Officer Down Memorial Page

On the anniversary of your loss, I am touched to see how many people loved you...especially the road dogs. You made an impact on their lives and knowing you mentored them makes me feel even safer.

My beloved CHP is better because you served in its ranks. Thank you for all you did to keep us safe. Because of how you lived your life, you are a hero and your family has a right to be proud of you. Look after all my road dogs (especially in San Bernardino Area)

Love,

LoVae Pray Martines
Law Enforcement Liaison MADD San Bernardino County CA
March 14, 2012

After 10 years, I still wear my Gary Wagers memorial t-shirt and tell others of Gary's good work. He is missed.

Bob Marlowe
Family Friend
August 23, 2011

After 10 years, I still speak of Gary and wear his memorial t-shirt to keep his memory and appreciation of his good work alive. My heart still sends out strength to Linda. A terrible loss.

Bob Marlowe
Family friend
July 2, 2011

To my Captain Darling,

Ten years ago tonight you left for work and never came home. I can't believe it's been ten years. I can close my eyes and remember the last time I hugged you (the feel of that vest was like hugging a barrel) and as you drove away in the black & white you waved goodbye. I thank God I had gotten home from work in time to have those last few minutes with you. So many days you had already left by the time I got home. Those last kisses, saying "I love you" and the wave goodbye are as new as yesterday in my mind. They will never fade.

Meanwhile, my life has gone on. I have made new friends here in Tennessee and I'm sorry they'll never get to meet you. It was too hard for me to stay in California; just seeing CHP cars and officers was such a painful reminder of my loss, it's easier here. But no matter where I go, when it becomes known that I'm a CHP widow, your brothers in law enforcement take good care of me. I never have to worry, I always have guardians and protectors near by. And I know you're watching over me.

Ten years. I can hardly believe it.

I love you as much as ever,
Linda

Linda Wagers
Surviving spouse
March 14, 2011

Gary I still think of you often . You gave me your badge way back , scratched and worn . I treasure it . The baseball you signed for the kids stands beside your badge and photo . Gary as a Police officer and man few were your equal and none surpassed you . You will be remembered in prayers on March 15th at St. Marks Church Springfield Dublin . We know you watch over Linda .
Ken Harrington Garda 22189K Irishtown .

Garda Kenneth Harrington
Friend (An Garda Siochana)
March 9, 2011

I think of you often, Gary. Your dedication will never be forgotten. May God bless your soul and watch over Linda.

Christopher Port, ID 9729
CHP Valley Division MAIT, Retired
January 7, 2011

Gary

I have been a graveyard Sergeant in Santa Ana for almost two years now. Linda gave me a pair of your stripes. They are like gold to me. A night does not go by when I don't say, "How would Gary handle this?" I was just doing an annual evaluation on an officer. His previous evaluations were done by Sergeants including you, Bobby Thompson, and John Steele. It makes one wonder....

I truely miss you.

Sergeant W.P. Kenny #13987

Sergeant W.P. Kenny
CHP Santa Ana
April 16, 2010

Thinking of you Gary this and everyday . You are forever in our thoughts . Colm who is serving in Swords sends his best to you . You have been a tremendous influence on so many police officers . God Bless .
Ken , Elaine , Tracey , Karen , Colm and Nicola .

Garda Kenneth Hrrington
An Garda Siocana (Friend)
March 15, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 15, 2010

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Wagers. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
October 22, 2009

Gary , you are still an inspiration to me despite the passage of time . Your words and actions continue to help me in being a better police officer and person .
Miss you Gary ! See you on the range .
Ken H.

Garda kenneth Harrington
Friend An Garda Siochana
March 16, 2009

You were a man of distinction, unforgettable by your families and friends. I know you are missed by all
of them and have left big shoes to fill. May the Lord
continue to heal those who still miss you as your
memory fondly lingers.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous
March 15, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 14, 2009

My Darling Gary,

I miss you so much. Watch over me and our family.

Your loving wife,

Linda
March 12, 2009

Gary

All of these years later I am now a Sergeant. You are, and always will be the example of what a great field supervisor is. The troops I work with now in the Central Los Angeles office are so young - like I was when you mentored me. They borrow my keys to get into the PAS locker. I still have the Garda pendant you gave me on the key ring. I always tell the. "Do you know who gave that to me". When I mention it was you, I am pleasently surprised to hear that they know your name (probably from shining your plaque on the fountain). I still miss you, and use you as a constant reminder of what a great sergeant really is. Had you not been taken away from us too early, I imagine that you would be retiring about now. I will always regret not being able to attend that party and being given the chance to tell you how very much you have influenced my life. God Bless you Serg.

Sergeant W.P. Kenny #13987

Sergeant Bill Kenny
California Highway Patrol
April 28, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, nH
March 16, 2008

Gary always miss you . You are constantly in our prayers . At work or at home , on and off duty I remember . Colm who you taught to shoot on the range in Orange County is now a Garda stationed in Swords , County Dublin . The girls and Elaine say Hello . A mass will be said at St. Marks Parish Church at 10am. Saturday March 15 th.
Ken H.

Garda Kenneth Harrington
An Garda Siochana , Ireland
March 14, 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
November 21, 2007

On this, the seventh anniversary of his passing, we pause to remember. We remember not only the California Highway Patrol officer, but the man behind the badge.
It is in his memory that we continue on.
May his family, friends and fellow officers serving with the California Highway Patrol take comfort in knowing that he died serving and that his memory lives on.
Rest in peace sir.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police
March 15, 2007

G-d Bless.

March 15, 2007

God Bless you Sir...May you rest peacefully. Thoughts and prayers sent from my family to yours Sgt Wagers. You are not forgotten.

Michigan

March 15, 2007

On the 6th anniversary of your EOW, you are not forgotten. Thank you for your service.

March 14, 2007

To Sgt. Gary Wagers, his wife and children, and his loved ones:

On this the fifth anniversary week of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

Sgt. Wagers, you rescued us, saved our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

From reading the reflections about you, it is obvious you were well-loved and well-respected. To have accolades from those you have led and mentored is a great tribute to your law enforcement career. Another legacy in your career is that your daughter followed in your footsteps and I am sure she wears her uniform with a special pride because of you.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. 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, Sgt. Gary Wagers. I am humbled by your valor and your dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Sgt. Wagers gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 15, 2001.

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

March 16, 2006

Remembering you, honoring you.

The sentence in your story about working past your shift time brought tears to my eyes. Matt's chief used to tell him he HAD to take some time off. He always wanted to be at work, and like you it had to be the night shift.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Love,
Linda Rittenhouse
Matt's Mom Forever

LINDA RITTENHOUSE
MOTHER OF OFFICER MATTHEW RITTENHOUSE E.0.W.9/16/04
March 15, 2006

In the years since your passing we have missed you so much . Your kindness and gentle caring spirit will as long as we live inspire us . Ken Elaine Tracey Karen Colm and Nicola remember you .

Garda Kenneth Harrington
An Garda Siochana , Ireland .
March 25, 2005