Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I'm sorry that I never got to personally meet you, but I feel like I know everything about you. In one week I have heard nothing but wonderful things said, and some pretty funny stories. You are a credit to your department, community, and the human race. Thank you for making such a huge impact in Tim's life. He will be a better officer and friend, because of the standards you have set before him. I know you will be with him every time he puts his uniform on. Please keep him safe.

Nicole Harland

January 16, 2007

REST IN PEACE

Lieutenant
Genesee County, Michigan

January 16, 2007

Officer Hardin,

I only had the opportunity to meet you once or twice... usually just by coincidence, we'd be at the same store or something. I didn't really know you at all, but I know a lot of people that knew you, and I can honestly say that you were a loved and respected man, and you will be missed by many. Just know that although you are no longer with us here, your memory will continue to inspire those who knew you.

Deputy-
CCSO

January 16, 2007

Heath I never thought about it until you said that we police officers spend more time together, then with our own families...which is why this hurts so bad because I feel like Ive lost not only a friend but a brother...we had some good times together: at the race in Darlington,the parties at my house and yours,stopping by seeing you when you were working...those memories will never be forgotton...I will do my best to be here for your family and help out in anyway..thanks for being a great friend to me and Ashley...I miss you and cant wait to see you again...

Officer Anthony Bergamine-Ashley Martin
HMPD-Friends

January 16, 2007

Officer Hardin...only God knows why you and others like you are taken at such a young age...We may never know why you had to go...maybe while you are in heaven you and Drew will figure it out so you can let the rest of us know when we get there...all I know is this....Your heart was so full of love that there was no more room...love was busting out at the seams....you loved your family...you loved your job...your heart just couldn't hold on anymore...it's ok...cause my Drew's heart had the same problem... he loved his job and family...he was happier than he had ever been his whole life....and his heart just couldn't hold on anymore....I hope that you will not go too far from your family...they will need to feel you with them over the next days, months, years....It has been almost 2 years since Drew left us, maybe he can be your FTO in heaven...I think he would like that! My heart aches for your family...as I know so many other hearts are aching too....much love and prayers, Chrissy

Chrissy Henley, surviving spouse
Officer William "Drew" Henley, Suffolk PD, EOW 3/19/05

January 16, 2007

Shelly, my heart goes out to you, and your children during this time of great loss.
Being a Police Officer is truely a "selfless" job, and Heath was a good example of that.

Michelle Acciardo
Wife- Lt. Joel Acciardo

January 16, 2007

Our deepest condolences to the Hope Mills Police Dept. family, and friends of Sgt Hardin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Carol Furlong & Craig Furlong-Turner
Survivors of fallen officer, Roy Turner

January 16, 2007

Rest in Peace, Brother.
My prayers for the family of our fallen brother.

Officer Tim Frazier
Corpus Christi Police Dept

January 16, 2007

The men and women of the Kill Devil Hills Police Dept. extend our condolences to Brother Heath, his family, friends and coworkers. May God show his love and mercy for those that grieve in the loss of a loved one.


God Bless.

Detective Sergeant Farrow
Kill Devil Hills Police Department

January 16, 2007

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant James Hardin, and the Hope Mills P.D. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Sergeant Hardin, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

January 16, 2007

Heath thinking of you over the past few days has reminded me that we can never choose our family God has that already planned for us. But he gives us the wonderful gift of choosing friends. In the Family of Law Enforcement God has given us both! Over the years you helped me in so many ways. When my Dad passed you gave me a shoulder to cry on and the loss of another family member you helped me understand the ways of the Indian traditions. And in the good times you always gave me a smile and an encouraging word or joke and would NEVER let me forget when I acted crazy.(most of the family should remember that, he always did) Even when you would call in the middle of the night for my husband you had a joke. Sorry grand prize winners are not called at 3am to confirm prize winnings. Not even the best of contests. The last time we talked in detail was after the Christmas party this past December. It was freezing but you still took the time to talk to me as you always did. We talked about celebrating my birthday later this month. I looked so forward to all of us getting together for that. You are a friend, and part of my family that will never be replaced. I will always be greatful to God for giving you to us, as a part of this wonderful Law Enforcement Family. God please take care of him as you welcome him with open arms to his new home in heaven.

Isiah 40:31- But they that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strengh, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR WINGS!


With love,
A F Phillips

January 16, 2007

Sergeant Hardin,
You will be missed. You were a great role model and affected everyone that met you. Thank you for your service. I now wear my black arm band for 2 Heroes. They really do live forever.

To your family, Sorry for your loss and thank you as well for his service.

Harry Hefner
Former Deputy Sheriff w/ Cumberland Co. S.O.

January 16, 2007

Heath, even though I am no longer part of the family I still hurt like they are. I got the call around 2 pm on Thursday January 11, 2007 from a friend at FPD and dropped to my kitchen floor. Just one week earlier I had to say goodbye to Jeff and now you. Of course I called Mama Russell first and I told her I didn't believe it and wouldn't until someone from HMPD told me, well Carolyn and Virginia called me at 3 pm and it was verified. All I could do was cry and say "NO".

I worked with your platoon for the better part of my six years at the department so I have plenty of memories with you. When MFMJ, Brooklyn and TT came up with "STRIKE TEAM ALPHA" and the hand signal I had a hard time with how to do it and you were nice enough to tell me what the hand signal I was doing looked like:) Yes I still do it wrong and I always will. When I started working there and was training with Carolyn on night shift she would tell me how you and Shelly made some beautiful babies and then when I got to meet Shelly she welcomed me with open arms and a smile. Over the years I got to experience what "true love" really was by watching and knowing you two. I remember one morning you were sitting at the kitchen table and I asked you why you were so sad looking and all you said was "Man, I love my wife" then like magic Shelly called on the phone. If only every couple could have the true love you and Shelly have the world would be such a better place. I know how happy you were about the new house because you would have your "Man Room" to do your manly stuff and you would tell me about how pretty Shelly decorated the house. And of course when you, Servie and Lee would be in the same room everyone would be laughing so hard they would cry, especially when you guys would talk about the race weekend breakfasts and adventures. Or when you and Servie said you guys were going to get those leather straps to wear on your biceps because Shelly was calling you "Dog" after Dog the bounty hunter.

I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to know you, your family and work with you. You will live on through our hearts. I will miss you and your famous grin but I will never forget you. Shelly, Samantha, Mason, and your Mom and Dad are in my prayers now and forever. I love you and until we meet again ....................

Felicia Tew

Felicia Tew
Former HMPD dispatcher

January 16, 2007

To the Family of SGT. Hardin,

Please accept our deepest sympathy for the death of your Hero in Blue. You are in our thoughts and prayers...may James rest in Peace, and may you find the strength to get through this time of incredible pain and sorrow. Thank you for your service SGT. HARDIN....HEROES LIVE FOREVER!

Donna Sacco
Wife of Lt. Sacco, Bethlehem Police Dept, PA

January 15, 2007

Sergeant Hardin,
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. You and your family are in our prayers. Rest Easy Brother!!

Dep. Paul Sperandeo Ofc. Amy Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, Gretna Police Dept. La

January 15, 2007

Heath,

Today is Monday, January 15, 2007 and you should have been on duty with your Platoon, "Strike Team Alpha." But wait, I stand corrected, for you Sgt. Hardin is standing on duty watching over your people as I write these words.

I have pulled this page up almost everyday, since Friday. January 12, 2007 when Carolyn first showed it to me, with the intent to write something. Yet something never came. Me, the one with always something to say is at a lost for words. I have sat and read the words of others and I am truly amazed of just how much of an impact you had on so many people, yet looking back on our short tenure, I understand all so well just what they are saying and what they mean.

You came to Hope Mills Police Department when I decided I wanted to work at the Town Hall as the Assistant Town Manager. Well, just like you, I should have known that my heart was in law enforcment, because as you know that story I went back into it, and of course ended up back at Hope Mills Police Department. Looking back on that, I see now that God has always guided me through my paths, and today, I believe that it was meant for you and I to cross paths again.

No, I don't think I enlighted your life, but I truly believed that you enlighten mind. You were a big man, and not just in statue, but big in heart. You care about who you were, about what you stood for, and lived your life for others. As a little girl, I remembered this song in church, and it was entitle, "Others," I always wanted to live my life by the words of that song, but Heath, you truly did. Yes, you were a wild man and you lived life to it's fullness, yet when it came time to talk to a little child and ask who had harmed them, you became a big teddy bear and your warmth and smile eased their fears.

Since I had become a detective and especially since I had gotten my own little cubby space, you were a frequent visitor. I sat here now and laugh thinking back on all the times you came in and would move something on my desk, I don't know why, you said something to do with "OCD," and I know that you certainly could not be talking about me, especially when you said that you had the same problem. (LOL) Then we would get into discussions about the law, matter of fact on Thursday, January 11, 2007, early that morning, when I was eating my oatmeal, we were having a discussion about questioning juveniles. You always told me you learn so much from me, but Heath you were wrong, for it was I that learned so much from you. I am going to miss our talks and discussions about the law, for it was through you that I grew into a better lawman. You always made me think.

You were the Sgt. of the "Strike Team Alpha." I wanted to take this time to define those words;
"Strike" To give a blow, smite. ( It has been a blow
since the first time Lee's words came out on
the radio, "officer down."
"Team" Two or more working and/or playing together.
You were the epitome of a team player. (Your
fellow officers worked as a team to bring
you back on that day we will never forget.)
"Alpha" The Beginning. Your were the Sgt. of your
team, and the true sign of a great leader, is
the work his people does when he is gone.
Your platoon will make you shine.
(God is your beginning and He awaits your
service in heaven.)

Heath, it was such a great honor that you and your team allowed me, and reconized me as a honorary member of the "Strike Team Alpha." Especially since I could never get the hand signal right. What am I to do now without you here to correct me?

I thank God, for bringing me back to Hope Mills Police Department, because I would not have wanted to missed being apart of your life and you being apart of mind.

Thank you Heath for the man that you were, the cop that you were, the husband and father that you were. Now I ask of you to watch over us as we continue to walk in your steps and try to live up to your standards.

In reading the reflections that many have written, I noticed that at least two have already posted a prayer, but I wanted to post my own take of the same prayer in my own words:

THE FINAL INSPECTION

Sgt Hardin stood and faced his God, which must always come to pass.He hoped his shoes were shinning, just as brightly as his brass.

“Step forward now, Sgt. Hardin. How should I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true?

Sgt Hardin squared his shoulder, and said, “No, Lord,
I guess I haven’t, those of us who carry the badge can’t always be a saint.

I’ve had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough. There were times I was violent, because the streets are though.

But, I’ve never took a penny, that wasn’t me to keep,
Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got to steep.

I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear. Sometimes, God forgive me, I’ve wept an unmanly tear.

I know I don’t deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around, except to calm their fear.

If you have a place for me here, Lord it doesn’t have to be grand. I’ve never expected or had too much, but if you don’t, I will understand.

There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod, as Sgt. Hardin waited quietly for the judgment of his God.

“Step forward now, Sgt Hardin, you’ve borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat with me on heaven’s streets. You’ve done your time in hell.”

Detective S. B. Merriman
Hope Mills Police Department, North Carolina

January 15, 2007

To a devoted father and husband and a wonderful officer and dear friend. Heath you will be truly missed by everyones whos life you touched in one way or another. I know that i will miss your smile and your outstanding personality. May you rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to Shelly the childern and the rest of your family. May God bless them in this time of need.

LaVon Jones

January 15, 2007

For all of the people who didn't know Sgt. Hardin let me tell you about this man. The man could not spell, everyone who know heath knows what I am talking about. I mean he would be like "Hey how do you spell..."and you would start spelling it for him and when you are just a few letters from the end he would stop you and say "Ok that was IN what?"(as in incident) And you would start spelling it again for him and he would stop you 4 or 5 times, but he wanted to get it right. Heath was a prefectionist, look at his court cases, his reports, his patrol car, and his platoon. No matter how clean our cars were they were never as clean as his. I would always just try and attribute mine to being a hand me down and that was as good as it was going to get. But, he would just give me that your full of s**t look, well actually he would tell me that to. Sgt. Hardin expected the best from us (Brooklyn, T.T., and myself) and he wouldn't just sit back and watch Strike Team Alhpa he was a apart of it....he was our leader. He would get GET DIRTY IN THE MUD with the best of them. Heath,I guess in closing for this reflection I would like to spell a few more words for you, H-E-A-R-T, C-O-M-P-A-S-S-I-O-N, T-R-U-S-T, L-O-V-E, L-E-A-D-E-R, and F-R-I-E-N-D. Actually I don't need to spell them for you because you lived them, preached, and were the epitome (sorry Servie I had to use your word) of these words. I love you Heath!

M.F.Matt Jean
Hope Mills Police Dept.

January 15, 2007

"Don't be angry with me if I am not there in person when you need me. Don't feel sorry for me that I am gone. When we were togehter, I loved you deeply and you gave me much happiness. Wherever I am when you feel sick at the heart or weary at life or when you stmble and fall and feel that you cannot get up again, think of me. I will be watching, smiling and cheering you on."

January 15, 2007

What a wonderful person, Officer, Family man and Friend. Heath you touched the hearts of alot of people. You lived with Honor, showed others respect and every one that knew you respected you and loved you. My heart is so empty at this tragic time I miss you as a friend and partner. Heath as a fellow American Native you set the standard in life. I will try to live my life doing what is right just like you. We love you my Friend, Rest in Peace, may God be with you.
Your Friend, and partner,
Gary Hammond

Chief Deputy Gary Hammond
Hoke County Sheriff's Office

January 15, 2007

Rest in peace, Brother! You will be missed.

Officer Shane Thomas
Oxford Police Dept. (Maine)

January 15, 2007

I AM SITTING AT HOPE MILLS PD AND CANNOT BELIEVE I AM WRITING THIS ON YOU. I STARTED WORKING AT HOPE MILLS PD IN 2001 AND YOU WERE MY FIELD TRAINING OFFICER. I KNEW WHEN I MET YOU THAT WE WOULD BECOME FRIENDS. I JUST DID NOT KNOW HOW GOOD OF FRIENDS WE WOULD HAVE BECOME. AFTER I COMPLETED TRAINING WITH YOU I GOT MOVED TO A SQUAD AND WAS ASSIGNED TO WORK WITH DAVE SERVIE. AND THEN I BECAME GOOD FRIENDS WITH HIM. IN 2002 I GOT MARRIED AND YOU AGREED TO BE ONE OF MY GROOMS MEN. THAT MEANT MORE TO ME THAN ANYONE WOULD EVER KNOW. I THEN DECIDED TO GO WORK FOR THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE. YOU WERE SO SUPPORTIVE AND I REMEMBER CRYING WITH YOU AT THE RUSSELLS HOUSE WHEN WE WERE SAYING GOOD BYE. I THEN DECIDED THAT MY HOME WAS AT HOPE MILLS PD AND I SPOKE WITH YOU AND SERVIE ABOUT RETURNING. I THEN RETURNED BACK TO HOPE MILLS PD ABOUT SIX MONTHS LATER. I THEN REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE PROMOTED TO CORPORAL. ALTHOUGH IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SERGEANT YOU STILL GOT PROMOTED. YOU WERE SO HAPPY. THEN IN 2005 HOPE MILLS PD DECIDED TO START UP A TRAFFIC UNIT. I THEN GOT TO BECOME VERY GOOD FRIENDS WITH LEE SUMNERS. THAT WAS WHEN WE SAID THAT YOU WERE AN HONORARY MEMBER OF THE T-UNIT. I ALSO REMEMBER GOING TO THE RACES WITH YOU, LEE, AND DAVE. MAN DID WE HAVE SOME FUN. BUT AS TIME WENT ON AND ON I BEGAN TO LOVE YOU, LEE, AND DAVE AS BROTHERS. WE ARE ALL BEST OF FRIENDS AND ITS JUST HARD KNOWING THAT NOW YOU ARE LOOKING DOWN ON US SMILING. HEATH YOU HAVE BEEN THERE FOR ME THROUGH THE GOOD TIMES AND BAD. YOU HAVE ALWAYS GIVEN ME THE BEST ADVISE IN THE WORLD AND YOU WERE ALWAYS RIGHT. ON JANUARY 10TH, 2007 I HAD TO BE AT WORK AT 10 PM. AS I LEFT MY RESIDENCE THE LAST THING I REMEMBER LOOKING AT WAS A PICTURE FROM THE RACE OF ME, YOU, LEE, AND DAVE. AT ABOUT 12:30 PM ON JANUARY 11TH, 2007 I WOKE UP SWEATING. I DID NOT KNOW WHY I JUST FELT LIKE SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT. ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER TONY CAME OVER TO TELL ME THAT YOU HAD GONE TO HEAVEN. MY HEART DROPPED AND I BEGAN TO CRY. HEATH YOU WERE AND ALWAYS WILL BE ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS AND BROTHER. I HAVE BEEN ASKED A DOZEN TIMES IF I HAVE ANY REGRETS GOING TO FAYETTEVILLE PD AND NOW I CAN SAY THAT I DO. I JUST WISH THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN THERE WITH YOU. I AM GLAD THAT YOU WERE THERE WITH YOUR BEST FRIENDS AND I AM SO PROUD OF THEM FOR TRYING TO SAVE YOU. HEATH I LOVE YOU AND I WILL SEE YOU WHENEVER GOD DEICDES ITS TIME FOR ME TO GO 10-7. HEATH I KNOW THAT YOU ARE WATCHING OVER US AND WE COULD NOT ASK FOR A BETTER GUARDIAN ANGEL. HEATH I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I WILL DO WHAT I CAN TO HELP YOUR FAMILY. TO SHELLY, SAMANTHA, AND MASON: I LOVE YOU GUYS AND YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. SHELLY, HEATH LOVED YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THIS WORLD. SAMANTHA AND MASON YOUR DAD LOVED YOU GUYS MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THIS WORLD AND HE WAS PROUD OF BOTH OF YOU. HEATH YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS AND REST IN PEACE! I LOVE YOU!

OFFICER GREG WHITE
FAYETTEVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

January 15, 2007

Heath, I had the honor of meeting you through my Brother and Sister in law Stacy and Kim. We always had a wonderful time when we were in your company. You always had a smile on your face and you always knew how to make everyone laugh. You always stirred things up at the annual Christmas Chinese gift exchange, and you were always the life of the party. You were a great friend, the Finest officer, a wonderful father and a great husband to shelly. You two were made for each other. When I got the news, I was totaly heart broken, that such a fine person had been taken from us so soon. You will be truely missed, but NEVER forgotten. To Shelly and the kids, I would like to say that you will never be alone. Not only will you be surrounded by friends and loved ones, But Heath loved you all so very much, and although he is not here in flesh, He will always be with you in spirit. This coming year will be filled with alot of firsts, but remember that first and foremost he loved you all with all of his heart, and he is watching over you always.
I was told that Heath wanted to be buried in the rain, and instantly I was directed to the words of a song that I sing quite often. It explained to me why he would want such a thing. The words tell why he wanted that for you and all the ones that hearts are sad. May these words comfort you and may god bless you all. Shelly if you need anything all you have to do is call.

"Healing Rain"
Healing rain, is coming down,
It’s coming nearer to this old town,
Rich and poor, Weak and Strong,
It’s bringing mercy it wont be long.

Healing rain is coming down, It’s coming closer,
To the lost and found, Tears of joy and tears of shame,
Are washed forever in Jesus’ name.

Healing rain it comes with fire,
So let it fall, and take us higher,
And healing rain, I’m not afraid,
To be washed in heaven’s rain.

Lift your heads, let us return,
To the mercy seat, where time began,
In your eyes, I see the pain,
Come soak this dry heart with healing rain,
Only You the Son of Man,
Could take a leper, and let him stand,
So lift Your hands, they can be held,
By someone greater, the great I AM.

Healing rain it comes with fire
So let it fall, and take us higher,
And healing rain, I’m not afraid,
To be washed in heaven’s rain,
To be washed in heaven’s rain.

Friend

January 15, 2007

Heath,
I didn't know you personally that well. We have met a few times although i do know you very well through my husband Matt. Heath he really loved you as a person and a supervisor. I know you know that you touched many lives in your 35 years and you are still doing so even in these days ahead. As,you watch over the rest of us i do want you to know i will be on Matt to KEEP HIS CAR CLEAN!!! And please rest in peace you are there to watch over Shelly, Samantha and Mason and we will all be here for them as well.
Heath you were a good man and a Great Sgt.
With love,

Crystal Jean
Wife of Hope Mills Officer

January 15, 2007

To my brother law enforcement officer James Hardin:It was always a pleasure working with you.You will not be forgotten Sir.You will be deeply missed.May you rest in peace.God Bless.

DP ESTEP
HOPE MILLS POLICE DEPT

January 15, 2007