Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

OFFICER HOFFMAN, YOU FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT AND PAID THE HIGHEST PRICE. YOUR FIGHT DOES NOT DIE WE WILL PICK UP THE BATTLE FOR YOU NOW. REST IN PEACE. A TRUE HERO.

Sgt Tim Kennedy
Spring Hill PD Tn

May 3, 2007

to the family of officer Hoffman our deepest condolences , although there are no words that can comfort at this time please know that we all grieve with you , you have a greater family than you'll ever know..lean on us...mom Hoffman may GOD wrap his loving arms around you and keep you... officer Hoffman thank you my brother for sharing the thin blue with me ... rest , we have the watch from here...

officer val pickens
b'ham p.d./b'ham,al

May 3, 2007

Luke,
I feel heartache with each breath I take. Each moment of silence on the radio I think of you and pray for your family. Rest in peace... 10-7, 10-41 ever after!

Dispatcher 1784
MCPD

May 2, 2007

REST IN PEACE, BROTHER.

OFC B. GRAJEK

May 2, 2007

THOUGH I DID NOT KNOW OFFICER HOFFMAN PERSONALLY , I SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THOSE WHO DID. REST IN PEACE.

CPL DET OFC B BURNS
BRYAN COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT, GA

May 2, 2007

May God bless you and peace be with your loved ones left behind. My heart goes out to the officer that hit you, and I pray that he finds peace and comfort in the guidance of the Lord.

HPD Wife
Houston Police Dept

May 2, 2007

Growing up the son of a Montgomery County Officer, I have a deep bond with the department and many of it's officers. I did not know Officer Hoffman, however, he gave his life in the line of duty serving this community, the same as several friends of mine have serving this Great Country. Brother, you are a true hero and a person to be respected for the sacrifice you have made. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers while you stand the "Eternal Watch" over us. Rest easy friend, may God be with your loved ones in this time of need.

MA2 Matthew Catherwood, US Navy Veteran
Son of a Retired MCPD Sgt.

May 2, 2007

I met Luke when I was in 5th grade at Woodmont Academy. His Mom was our secretary, nurse, receptionist and second Mother. Luke used to pitch in around the school and work summers doing maintenance. I have fond memories of cleaning the school, painting desks and picking up milkshakes at Twin Kiss with him. I had a huge crush on Luke for many summers as I am sure many other girls did :) He had this grin that was about a mile wide but you would never know from looking at pictures because he would never show his teeth :) He was a true country boy at heart down to the loud Ford truck that always let you know he was coming.

Luke was a generous, kind hearted, funny and sincere guy and his is dearly missed. I ache thinking of the time I missed spending with him because I forgot to pick up the phone. Luke gave to many and I hope and pray he is looking down on all of us still protecting us and keeping us safe.

You were an amazing man, officer and friend Luke. You will forever be remembered! Be at peace!

Carolyn
friend

May 2, 2007

God bless your loved ones, both your immediate family and Police family. Even though these are sad times for your friends, family and brothers in blue. Know that they are truly thankful for every day, hour, minute that you were in their lives. Know that they will continue to think of you every day. Weather it brings to them a smile of happiness from a fond memory, or a sorrowful tear.

Your watch will never end.

Thank you for choosing to serve and protect, and for putting your life on the line for the safety of others. Thank you to your extended police brothers and sisters whom continue to serve and protect.
Thank you for your service !!!
May you rest in Peace.

On Behalf of us all:
America’s 9/11 Foundation Inc.
Supporting Fire Police and EMS

America's 9/11 Foundation Inc.

May 2, 2007

We got it from here Luke, job well done my brother. Your short carrer with us will never be forgoten. Rest in peace for a true hero is reunited with God.

PO3
MCPD

May 2, 2007

I can't possibly sum up the positive impact Luke had on my life and others in this simple forum, but I can shed some light on it.
I have known Luke as long as I can remember, whether it be elementary school, middle school, HCYP baseball, Sunday school at St. Alphonsus, fishing, hiking the Patapsaco, trips to Atlantic City, Ocean City, girl advice, crabbing in Cambridge, and of course West Friendly, you name it, we did it. And the beautiful thing is, he and our other other close buddies knew all along that we had something absolutely special. We were hands down as close as brothers in every sense of the word. We probably spent as much time on the phone making sure everyone in our circle of friends could make whatever event we were planning as we did hanging out! Luke said nearly EVERY day how you never know when you're gonna go, have no regrets. "You gotta live your life Garratt!" he used to exclaim, even if it was just to get me out of bed to meet him at the bar for last call. Luke's mere presence put me at such ease that I made up my mind early on that I would always live somewhat near so that we could hang out for life. We talked about how one day our kids would be on the fields of Kiwanis and he just had to add that it would be his son striking out mine, just as was the case with us. We were each other's sounding boards, shootin' the shit late at night on the phone in college, wondering when we'd get the crew together again for a weekend of fun.
I recruited Luke to the fire department seven years ago and his passion for helping was apparent. He literally couldn't sit still, it drove me crazy. Let's go train, let's go on the air, come on!, he'd say. Before long, some of our volunteers who had become police officers caught Luke's eye and off to the academy he went. Every night on his way into roll call he'd tell me about work and how much fun he was having. One night in the academy he called me in a panic. "Garratt I screwed up big time today." After a long pause he explained that he had recieved a demerit for not having a specific pen to complement his uniform. I thought he was gonna tell me something awful. I told him he was ridiculous and that he was gonna tear that academy up. And he did, graduating first in his class. Being a cop or a fireman wasn't what defined Luke- being a moral, compassionate and loving person was. He'd seek out whoever seemed lonely or down in a crowded room and put a smile on their face. Our group of friends will tell you they have never heard other people talk of their friends with the fervor or appreciation that we and Luke did of ours. Usually people say what a shame it is that a tragic death as this is what it takes to realize what we have. Luke was so impressive a person that we knew all along. Luke was the strongest person of our group, always checking up on everybody, settling any petty arguments, concentrating on the good in life. Our lives will never be the same without him, but at least we knew what we had, and it was all thanks to him. Everything happens for a reason, I believe that sincerely, and someone up above made sure that Luke knew time was precious.
Luke and some other police officers spent the night at my house here in Ocean City Saturday night. We went to Hooter's and then off to the Paddock for the Mr. Greengenes concert. Even though we'd been up all night, he pounded up the stairs bright and early Sunday morning, popped his head in my room to announce he was off to Cambridge to go fishing ending with "Garratt, don't sleep the day away!" He slammed the door and like that, Luke was gone.
But Luke doesn't have to be gone. He can live on in the rest of us. Although I'd do anything to sit next to him and see that grin as his son strikes out mine, I'll instead tell my kids about what a wonderful person my best friend Luke was. I'll do that in hopes that they may see the affect that someone long before them had on their father, and that they too, may be able to change the lives of those around them for the better.

Firefighter/EMT
West Friendship VFD

May 1, 2007

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Luke Hoffman at this most tragic time. Officer Hoffman you made the ultimate sacrifice and you are a hero. Brother Hoffman may you rest in peace. You will never be forgotten. God will take care of you now.

Deputy John Williamson
Fairfield County Sheriff's Office, Ohio

May 1, 2007

Be still, my soul
The Lord is on your side.
Bear patiently
The cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God
To order and provide;
In every change
God faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul
Your best
Your heavenly friend
Through thorny ways
Leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul
Your God will undertake
To guide the future
As in ages past.
Your hope, your confidence
Let nothing shake;
All now mysterious
Shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul
The waves and winds still know
The Christ who ruled them while he dwelt below.

Be still, my soul
The hour is hastening on
When we shall be
Forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief,
And fear are gone,
Sorrow for forgot
Love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul
When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed
We shall meet at last.

May 1, 2007

Good police officers are never forgotten. Rest well, brother.

P/O Johannessen #2984
PGPD - District III

May 1, 2007

Can't stop thinking about you and missing you. Your loss weighs so heavily on my heart. I don't even know how to begin to pick up the pieces and move on.

Stephanie - I'm praying for you.

May 1, 2007

I was sorry to hear of the death of Officer Hoffman. I know he will be missed by loved ones and his co-workers. You have both my thoughts and prayers.

Chaplain
White County Sheriff's Department, Arkansas

May 1, 2007

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. -Albert Pine

Officer Hoffman -- The sacrifice you made for your community will never be forgotten.

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

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

May 1, 2007

“We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.”

That's why we were all out there that night. God bless you Luke.

MCPD 4D Shift 8, brother

May 1, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to those who knew and now miss Officer Hoffman.

May God lay His healing hands upon the family.

Retired Captain Joe L. Gilliland
Danville, KY PD

May 1, 2007

I never got the chance to know you, but you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. This isnt the first time I have felt this sick feeling in my stomach for a fellow officer and their family/friends. May you rest in peace Brother. My prayers go out to your family and fellow officers, especially for the brothers on mids.

PO 4 Anonymous
MC Park

May 1, 2007

I wish that I had the chance to get to know you, however, I have learned a lot about your character, work ethic and dedication in just the last few days. Although you were only with us for a short period of time, your presence will never be forgotten. I am proud that you were and will always be my brother. Rest in peace.

Sgt Ari Elkin #1408
Montgomery County PD - K9

May 1, 2007

My the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. You are now their angel in blue to watch over them from above.

Amy Bradburn
Citizen, South Bend, Indiana

May 1, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

April 30, 2007

RIP BROTHER

DEPUTY JORDAN
MIDDLESEX SHERIFFS OFFICE

April 30, 2007

"For those who pledge to uphold it, freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know.”

April 30, 2007