Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Gary, we buried another brother yesterday Monte Ruby. I know he and you are on the range together now. Both of you were very special to me and it has been a year I don't ever want to have to live through again losing two of you to the Lord to serve in his department has left me short handed. I want you two to serve him well. Rest in peace brothers. Joe

Director Joe Rushing
Cox Public Safety/Security

August 12, 2008

Gary you where an awesome friend and co-worker. I know God had a place prepared for you. Rest in peace brother.

Officer Davis
Cox Health Public Safety

August 11, 2008

Gary, I'm just sitting here reflecting on life and thinking of you. Every single time i think of you dancing the ymca at my wedding reception i laugh. I think that one moment in time is the memory i choose to stick with because it caught who you were so fully. Whether it was your infectious grin or easy way with people you brightened a lot of lives while you were here. I wanted to say thank you for that. And for being an inspiration to everyone who knew you. Someday we'll all dance the ymca together again. Until then, buddy, know you are sorely missed.

Lt Ben Matthews
Rockaway Beach Police Department

August 8, 2008

Gary, I finally made the switch to Greene County. And you were right: It's awesome here. The one disappointment is that I can't call and tell you about it. When I got hired, one of my first thoughts was how excited I was to tell you, then I realized I couldn't. It would have been great to work with you again, but I know you are still with me when I patrol. I'll see you on the other side, brother.

Deputy Jeremy Grisham
Greene County Sheriff's Department

June 7, 2008

Well brother, it's been a while....way too long already. I am confused still by the way I feel. I know that you are gone, but I still find myself saying "Man I gotta call Gary and tell him about this!" Anything that is significant in my life, I find myself sad because I can't tell you. I recently got that Detective job we tested for together. We sat next to each other during that test. We made jokes and cut up with each other to ease the coming pain of a promotional test! I have no doubt that you know whats happening and you are with us all daily. I just don't know what to say. After all this time I find that I am still truly very hurt. I dont know when, if ever, this will all sink into my head. I just cannot believe you are gone. I know you are in a better place my brother and look forward to that day when we are patroling those golden streets together. Thats gonna be a long time away, but I'm sure you'll keep a spot open for me on the squad when I get up there. Just know that you will never be forgotten and will always be in the hearts of those that truly love you. Id break that challenge coin out right now if you were here so you'd owe me a soda! All gave some, some gave all.

Detective Jeff Ussery
Greene County Sheriff's Department

June 4, 2008

hey they say that u are in a better place but as your sister i think so to i think about u every part of they day and i am sure Robbie dose to when i seen u in the casket i said thats not my brother and it was i couldent stop crying or thinking about the magic tricks u always showed me i miss them alot nothing has been the same sence u died we went to your grave i broke down after wards i thank u for what u did for everyone i am crying writing u this i love u so much and think about u all the time love your little sister Allana

i love u
sister

May 31, 2008

hey they say that u are in a better place but as your sister i think so to i think about u every part of they day and i am sure Robbie dose to when i seen u in the casket i said thats not my brother and it was i couldent stop crying or thinking about the magic tricks u always showed me i miss them alot nothing has been the same sence u died we went to your grave i broke down after wards i thank u for what u did for everyone i am crying writing u this i love u so much and think about u all the time love your little sister Allana

i love u
sister

May 31, 2008

Deputy McCormack your work on this Earth as we know it is now done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 28, 2008

We hadn't talked in a while and then I got the phone call that changed everything. I miss you and love you more than words can say. Your little sister Allana

Allana

May 24, 2008

I am riding in memory of Deputy McCormack in this year's Police Unity Tour. I would like to meet members of his department and family at the Memorial Wall when we ride into D.C. on May 12th.

Godspeed,
Sgt. 'Stevie Ray' Vaughn

Sergeant Stephen Vaughn
Tallahassee (FL) Police Department

April 13, 2008

It is hard to believe that it has been six months, some days it seems like yesterday and some days it seems like it has been years. We think of you every day. You touched so many of us and I will never forget you or what you did for all of us. I know you are still with us each day and you are looking over us from that great place.

Sergeant Brian Sells
Republic Police Department

April 9, 2008

Six months have passed since I last saw your face.
My world without you is a drab and lonely place.
Will there be sunshine after the rain?
Is there enough joy to replace so much pain?
You died doing exactly what you loved.
And are now looking down at us from up above.

I miss you more than I know how to say...

April 6, 2008

It's been almost five months and I still can't believe it. I think about you everyday, Gary, and I miss you.

Keep a watch over all of us while your up there.

Officer Jeremy Grisham
Republic Police Department

March 3, 2008

Happy Holidays Sarge, not really the same without you. I miss you more than I know how to say, I'll never forget you Gary.

PFC Chad Swanson
Combat Medic, United States Army

January 2, 2008

Gary, I just wanted to say thank you for all you did to make this area a better place for us to live in. Day in and day out you and your fellow Officers put your lives on the line...I thank you and all of the Law Enforcement Officers for what you do to make the world a better place for all of us. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace friend.

C.D
Green Co. Resident

January 1, 2008

Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and New Year. Miss you buddy...

Cpl. J. Lynn

December 30, 2007

Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday buddy. Thanksgiving was different for alot of people without you. I hope you are keeping everyone up there in line.

Deputy Jeff Ussery
Greene County

November 24, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

November 21, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 12, 2007

Deputy McCormack

You have paid the ultimate sacrifice for your community, state, and county. You are a hero and inspiration to others. Rest easy now in Heaven above as we will carry on down here. The thin line line keeps getting thinner; Rest in Peace.

Douglas W. Bennett
Juvenile Probation Officer Ky Dept of Juvenile Justice

November 9, 2007

I met Gary in the summer of 06 at the Republic Police Department. Gary was a wise man for his age, and had a good ability to make people laugh. I was so happy when he got a job with Greene County. Gary made a point to come visit anytime he was close to my little town. Gary had a way of making a person feel really good about themselves, and I will never forget him. See you on the other side brother.

Patrolman Danny Fillmore
Strafford / Friend

November 8, 2007

Gary,

Your reputation, your dedication, your true values. The things that all police officers strive for. I wish I got to now you better. I read your your resume, your achievements and goals, you did it, you accomplished them all to a higher degree then most of us will accomplish in a long career. I learned things from you, shortly before your death, but more so after. There are things that you have taught me, but only you, I, and the Lord knows. Thanks for all you are. We love you brother, we got your back, and I know you have ours.

Chief Deputy Jim Arnott
Greene County Sheriff's Department

October 30, 2007

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Deputy McCormack, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Gary, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Gary's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Gary's life was about so much more than the way he died. Gary will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Deputy McCormack, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost five years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

October 28, 2007

Deputy McCormack's wife, son, and daughter are in my prayers. As well as the volunteer Fire Fighter who was involved in this tragic accident. May God strengthen and comfort Deputy McCormack's family, friends, and co-workers.

Chaplain
White County Sheriff's Department, Arkansas

October 25, 2007

Gary,
We first really met at our training week at the Sheriff's Department. I especially remember pairing up with you at defensive tactics. (My shoulder still hurts from that day by the way) I ejoyed working with you and the way that you brought your knowledge and experience to the training. I also distinctly remember your reaction to my statement about installing these car video systems. When I told you how quick I thought we could get each one put in, you quickly and comically questioned my sanity. It still puts a smile on me face to think about it. Since your passing life has seemed surreal and I keep expecting to see you pop up at the office carrying an armload of those junked car video systems.

I know that God has a plan for all believers. I struggle each day to try and learn from your life those lessons I should that I may pass on God's love. I can not understand why this had to happen. I pray daily that it changes every person whos life you touched in a way that they can carry on your legacy and spread God's love in their words and deeds.

I pray for support for your family that they can emotionally make it through this and realize that you are looking over them daily, guiding them, protecting them and loving them.

Gary your time here was too short and I regret that I did not take the time to know you. For that I am sorry and ask for your forgiveness.

Congratulations brother, you made it home.
Jon Poulson
GC623

Deputy Jon Poulson
Greene County Sheriff's Department

October 23, 2007