Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My husband is not only a Deputy Sheriff but a volunteer with the Ebenezer Fire Protection District. The morning of October 6 I heard the first call go out for an accident that was quite a ways from our house. My husband was asleep with one of the kids so I didn't wake him. However, when I heard the second call, the report of an accident involving a Sheriff's car and the fear in the dispatcher's voice, I immediately ran into the other room and woke up my husband. He got up and responded to the call. About a half hour later he called me almost in tears and informed me that a deputy had been killed in the accident and that one of their fire dept members was flown out in serious condition. It hit him and me really hard.

The next few days I tried to watch the news and read the paper but every time I did I had to fight or wipe away tears and also thanking God it wasn't my husband killed or hurt. My thoughts and prayers were constantly on Deputy McCormack's family.

Through the whole tragedy, the thing that surprised everyone the most was what his wife did at the cemetery. She went up to the members of the Ebenezer Fire Protection District after the graveside service and hugged them and told them she had no hard feelings toward them.

God bless his wife and children. Hopefully some day their children will be able to see all these wonderful comments and memories of their father.

Carolyn Caplinger
Wife of Christian Co, MO Deputy & Ebenezer Fire Prot. Dist. Volunteer

October 22, 2007

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Deputy Sheriff Gary D. McCormack,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Deputy Sheriff Gary D. McCormick. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Deputy Sheriff Gary D. McCormack is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

October 22, 2007

Rest in Peace, Gary. We thank you for your Service, Sir. You will NEVER be forgotten.

Sr. Trooper Trey Pellizzari
Texas Dept of Public Safety/Commercial Vehicle Enforcement--Rockwall

October 22, 2007

I have been with Greene County for over two years. When I found out that Gary was going to come to work at the Sheriff's Dept. I was excited.
I met Gary while working security at Cox Health. He was a sergeant there and the training officer. I was privileged to be trained in firearms, tasers, and defensive tactics by Gary. Not only did I learn things that no other instructor had taught me, but I could tell that he truly cared and wanted me to be the best officer I could be.
His sense of humor was so amazing, he could easily make anyone double over in laughter. (Ding fries are done).
At the end of our defensive tactics class, after we were all sore and tired from beating on each other all day, Gary had all of us get in a circle and place our arms around each other. He said that we are not just security officers at a hospital, we are all Deputies and that some time in the future we could all be at different agencies. If we find ourselves in a bad situation and see the familiar face of another officer across from us, you will be confident that the officer across from you will have your back. I have no doubt that Gary McMcormack will be watching all of our backs.
Thank you Gary for being a bright spot in my life and showing me the right way to do things.

Deputy Ritterhoff
Greene County Sheriff's dept./jail

October 22, 2007

God bless you and your family....

Jennifer

October 21, 2007

Gary,
Thank you for your sacrifice. I was just beginning to realize how much you could teach us all in life, and then you had to go. You have given me the motivation to be a better person. Just when I thought that I was doing well, that I was a caring and a giving person I learned that I could be so much more just by following your example. You were a true friend to all, a hero to your family, a leader to your law enforcement brothers and sisters, and an inspiration to young people in need of a role model. I am very sorry that I did not make the time to know you better in life. You have forever changed the hearts of many people and you will never be forgotten. People like you are so very rare, you possessed the human elements that make this world a better place. We will all miss you dearly.

I remember talking to you about the Greene County Sheriff’s Department and why you wanted to work here. It seems so ironic that you came here because you thought that there was a good support network for each other when times where tough. I have learned through this loss that there is still a support network, it is called a brotherhood, and all is not lost. You have formed and strengthened these new bonds between all of your brothers and sisters in law enforcement and I pray that we can keep these commitments to each other and to the cause that we all share with you. I sincerely hope that we have all lived up to your expectations. It is my promise to you that I will do everything that I can do to support your family and to carry on your legacy. Rest in Peace Gary.

Grant and Natalie,
I am so sorry that you did not get to spend more time with your dad. He was a wonderful man who watched over and protected everybody. I am certain that he is watching over you now and that he always will be. It is ok to feel sad when you miss him, just remember that his love will always surround you. Your dad left a piece of his spirit in everyone who knew him and I hope that when you read everything that people said about him you will realize that he is alive in all of us. Cry when feel like crying but don’t forget to laugh and smile when you think about him too. Your dad lived to love and to bring laughter and joy to everyone around him. Your adopted family will be here for you whenever you need us. Do everything that you do to the very best of your abilities and never give up.

Brothers and Sisters,
How do you want to be remembered?
Be good to each other and always keep the promises that you make.

Nemo Macto Unus

Lieutenant Phil S. Corcoran
Greene County Sheriff's Department

October 19, 2007

I SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND GREENE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE DEMISE OF DEPUTY SHERIFF GARY D. MCCORMACK. I PRAY EVERYONE WHO KNEW THIS HONORABLE MAN WILL CONTINUE TO REMEMBER HIS BRAVERY, COURAGE, AND THE LEGACY IN WHICH HE LEFT.

DEPUTY SHERIFF GARY D. MCCORMACK YOUR SHIFT IS OVER NOW, WE WILL TAKE IT FROM HERE. REST IN PEACE, BROTHER...

DEPUTY SHERIFF JAMES E. BRADFORD JR.
BRADLEY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

October 16, 2007

I find it difficult to express my thoughts and feelings at a time like this. Gary has left an impression on me that very few people have. I met Gary during the Sheriff's Department required training. I spent a week with Gary during this training. The first four days I counld not help but think Gary was "odd" . In fact I even voiced my opinion to him and told him him several times throughout the week that he is "out there". Then I had the privilege of having Gary as one of the range instructors that week. Gary was unlike any instructor I had been exposed to. He never said "this is the only way to do this." Gary preferred to say "try this as an option and see what you think." We had a shooting scenario towards the end of the day. We knew we would go through it twice and it was a "worst case" scenario. After telling us what the course of fire was, Gary let us go through it. At the end of the day I can get grumpy. So, I did it the easy way, as did many others. Then Gary had us all stand at the individual targets and he was the officer. Gary taught me how much we exposed ourselves to potential targets. Shortly after, it became my turn to go through the course of fire again. I had already taken off my cell phone and badge, formulating a plan in my head. I exited the vehicle and "low crawled" the course of fire, shooting from the prone position. As I was going through the course of fire, Gary was encouraging me and alomost cheering me on. When I was done, I had a new perspective on training at the range and a new perspective of Gary. That very day I explained to Gary, even though I thought he was "out there", he taught me things that will keep me alive in a bad situation.

For those of you that didn't know Gary, he was the kind of officer that could get a grumpy, less than mobile Sergeant to "low crawl" at the range and learn something new. This is just a small example of the kind of man Gary McCormack was. His legacy will live on as officers that were trained by him, pass on the knowledge.

I am not much of a bible reader. However, I did find a verse since Gary's passing that makes me think of him. The verse is Isaiah 6:8, it says:
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying:
Who should I send?
Who will go for us?
I said:
Here I am. Send me.

That would have been Gary saying "send me". Gary you are missed. You will not be forgotten. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Rest easy brother.

Sgt. Jim Farrell
Greene County Sheriff's Department

October 16, 2007

The wound will heal with time but the scar remains forever so he is never forgotten.

Amanda Inzer
Wife of Deputy Alan Inzer EOW 01/25/07

October 15, 2007

To the Family of Deputy Gary McCormack,and to his Greene County Family.the world lost a Great Man,and Deputy,but the Lord our Savior Jesus Christ has gained a Great helper,and Angel.both my Mom Carmileta Paschall,and I are in constant prayer for the McCormack Family,the Greene County Family,the Joshua Douglas Family,and the Ebenezer Fire Protection Dist. Family that the Lord will touch,and minister to all of us that feel the loss of Deputy Gary McCormack.to all that has been touched by this event we Love you all,and are Praying for you all,so Brother Gary you rest in peace,and we'll take it from here,and may the good Lord above Bless us all untill we can all be together again.Gary was a Man that always made everyone that he came in contact with feel liked,and welcome.Gary is a Inspiration to us all,and he will be Greatly Missed.God Bless you Gary,and God Bless his Greene County Family.

Brian Paschall
Greene County Community Emergency Response Team Dist. 4

October 15, 2007

Gary was that guy, that guy you wanted to work with. He was proactive, which motivated you. He could take you from not wanting to be at work, to suddenly finding yourself in a silent competition with. I felt like I knew Gary until he passed, now I feel like I have known him my whole life with all of the storys I have heard from others that knew him much better than I. Gary had the sence of humor and wit that I wished that I had. He had the most off the wall comments from not just outside the box, from a different box all together, but it made perfect sense. He could make you laugh in the most serious of situations. Gary taught range for us ONE time and I felt it was some of the best training and out of the box thinking that I have received. Gary was that guy who had hot pink handcuff's for the ones that thought they were bad. He was the one playing christian music to have an influence on his prisoners. He was that guy, now he is that guy guarding the gates of heaven. I can only think of one other person that is there with him, Deputy Brad Mabee EOW 10-17-97, I am sure they have made the best of friends.

Love ya brother,
Cpl. Jeremy Lynn
Greene County Sheriff's Department.

CPL Jeremy J Lynn
Coworker/Friend

October 15, 2007

May the Lord bless Deputy Sheriff McCormack, his family, friends and fellow co-workers. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace Brother.

Patrolman Bryan Losagio
Salisbury Township Police Department, Lehigh County, PA

October 14, 2007

I remember when we were having to go through the hiring process once again, trying to find the right person for the job. We came across the resume' of Gary McCormack, another person who looks good on paper. Then came the testing and interviewing. After all was done, we knew we had to offer Gary a position with our department.

We were so thankful that he accepted and came on board. Gary was enthusiastic, energetic, dedicated to the profession and mature beyond his years. He came to work with a smile on his face and a desire to help anyone he possibly could.

Gary, thank you for your service. You have touched many lives in a short period of time, mine being one of them. Rest in peace brother. You will be greatly missed, but definitely not forgotten.

To Stephanie, thank you for sharing Gary with us and allowing him to become a part of our lives.

Lt. Blaine Kennard
Greene County Sheriff's Department

October 14, 2007

My deepest sympathy goes out to your wife, son & daughter, also to all your family, friends,and entire department. You gave the ultimate sacrifice and will not be forgotten. I know Angel wings carried you high into the heavens, where as you will be 10-4 forever more in Gods' loving arms, "A Hero does not become a Hero by their death, but by how they lived their life." God Bless!

Police Dispatcher Sara Singleton
Howard County Maryland Police Communications 911 Center

October 13, 2007

I worked with Gary personally for a couple of years as a police cadet. He was nothing short of first-class... not only as a Cop, but as a human being. It seems like it would be impossible to be as good as Gary was, and still be so humble.

His motto was always "Everything else be damned... We go home at the end of the shift." I always knew that if he died in the line of duty it would be under circumstances that he had no control over.

If you didn't know Gary, please know that this article was about the passing of a man that had truly dedicated his life to helping those unable to help themselves.

Sage Hill

October 13, 2007

In the short time I knew Gary I can tell you first hand he was a good husband, father, uncle and friend to many. He impacted every life in a positive way, including mine. Gary will be greatly missed and always remebered. We can all rest assured that he is now with our heavenly father and watching down on us.

amber jacobson
cousin

October 13, 2007

I was one of Gary's instructors when he went through the academy while I was working for Springfield. Little did I know then how much of an impact this man was going to have on my life. During our CISD debriefing it occured to me why God took Gary from us. Gary's life was an example for all of us and I believe God wanted us who knew Gary personally to be reminded of the type of person he wants us to be. Gary and Stephanie have the foundation with God that will allow her to carry on, with or without our help, but always better with. For the rest of us, well, his life is a reminder to us that we should endeavor to live it as Gary lived his, like there is no tomorrow.

God speed Gary McCormack, thanks for being my friend.

Joey Kyle
Trainer, student, friend

October 13, 2007

Stephanie,

Gary and I met in 1999 when I went to work as a part-time security officer for Cox Hospitals. Gary and I hit it off immediately. Both of us loved pratical jokes and keeping it light. The favorite story I remember was how he broke you from "sitting in the throne room" with him. I laughed so hard I cried. Gary was definitely a Christian, as we shared our faith with each other often. He helped me through a difficult time in my life, and I considered him a true friend. God Blessed us with Gary, and I feel blessed to have known him. Carmen and I continue to pray for you and the children.

Dave Hodson, Senior Officer Specialist
United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners

October 13, 2007

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

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7.15.73

October 13, 2007

Officer Gary McCormack:

I never met you...I have no idea who you are. But your death has truly sadden me. The age of 33 is not a very long time to be on this earth, especially with two young children and a loving spouse.

I read about and saw bits and pieces of your funeral in the newspaper and on TV. 2000 people attended...some, just like myself who didn't know you from Adam, went to pay their respects and express their condolences.

The cemetery in which you're buried on National is not very far from my apartment. Wednesday, it was my turn to pay my respects to you. After asking a few of the grounds keepers where your grave site was, I went over to it and said a few prayers for you. The very last thing I did and said before I got back into my car, was offer you a salute. "Rest in Peace, Officer. You've done good".

Thank you again, Gary, for your dedication to your job and to your family. May God's angels watch over you and them.

Bill B.
Citizen of Greene County, MO

October 12, 2007

I met Gary when he joined the Republic PD and I have to say that he was an awesome person, husband, father and a law officer. We had some great talks and he shared stories about his training experiences, family, his faith and about him performing magic (including how he proposed to his wife Stephanie while being on stage.)I was lucky enough to meet Gary's Uncle before he passed away and he loved to pick on Gary. I recently saw Gary here at the PD and we was talking about his little girl being a year old and I could believe that it had been a year. Well, I can't believe that Gary is gone, but I will still be talking to him in my prayers and asking God to look over his family. I know I have to accept the things that I can't change and change the things that I can. Gary you are truly missed and will never be forgotten, this I promise.

Ruby Perriman /Dispatcher
Republic PD

October 12, 2007

Although I didn't have the opportunity to work with Gary, I always heard great things that he had accomplished and willingness to help a fellow Officer. You were a true asset to this Department and you will be missed by many. Rest In Peace fellow Deputy.

Deputy Matt Keatts
Greene County Sheriff's Dept.

October 12, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy McCormack. May God comfort you all. Another Hero taken too soon.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

October 12, 2007

Rest in peace brother.

1773P
CSPD

October 12, 2007

Gary is a young man, age 32, with wisdom beyond his years of experience. He was a dedicated Law Enforcement Officer whose commitment and devotion to his family, profession and fellow officers is unequaled. Gary will be missed, but his memory will live forever in the mind and families of us who were privleged to know him. I was one of the fortunate people who knew, even if it were only two years, while he was at Republic Police Department. I was also priviledged to know his Uncle Eddie who worked at the Springfield Police Department in the Maintainence Department, but didn't realize who he was or how he was connected to Gary until the funeral. I will treasure the memories of Gary and will share them in his memory as he did those who went before him that influenced his life.

Sgt. David L. Asher

Sgt. David L. Asher
Co-Worker/Friend

October 12, 2007