Officer Down Memorial Page

Happy Birthday Gary! Today I will eat a frozen Ding Dong with ice cream for you. Thank you for sharing your life with me. I miss you more than I can say & love you always.

Carolyn
spouse
April 7, 2012

2011 ICOPS Bike Ride Day 1 - Indianapolis to Richmond. Everyone made it safe. Excellent core group riding. You would be proud.

ICOPS
ICOPS Cyclists
July 25, 2011

Gary- Happy 20th Anniversary! I love you always & miss you with each breath.

Carolyn

Carolyn
spouse
June 1, 2011

Happy Birthday Gary!!

Connie Rich
Survivor
April 7, 2011

You were and are a compass in my life-you introduced me to the service of others. Compassionate, caring, funny and integrity were some of your most endearing qualities. I have been blessed with your influence in my life. I miss you.

Anonymous
March 8, 2011

Thinking of you and the appreciation of all your years of dedicated service. Thank you for watching over my brother and other law enforcement officers.

Anonymous
August 22, 2010

On the day before "Early Arrival" for National Police Week, many of us witnessed hundreds of riders who rode to the Pentagon to support C.O.P.S. and the ODMP. It was an inspiring site: hundreds of riders, their families, support drivers who came out in solidarity for these two great organizations who do so much for survivors. It was deja vu for some of us...and to just look around and see what has happened was surreal. We miss you.

Mark Hannan
co-worker
May 12, 2010

Gary ~

We are thinking of you today and always... May you continue to watch over my brother and all other police officers.

Amy
sister of a police officer
August 22, 2009

To Lt. Gary Edward Dudley, his family and his fellow officers with the Indiana State Police:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Lt. Dudley’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Lt. Dudley and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff
August 22, 2009

It has been a long time since I wrote, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. The ride in Illinois this year was brought to an even higher level, with new survivors joining and inspiring us. You have touched so many lives through the rides in Indiana and Illinois...we miss you and keep an eye on us!!

Mark Hannan
Concerns of Police Survivors-Illinois
July 29, 2009

Last Monday, July 20, 2009, the 2009 Indiana Cops Cycling for COPS ride began. We all know that you are riding with us during the ride and you are never forgotten.

Anonymous
July 26, 2009

Lt. Dudley I think of you often. You were a tremendous role model for my while I was a Basic Course Student in 1999. Later, you would truely epotimize what the Indiana State Police was all about when I became a cadet under your training and guidance. I will never forget you or what you instilled in me.

Anonymous
April 18, 2009

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous
October 25, 2008

Hey Gary:

We still miss you greatly. My children often ask about you. I tell them that you are watching over all of us. You were a brother to me in the short time that I knew you. I am trying to write a book about you so that our state will get to know you. Know that both you and Gary Martin are in my thoughts daily. You and Gary Martin will continue to keep me focused on what is important in life. Know also that your spirit keeps me focused as a Police Officer. I shall not let you down.

Patrick J. Holdeman
Notre Dame Police Dept
September 4, 2008

Gary,

I am so glad that you were there from the moment Richard was killed. If we could hand-pick the people to walk beside us in times of need, you would have been everybody's first choice. How fortunate I was to have you beside me through the first, most difficult days.

You are missed by so many beyond all comprehension. Thank you for yor time here with us, and for watching over us now from the Heavens.

Amy Gaston Stehr
Survivor and Friend
August 24, 2008

Gary ~

We think of you often and especially on this day. You were and still are an inspiraton to all who knew you. Please continue to watch over my brother and all the others involved in law enforcment.

Amy
sister of a police officer
August 22, 2008

We miss you...

Mark Hannan
IL C.O.P.S
August 22, 2008

i made your ankle bracelet :]
I am going to give it to Mrs. Dudley for you

Maddie Hannan
Marks daughter
August 12, 2008

Gary
We've never met but I feel that I know you and the kind of man you were and the impact you had on others. This year was the first time that I rode with the Illinois Chaper of C.O.P.S. My brother was killed in September 2006. So many of the police officers came up behind me and placed their hand on my back to help me up those hills. They told me about you and how you were always there to help them through their first ride when they felt that they weren't strong enough. So through them I know that you were helping me. The last time I saw my brother he told me of your passing. He flew his flag in your honor. Then 35 days later he was taken from us. Your friend Mark is my angel. As broken hearted as he was to loose you he reached out to help me. Be with him and be so proud of him. Keep him safe. He misses you so much. Thanks for your help. Your legacy will live on through those that you have touched. And through those that you have touched I know that you have touched me. Especially that last day when I was trying to make up those hills in Orland Park. Rest in Peace my friend.

Marcia
Sister of Thomas A. Cook EOW 9/27/06
August 1, 2008

Gary,

During the month of May we have been honoring a fallen Indiana Hero daily at roll call. Today we honored you, much the same way we honored a fallen hero everyday of our ride throughout Indiana.

After the reading I thought back to the various rides throughout Indiana and to DC. I recall right before lunch on the 22nd you and I had a small race up a bridge - you beat me. I remember you looking over at me in that you didn't stand a chance sort of way.

Tomorrow I leave for Washington DC to attend police week to honor all the officers throughout this nation that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

I am thankful for the lessons I learned from you. Not a day goes by that I don't think of either you or Gary Martin. On Friday we will be honoring Gary Martin in Roll Call. You are always in my hearts and prayers.

Sgt. Pappaioanou

Sgt. Pappaioanou
Fishers PD
May 8, 2008

Gary,
Carolyn has been a blessing to us at the Peru Post during our losses over the last year. Thank you for having her so involved in the State Police family during your time here. She is a good woman.
Mike

Mike
May 1, 2008

Lt. Dudley I remember in the last weeks of my academy running in formation and I was “encouraged” to imitate you. I was somewhat reluctant to do the imitations but a fellow recruit told me to tell you that imitation was the most sincere form of flattery. Your response was “so are push ups”. I still laugh to this day when I think about the academy and hearing you sign “give me that old trooper spirit”. You helped so much through the academy as well as my career. I remember when I was assigned to Lowell and I wasn't to happy about the assignment. You pulled me aside and told me funny stories of when you first went to Lowell. You helped my when I started teaching and encouraged my to teach at the academy as well as the district and other departments. Your encouragement and belief is in no small part why I give all that I have when I teach. Thank you for making me a better trooper, teacher and person.

S/Trooper Detective
Indiana State Police

S/Trooper Detective
Indiana State Police
March 21, 2008

I'm traveling and just wanted to see your photograph, yes yours! I was PT'ing today and wore the 2005 IL ride shirt, and tomorrow it will be the IN shirt. Thinking of you Gary,

Mark Hannan
IL COPS
March 19, 2008

Gary,
Please keep an eye on Daniel Barrett. He just came to meet you and the others in heaven. Don't let the older guys give him a hard time. Thanks

Mike
Indiana State Police
February 6, 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 9, 2008