Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Will never forget your help as a young officer years before your death! You were one of the great ones!!

Linda M. Mundell low rank
Educated kid and citizen

July 21, 2023

33 long years, my friend! You shall never be forgotten!

Chief Rick Hogenson, retired. THPD
Rookie School roommate

April 10, 2023

Sgt. Gary Wilson, it has been 32 years since your End of Watch and we remember you, your family, and friends for their sacrifice. This year, the old Seaway Hotel was razed and we no longer must drive past the place where your life was cut short and a place where every cop associates your tragic loss as a reminder of the inherent dangers of policing. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and friends. Rest In Peace.

Chief Mike Tusken
Duluth Police Department

April 10, 2022

Visited today at Park Hill. Long time since Basic Training at Arden Hills! Miss you, Slick! Blessed are the Peace Makers for they shall be called the Children of God.

Chief Rick Hogenson, Retired
Two Harbors Police Department

April 10, 2020

Sgt. Wilson,
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 Duluth. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 10, 2020

Dear sir,
Do I remember you or now after Dennin held you while you lay dying ,just include a life reflection of all those officers teaching us youngsters about drugs. I believe your son or other Wilson’s related to you have taken the watch from here on out! Thanks for your bravery to run into danger and sacrifice yourself for all of us to be safer- I believe that whether I knew you or not you will never be forgotten! Thanks family true and blue-I have lost six directly and a seventh I never met to deaths; officers serving and helping others always- line of duty are often mentioned but heros like Bauer’s was to be there with Gary and the team- he retired first then was killed accidently- all police lives matter- I am so glad that they fixed the sign over the field to remember officer Wilson - and I was in college when he was killed so I will never forget how much he was loved!

Linda Mundell
Citizen Duluth pd supporter

August 2, 2018

Went to Park Hill today to pay my respects! You shall never be forgotten! Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be known as the children of God.

Chief Rick Hogenson, Retired
Two Harbors Police Dept

May 15, 2018

When I heard about the shooting, I ran down the hill to Duluth Police Department to ask if they needed blood at the hospital, or if I could assist them in some other way.

The desk officer assured me that officers were lined up to donate blood, and thanked me. Later that evening, I went on duty at the St. Louis County Jail and followed the horrific sequence of events. I cannot recall if I booked Larry Montanaro, his killer, or not, before our shift ended at 0700 Hrs.

I, too, was in the ranks of officers at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, at Gary's funeral.

Al Farmer, Deputy Sheriff - Corrections
Fellow Officer

April 9, 2018

I was at the funeral. Officer Jim Rose also got shot. It was painful to see Jim in a wheelchair and Gary's wife and child crying at the funeral.

Detective
Superior P.D.

April 11, 2017

Sergeant Wilson, it has been nearly 27 years since your End of Watch. We appreciate your selfless service and sacrifice to our community. Please know your memory lives at the Duluth Police Department.

With Great Respect and Admiration,

Mike Tusken

Mike Tusken

December 7, 2016

Many thanks for your honorable service to our country. I hope your family can find a way to heal from losing you. RIP

John Haseltine - Civilian

July 29, 2016

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for others". To the family of Officer Wilson, remembering your loved one for his sacrifice and honorable service and the family left behind.

G. Birkholz
Mother of Officer Craig Birkholz, E.O.W. 3/20/11

March 23, 2016

Thank you for putting your life on the line to keep duluth a wonderful city to live in. Thank you for your family's and your ultimate sacrifice.

Anonymous civilian

November 9, 2014

Sgt. Wilson was killed prior to me being hired by the Duluth Police Department. I worked with many of his partners through the years and have heard many great stories of him as a police officer but more importantly about the person he was.

Early in my career I worked in the district the Seaway Hotel is located in and have paid my respects in the location of his murder. I am humbled by the location every time I stop there. Thank you Sergeant Wilson for your service to the citizens of the City of Duluth and the Duluth Police Department. Your picture is on the wall as you enter our new police department and will hopefully remain there for eternity as a remembrance of your (and your families) ultimate sacrifice to our community.

Lieutenant Chad Nagorski
Duluth Police Department

October 20, 2014

Thank you, Sgt. Wilson, for you're ultimate sacrifice. Your bravery is an inspiration to us all. Rest in Peace and May God's love be with you always. God Bless your wife and family that they may feel comfort in knowing your service and presence has never been forgotten.

A. Martinez, P. O. (Ret)
Union City Police Dept, N.J.

April 16, 2014

I had the honor of meeting Susan Wilson tonight while vacationing. After learning that I was a fellow officer, Susan told me about Gary and how Gary still has a huge part of her heart. I hope Gary can look down to see what an amazing and strong woman Susan is. Paths cross for a reason and I am beyond honored.

Sgt. Kimberly Elphick
Secaucus PD (NJ)

April 16, 2014

Sgt. Wilson,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Duluth. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 10, 2014

Officer Wilson,

I have met your family and I can see the love for you is still strong. Everyone is proud of you and is missing you very much. I'll be marrying into your family in August. I know you will be there in spirit. Thank you for what you have done for this wonderful city of Duluth...Thank you.

Fiancee of your Nephew

March 12, 2014

Respect, Honor, Remember. May we never forget your dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice. RIP hero.

G. Birkholz
mother of Officer Craig Birkholz, Fond du Lac PD, EOW 3/20/11

March 5, 2014

I am sure God has his arms around him. Bless the family members.

Neal Trautman
Police Instructor

January 7, 2014

RIP Sgt. Wilson.

Duluth Police Explorer POST 244 was formed in honor of Sgt. Wilson. I was blessed to be a part of this organization in my younger years. The Explorers helped form me as a peace officer for the last ten years. It's been a few years since I've had any dealings with them, but, I hope they still honor Sgt. Wilson.

Scott
Friend

April 10, 2013

My grandfather Robert Brown (Brownie) was a Rice lake constable and friend of bozo and his son. and also won the good guy award at proctor speedway while helpig in the pitt with the mcmanns. my other grandfather James Copeland was a ricelake sheriff. and chief of police

Daniel
Friend

October 13, 2012

I grew up in Duluth and everytime I have passed the Seaway Hotel since that night I have thought of you and your sacrifice. I am a cop in Florida now and that night was the first time I realized the danger of our profession. I still remember the news coverage. I remember how upset Chief Miletich was and I remember you after all these years. You are not forgotten. Rest in peace.

Sgt. Matt Koski
Kissimmee Police Department, FL

July 16, 2012

I remember Gary from our days working for Med-A-Van Ambulance on Superior Street. Great guy and a lot of fun to work with. Gary always stayed calm and knew exactly what to do to help others in need. I think he learned a lot from his dad Bozo, and it showed on every call.
Gary and I just loved working the old Proctor car races together. He is sadly missed, but we all know that we will all see each other again some day. Take care my friend.

Jeff Damm Captain/Paramedic retired
Virginia Fire Department

January 7, 2012

I had been dispatching for only 10 months when Gary was killed. I will never forget that day and how incredibly devastated and saddened we all were. That day made me realize that yes the worst can happen and how important our job to officer saftey can be. Gary was a great man and truly a hero. RIP Gary, We will love and remember you always.

Julie Fogarty
Duluth/St Louis Co 911 dispatch

December 10, 2011