Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I lived around the corner on Elsmere the night Scott shot you. Sounded like a war. I've carried it my entire life and have never forgot you. Scott died in prison. He deserved it, you didn't. I hope your family is well.

Marr E5
Just a guy that remembers.

September 11, 2024

Officer Jerry Philpot and wife Diane were my neighbors I will forever remember that night. Such great and amazing people with a sad ending to life. Thank you for serving us Jerry.

Mona
Friend (neighbor)

August 4, 2024

To the family, friends and loved ones of Officer Jerry Philpot.

I am SPO Smith and Jerry is my silent partner, I've read each of the reflections on here and see how loved and supported he was and the impact he left onto his family and friends or anyone he has encountered. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to see that. I will continue to have his memory for the rest of my life.

SPO Smith
Detroit Police Training Center

July 6, 2024

Jerry, I wish we would of continued keeping in touch, after elementary school. You were my best friend back in the day!
You always made me laugh. I pray someday I can meet you wife and kids, and tell them personally what a great kid you were! I am sure you are missed by sooo many!

Edward Bourassa
Taylor, Mi. 48180

3132479072

Ed Bourassa
Childhood Best Friend

November 22, 2022

Dear Jerry, I took care of you as you came into Detroit Receiving. I was a respiratory therapist (studying to become a trauma /Pulmonary intensivist). I was with you and talked to you the whole 2 hours (?). I did everything in my power to save you and I fought as hard as you were fighting. Your life crossed my path and in doing so you became my Guardian Angel. I still carry since that day your photo and badge number with me, it is in my phone now. I look at it on the hard/bad days to remind myself to keep going. You were my first LEO death and you know how hard I worked. The moment you let go , I remember touching your hand as i left the open trauma bay. I had to walk out into the hallway filled with your LEO family and other 1st responders. All I could say is “ I am , so sorry”. The looks on their faces and the tears in their eyes as I walked through them broke my heart and it told me what kind of man you were. I was very young and it impacted my life in so many ways. It confirmed that my calling, of service to others was my path. I still continue my ED and ICU work. I have done disaster medical work/also taught it all over the world. I became a Vol.FF/medic for 5 years in NY , an outdoor emergency medicine instructor for the National Ski Patrol. I worked teaching “Devil Docs”new skills in San Diego as they went with the Marine’s into Iraq and Afghanistan. I spent 3 months in a C19/ ICU unit in NYC recently. I am currently in Florida working in the ED and in the C19/ ICU unit. You have touched so many lives through me. Thank you publicly for your service and watching over me

Catherine Paulina Wojtaszek
Medical Care

July 5, 2020

Dear Jerry,

We honor you today May 25, 2020, Memorial Day, also the 25th anniversary of your passing. You left us as a 28 year old. I have a 28 year old son and I cannot imagine.

We thank you for serving and protecting, your kindness and your inspiration. You had an amazing gift in your ability to build bridges. We are so sad that you are gone, yet celebrate a life well lived.

We have a special place in our hearts for your family. You live on in them.

Lifting you and your family up in prayer...
Until we all meet in Heaven...

The O’Dea Family
Family friends

May 25, 2020

Jerry....I remember talking to you after I joined the Inkster Police Reserves and the advice you gave me for my safety. After your death I entered EMS and kept your advice close to heart. I think about you still as you were a friend and a brother in blue.
Thank you my friend for your advice, your service, and your sacrifice.

A public Safety brother.

Dave Davidson EMT.

December 28, 2019

Was thinking about you and your family tonight, actually thinking about you and your family for a couple weeks. Remembering those nights hanging out at the Giant. Feeling nostalgic.

Cathy barrera
Retired Dearborn Heights

February 23, 2016

I only met you once but I always remembered you. It was either late 94 or early 95 and I was thirteen years old. For whatever reason a friend of mine had ran away from home and had come by my house, I guess my brother and him had worked out that he was gonna stay with us somehow? You were a family friend to his family, this was through the church/school that me, my brother, and this friend had also attended.

He hadn't been at my house even a day, my mom was at work and you had my friend's older brother in the squad car and were out looking for him.

I still remember answering the door, seeing the badge that was hung on the chain around your neck. I invited you in and my friend came out from where he was hiding pretty quickly. I just recall you chatting with all three of us. My brother was a huge Star Trek fan and I remember you said you were too. You said that you had gotten like a card board standup of one of the characters from the show as a gift. Coming down in the morning to find the surprise gift in your house, you said you would've shot it if you had had your gun. Hmm, my memory is sketchy, maybe it was your partner that told the story. I would hate to be posting something mistaken on here.

But what I am not mistaken about is that you were nothing but funny, friendly, nice, and respectable, having a friendly conversation for a good half hour or more with us kids. Kids that were becoming misguided down a wrong path with an increasing number of our friends joining gangs. I'm so happy I found my path away from the gang allure rather quickly just a short time after this meeting.

I am a RN now and still live in Detroit, two of my cousins are DPD Police Officers.

I'll remember the one time I met you Officer Philpot for the rest of my life.

Jeffry Shreve
Admirerer

February 13, 2016

Stopped at the Fallen Heroes Memorial today and found your name. Didn't expect it to be such an emotional experience. Rest easy, old friend.

Dana Laikind, civilian
College friend

November 6, 2015

Jerry, I still think about you to this day. I remember all the good times in church. Even though it had been several years since I seen you when I got the call I was speechless, hurt, sad and angry. I to am a officer now and you will never be forgotten my brother. I think of you seldom and will always. RIP Jerry we will continue our shifts till we meet again.

PTL. Chris Himes #133
Hohenwald Police Dept. Hohenwald, TN

August 16, 2015

JERRY was a amazing friend we used to work together at his dad hamburger place . The fun we had . It was always a fun time when he was there . He had a great since of humer . HE LOVED LIFE, loved his family and he was very kind and would help anyone in need. Kids loved him people loved him.
He us missed by many and the would is not the same with out him . He was a great dad. And I feel for his daughter for not getting to know him as well as she should have. He was gone to soon but he will never be forgotten

Deb mcvey
Friend

August 1, 2015

Jerry,

I'll never forget your super kind heart and your generous spirit. Always making others feel loved and welcome. Something that was passed down through your beautiful mother for sure.

Thank you for your service,

Beth Visser (Tomlinson)

August 1, 2015

My Dear Jerry, We have known you since you were a child..you discussed with us about going to the Police Academy because my dad was a retired Detroit Police Sgt...Your mother was my very best friend on this planet... You were a wonderful officer who was starting ti make a difference in our area that was infiltrated with gangs..Thats where you wanted to be..where you could do the most good ..and you did.. You were a great role model for our children . One day I remember you taking the grill on the back of a pick up for the guys at the station to make hamburgers and hot dogs for the guys..that was nest...You were always a HERO to your mother...your sister...your brother..and the Lees...ALWAYS.....RIP my dear friend...

Love
Nora and Dave Lee

Nora and Dave Lee
Friends

August 1, 2015

Missing you! It's hard to believe 20 years have gone by it feels like yesterday. I have told my boys stories about you I wish they could of known you they would of loved you! I Know you and mom are dancing in heaven together! Always in my heart Jerry till we meet again!

Kim
Sister

August 1, 2015

Officer Jerry....we thank you for your bravery, sacrifice and heroism. Everything wonderful about you lives on in your beautiful family. Until we meet someday...you will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. You are quietly remembered today and always.

RM & V O'Dea
Family friends

May 29, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 25, 2015

Officer Philpot and I where in the Army Reserve's together. I was so sadden when I found out about this. Phil was a great guy and leader. Gone but not forgotten. May you rest in peace and the lord be with you and your family.

E-4 Army Reserves Military Police Headqu

February 13, 2015

As the wife of a police officer, it makes my heart smile to know it's possible for so many friends and family to still remember and honor Officer Philpot's ultimate sacrifice after sooo long. It is even more touching to read the words of your wife and daughter. Please know you did well in choosing such a beautiful and strong wife and creating such a wonderful, talented little girl. What a reunion it will be when the three of you will be together again. Rest in peace and wait patiently....

Anonymous
Wife of an officer

October 31, 2014

I have been thinking alot about you lately, since the passing of your mother recently. My heart and prayers go out to your family. You are missed greatly and you will never be forgotten.

Lisa Davidson
Friend

July 26, 2014

I still think about you Jerry and what an amazing husband, father, friend and officer you were. It always saddens me to think about how the selfish actions of evil took such a light from our midst! I think about Diane and Katelyn as well and know how hard it is to raise a daughter alone. I pray their lives are filled with love, blessings and peace. You left behind an amazing legacy and you are greatly missed!

Tanya
Friend

July 9, 2014

If I could just get there...
My partner and I were just joking around. Stopped at the store for a pop...he went in, I stayed in the car..Hey, bring me a juice partner. There's the usual chatter on the radio...then I hear it...Lord please NO!! It echoes like thunder. But I know it's not a joke. I get out to go get my partner..maybe just maybe he didn't hear it..We almost crash into each other.. He's running out while I'm running in. Oh, he heard it alright. We jump in the car. Things happen without thought. The words and location are branded into my brain... If I could just get there...I switch my control to #3. Lights and siren. My headlights are flashing. I see the reflection off the street. My overheads are working. I see the reflection off the buildings as I pass them by. I have no idea how fast I'm driving. I don't care..
If I could just get there....
They're screaming in the radio, calm down radio tells them. Help is on the way...If I could just get there. Radio is so professional, we're screaming and they're so calm. Like conducting an orchestra....So calm. So precise...Units responding? No need to ask..Everyone is...EVERYONE is responding. Marked cars, unmarked, UC, we're coming....
If I could just get there...
I'm looking left, my partner bangs on the door...I know my right is clear...I know I don't have to look..I just go...I just go...I just go...
We're coming..We're coming
If I could just get there, everything would be ok. No one would be hurt. It would all just be a bad dream...BUT IT ISN"T....
If I could've BEEN there, it may have been alright..or maybe not...
GOD BLESS MY DPD FAMILY. I LOVE YOU ALL AND MY HEART IS ACHING....
LOVE NEKAEL (This note is loosely based on the events the night Officer Philpot was shot and killed in the line of duty. I was working scout Viper 3 with my partner Damon Lowery)

Reserve P.O. NeKael L. Jones (ex. DPD)
Highland Park P.D.

April 4, 2013

A Great Person took the time to get to know you and will treasure our brief friendship at college and the nights euchre played.may we play more in heaven one day my freind.

Robert sullivan
friend

September 21, 2012

Your daughter, Katelyn, sang the the National Anthem and a Special song at the Michigan Sheriff's Association Summer Training Conference Memorial Banquet. It was a very special and touching. What a proud moment for all of us and I'm sure you were watching as her guardian angel.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

UnderSheriff David Tucker
Benzie County Sheriff's Office

June 12, 2012

Jerry, it's been 17 Long years since you left us , I think about Katelyn and Diane and how much they suffered through the tragic loss , your memory still lives on in my soul ,since we worked together at the Millender Center working Security and then you went to the DPD Academy . I miss you so much Brother in arms .

I became a Pontiac Police Reserve Officer in 1988 in your memory ,
keep Heaven safe for us Jerry . Your sacrifice will never be forgotten .

Keith M. Osinski Sr. Former Pontiac Police Reserve Officer

June 4, 2012