turn there is a some sort of road block and I have to find another way to get around. You spoiled me so much and I find myself having little tantrums because you are not here. Of course, I have them by myself. I'm getting out and going to the grocery store, etc. and running into so many people that knew you. I love to hear their stories of the special moments that they have shared with you. It really makes me smile. Heath, your life has impacted so many in others in such a positive way. It's funny how many people picked up on the fact that you would start talking about me you would always start the sentence "My wife". They talk of the love that you had for me and the kids and you weren't ashamed to express it. Melissa came over last night and helped me clean up the house ( You would be sooooo happy!It's up to your standards). We were talking about you and I asked her " What do you think Heath would want me to do?" and she replied, "he would want you to be happy". Of course she's right. I miss your OCD habits and your getting on to me all the time . I'm shutting the drawers that I would leave open in the morning. I kinda think I left them open so you would have something to fuss at me about. I miss that and all of the other little things. The kids are doing good . We talked about you all the time. We miss you so much. The guys at the PD have really taken us under their wings and have shown us so much love and support. I could not have made it this far without all of our friends and family. Dad told me the other night that "Shelly, no matter what happens, your mother and I will be right here to pick you up when you stumble and fall". Just like you , they have unconditional love for me. I'll write more soon. Love you.

PS Larry, you really need to come by more often so I can inspect the patrol car. :)

March 24, 2007

Shelly
Just wonderin' how you are doin ? Every time I come to this page to read my husbands reflections it seems I come to Heaths page. I hope you all are doing fine, it sounds like we have alot in common. March 28th will be 6 months since my husbands wreck , 2 months ago my grandma passed away then one of our good friends passed away. It seems soooo unfair. My boys are handling it but don't ask me how ? Take care and I'll write again.

Connie Holcomb
Sgt. Dale Holcomb EOW 9-28-06

March 23, 2007

Heath, Let me first saw that I know that I haven't written in a long time and sorry. We miss you so much. We are still doing the STRIKE TEAM ALPHA ritual everyday before shift, but it still isn't the same. I was hoping that Sam and Allyssa would be able to play softball on the same team this year but that didn't happen. At the basketball game at halftime your dad and Sam along with others performed and my girls were in the stands. Well after that I went home and found a warrior chant and put it on my phone. Actually the same one that Brooklyn on his ipod for the game to pump himself up. Well the other day Rachel brought my phone to me and started jumping and dancing in place and I couldn't figure out what she was doing. So she took the phone from me and turned on the walkman feature and scolled through the song until she came up to the warrior chant and then she started dancing to the music. Heath I replay that day in my head ALL THE TIME, I was so close to scooping him on my hood. Anyways I am sure you are well aware of the two letters of interest I have turned in, both of which are things that you took pride in and were very good at. I can't remember if I wrote this before but I wish I had the chance to tell you how much you impacted my life, as well as many others. Not long after you went "Home" to be with the Lord, I wrote a letter to another officer, and thanked him for all he has done in getting me here. I told him that I felt sorry for any trainee that I got because he will have pretty high standards that will need to be met. Keep in mind that I have learned something from everyone at work but I was with you two guys the longest. Heath I miss you and wish you could just come home to your family. Shelly, Sam, Mason, and your parents will always be in my thoughts and prayers. So until next time Yeah whateva

M.F.M.J
Hope Mills PD

March 23, 2007

Heath it has taken me a long time to write becaus every time i see this site i cant seem to see thru the tears. i miss you man. Heath you were a inspiration to all and i am truly a better person for just having known you. as you know i have taken over your watch. it is hard i feel like the shoes i have to fill are so big that i cant see the light of day. the boys are doing fine and still healing. matt has realy steped up to help. brooklyn is making huge steps at doing what you would want and TT is still the problem child and dealing with the loss the best she can. heath i know you know we talk every day but this is so hard. please give me the strength to cary your torch. i see shelly once in a while but im worried that by driving your car and walking in your shoes that i may bring painfull memories her way. she is so strong. it is amaising. well take care and tell god hi, and this earth needs more HEATH's in it. i love and miss you man.

LP
Friend

March 22, 2007

Well, buddy, it has been has been two months and 10 days. I find myself, looking back and saying what would Heath do or say, or how would he handle this call, or how would he just look at the problem. I had my yearly e-val and Larry did a good job on it. I never read your e-vals on me, I always knew they were good. Matt, and TT are doing ok. To be honest and no offense to Larry, it isn't the same without you bro. I am so glad I didn't make detective, and I am so happy I was able to goto your birthday party and do the small things with you. I still think to myself, I have should shown up for Thanksgiving dinner, even if you didn't answer your phone. I am picking up Sam, and Mason from school on my days off. They call me their "Nanny." Shelly had me go through some of your things, and you used to pick on me for not writting in all caps, and homie you didn't write in all caps, until like 2002. I miss you man, and I am going out there to see you soon. My family says, "Hey." The photo matt, you and I took at the "crappy" range, is hanging up right by the front door. My sister, had a friend, do a drawing of you, it has a dream catcher right beside you. Bro that thing looks just like you. I am going to get her to do one for Shelly. OK, I am done for now. I miss you man, and Love you. One more thing, Shelly told Mason today that God don't like ugly, it put a smile on my face, cause you always said that very thing to me. Love you bro. Holla at you later, B!

T.B. "BROOKLYN" HUGGINS
HMPD

March 21, 2007

Heath, I can't believe it's been 2 months since you went home to be with God. It still seems like a bad dream!! Not a day passes that you, Shelly, Samantha and Mason are not in our thoughts, prayers and/or conversations. Heath, you impacted so many people and still continue to touch many lives even now. We miss you Heath and will continue to honor you and all that you did.
Heath appeared in my dream and he was making his rounds to all of his family and friends to let everyone know that he was OK now and made it to heaven safely. He carried a huge smile on his face! Shelly, you are truely an amazing and beautiful lady and the strength you possess is honorable! God will continue to carry you, your beautiful children and Mr.& Mrs. Heath during this difficult time. I know Heath is looking down on you every second of the day and smiling because he's so proud of you Shelly and all that you're doing. May you feel his loving arms embrace always! Heath, all of the highschool memories and ones thereafter will be treasured forever and never forgotten. You continue to live in our hearts. Our loss but Heaven's gain! Shelly, we love you all and know we're there for you at all times. For the family- you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. We love you!
Debbie, Daniel, and the boys.

Debbie Lemons and family

March 11, 2007

It's now been 2 months since you left us and it still feels like a bad dream. We miss you so much and your passing has left a void in our lives that can never be filled. 2007 has not been a good year for us. I'm sure you were at the gates to greet grandma when she passed on Tuesday. Myself, Mason, Mom, Aunt Yvette and Lynn were there when she passed. I think Mason was comforted by the fact that you would be there waiting to see her through the gates of heaven. I just wonder how much more the three of us can stand. Mason lost a little friend at school. He was just 8 years old. Our children have faced so much these past few weeks and I feel that it is so unfair that their little hearts have to go through so much pain at such a young age. I am trying to do the best I can for them . I pray that the choices that I have made are the right ones. There is not a whole lot that I can remember from the days that followed after your passing, but what plays over and over in my head is January 11,2007. I'm sure that I am not the only one that relives it either. Mark, Dave , John ,Tim, Lee , Jake , Thank you for doing everything you could that day to try and save Heath. I just wish that I could have had one more day....

March 10, 2007

Heath~Sometimes it seems like an eternity sice you left us and then again sometimes it seems like just yesterday...It still seems so wrong to me and I just cant even begin to comprehend why you were taken from us. I know you are in a better pace and now walk the streets of Heaven. I want so badly to believe that you have been on vacation and are coming back to us soon...but I know its not to be. I wasn't able to make it to the game they had in honor of you and I am sorry but I hope you know I tried to get there...everything seemed to go wrong for me that day. I think Matt got a little upset that I didnt make it but I know he will forgive me. Not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts, especially when I am at work. I think back alot on that last day with you and wonder if I could have done anything differently..but I am so thankful that it was one of those days when we joked around and shared a few laughs together...I will cherish the memories from that day and all the others before it fondly...please know you will always be in my heart and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Me

March 10, 2007

Its been almost 3 months. everthing has changed i never thought it could happen. everybody is doing very well. just thought that i would say hello and i love you. i miss you and think about you everyday love you! ♥

Tonya

March 9, 2007

hey brother from a different mother. whats up buddy? just wanted to catch you up on whats been going on. first off i just cannot believe that its been almost two months since you left us. its just still hard to believe. anyway me and lee decided a couple weeks back to go see chop and see if he couldn't design a tattoo that symbolized you. he told us that he would be honored to and it would be a priviledge for him to tattoo us. heath you wouldn't believe what he came up with. its a feather with 625 in it and it looks awesome. it stood for what you taught your trainees (only me and lee retained everything you taught us)and the people you touched: loyalty, friendship, honesty, trustworthy, dedicated, and many other qualities that i have yet to mention but we all know that you had. anyway me, lee, and pickler went and got the tattoo done on the same day. man it was fun and two of the three spouses got piercings. oh yeah and my boy tony got the tat first. anyway jake, sports, and mark got it done shortly after. heath the tattoo was designed for your closest friends and i apologize for the one who got it and does not deserve to have it because they do not stand for anything that describes you. oh by the way the basketball game between us and the fire dogs was awesome. you would not believe how many people came out to see the game in honor of you. although we lost we won in the long run because we did it for you. oh yeah your memory bands came in and they look great. heath i want you to know that we took shelly and the kids to the hockey game the other night. it was me, melissa, sports, pam (her kids), tim, nicky, mr. huggins, fulmore and his girlfriend and mason, shelly, and samantha. heath it makes me feel so good to see them smile. when i took them home they heard your doorbell go off. shelly looked out the door but no one was there. man it was wierd because i didn't hear it. i looked around outside and didn't see anything. then mason told us that it was you checking in on them. heath if it was you i think it makes them feel a little safe. heath i want you to know that shelly is an inspiration to all. she is so strong and is doing the very best she can. heath i am keeping my promise to you and i am trying to do my best in helping take care of her. heath mason and samantha are doing well and i will do anything for them. shelly if you are reading this i want you to know that i love you guys and i am there for you at any time. heath mason called me uncle greg the other night and my heart just broke. it meant the world to me that he called me that but it just hurts me knowing that he just wants his daddy to come home. heath just know that i am there for your family and i will not desert them. heath i went to see you tongiht and apologize for not being able to stay long. anyway i love ya brother. oh yeah....everyone wants to know when i am coming home....all i can say is wait and see....love and talk with ya later.

greg white
fpd

March 4, 2007

Hey Shelly,

How are things going for you and the kids ? I know it is sooo hard to think about moving forward.. Dale's wreck was 5 months on Feb. 28th. It seems like such a night mare..Some days it seems like it was yesterday and other days it seems like it was along time ago. There is not a single day that does not go by that the boys and I don't think of him. The guys from the patrol post and my friends are what keeps us going . I'm sure you have alot of support from the police Dept. Our guys here are wonderful, they keep pretty close tabs on the boys and I. I also help out with Ohio Cops which has been a big support.
We are tryin' to plan our trip to Washington, for law enforement week. this has taken alot of time.
I just try to keep myself and the boys as busy as I can, If you have read some of Dales reflections you can see we are busy people,and hardly ever home. But I have found out that keeping busy is best.
I had to laugh when I seen you had just cooked for the first time .. Shelly it has been 5 months for us and I have cooked 2 times.. And I always cooked dinner before.
Tyler said to tell you that we had Subway tonight.. haha Subway and McDonalds is right down the road. (How Easy).
Well Shelly take care of the kids and yourself, it is not easy I know, Just know that your not alone.. My boys are 15 and 17, if you have teenagers that would like to talk .

Take Care and I'll write again soon.
Connie, Tyler and Trent Holcomb
Wife and kids of Sgt. Dale Holcomb EOW 9-28-06

March 3, 2007

It's been 6 weeks and I still can't believe that you are gone. I miss you so much. We are trying to stay busy ( the guys at the PD are making sure we do). This is by far the hardest thing that I will ever have to do in my entire life. I cooked dinner for the first time since you passed and found myself looking at the clock thinking you would be home at 7. Mason talks about you almost every minute of the day. There are not many things that I am sure of right now , the one thing that I do know is that you were the BEST daddy ever. Sam is still making straight A's. It's funny she's natured so much like me and Mason is just like you. We have the best kids ever! Mason says that he's going to be a police officer just like his daddy. I love you Heath and I'll write more soon.

March 3, 2007

Uncle Heath, its like a dream. i never thought that this could happen. i just want to tell you that i miss you, and miss all your funny stories you would come home and tell. its not the same anymore. sam and mason are doing well and im always there for them. everybody is doing well.☻ your always in my heart. i love you forever.
LOVE YOU ♥
Tonya

Tonya
Uncle

February 22, 2007

Heath,
Hey brother, Just wanted to drop by and tell you I think and talk of you everyday. I am so proud to have been called your friend.I remember all through school you an I cut up way too much,But man we had a blast. I went with some of the guys a few weekends ago and we got the memorial tattoo so you can go with us everyday,and when someone ask hey what is 625 I can proudly tell them about my hero and friend.when I heard the drum and the singers at the funeral I then realized why you had so much pride in your Native American Heritage,It was awsome to hear all those voices in unison and in your honor.

I'll take care of Strike Team Alpha and the rest of your gang here in Intake.

Love Ya Brother
Perry

Perry Howell
CCSO

February 22, 2007

"Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope, is I know
I'll see you again someday."

*** Kenny Chesney*** "Who You'd Be Today"

Prayers to the family and friends of this fine officer and I pray that with each passing day the pain of your loss lessens.

Officer Scott Wright
Mount Holly Police Department

February 18, 2007

It's been a month and it still feels like this is a bad dream. Myself, Samantha and Mason miss you terribly. I tell the kids to look at it as if you were working over with a late call. I know we are supposed to put our faith in the lord and he has a plan for all of us , it's just so hard to see what that might be right now. Mason said he had a dream about you the other night. You both were in heaven and you were dressed in all white . He said you never spoke to him , you just wrapped your arms around him and gave him a great big hug. That morning me and Mason had a real good cry and I told him that one day we all would be together again. Our eight year old baby boy has matured so much over this past month you would be so proud. Sam turning thirteen just two days after your passing. Our baby girl, a teenager now. It's hard to believe. Heath, I always told you that I wish I could be half the person you were. You always saw the best in everyone and always turned the other cheek. I was so blessed to have you in my life and would give anything to have your loving arms around me and hear your sweet voice. Our friends have been so supportive and without them I don't how I would have made it this far. I love you Heath.

Thankyou to everyone at Hope Mills PD, NCSHP,Fayetteville PD, Cumberland County Sheriff's Office,the community and my SBI family. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Shelly, Sam and Mason

February 13, 2007

625----what can I say? It's been more than a month since your beautiful soul left this place. Sadly I cant even remeber when the last time I saw your smile, still I can see it in my mind just as though it were yesterday.

I first met you in BLET--you, Stacey and the other guys always laughing, acting crazy during class--you guys made everyone laugh--especially me. That was a hard time for, I had left my confort zone and entered into a new lifestyle, I wanted to be a police officer. I thought it would be easy, I was quickly brought to reality, several times I wanted to quit--but you were always one step ahead of me-looking back-grinning telling me to keep up. "Com on little bit" is what you would holler out. Even then you constantly spoke about your wife--Shelly.

BlET was over and you went right to HMPD--I can remember several months before you were hired on with Hope Mills, you and I and several others from our class tried out for Fayetteville City. Chris Young was the only one that made it though.

Then you were hired with HMPD. Less than a year later I followed. You and SGT Pate were my first Partners--Man was I proud of that. My first picture as a LEO was with you, SGT Pate and I satnding next to your partol car. I tried to look big and bad like you--just didnt quite make it. I learned how to be an affective patrol office by mimicking your professionalism towards the public. I imulated myself after many great officers from HMPD-you were one of them.

Never a dull moment at work, between you, Dave,Lee, Johnathon,Tom, Sports, the Moes and Perrault--you knew how to keep the long nights bearable and the busy days laughable. It was very rare that you ever had anything less than a smile on your face--even after a very long weekend of nightshift and drunks.

The only time I can remember seeing you cry was when Tony passed away. You had a party very shortly after his death, we all drank in Tony's name, in fact you were gather everyone up in a group avery thirty minutes or so to drink a drink for Tony--you got mad if someone didnt participate--you had many parties like that one--every one hangin out with your mom and dad--eating and drinking--always a real good time--you always made anyone feel right at home--no matter what,

I went to your funeral, though it was an execellent tribute to your life, it still made me cry, over and over again. I was not ready to say goodbye--

I left HMPD and went to CCSO/CCBN because my work in that field was not done--I knew one day I would come back to work side-by-side my brothers one day soon--It was my solice when things got hard where I am at. To come back home and work with my family, fight with my family, love and cry with my family. Heath, we had a lot more work to do together--I was comming back--

Shelly, I know you have heard this a million times and by now are tired of hearing it, please know that you and your family are constantly in my prayers, I know only the Lord can help you through this great loss, but if you need anything ever--please let me know--I wish I could do more.

Fellow HMPD Family,
I know your loss very well, as I deeply feel it too. A day does not go by that I do not think of you and the great loss the department has gone through. Hope Mills is my home, it is where I started, and where I will finish my career in public service. Servie, you did such a great job with the service, how strong your words were, how strong you were--truley the marks of a great friend and brother. Lee your tears were not un-seen or un-felt--you guys were amazing and did a great job with Heath's memorial. I miss you guys, I miss you 625--continue to pray--love always _626

Detective
HMPD "626"

February 13, 2007

As I sit here and remember you and read the reflections left behind, it reminds me of your greatness, love and success. I know you are OK and I know you are still with us and watching over us all, joking with us like you always have. We love you Heath
"Keep on Smiling" it makes us all feel better!!!!!

February 13, 2007

Rest well brother...we'll take it from here.

PSO/K9 M. McNeely
Morganton DPS

February 12, 2007

MRS HARDIN,
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY PRAYERS.
TONIGHT I WAS READING THE REFLECTIONS FOR THE OFFICER FROM DES MOINES, AND SAW THAT YOU HAD LEFT A REFLECTION FOR HIM. HERE YOU ARE, JUST LOST YOUR HERO HUSBAND JUST ONE MONTH AGO, AND YOU'RE THINKING OF OTHERS. HOW VERY HONORABLE OF YOU. THANK YOU, AND GOD BLESS YOU.

SERGEANT HARDIN, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

February 12, 2007

Heath-Hard to believe it has already been a month. Kinda seemed like you were on vacation or something. Still doesn't seem quite real to me. I really miss you here at work, you always added so much. Your platoon was always great to work with, they still are, its just not the same but then I guess it never will be because your not here anymore. They really miss you too, I guess alot of people probably do. You just had that kinda personality and always had a smile on your face. You are definitely not replaceable. Well, I just wanted to stop in and tell ya that. We won't ever forget. Me

February 12, 2007

Shelly and kids,

I was just reading some of the reflections left for Heath. He sounds like a great man, I know you miss him every single day, please know that your not alone, it may seem like it at times but there is a whole bunch of people in the same shoes as you. My husband was on the Ohio State Highway Patrol and was killed on Sept 28, 2006. I have two boys age 15 and 17. If you ever want to talk or write I'm here to listen. Please take care and your in my thoughts.

Connie Holcomb
Wife of SGT. Dale Holcomb EOW Sept. 28 2006

February 12, 2007

This is a tragic loss to North Carolina. God bless this officer, and his family. It's because of these men and women that this is a great country.

police explorer
explorer

February 10, 2007

Their hearts are too big
Their wallets too thin.
They're an integral part
Of the world we live in.

They're at work everyday;
Come rain, sleet or snow.
'Cause dedication and honor
Are all that they know.

They deal with the worst
Day in and day out.
They're the ones who come running
When it's help that you shout.

They wear badges and guns
These modern-day knights.
But neither of these
Protect them from fright.

They get hit, kicked and spit on
And oinked at like swine.
Yet they always come back
With boots and belt shined.

They stand their ground firm
When others would run.
And when it's over, they smile
As if to them it's great fun.

When all else is bad
They're the ones doing good.
Doing right by the law
As we all know we should.

Still often it seems
They get no respect.
Some even gripe
When they catch a suspect.

They violated my rights!
The guilty will say.
But how about what they
Give up everyday?

They don't see their kids,
Their husband or wife.
To the families it seems
That the job is the life.

They get slashed at and stabbed;
Beaten, bloodied and shot.
And all too often,
One gives all he's got.

Brave brothers and sisters
Is what they all are.
When one is killed,
They mourn near and far.

Only then do we see
Their toughness wear thin.
And just for a moment,
They let us all in.

They're human you see,
These warriors true.
Regardless of if
They wear green, brown or blue.

They distinguish themselves
Above all the rest.
And it's not just about
The badge on their chest.

For they see the things
We don't want to see.
They are the ones
That protect you and me.

They do all the things
Only the finest will do.
They're the brave men and women
Of the thin line of blue.


"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God."

February 7, 2007