Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Carragher and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

February 3, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED POLICE SERVICE, AS WELL AS YOU MILITARY SERVICE. YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 8, 2008

OFFICER CARRAGHER, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

January 20, 2008

"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

December 19, 2007

I am proud to say that Officer James G. Carragher was my grandfather.25 years ago he was taken too suddenly from all of our lives. He will always be a hero in my eyes. I cherish the memories I have of him, and wish he could be here to see what good things " his girls" have done and the beautiful children they've had. His death forever changed our lives. I know he's watching over all of us.
He was always there for us. We miss him more than any reflection could ever convey.

Elena Longoria
granddaughter

August 20, 2007

Officer Carragher, today marks the 25th anniversary of your murder. I did the math and see that you were no kid when you began your career in law enforcement. For those 16 short years and your time in the Navy, we all owe you a great debt of thanks.

I read the reflections from your family and friends and found them very touching. You obviously were much loved and terribly missed.

Though the Police Department to which you gave 16 years of your life is just a part of history, you will never be forgotten. You lived and died as a hero.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

February 11, 2007

I only now came across this lovely memorial. PO Carragher was a wonderful man, and while my half sisters do not know me, I too knew and loved my father..our father..until he was taken when i was 7yrs old. I hope he is at peace wherever he is and everyone should know what a wonderful man he was.
Dr. Cynthia T.

Daughter

June 21, 2006

Uncle Jimmy, he was to me and when I think of him I remember how nice he always was to me and my cousin Scott. When he came to visit in New Jersey we would bug him to see his badge and then gun, he always showed his badge and never showed us his gun, thats not a toy or for messing around he would say something to let us know thats serious business, then he would do something to make us lauph. A very very nice man my Uncle was, and certainly not forgotten by his daughters or anyone else. We were all so sorry to see you leave this world. I feel for your daughters loss but what a beautiful family you've started and it will continue to grow.

Kelly Laudien (Cahill)

October 22, 2005

One of Officer Carragher's daughters, Colleen married my cousin Tommy. Since my husband is a former NYPD (now retired), we've always felt a strong connection to this family. His grandchildren will always know of his heroics.

October 20, 2005

I was his daughter Colleen's best friend at the time of James death. I remeber him as a caring father. Colleen was working the night shift as the manager of a Burger King. James always waitied around in the restaurant to make sure she got home safe even though Colleen had her car there. I also think of him.

Barbi Igneri (nee DeSimone)
Friend

October 20, 2005

Mr. Carragher could always be counted on to drive me & his daughter Colleen to places we wanted to go to. I have fond memories of him since I had lost my Dad at an early age & had no one in my household that was able to drive. I was also invited on many family trips. You will always be remembered with love. Fran

Fran Weitz, friend of family

October 20, 2005

I think of you often, how you were taken from us so suddenly. We missed sharing so many happy events with you but you were always thought of. Although my boys Jimmy & Michael never knew you, they know all about you as we speak of you often.

Colleen, daughter

October 20, 2005

I first heard of this memorial from my niece who discovered it.

We always have him in our minds and hearts. He will never be forgotten to us.

You have a grandson who looks just like you, Dad. I hope you can see him.

Karan Carragher Hochman, Daughter

October 19, 2005

grandpa - your gone - never forgotten
love , ELENA

June 16, 2005

I have never left a reflection before and I was shocked to see that this officer had no reflections left for him. I'm a Buffalo, NY Police Officer and former Buffalo Housing Police Officer. I know this isn't much of a reflection, but Officer Carragher and any of his family members should know that he hasn't been forgotten.

January 13, 2005