Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The Illinois State Police lives forever, and since you were an Illinois State Trooper YOU will live forever. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for your sacrifice and service.

Trooper A.M. Unal
Illinois State Police

April 19, 2020

Agent Degelman,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of of state of Illinois. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

May 5, 2019

Agent Degelman,
on today, the 27th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of illinois. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 5, 2016

Agent Degelman,
Sir, even though it has been 24 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Illinois. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

May 10, 2013

Rest in Peace, Special Agent Degelman. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 5, 2012

Rest in peace Special Agent Degelman and Olav Hashalom, your commitment will never be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 5, 2012

It has been 22 years since your ultimate sacrifice, but sites like this will make sure that you will not be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

May 4, 2011

Gary and I were patrolman with Monmouth PD prior to both of us moving on to the State Police. Gary was a true inspiration. I will always remember his smile and laugh. I had the honor of working with and learning from one of the best.

Ben Percy
ISP former Monmouth PD

August 8, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

May 5, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 20th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 5, 2009

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 6, 2008

I miss him. He's my hero. I have no memories of him but plenty of stories!

Erin Degelman
i'm his daughter!

April 10, 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

January 7, 2008

To the family, friends and former coworkers of Agent Degelman - know that he was a hero. His life was cut short but his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. On this anniversary, know that you are not alone in your mourning.

Agent Degelman - your sacrifice is not forgotten, even some 18 years later. Continue to watch over your brothers and sisters in blue. The thin blue line continues to get thinner every day... say hello to Officer Hoffman (EOW 4/27/2007) and tell him we all miss him terribly.

Rest easy.

Wife of a Maryland officer

May 5, 2007

You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out guarding over the Thin Blue Line. My thoughts are with your loved ones today and everyday.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 5, 2007

Farewell my friend
Departed but never forgotten

Friend
Friend

October 20, 2006

Policeman's 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
His comforting hand reduces fear to naught;
He makes me walk through streets of crime,
But He gives me courage and peace of mind.

He leads me by still waters in the path I trod,
And He says in Romans I'm a "minister of God,"
He leads me in righteousness as He restores my soul,
For His name's sake He keeps me whole.

When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door,
I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more;
For Thou art with me every step of the way,
As thy rod and thy staff protect me each day.

He prepares a table, especially for me,
As I work daily among life's enemies;
He gives me authority to uphold the law,
And He anoints my position in the midst of it all.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
Each day of my life through eternity;
As I long to hear Him say, "Well done...,"
When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun.

Author Unknown

P.O. Chris Welby
Bridgeton,Mo PD

May 5, 2006

05/11/04

Rest in peace, Agent Degelman. You are not forgotten.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 10, 2004