Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family and friends of Lieutenant Dahlem,
I was very sad to hear about your loss.I live in Jacksonville.I heard about the accident that killed the Lieutenant.What a shame to lose your life in the line of duty.Please tell his family that I am sorry for their loss. He will be missed.

James Mitchell

james Mitchell

April 10, 2007

LT,

Your fellow Seminoles over here at the Tallahassee Police Department are thinking of you, your family, and your GPD family. We are remembering and honoring you, and we know that you have now joined the many who watch over us all each day. Rest easy LT, we've got the watch from here on.

Some fellow Garnet & Gold-Brothers In Blue
Tallahassee, FL PD

April 10, 2007

The news of Corey's death left me so sad. Corey was just at his prime.

I lost my brother at age 40 last year. I certainly understand the pain and hurt Corey's family is going through. Another gentle soul is gone.

To all my friends at GPD, my heart is with you.

Please be safe!

Love,

Maria

Maria Isabel Lopez, JD
Ex-GPD Officer #447

April 10, 2007

I wanted to express my gratitude to Sally, Brandon and Katie for sharing their husband and father with the Gainesville Police Department and our community. My husband, Chuck, who also loves midnights, has worked with Lt. Dahlem for 2 ½ years and I am thankful for the time that God placed my husband under his leadership at GPD. You could not ask for a better mentor. Although this week has been difficult for our family, it pales in comparison to what Lt. Dahlem’s family is going through.

The outpouring of love yesterday was evident at the funeral and grave side service. Yet what an outstanding testimony of Corey Dahlem’s life indeed! I was particularly touched when citizens from Gainesville stood with their families by the side of the road during the processional. They stood in reverence, young and old, with their hand over their heart to honor this fine man, his family and the Gainesville Police Department. Mr. Dahlem, I know how proud you are of your son. My husband will never forget the time you spent with him at the viewing and the father-like bear hug you gave him – it meant a lot.

I thought the weather yesterday during the funeral was appropriate for such a sad occasion. Yet at the same time, know that rain brings forth new life…a time of refreshment and healing of the land. I pray that God will bring healing to your hearts and give you peace that passes all understanding.

Our love and prayers go out to the Dahlem and Ragusa families – also to the GPD family. Lt. Dahlem, you have paid the ultimate sacrifice and you will not be forgotten. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends - John 15:13. Thank you Lt. Dahlem for your service to our country.

Jennifer Talton
Wife of Gainesville Police Officer Chuck Talton

April 10, 2007

Rest in Peace Lieutenant...

Lieutenant
Genesee County, Michigan

April 10, 2007

Rest in peace Brother Corey, you are a true Hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.


Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

April 10, 2007

I SAW THE TV COVERAGE OF THE FUNERAL FOR LT.DAHLEM YESTERDAY. THESE ALWAYS MAKES THE HAIR STAND UP ON MY NECK. ONLY DOING HIS JOB AND SOME ONE WITH TOO MUCH ALCOHOL TAKES HIS LIFE.SUCH A SHAME AND LOSS.22 YEARS OF SERVICE AND THEN WORKING A VICTORY CELEBRATION FOR THE UNI. OF FL.. MAY GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND HIS DEPT. MAY GOD GIVE THEM THE COURAGE TO FACE TOMORROW GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

CAPT.WAYNE BLANKINCHIP,P/R
JACKSONVILLE SHERIFFS OFFICE JAX FL

April 10, 2007

LT:

I am sure you were pleased with the wonderful tribute to you in Gainesville earlier today. As I looked around the house of God, I was amazed to see the tremendous turn-out and the support that was being offered to your family. I hope this offered you some comfort as to how our community will continue to support your loved one's here on earth.

I believe today's activities were a truly spectacular celebration of the husband, father, son, and friend you were to scores of people throughout the community. You have left an amazing mark on the hearts of thousands.

Please rest in peace, brother.

Dep. Greg Lyons
ACSO

Dep. Greg Lyons #763
Alachua County Sheriff's Office

April 9, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS THOSE WHO MOURN THE LOSS OF LT DAHLEM. MAY THEY KNOW THE LOVE AND MERCY OF GOD. TO MY FALLEN BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

April 9, 2007

LT Dahlem,

We all thank you for your time and service. Most of all we recognize your ultimate sacrifice. Your family is in my prayers. I hope we all take the extra effort to stop impaired drivers. What do you say when thank you isn't enough?

George Garner
Former ASO Deputy

April 9, 2007

LT,
You will be remembered and never forgotten. You were a very kind and caring person whos time was an asset to the community in which you have served. It has been an honor and a privledge knowing you and I know our paths will cross in the future. God Bless.

Chris (Cracker) Barnes Sgt at Arms
Enforcers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Alachua FL Chapter

April 9, 2007

I worked with Corey for 8 years at the Gainesville Police Department. Although I no longer work at GPD, I still love my GPD family. My heart was filled with sadness when I heard of our loss. Corey always had a smile and a kind word for me. I could not ever think of a single bad thing to say about him. He was just such a good man. I was truly touched by the number of people that were at the funeral, cemetery and reception for Corey today. As I looked around at so many people, it was amazing to think that Corey had in some way or another touched each one of those lives and that he had been a blessing to so many people. I was blessed to have known Corey. I don't understand why this has happened, but I do trust God, Corey. I know God is taking care of you now and I thank him for that. Thanks Be to God. May God Bless you, Corey, and your family.

Christy (Benton) Hendricks
Southwest Airlines FA, Former GPD 911 Dispatch

April 9, 2007

Whenever someone I know dies, I try to remember the first time I met them and the last time I spoke to them. I also try to remember a moment or incident involving that person that makes me smile and laugh. Here goes…

The first time I met Corey, I was a student at UF trying to sell my old computer. My brother, who worked for GPD at the time, told me a Sgt he worked with was trying to buy a computer. Corey eventually met me at my apartment and said he would buy the computer, for his mother. Immediately, I knew that Corey was a kind and generous person. This was also my first time speaking with Corey, but when we talked, it was like I already knew him. It wasn’t until a few years later when I began working at GPD, that I realized Corey was a genuinely good person. I can look back at the 10+ years I have known him, and cannot think of a single incident where he made a bad impression on me. I’ll echo what everyone else is saying about Corey, he was a good Lt, a good man, and a good husband. His family should know their pictures were proudly displayed on his file cabinet for all to see.

The last time I spoke to Corey, was probably in passing at the back door since I work upstairs now. Even in passing, Corey was always friendly and asked how I was doing.

My funniest memory involving Corey is the time he was parked downtown in front of the hot dog stand. This was his usual venue at bar closing. Corey was parked next to the curb alone in his Lt’s unmarked Crown Victoria. I was dealing with the typical out-of-town-college-aged-drunk who had lost his friends and all sense of personal responsibility. I was talking to the guy on the sidewalk near the front of Corey’s car. As I was trying to have the guy call a friend to come get him, he decided to walk over to Corey’s car and get in the front seat with him since he thought his car was a taxi. I remember the guy closing the door and sitting in the front seat next to Corey for a few seconds. I then remember him quickly getting shoved out onto the sidewalk. It makes me crack up even to this day, of all the cars this idiot could have entered, he gets into a police Lt’s car.

Corey-I’ll miss your long dissertation length alpha pages, your constant “vest tugs”, your warm heartedness, and your kind spirit at the department. You will truly be missed by all.

God Bless you and your family.

Cpl Nick Ferrara
Gainesville Police Dept

April 9, 2007

Thank you for all the things you did. I will really miss my go-to guy.

Cpl Carol Davis #558
Gainesville Police

April 9, 2007

The Gainesville Police Department and the family of Lt. Dahlem are in my thoughts and prayers.

Wendi
Clermont Police Department

April 9, 2007

I have no words to fully express the depth of my sorrow over the loss of Corey. But words and tears are all we have to resolve the conflict that wells up inside us when the inexplicable occurs. I have shed many tears and now feel compelled to release my thoughts through words.

“Faith, Hope and Love…” says the Apostle Paul as he instructs the Church in Corinth on values (1 Corinthians 13). Faith – that there is a loving God who will reunite us with those whom we love and have lost; Hope – that there is a greater purpose to the tragedies we face everyday and a way out of the confines of this trap called “life”; Love – that which has been shown to us by God, through Jesus. Grief is part of healing, healing allows us to continue living but let none of us live without Faith, Hope and Love. I believe Corey knew this. I believe Corey lived this.

The Apostle Paul finished his discourse by saying, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”. Corey, I love you, I respect you and I pray that I will honor you by living as you did – by Faith, Hope and Love.

Martin Honeycutt
Gainesville PD

April 9, 2007

POLICEMAN'S PRAYER

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, Policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my Church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
Can't always be a Saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my work was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep,
I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

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

If you've a place for me here, Lord
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was silence all around the Throne
Where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Unknown

Kim
Daughter of retired ASO & GPD officers

April 9, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to those who knew and now miss Lieutenant Dahlem.

May God lay His healing hands upon the family.

Retired Captain Joe L. Gilliland
Danville, KY PD

April 9, 2007

My heart goes out to Corey and his family and all of his brother and sister officers, I have known his sister Heather for some years and I know that the familys strong faith will carry them through this tragedy. God be with you all. RD

firefighter/EMT
SPFR ret.

April 9, 2007

LT, i didn't know you very well but i do know that you were one of the nicest and most respectable officers at the gainesville police department. You will be missed and forever loved by all. To the family members you have my deepest sympathy. It's never easy to lose someone you love so much. But just stay strong, keep your faith and don't give up. I am truly sorry for your loss.
With Love, Adam Joy ASO 6033

Adam Joy Criminal justice Tech
Alachua County SO

April 9, 2007

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lieutenant Corey Dahlem, and the Gainesville 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. Lieutenant Dahlem, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

April 9, 2007

LT Dahlem thank you for your many years of service to the citizens of Gainesville and the State of Florida. You are a hero. May God bless you, your loved ones, and the Gainesville Police Department. May the Lord grant your loved ones the strength to endure during this difficult time. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

April 9, 2007

Lt. Dahlem,
I was very saddened to hear of your passing. Know, however, that the sacrifice you made was not in vain in the least bit. It is very evident that you have touched many lives, personally and professionally. I consider it an honor to have worked with you for a very good department. There are still many great people working at GPD, so also know that you left it in good hands. I look back on my days at GPD fondly, and I know that you do too.
I also am glad to know that you had a faith in Christ. That does not make it much easier to understand why this had to happen, but it is comforting to know that you are in a much better place.
I'm not going to be able to be at the funeral today, but know that I am there in spirit.
Oh, and by the way, you can rest assured that I will not take a break without checking out on the radio first again!

Rest in peace, sir. You are not forgotten.

-Mark Komdeur

Mark Komdeur
former GPD officer

April 9, 2007

For our Brother,
Our condolences to your Family and our Brothers and Sisters at GPD you will be missed.

Tex: Secretary/Treasurer Leesburg Fl
Iron Pigs M/C Law Enforcement Firefighters Motorcycle Club

April 9, 2007

Please know that your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers at this terrible time. Thank you for your many years of service and dedication. Rest in peace.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Hero John Logan EOW-3-14-04

April 9, 2007