Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

TO the family of Sgt. Vann,
I first would like to give my deepest sympathy to you all. I honor the life of your loved one, who had paid the ultimate sacrafice in this world.
In may 2012 i will be participating in the Police Unity tour, I have researched and read the articles of Sgt Vann and I am honored to say that Sgt Vann will be my strength, courage, and reason to make this 300+ mile bicycle ride from East hanover NJ to the National Peace Officers Memorial in Washington DC. I hope and look forward to presenting to you a small token of my experience when we meet at the candle lite vigil.
Until then I hope you grow stronger and continue to honor Sgt. Vann.

Sgt. Johnny Levario
Taylor County Sheriffs office, Abilene Tx.

February 9, 2012

To the family and friends of Sgt. Gary Vann, his fellow officers, and most especially to Gary:

We honor your service to your community as a law enforcement officer and to your country as a Marine. My son was also your brother in green so I must bid you semper fi. You will always be remembered and revered. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Gary was killed in the line of duty. It is obvious he was well-loved by many and well-respected by his peers as reflected in the loving reflections left for him.

May his loved ones continued to be supported by their law enforcement family and other police survivors. Our family grieves with you and for you. To Gary's family, you are in my heart's embrace today. I share your anquish in losing a beloved family member which surely has to be life's greatest sorrow.

Yesterday was your family's first Christmas without you and we are also approaching your eow anniversary date. They are all in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult days.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Gary gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on May 28, 2011

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 26, 2011

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiance Dennis. Every time 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 officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Sergeant Vann. 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. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Kenneth, 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 Kenneth's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Kenneth's life was about so much more than the way he died. Kenneth will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Sergeant Vann, 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 fiance Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been eight & a half years and he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

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

November 23, 2011

Kenny you where a great man taken from our family all to soon, if it was not for you I would not be where I am today. Thank you for your service not only to our country our state and our family but to me. Rest in peace Tio, We got it from here.

Adrian Harmer
US Army Vet

August 28, 2011

Thank you for your sacrifice and may you rest in peace.

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney
Virginia

August 15, 2011

Rest in Peace, brother.

Semper Fidelis,

R. Collins
Sgt(Fmr), USMC

Senior Constable
Western Austrlia Police

July 14, 2011

Sgt. Vann,
Sir, as a fellow LEO and former Marine I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community-but also for our Country when you served in the USMC as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
USBP

June 20, 2011

Rest in peace, dear soul, you will be greatly missed by all. Watch over all your brothers in blue, for they will be comforted that you are near. God Bless your family and keep them safe.

All of Deep South Texas
USA Military Family

June 20, 2011

I used to live in Bexar County and met Sgt. Vann on several occasions while he was out on patrol and I was home on leave. He always had kind things to say and always wanted to hear what was going on. He was a very nice man, one of the best police officers I have ever known. I am so sorry to his family for their loss and he will be in my thoughts and prayers every day. Semper Fi Marine!

Captain Andrew Cooper
1/8th Marines

June 20, 2011

Rest in peace, Sgt. Vann. Your dedication and sacrifice will always be remembered.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

June 14, 2011

My condolences to the family of Sgt Vann and to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office employees. Thank you for your service to our country and your community. Semper fi!

Deputy Dave Kosnosky
Snohomish County Sheriffs Officer, WA

June 11, 2011

Sgt. Vann,
May Heavenly Father bless you and your children with the strength of the knowledge that Kenneth was and is a HERO two times over! Please know that he will never be forgotten for his service to his Family, Country, and Community!
God Speed!

Chief Quinn E. Lewis (Ret)
West Bountiful Police Dept. Utah

June 8, 2011

Sgt. Vann,

May God comfort your family and friends during this difficult time....you children need to know that Warriors are not forgotten!...godspeed sir..

Sgt. Kyle Penman
City of Fairfax PD, VA

June 8, 2011

I KNOW ITS HARD RIGHT NOW, JUST ASK THE LORD TO GIVE YOU THE STRENTH TO ENDURE THIS, HE"S ONE OF US.


LOVE, LT. IRA LOVETT

LIEUTENANT IRA LOVETT
FULTON COUNTY SHERIFF"S OFFICE

June 6, 2011

Rest in peace brother, my prayers to your family.

COII M.N. Garcia
AZ Dept of Corrections

June 6, 2011

Sgt. Vann... Go rest high upon that mountain... Son, your work on Earth is done.... You were taken from us way too soon and in terrible violence. May the person who took your life be sentenced to the absolute maximum for taking your life so violently.

May God's love uphold your family, your loved ones, your friends and your coworkers while they grieve your untimely death. May legions of angels surround and enfold every one who loves you and may your family and friends and coworkers be a comfort to each other and share some stories that celebrate your LIFE with each other.

Roberta L. Victor
fellow American

June 6, 2011

Sgt Van our prayers are with your family for God's peace and grace that surpasses all undestanding.

"Greater love has no man that he who lays down his life for a friend". "Well done good and faithful servant." Live in God's peace.

Rev. John Kennedy
Parish pastor and police chaplain
Austin, Texas Police Officer 1985-1997

Rev John Kennedy
Chaplain Watertown, Wi Police Dept

June 6, 2011

Rest in Peace Sgt Vann they have made an arrest in your
death. May justice be swift and complete. Prayers sent for
comfort and strength to your family,friends and co-workers

R.Eberhart Partner and Friend to
Royce Anderson HCSO EOW 10/26/81

June 6, 2011

I am proud to have served as a Police Officer.
I am sad to see another brother gone too soon.
He is a hero, and was a long time before his death.
Thank you MARINE for your service.
Thank you OFFICER for your service.
I am proud to be an american because of people like you.
May your family find the strength to continue without your physical presence.
Rest in peace you brave man.
We will never forget your sacrifice.
We love you KEN.

Officer William Schmidt
Pittsburgh Police Retired

June 6, 2011

My condolences to Sergeant Kenneth Gary Vann family, friends and co-workers of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.


Robert Wigton # 9516
Park Police Officer
San Antonio Park Police Department
San Antonio, Texas

Patrolmam Robert Wigton # 9516
San Antonio Park Police Department

June 5, 2011

RIP brother thank you for your service,,,my prayers go out to your family and friends.

Officer Lisa Rebar
LAPD-Topanga Division

June 4, 2011

God Bless you sir.

Rick F.
Ret. CO.

June 4, 2011

I want to extend my sympathy to Sergeant Vann's family. Jason called me to tell me what had happened. I am so very sorry. Know that there is power in prayer and we all are praying for you and your family. May God watch over you and give you the strenght you need right now to get through this difficult time. Also, my thoughts and prayers for all the "brothers in blue" who must carry on with a heavy heart.

Gail Stanzione Diodati
Jason Stanzione's mother

June 3, 2011

Rest In Peace Brother

Brother In Blue
Columbus Division of Police- Columbus, OH

June 3, 2011

Watch over us now Sergeant Vann,and may you rest in eternal peace. You know your brothers in blue will take care of your family.

The Final Inspection

The police officer 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, officer.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The police officer 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 talk 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....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just 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 police officer waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.

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

Author - Unknown

Officer Benjamin Connell #0238
San Antonio Police Department

June 2, 2011