Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 5, 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

February 7, 2008

You're with us everyday...

PO F. Luu
HCPD

July 17, 2007

Just weekes prior to me being hired at Haltom City, Officer Hires was gunned down by the 14 year old. Some had questions as to how the 14 year old got all the guns he had. His Father had been a Police Chief in another agency, and as you know most officers have a good collection of guns. It was tragic when this happened for many as well as the boys family. I have trained many dispatchers since this happened, and even tho I wasnt working the night this happened, I heard the tape, I became friends with the officers involved, and I learned the great importance of taking care of your officers, and the great responsibility that gets forgotten by a lot of dispatchers. I hope the few I have trained remember the story I told them and it helps to keep other officers safe during their watch. God bless.

HCPD
Former Disaptcher

July 10, 2007

OFFICER HIRES, ON THIS ANNIVERSARY PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ARE SO GREATFUL FOR YOU. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MY FATHER GAVE HIS LIFE IN THE LINE OF DUTY 16 YRS AGO. I WILL BE SO GLAD WHEN AN HONEST MAN CAN MAKE AN HONEST LIVING WITHOUT HAVING TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR SACRIFICE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS.

KIMBERLY KIDWELL
DAUGHTER OF FALLEN STANFORD KY OFFICER GARY KIDWELL

March 6, 2007

Officer Hires,


On this the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sense we pay tribute to your spirit. Tonight the Evening Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department’s North Precinct will hit the street in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entire shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

March 6, 2007

Still trying to figure out how a 14yr old as able to get his hands on a high powered riffle. It saddens me to think that Officer Hires paid the price for that mistake as did the 14yr old. Your family and friends are in my prayers on the anniversary of your EOW.
wife of a michigan deputy

March 6, 2007

May your rest be sweet and may Our Lord bless your loved ones.

March 6, 2007

Officer Hires:

I left you an anonymous reflection when I was in the hiring process and I promised I would get on the job and come back. I'm here now, trying to follow in your enormous footsteps. I'm proud to wear the same shield you did. You're in our thoughts every day.

PO Fox Luu
Haltom City Police Department

February 24, 2007

Please remember Officer Gary Hires. We will never forget him and his family.

HCLEA
Haltom City Law Enforcement Association

November 20, 2006

P.O. Hires - you had such an influence on others. There are people that think of you every day and your sacrifice. Thank you for all that you did and continue to do for other cops.

Anonymous

July 22, 2006

Gary I never got the chance to meet you but I think about what happened to you every day. I've been patroling the streets you used to patrol for 4 years now. When I'm training the rooks I take them to the exact spot where it all happened, just so they can get a taste of reality. I was only a Sophmore in high school when you were killed. Heck, some of these new guys here weren't even in junior high yet when this happened. I carry your training card in my front right uniform shirt pocket every day. Anyway, we got a great bunch of guys and girls here at HCPD and I know you're riding with all of us everyday watching our backs. You are a hero and you are greatly missed.

P.S. The police department put a whooping on the fire department during the Gary Hires Memorial Softball game.

Ofc. Mike Sandlin #1237

May 21, 2006

To the family and friends of Officer Gary Hires, and most especially to Gary himself:

On this the thirteenth anniversary of your brutal murder, please know that your memory is honored and revered. Rest in Peace, Officer Hires.

May his loved ones continue to be comforted and supported by your law enforcement family, and by other police survivors who share this painful journey with you.

In reading the reflections about Gary, it it obvious that he was well-respected and cared for by many people.
His valor and dedication will never be forgotten, and his memory will be forever revered.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

March 6, 2006

May your Rest be Peaceful.

March 6, 2006

Mrs. Duplantis-I found your name and your fallen husbands story in the Calibre Press newsletter. You honor your husbands death wonderfully with your continuing work with the COPS organization.I know that he is proud of you. Your children have a wonderful legacy of their father because of you, your courage and your willingness to make something good out of this tragedy. I have prayed for you and your family today. May God continue to carry you through these difficult days.
4-18-05

Anonymous

April 18, 2005

IT HAS BEEN EIGHT YEARS SINCE THIS TRAGEDY.
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
REST IN PEACE.

LORRAINE BOND (MOTHER)
DEP. DONALD K. BOND, JR.
HAMILTON COUNTY, TN.
EOW: 9.06.2001

March 6, 2005

I remember the day it happened like yesterday. I was a senior at Haltom High and knew Gary as I played football with his two boys and my mother delivered mail to his house. I was working at Arby's on Belknap St. and saw the ambulances and patrol cars fly by with lights and sirens. I remember going to his funeral as 1000's of officers nation wide gathered for rememberance, the most I've ever seen in one spot. I am now an Officer myself and have been for five years and am very proud of what I do. I will always remember you Gary and thank you for your friendship that you gave me. You did your job well.

Ptl. Ofc. Randy Underwood
Winnsboro, TX Police Dept.

January 25, 2005

Gary, I have not meet you but I patrol your beat day to day. I have heard only great things about you and your service to Haltom City. Thank You for your service. Rest In Peace.

Officer Sweatland K-9 division
Haltom City Police Department

September 13, 2004

Thanks Ace for your Public Safety efforts. You made a difference...

United States Marshal

March 6, 2004

I remember that sad day as if it were yesterday. I was in high school at Haltom High, a junior, and at that time considering a career in law enforcement. I worked at a local fast food place where Officer Hires came frequently. He was always a great guy with a great attitude. When he was killed I remember feeling such a since of pride to even know him, even if just as a snotty nose fast food cashier, and pride to live in a city that he served. His death solidified my desire to be an Officer and to never let his death be in vain. I am proud to say that I have been an Officer for 7 years now, and I still remember and respect Officer Hires for his ultimate sacrifice. I also pray for the family of Officer Hires. May he rest in peace. 9/11/03

Ofc. Morris
Grand Prairie PD

September 12, 2003

this man was the best officer that was ever presiding in haltom city. i was a resident of haltom city for nearly 18 years, and this man had a major influence on my life. he is the reason i want to become a police officer. my mother was being abused and stalked for almost 14 years, and officer Hires had helped my mother in the best way possible. in a abussive situation it is hard for the woman to relize that she/he is better off alone. Officer Hires had helped her into a state of mind that she will no longer put up with the abuse or being stalked. in result to that my two brothers and one sister my mom and i began to live. all of us boys are now in the military and two wish to be in law enforcement as a direct result of what this man went through to save people he did not know. it was a great greivance to hear that this man was taken because of a juvenile who was having a troubled life. my mom now works with my sister also at a police department. this man was an angel in himself and truely saved 4 peoples lives just in my family.i will never forget this man and will always hold close his memory. i can truely say that i loved this man for every thing that he was. live in peace in heaven Officer Gary Hires

SPC.curtis zachary
U.S. ARMY

Although time has passed, I still feel the great loss of Officer Hires' family. He was, indeed, a true hero and inspiration to all of us, and he still is today. I would like to thank his family for their condolences - they have meant so much to me and my family. Please know that I will keep Officer Hires, his family, friends, and the Halthom City Police Department in my thoughts and family now and forever.

Charmaine S. Gernale
Sister of Officer Conrad S. Gernale, EOW 9-6-2002

Gary,
Although I did not know you, I think about you all the time as I am in touch with Stephanie. I think our whole department is watching out for her.
What happened to you has taught all of us a lesson.

Anonymous