Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Friday, September 26, 1980
Reflections for Police Officer Garrett T. Farrell
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We will always remember Gary Farrell. A Schoolmate, Tight End on our CYO Football Team and a friend. Gary was with me on my first date after getting y license in 1970. I would see him on Patrol when driving to work in the 14th District. A Germantown Boy who was killed in Germantown. God Bless Gary.
Bob McCreight
Friend
September 30, 2024
I remember Gary I recall that evening a wonderful guy and his wife Stephanie a wonderful women
Sgt Michael Vassallo
Phila police
April 17, 2024
Rest well brother...unforgotten.
Sgt. Albert J Wysock
Cheswold PD & (New Castle County PD retired)
September 26, 2021
Stumbled on this as we share the same name. Sounds like a true hero
Garett farrell
None
August 4, 2021
I am moved by these Reflections. I remember vividly when Officer FARRELL was murdered. I was a Community Liaison at LaSalle University. His mother was a waitress in the Faculty Dining Room. She shared with ROSALEE and I. Such PAIN. I can never forget
Minister Jean Waites-Howard, ABD, MSS, L
Beloved Sanctuary Christian Fellowship
October 17, 2020
On this actual 40th anniversary of your heroic and untimely departure I’d like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that you are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
September 26, 2020
Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 17, 2020
A career criminal on a weekend pass. Really? I hope they don't still do that. I have seen and heard about the injustices toward police. I am amazed some people still want to be police officers. But thank God they do. Yes, Very special people want to be good police officers. Thank you for your service. R.I.P.
MAUREEN
Citizen
January 17, 2019
Rest in peace Officer Farrell.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 25, 2018
I am ever so honored along with my platoon to represent your name for our graduating class. I pray that you continue to watch over your loved ones and our platoon members as we begin our journey in law enforcement. I also pray that we continue to honor you with the way we interact and work with the community to make it safer for everyone. Rest easy sir and thank you for your service!
R/O Quishanna Lee
Philadelphia Police Academy Recruit c/o 380A
April 5, 2017
Gary, as I reflect on the officer killings last night in Dallas TX. I recall that sad day when we lost you. I pray for the families of these brave men as I have prayed for you over the years. You are missed. Ask the Lord to wrap his arms around those suffering families and welcome their loved ones to their eternal reward.
Eileen
Cousin
July 9, 2016
There was a post on Facebook about Officer William Lackman, who was killed in the line of duty and he was a graduate of Immaculate Conception Parrish in East Germantown. This got me to thinking about Johnnie Mc Entee, another grad killed in his patrol car in North Philadelphia and then of Gary Farrell. We played football at Immaculate Conception Together. He would walk home with me and sometimes stopped at my house for something to drink before he went another 8 blocks to his house. He was in my car when I kissed my first girl. He was a great guy and died too young, in the same Precinct as School , the 14th. Today my son is an officer here in Delaware County, my brother is a retired New Jersey State Trooper and my Grandfather, a Sargent in the early 1900's , also in the 14th. I will always remember Gary. 35 years ago this Sept.
Bob Mc Creight
Grade School Friend
August 31, 2015
As a child growing up on Hill Road with Ofc Gary Farrell and his wife, Ofc Stephanie Farrell, they were the inspiration for me to become a police officer. I was 12 years old the day he was killed. I remember all the Officers arriving at their house and I realized/appreciated just how brave they were. Ofc Gary Farrell and Ofc Stephanie Farrell changed my life that day. I think of them both often.
Det Michael Sharkey #23
Marple Police Dept
December 16, 2011
All of these 30 years later we in Manayunk and Roxborough remember you with heartfelt gratitude. We will never forget your valour.
Donna Persico
A Grateful Citizen
October 22, 2010
My Dearest Family and Friends
Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.
The Day I had to leave you when my Life on earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan. Theres so much we have to do to help our Moral Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad. I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.
Please don't be afraid to cry, it does releive the pain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.
To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.
So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that with my life. it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know Im walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentel breeze or wind upon your face thats me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.
Anonymous
November 5, 2009
To Deputy James Brian Collins and his loved ones:
On this the 29th anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.
To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.
Rest in Peace, Gary. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Gary gave to his community and the citizens of Pennsylvania, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 26, 1980.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
Anonymous
September 26, 2009
I met you when I was just a little boy, living across the street from you and your family in Olney. You were always great to us little kids (I was about your sisters age)and we all thought you were the best. When my Family moved from Philly to Northern Virginia, it was my Grandmother who sent me the Newspaper clipping of your Passing. My heart sank, as it has for all these years whenever I think about such a tragic loss. I also think about the Service that you and your Brothers gave to the city of Philadelphia, as well as the Country as a whole. God bless you and your Family. -Sean
M. Sean Rizzo
Family Neighbor
August 31, 2009
Gary, I never had the honor of meeting you or working with you but your partner Bill has told me how good of an Officer you were. Thank you for your service and the ultimate sacrifice. Rest well.
P/O Fidler#4666
PPD
February 2, 2009
THANK YOU GARY , YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED IN MY PRAYS.
P/O
PHILA
September 26, 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 24, 2008
Rest in peace always my friend, you are never forgotten.
Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
September 26, 2007
You were truly missed at the 14th district reunion.
Matt Farley
PPD
May 27, 2007
G-d Bless.
September 26, 2006
P/O Farrell, you are not forgotten.
P/O #5434
Philadelphia PD
May 30, 2006
God Bless you Officer Farrell, You will never be forgotten and will be remembered in my daily prayers. Thank you for you dedication and , hard work and the sacrifice you made protecting the people of Philadelphia. May you continue to sleep in God's Love and Peace.
Respectfully,
Kathi Halligan Phila PA wife and mom Of Philadelphia Police officers
March 8, 2006
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