Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

3/22/04

My thoughts will be with Trooper Gibbon's family tomorrow, as they recall the day, twenty years ago that forever changed their lives. My family, Collier County residents, had celebrated our son's second birthday two weeks before that fateful day. His end of watch was almost one year ago. I cannot imagine the pain of twenty years of grieving.

Norie Haas
Mother of Dep. Brian Haas
E.O.W. 4/24/04

Norie Haas

March 22, 2005

11/03/04

Gone but not forgotten. Rest in peace sir.

Captain Robert W. Cannon; Retired
Vermilion County Illinois Sheriff's Dept.

November 3, 2004

I never knew Tpr. Gibbons, but he was killed the day before I reported to the Florida Highway Patrol Academy to start my training as a recruit. Needless to say it was a somber atmoshpere for the active troopers and us "trainees".
As part of our training, every morning we were required to look at the fallen troopers whose pictures were hanging on the wall behind our inspection formation. Trp. Gibbons' picture was the last one in the line and that image has always stayed with me. Trp. Gibbons has stayed on my mind for years and it is only now that I find his memorial. Trp. Gibbons rest in peace and know that you keep one trooper safe throughout my years with FHP. I now serve as a deputy sheriff, but you will always be with me and you are still on patrol in Hillsborough County.

Cpl. Bryan Taylor
Hillsborough Co. Sheriff's Office Tampa, Fl.

June 19, 2004

Rest in peace Trooper for we have the watch now.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

March 16, 2004

I knew Trooper Lindell J Gibbons "Butch"a short time during my time as a Deputy in Everglades City, I was very young and new to the job. He took the time to mentor me and treated me as an equal. He left a an impression on me that has lasted me thru my 23 years of Law Enforcement.
I was blessed to have known him. He was truely a kind and gentle person.

Sergeant
Broward Sheriff's Office

December 12, 2003

I served Troop F in Collier County along with Lindell, affectionately known by his friends as "Butch". I was working day shift and Butch had just come "10-8" to relieve me when I arrived at a traffic stop he just made. He nearly was hit by the violator, which is why he stopped him. He said he was okay, and I told him I would see him later. I proceeded towards my home to go off duty when I made a final traffic stop for the day. I'll never forget the dispatcher calling me, saying we had "an officer down on I-75". I literally left the violator sitting in her car and said "I have to go". I drove like crazy and arrived on the scene of a horrific traffic crash. Butchs' vehicle was crushed from the drivers' side to the passenger side. I was the first Trooper on the scene, and was screaming to the paramedics "wher's Butch? Is he ok?" I could clearly see he wasn't once they calmed me down. I can't believe that he was gone, I had just talked to him only 15 minutes before. Butch was a great man, a wonderful husband and father, and a devout Christian. I had the most difficult task of notifying his family, along with Trooper R.D. Strader (ret.). My only solace was that he died doing the thing he loved, and he was in the eternal presence of his Lord Jesus Christ. Butch was an outstanding trooper. I worked with him in Miami, and we transferred to Collier at the same time. He was aggressive and hard working, among the top in DUI arrests consistently, and his activity stats were always among the highest. I think of Butch often, and recall that day in my mind so many times. I am grateful to have known such a guy like Butch. I no longer serve with the Florida Highway Patrol, but I have the utmost respect and admiration for the men and women who serve the State of Florida the way our Troopers do. It was an honor to serve alongside Butch. My life has forever been impacted. I miss you, Butch. But I know I'll see you again!

Senior Chaplain Michael Vosbrink
Florida Department of Corrections

October 27, 2003

I DIDN'T KNOW YOU, BUT I THINK OF YOU AND THE OTHER FALLEN TROOPERS OFTEN.

TPR. S.W. COODY
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

October 21, 2003