Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today, we honor you and your service in our own small way. Also, each year, the PD flags will be flown at half-staff, as a reminder you will never be forgotten.

Chief David Hennigan
Denver City Police Department

January 7, 2022

One year ago you left us Daddy. And let me say nothing will ever feel the same. Life is just different. I miss our phone calls when I'd be driving home from who knows where. I think of you every single day...wishing this was all a bad dream and I'll wake any moment.

I miss you Daddy, I'll love you forever

Krissie Spratlen
Daughter

January 7, 2022

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God"

We commit this Officer into the hands of our Lord. May the Officer's loved ones find peace in the life led, honor in their Officer's performance and choice of profession, and profound happiness upon being reunited in the future.

God Bless all who answer the Call.

Rusty Featherstone
Deputy Director (Ret.)
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI)

July 28, 2021

I am sorry for your loss to the Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Retired Fire Lieutenant Frank J Corasan
Baltimore City Fire Department

May 27, 2021

It was truly my honor to work alongside William, not only for what he did for the Department or Denver City, but for what he did for me personally, which was make me a better Chief of Police. Rest-in-Peace William, and know that you are definitely missed.

J. David Hennigan, Chief, Denver City Police Department

May 10, 2021

Sadden by the loss of the LEO. We all lose so much when a Officer is taken from us. May God give the family and fellow officers they worked with Peace and Strength to carry on.

B.J.Umbenhower
Liaison, Office of Emergency Management Highlandville Mo
Son of Chief of Police. Deceased
May God watch over them all. R.I.P. Brothers

April 13, 2021

It was a tremendous honor to serve with you. You took a chance on me and gave me the one thing I will never forget, and that is opportunity. You provided wisdom, guidance and love. I pass along those same lessons you taught me to others entering this career. I would not be the LEO today without you. For that I am forever grateful. You taught me how to serve with honor, respect, loyalty, and integrity.

As I reflect here today, I cannot imagine the grief and sorrow your family is enduring. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and the members of Denver City Police Department.

Rest in peace LT. I will never forget you.

Sgt. Matthew Cook
Johnson County Sheriff's Office

March 4, 2021

Lieutenant Gardner sacrificed his life in service for the citizens of Denver City, Yoakum County, and the state of Texas. Rest in peace brother, and may God Bless your family and work family.

Captain Justin A. Scott
Texas Comptroller - State Police CID

February 21, 2021

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Lieutenant Gardner. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Denver City Police Department.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

February 8, 2021

On behalf of the St. Ann Police Department, please accept my condolences for your loss.
Praying that God provides the comfort and peace that allows you, your department, and community, in addition to Lt. Gardner's family, to move forward.

Mary Kay Nolen, Asssistant to the Chief of Police
St. Ann Police Department, St. Ann, MO

February 3, 2021

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

January 27, 2021

Praying for your family, friends, colleagues, and agency during this very difficult time for them and all of us. Thank you for your service! We shall remember you with pride and admiration always! May God Bless the Blue!

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God. [Matthew 5:9];

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” [Matthew 5:4], and;

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13]

Depart in peace, Brother-in-Blue; in the name of God the Father who created you; in the name of Christ Jesus who redeemed you; in the name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you. May you rest in peace and dwell forever with the Lord. Amen.

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, OLCC, NCCA
Independent Christian Chaplain Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
07/05/1974 - 04/01/1998
Nashua Police Department
Nashua, NH 03060

January 21, 2021

PRAYERS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND OUR FAMILY OF BLUE AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND REST IN GODS ARMS.

MOTHER OF A DALLAS POLICEWOMAN LINDA KEM
None

January 19, 2021

Lt Gardner, how tragic that you had to end your long career at the hands of this CCP pandemic that has gripped our world.
I pray that God will Bless your large, beautiful family that you have left here on earth. I thank you for your many years of service to your state and to all of us.
Go with God and Rest in Peace, Brother.

Mary Milam
Sergeant (Ret)
Chicago Police Department

Gainesville, GA

January 19, 2021

Praying for peace and comfort today and in the days ahead. With deepest sympathy,

Rita Rocker
Deputy Executive Director
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles

January 19, 2021

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends.
Thank you for your unselfish service to your community.

James P Waggle, Jr.
Civilian

January 18, 2021

Rest in peace, Lieutenant Gardner. You deserve your divine reward.

May God comfort your family, friends, and fellow officers at this difficult time.

God bless and protect the Thin Blue Line that protects us all.

Private Citizen Kathryn Felts
Mother of & Family Member of Law Enforcement

January 18, 2021

On behalf of the Kentucky Peace Officers' Association please accept our condolences on the passing of Lieutenant Gardner.

Chip Nowlin
President
Kentucky Peace Officers' Association

January 17, 2021

On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Lieutenant William Lyle Gardner and the extended law enforcement family of the Denver City Police Department, Texas.


End of Watch Thursday, January 7, 2021


Rest in Peace brother and watch over us. We will protect and serve from here on in your honor.

I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.

By Jon F. Hooper

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

January 16, 2021

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when William died in the line of duty.

To the Gardner family, fellow officers, and all who call William beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support. I know that that you will receive that same kind of support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Lt. Gardner gave to his community and the citizens of Texas and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on January 7, 2021

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

January 15, 2021

LT. Gardner,

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD

January 15, 2021

Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service. God's speed sir.

Lieutenant John C. Moore
Wisconsin State Conservation Warden & State Trooper (Retired)

January 14, 2021

To the family and friends of Lt. Gardner, I am so sorry for your loss. Lt. Gardner sacrificed himself for the citizens he served. His life mattered. I pray you will find comfort and peace in your precious memories.

Deborah C.
Wife, Mother, Aunt of LEOs
Maryland

January 14, 2021

My family and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fellow coworkers of Lieutenant William Lyle Gardner during this difficult time. May they find comfort and support from those around them. May happy moments from the past bring forth precious memories to cherish for a lifetime. May God help heal their aching hearts. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace Lieutenant William Lyle Gardner.

Gail M. Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2/16/04

January 14, 2021

Deepest sympathy to the family of Lt. Gardener and to his Brothers and Sisters of the Denver City Police Department of Texas. May GOD give comfort and understanding to those who suffer his loss. RIP Brother we have the Watch.

Chaplain Terry his Longacre.
Red Rose Lodge FOP# 16 Lancaster, County Pennsylvanianbiu hasMa

January 14, 2021