Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was the Warden of Beto I on the day of this terrible tragedy & often think of those who flippantly complain of life being unfair. Joe was loved, served his country, and was a true example of ‘HERO’. I hope & pray his family hold his fond memory each day as a comfort to their soul. May GOD bless the Gurney family.
Terry Terrell
A privileged recipient of Joe’s memory......

Warden
Texas Department of Corrections

September 11, 2022

Thank you for your service

Nick mottola
None

August 12, 2020

Thank you for your service

Nick mottola
None

August 12, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your memory, service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 12, 2020

I only recently became aware of Joe's death. So sorry that he passed away.

I was HONORED to serve alongside Joe, as another Squad Leader Sgt, while we served with the 101st Airborne Div., (3/187th, Co C) in Vietnam. He was VERY squared away, and had a really good sense of humor for where we were at. I left country, before he was wounded.

RIP Joe, and God Bless his family.

Dan Bayes
Former Army Buddy

August 27, 2015

Sgt. Gurney,
On today, the 27th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a LEO but for our Country as well when you served in the U.S. Army. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 12, 2015

This was the man I called daddy, and a piece of me died along with him this day, but I will always honor him as my hero, because he taught me to be strong, and always do what is right no matter what! Thank you for your service! I love you dad! May you always RIP!

stephanie cook

April 27, 2014

Rest In Peace Sergeant Gurney, your service is remembered.

Sgt. Jarrod L. Wilson / K9 Officer
West Virginia Division Of Corrections

August 12, 2013

On the 22nd anniversary of Sergeant Gurney's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Sergeant Gurney is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

August 13, 2010

"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 27, 2008

To the family and loved ones of Sergeant Joe Gurney and his fellow officers with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice:

On this the eighteenth anniversary of Joe's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.

I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Joe was robbed of his life so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Joe gave to his community and the citizens of Georgia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 12, 1988.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 12, 2006

God Bless those you left behind. You are remembered on this day. Thank you for your service.

04-19-05

April 19, 2005