Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Stephanie; What you hear about your dad is very true from the people that worked with him. I had the pleasure of working for your dad for only a short time before he went back to Shaftsbury from Rockingham. I was lucky enough to ski with your dad on the Ski Team for a few years though. Going to the NYSP ski race and staying in the same condo. Your dad was the Trooper that everyone wanted to be like. I can still remember the very moment I received the call almost 15 years ago. I am sure that you have learned over the years that your dad touched so many people in a positive way. He has left a lasting impact on those of us that were fortunate enough to know him and learn from him how to be a better Trooper.

Corporal Chris Power

April 6, 2007

Even though I did not know my dad, i still know who he was and what he did...i am doing a documentary on him... and i know he would be proud...even though it's not easy to live with the grief of his death...i have learned that he was an amazing guy who was proud to be a father, brother, husband, son, and police officer...i love you very much daddy and miss you greatly... with much love your loving daughter, Stephanie.

Stephanie Gaboury
daughter

March 6, 2007

I still remember the horror I felt watching the news about your death! It came close to home because my husband and I have many friends on the Vt State Police force both currently serving and retired. At least one still on the dive team. Know that you will never be forgotten! God Speed

Sandy Gilderdale

January 14, 2007

I worked with Gary when he was in NJ. He was both a Special Officer on a local PD and a County park Police Officer. I worked in a small PD that only had 1 or 2 Officers on each shift. Gary backed me up on many, many occasions and I did the same for him. Knowing Gary was on duty always made my shift a little easier-because I knew if I needed assistance, he would be there. I could depend on him. Gary was with me as I executed my first search warrant. When the target ran upstairs Gary was the first Officer to sprint after him and make the collar.
I was sad to see Gary go to Vermont but I knew it was what he really wanted to do.
Gary was a dedicated Lawman.
I am really happy to know that both of his sons are following in his footsteps. I know your Dad would be proud of you.
God Bless both of you. Stay safe.

Lt. Brian Doering
Branchburg Twp. NJ

March 13, 2006

Michael and I played in a softball game in your honor many years ago. He was so sad when you died. I see your son on the odmp page, and it sounds like he has followed in your footsteps. My brother Dan and I went to a sibling retreat that COPS put on last week, and I wore the shirt I got in your softball game. I hope you and Michael are keeping things straight up there.

Patti Smith
sister of Sgt. Michael Johnson, VT State Police

September 18, 2005

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Gaboury.

Sgtm. Thomas Lutz
Swiss Army MP Service

May 30, 2005

I had a Burlington Free Press paper route for almost ten years. I read the paper every morning when I returned home, and although I was only eleven, I then knew the depth of grief that one can feel. The story shocked me and the picture on the front page quaked me to my care. My parents had to comfort me.
Years later, I found myself at the Vermont Police Academy attending the graduation of a fellow deputy. I heard the same name announced, only this time there was a "junior" attached to it. My eyes filled with tears, and although I am about the same age, I felt like a proud parent.
I cannot imagine the struggles and hardships your family has been through; my father, though in a dangerous profession, has returned home from work every time. I would not be able to go forth if he had not. My thoughts, hopes, and respect go forward with you sons that are wearing the uniform. Though I am in the northern most part of the state and you are in the south, hopefully I will someday be able to shake the hands of the boys that are now men, men wearing the uniform and upholding the same ideals that their father did. Until then, know that your father is somewhere up above, smiling down and uplifted by the fact that his children are doing the same work that he did. Rest easy and peaceful Sgt. Gaboury, your sons, myself, and millions of others have it from here.

Sheriff 25
FCSO

November 1, 2004

SCOTT, IT IS NICE TO READ THAT YOU CHECK THE SITE OFTEN TO READ REFLECTIONS ON YOUR DAD AND THAT YOU FOLLOWED IN HIS FOOTSTEPS. STAY SAFE AND GOD BLESS.

OFFICER,BIRKENSTOCK
MONTICELLO P.D.

July 28, 2004

This is the first time that I have had a chance to see this site. It makes me proud to know that there are people that look up to my dad. He was taken from me at a vary young age. I was only 9 and he was 34. I have grown vary much in the past 11 years. I have become a Deputy in Vermont, just so I can say I serverd the same place as my saint. Thank you everyone that writes to me.

Deputy Scott E. Gaboury
Bennington County Sheriffs Department

November 29, 2003

Slán agus beannacht leat. Go n-éirí an bóthar leat!
Slán go fóill. Cead Mile Failte!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Dept., Ca

November 18, 2003

You were taken from us, way to soon. You served the people of Vermont like no one ever has, your kindness touched everyone who knew you. I had the chance to meet you a few times when I was very young. But I was granted the gift to grow with your two sons. The three of us have been together for years we have all grown to be officers in Vermont. I am sure that they make you proud, I know that I am. We all hope that someday we can be half the officer that you were. You are in our hearts and souls. Someday we will meet again.

Patrolman Justin R. Niles
Berlin Police Department

October 3, 2003

The policeman 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, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is 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 to 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 a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

G. Houston
South Carolina

September 29, 2003

You have a great guy that has joined you up there. Take care of him.
We all miss him very much. You both died so young and with wives and 3
small children left behind. Bless all those who still serve on this earth.
From Sandy and David Gilderdale...Sgt. Mike Jonnson's friend

Anonymous