Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This is so hard to do, but let me say a few things about Heath Hardin. Heath was a friend to everyone, and especially me. as I said before, I was hired about 2 months before Heath was hired, in 1997. My Badge number was 624. Heath was given 625 when he was hired. We were both trained by Rick Inman, who was FTO. We would got into some crazy stuff. One time while assisting another agency in executing a search warrant on an apartment, for a homicide suspect, Heath found out that we were going to make entry with our own Offficers, acting as a SWAT Team, since we didn't have one. When the Sledge Hammer came out, Heath wanted to be the one swinging it. He begged and begged, and I finally relented to him. On the stairway, we were all lined up, and then i heard -"BOOM-BOOM- BOOM".the door would not open. i looked around and discovered that Heath had one hand right behind the Hammer head, and one on the shaft, hitting the door in an under handed popsition. I told Heath to "Use that thing like you're supposed too!" the next blow was correct in it's use, however he missed the lock completely. The Sledge Hammer went through the door, into the apartment, and Heath let go of it, sending it into the Apartment, luckily, not striking anyone inside. We completed the job. afterwards everyone was laughing and discussing what happened. Heath laughed at himself, harder than anyone else (with exception of me) was laughing at him.
You see, Heath was the kind of person who never let anything bother him for long. He would always smile.
The very last picture I got of him, was at my Promotion ceremony in August.With exception of Departmental Photos.
On Thursday, after the funeral, i was downloading photos from my digital camera, when I discovered a rather unusual photo. It was a Photo of his Patrol Car, in front of the Police Dept, around dark. I discovered a white glow directly over the car.if it was what i wondered it was, then he was there. I choose to believe this.
I was also one of the very few people from the Police Dept. to get the opportunity to watch him dance at a Pow-Wow. Though I did not understand what he was doing, he did it with grace, and with power at the same time. It was the most awesome thing I have ever seen!
Heath, you have always been a friend, a brother, and an officer. But the best thing you have done was Husband and Father. Seeing you and Shelly together was like watching a Fairy Tale live. There was also alot of times, like Shelly's birthday, when the 4 of us went out on the town. those who knew what happened, are lucky, but I won"t discuss that any further, but you know what I am talking about. We were planning to do that again for Faye's birthday, next week, but plans changed.
Be proud of the service. I know Shelly was. She said it celebrated your life, the only way it could have been celebrated. I know she misses you (as well as the kids do), but we are doing whatever we can to assist her. this is the least we can do ( and continue doing as long as it takes)for Shelly, Samantha, Mason, and your Mom and Dad.
I still think about that day, in that lonely Parking Lot, when you went down. I will never forget, as well as anyone else who was there. I have personal issues which only you know about it, but it will get better.
Oh, several of us are going to memorialize you in that special way, so make sure you help us do it right buddy.
Watch over us, while we are out there, and we will watch out for the family for you. I'll write more later. Until we meet again my friend,

P.S. you aree still a Master, and you will be a member of the "SWAT TEAM".

Lt. Mark Phillips

Lieutenant Mark Phillips
Hope Mills Police Department

January 20, 2007

Rest in peace brother!! Our hearts and prayers are with your family.

Officer Ingenito
NYS Unified Court System

January 20, 2007

Thank you for your service......

"the thin blue line keeps getting thinner"

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly PD, Va.

January 20, 2007

Heath,
Today is my second day back to work since we laid you to rest. And as you know it was a beautiful service. The first one was hard but there were people here with me, that was a Thursday. Today is now Saturday and I am alone. Wishing you were in here playing "Spider". I just so want to be able to tell you one more time that you can click the box for a hint. LOL. But I know what you would say- I'm the best I don't need a hint. You were so right!!! You are!!
My heart is still broken Heath I don't feel the same anymore.
I want you to know I will always be here for Shelly, she is a wonderful woman and you were lucky to have each other. I promise you I will always check on her.
We had great times that I will never forget. I just found out today that Larry will be moving to The Alpha Strike Team. God they couldn't have placed a better man with that platoon. I am grateful they got him they needed someone like you and I think thats about as close as they can get. You know Larry will take care of them and as always the Strike Team will make you proud. As they will always be proud to call you their Leader and SGT. Be his angel and watch over and guide him.
I feel like there is so much I need to say but I have came to a loss of words.
Oh "Hitler" got The VFW Officer of the Year award on Thursday night, and yes he gave a speech but this time it was for you. He cried but it was because he was grateful and he remembered that you were proud of him!! Boo got sworn in too. I will let Lee tell you his experince with her that night. Pretty funny though. Shelly came to support them the board honored her too. You would be so proud of her, like you always were. She has been so strong.
Heath look over us as we are all still in shock. I don't think any of us are really ready to move on. I know I'm still waiting for you to come thru the door any min. But I have to make myself face reality. I'm sad inside. I miss ya alot. Again you were and will always be the best in my book!!
I will write you again in a few days because I want to tell you things even though I know you are already aware of them. I know you have been looking over us but still this way it makes me feel better when I get to write to you.
Until again my friend and SGT.....

With Love,
Kristi

Kristi
Hope Mills PD Telecommunicator

January 20, 2007

My Final Goodbye



I heard them call "officer down" yet I didn't belive my ears,

its a dispatchers worst fear.

I did my best to stay calm,

though the thought of losing one of my guys was my biggest qualm.

I felt so helpless for there wasn't much I could do,

So I prayed and prayed that we wouldn't lose you.

When they told me they had started CPR,

I thought unreal, you've gone too far.

So young, so honest, so true,

You would no longer be my sarge in blue.

I know for everything there is a reason - life's not always fair,

The thought of never hearing your voice was almost too much to bare.

So today we said our final goodbyes as they called 625 your 10-42,

I promise I will do my best to make you proud if only you were here and knew.

In our hearts love for you will never cease,

So go now, my officer, and rest in peace.



Written on 1-17-2007 in loving memory of Sgt. James Heath Hardin

Dispatcher-Melinda Rea
Hope Mills Police Dept

January 20, 2007

HEATH, YOU LEFT A BIG HOLE IN OUR HEARTS. YOUR MOM AND DAD DON'T REALLY KNOW HOW TO GO ON WITHOUT YOU. SHELLY, SAMANTHA AND MASON ARE LOST WITH YOU GONE. IF THERE IS A WAY PLEASE ASK GOD TO LET YOU LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE OKAY AND WILL SEE THEM LATER. OUR INDIAN WARRIOR GO WITH GOD. HELP US DO AS YOU ALWAYS SAID, "THINK SMART, DRIVE SAFE, AND BE SAFE". BY THE WAY HEATH, BROOKLYN IS STILL PRAYING FOR THE GUYS BEFORE THEY GO OUT ON PATROL. WE LOVE YOU NOW AND WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER.

civilian family member

January 20, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hardin Family throughout this difficult time. May God Bless each of you.

Senior Trooper A. C. Thompson & Family
VSP - 1739

Senior Trooper A C Thompson
Virginia State Police

January 19, 2007

I'm still at a lost right now. Heath you are a special person and I along with others will miss the smile you would flash at me when we would see each other in our repected patrol cars. In high school you were the one I always thought would live forever because you were friendly to everyone. I know I thanked you before but hey Thanks man for being a great friend in school. When I found out you were coming to work at Hope Mills I told everyone You would fit in great there too. Thank you for the times we worked together. You made the times fly by on nite shifts. When my daughter was born you were the first one to volunteer your wife for the hook-ups, LOL. Thank you too shelly. You guys saved us a whole lot of cash. Salisbury called me the day you collasped. I will never forget the sound of his voice when he told me you had past away. I know I hadn't been in the HMPD as long as you have but, I know theses men and women will forever miss you. I will miss you, Your family will always miss you. I say to them, " If you need anything put me on the call anytime list!!!!" Shelly I know you don't know this but when I saw you at the wake I was at a lost for words, but you with what you were going thru made me smile. All you said was " I just want to call you Nite-Stic!" That made me feel so good inside that it brought a smile to your face in your time of great loss. Heath always teased me about my wrestling and we were going to put together a skit where he came out and danced at a show sometime. Sorry Heath we didn't get a chance to complete that quest. Brother you keep dancing in having. Sgt. Heath Hardin, Rest in Peace for your works on earth have been completed. I love you bro.

SRO/Eddie McKoy
Cumberland County Sheriff Office

January 19, 2007

Sgt. Hardin rest in peace. My prays go out to all the family, and friends.
Godspeed

G.Stevenson
McDowell County Sheriff's Office

January 19, 2007

I sit here again and ponder for the right words. I can only hope that Heath new that I truly loved him and put my entire existence into protecting him every time I sat on the desk, and as I sit here and still cry almost a week later, I wish I could have given more friendship. Shelly, I didn't come to your house to offer support because I just feel like there is not enough support to give. I want to give more. I want to speak word that no one else can speak to take the pain away. I want to give a gift to heal your soul. I want to give you more love than is humanly possible. I want to take your pain and carry it myself. I want to share with you more than a hug, a touch on your cheek and the words "I am sorry" as I did at the viewing. I want to give more than money to a fund. I can't find anything to give to you. My friend, I wish that I could. If only I could. I ask God now to show you comfort with my words, to give you hope with my tears that I cry and give you strength as my heart breaks. I haven't anything else to offer you than this, I can be the shoulder you cry on when you are lonely. I can be the hand you hold when you can't find one and I can be a friend. I wish I could have found the perfect gift for you, but this is all I have to offer. I wish there were more.

Kerri Scoville
Hope Mills Police Department

January 19, 2007

Rest in peace Brother.

1773P
CSPD

January 18, 2007

Shelly,
I spent a good deal of time with Heath over the years. He was bashful about his own accomplishments but never stopped talking about his love for you and your children. One small example of this was when we went to lunch last year. Heath and I were sitting in Andy's with Sean Swain having a good time and laughing about all sorts of things, painting the living room as I recall, the same thing that you, Heath and my wife and I had talked about in Wal-Mart the weekend before. Anyway, as we left walking into the parking lot we were approached by another officer who was going in to eat. He, and for the life of me I can't remember who that was, asked Sean and I if we were going to the promotion celebration the next day. I guess it was obvious that Sean and I were clueless so he said, "Didn't Heath tell you, he's getting his third stripe tomorrow?" Typical of Heath, he just spent 20 minutes describing how beautiful you had made your home and he "forgot to mention" his accomplishment and of course a good excuse for us to buy him lunch.
On a different note, Heath and I talked alot about the death of one of my officers. I had a hard time dealing with it. I still do. It is something that I think about everyday but it is something that I have come to terms with. Heath was there for me in many ways. We laughed and talked about all that is right with this world... and we cried while discussing all that is bad. We discussed this profession and all of its dangers. We discussed what we would do if we ever left law enforcement and we, in our own ways and through each other, reaffirmed our decisions to serve this community.
I want you to know that if there is anything that I can do for you please don't hesitate to ask. You can always reach me through the Sheriff's Office, or if you'd rather Carter or Dave or Terry and for that matter most of the other HMPD officers all have my numbers. I will do anything that I can for you and your family. I don't know why God called Heath home so soon but I am sure He had his reasons. My prayers are with you.

Senior Sergeant Matt Hurley
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

January 18, 2007

I remember meeting Heath and his dad when they came to the house to brick up the patio. I remember thinking what nice people they were and how good it was to have them around and watching them take prid in their work. I remember when Heath and Shelly were married and the birth of their children. I enjoyed watching Heath dance during the celebrations of his native american hertiage and with his daughter. I have had the pleasure of being part of family gatherings. I enjoyed watching the fun and the love they share with others and Heath was always giving us something to laugh about. I watch their children grow up. move into the new house. Both Heath and Shelly and all their family have been special for me. I remember when Heath became a police officer and how the town of Hope Mills had selected a good man. What everyone has said about Heath is the Heath I know best. My heart hurts and goes out for the family, friends and the police force. Nothing I can say is sufficient. I know all will be well as they walk the path of life God has given them He promises to see us through the good times and the hard times God will give us all the comfort and strength to get us through. Just know that we love you all and share in your sorrow. Your friend and family through the inlaw side of the family

Karen and Phil Ogden
friend and family

January 18, 2007

HEATH,
I will never forget our talks, which always seemed to take place in the pva of Wal-mart on a slow sunday night, about what you wanted when the day came in which it was time for you to go home to be with the LORD. Everyone involved did what you talked about, and it was beautiful. Cheif's speech brought tears to my eyes, as did Servie's. You know how he is with words. You would have been so proud of Brooklyn, I know I am. Lee mentioned the word trinity on Monday when we got together to learn, some honor gaurd duties. I knew the word had to do with three ingredients. Trinity means a group consisting of three closely related members, but Divine trinity means the union of three divine persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in one God. The loss of our alpha leader has made us a trinity, and although Brooklyn, T.T. and myself are not three divine persons, I believe that we are truely a blessed trinity for knowing you and being a part of your life. We heard from alot of people of how proud of us you were, and that means alot, but there aren't enough words to express how proud of you WE were. I am also greatfull to your parents for extending the invitation to stay and watch a ceremony of you heritage and traditions. Scottie C. put together a dvd of pictures, music ,and a portion of a pow-wow footage. After seeing the dvd and the ceremony I regret now more than ever that I never went to watch you.
In closing for this reflection I will again tell you that I love you, miss you , and will never forget what you have done for me. We will make sure that Shelly, Samantha, Mason, and you parents will always have another family there for them for any reason. I will write again later

M.K. JEAN
HOPE MILLS POLICE DEPT.

January 18, 2007

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Burks' wife,children, family, friends and co-workers. I was married to Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002, he also had been serving 9 years and we have two children just as your beloved officer. I am now married to Washington County Deputy Sheriff Aaron Carpenter. All of your COPS family is here for you and hurting for you. We all became a family when our loved ones became police officers and now we have even a stronger bond when one of our family members go down. We are here for you to help you along this journey you now have joined with us. God bless you all.

Denise Nichols Carpenter
Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002

January 18, 2007

God Bless you all.. As a former Hope Mills Officer I know how close knit ya'll are.. My prayers are with you all and Sgt. Hardin's family.

Detective Larry Calhoun
Naugatuck Police Dept Naug. CT

January 18, 2007

Our blessings go out to you Sergeant Hardin and all of those who are left behind after this tragic loss. Thank you for fighting the good fight and contributing to the peace that we all enjoy and take for granted.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of myself and my department.

Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls (WI) Police Department

January 18, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and sibling officers of Sergeant Hardin. May you rest in eternal peace sir.

Detective Mark Techmanski
City of Syracuse, NY Police Department

January 18, 2007

thank you for your services.god bless and r.i.p.

deputy
fairfield county s-o lancaster,ohio

January 17, 2007

Hey Heath,

Today, January 17th, I attended your funeral with what seemed like the rest of America!! I know you were proud!
I laughed, I cried, I giggled, I cried more...I was just a mess. But the slide show was beautiful. Special people worked very proudly to show you as you truly were, happy.

I thought back at times we talked, times we laughed, times we worked together and times when at your house or even when everyone got together and went out, how much fun you had with everyone. One of the first nights you and my husband met, you guys hit it off so well, remember, we were at Marks house. You and Ricky had sooo much fun that by the end of the night you two didn't even remember each others names. I think the both of you settled on the name "Jeff" for each other.

I remember my wedding day. You and Terry were so professional and I was so honored that you two took the time to be the honor guard in my wedding. I'm grateful also for you and your dad. When Ricky and I moved into our new home you and Big Harold helped us out by coming out and helping put in our patio.

I know you are proud of your department. Everyone has really tried everything possible to make things perfect. You should've seen the citizens in the community who came by to put flowers on your car, the businesses that showed their respects and the phone calls. You were truly loved by all. I hope your department made you proud!!
We are all proud of you!

I'll miss ya!
Melissa
HMPD

Melissa
Hope Mills P.D.

January 17, 2007

Heath,
As I sit here tonight, refecting on the service that truly honored your life, so many memories come to mind. The day that you were sworn in....getting the "rookie" on my shift, the "barn parties" we had for shift fellowship. So many good memories. All I know is, I will miss you my friend. I watched that "rookie" grow into one of the most outstanding supervisors of our department, a proud father of his children, and a husband who truly loved his wife.

Simply said, rest in peace in the arms of our Lord my friend and know that you will never be forgotten....until we meet again......

Sgt. C.J. Pate
HMPD

January 17, 2007

To the family and friends left behind, you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Buncombe County Deputy

January 17, 2007

The highest of distinctions is service to others. -King George VI

Sergeant Hardin -- Your dedication to the good of your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Sergeant Hardin -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Associatin

January 17, 2007

May you rest in Peace my K9 Brother
K9's Lead the Way

K9 Officer Roane County,Tn

January 17, 2007

My prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers today as you are laid to rest. I know that pain too well, and my heart breaks for them. God rest your soul. Thank you, Sir, for all you did. Rest now with Jesus.

Lori Johnson Rowley, wife of NC LEO
Daughter of Sgt. James Johnson, EOW 11/11/04, FCSO, NC

January 17, 2007