Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Mitchell,

Thank You for keeping the streets safe for all of us. It is an honor to dedicate this whole year to you and your family. I hope to be as great of an officer and father as you were. As a class we hope to make you and your family proud and hope you watch over us to keep us doing great. May you rest in peace Sir, you will always be remembered.

Recruit S. Gonzalez

Recruit Gonzalez
PCPA Class 16

October 28, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 26, 2007

Deputy Mitchell,

Sir I am looking forward to dedicating the next year of my life to you and your family. I hope that everything we do will make you proud. Thank you for keeping us all safe. I hope that one day I will be able to reach the bar that you have set so high. Thank you for all that you have done for us all, you will never be forgotten Sir.

Ma'am,

My prayers go out to you and Jake every night. Your husband seemed like an amazing human being. I wish that someday I can be like him and serve my community and make my family proud. I hope that our class makes you and Jake proud as well. I am deeply sorry for your lost. God Bless Ma'am.

Recruit Cancino
PCPA Class 16

October 25, 2007

Deputy Mitchell,
I just wanted to write a reflection to you and to your family, and tell you how honored I am that our police academy gets to honor you and your memory during this year of training. Please look out for class 16 this year and help them to stay motivated and focused.
Your family is beautiful, and I can only hope to be as good of a husband and father to my family as you have been to yours.
I am greatful for your service to this country in more ways than I can explain.Thanks again, and rest in peace.

God Bless

Glen Gerber
PCPA Class 15

October 24, 2007

Crystal,

I can't believe it's been almost a year since Jeff was taken from us. Your family touched so many people's lives, including my own. I first met you and your family through working at your dentist office, then enjoyed running in to you guys in town. You were always so sweet.

Being the little sister to a fellow officer, I felt an immediate connection to you all. I'm so sorry someone senselessly took Jeff from your lives. I hope they find his killer soon so maybe your heart can rest a little easier.

It was obvious Jeff was the love of your life. I remember thinking what a great couple you two were, and telling you that you were the kind of parents we wished would have more kids (even though you felt very complete with Jake).

I've been following your news stories, and I know Jeff would be very proud of you, Jake, and your families. You are such a strong woman, and you are making every wife and mother out there very proud of your courage through these difficult times. Please know we think of you often and keep you and your families in our hearts.

Warmest Regards,

Jeannie Benevides Harmon

citizen, Jeannie Benevides Harmon
community acquaintance

October 24, 2007

Crystal,

I can't believe it's been almost a year since Jeff was taken from us. Your family touched so many people's lives, including my own. While I first met you and your family through working at your dentist office, I always enjoyed running in to you guys in town. You were always so sweet.

Being the little sister to a fellow officer, I felt an immediate connection to you all. I'm so sorry someone senselessly took Jeff from your lives. I hope they find his killer soon, so maybe your heart can rest a little easier.

It was obvious Jeff was the love of your life. I remember thinking what a great couple you two were, and telling you that you were the kind of parents we wished would have more kids (even though you felt very complete with Jake).

I've been following your news stories, and I know Jeff would be very proud of you, Jake, your families, and his fellow officers. You are such a strong woman, and you are making every wife and mother out there very proud of your courage through these difficult times. Please know we think of you often and keep you and your families in our hearts.

Warmest Regards,

Jeannie Benevides Harmon

Citizen, Jeannie Harmon

October 24, 2007

Dear Deputy Mitchell,
Today was such an amazing day. I feel so good and complete on the inside knowing that I was involved to help such an amazing cause, something that I have not felt nor done in a long time.

Today, Academy Class 16 and I had a first ever Halloween Carnival in honor of you and everything you stand for. Seeing how happy everyone there was knowing what the cause was for, was just awesome. We had the support of so many volunteers, recruits, and families, both law enforcement related and not. Everyone that was there today was so proud that they could be apart of such a great cause. Thank you for motivating myself and so many others, and keeping me strong even at the hardest of times.

My Deepest Regards
Recruit N.Kennedy

Recruit Kennedy, Class 16
Palomar College Police Academy

October 22, 2007

Deputy Mitchell,

This is the first time I have written to you and I want to start off by saying THANK YOU for already being such an inspiration to Palomar College Police Academy Class 16... They are only into Week 10 and it must make you so proud to see the fire that you have lit underneath them. Today was the 1st Annual Officer Down Halloween Carnival that the class took and ran with. I could not be prouder of each and every one of them tonight as I sit here after a LONG 14 hour day. It was worth EVERY second. The first event was started with Class 12 and their fallen hero, Isaac Espinoza SFPD. With Class 16 they will participate in the 5th rally which will be for you in May 2008. Now with Class 16 they have started this event that will be a legacy. It was so rewarding to see families out here today with their children and there was no fear or concern bc of the surrounding of the event being protected by Law Enforcement and your Class. THANK YOU for making this event a memory that will live with those children forever......

Crystal and Jake,
I look forward to meeting you on Class 16's graduation day. I hope that it will be sooner. (Maybe in May for the Motorcycle Rally?) :) I know the Class would be nothing less than HONORED to have you here. THANK YOU for allowing us to be a part of your lives and thank you so much for your strength. Your strength is also just as much of an inspiration to these young minds that are planning to go into this honored profession. I hope that your family and friends know that they too are appreciated and we thank all of them....

TO the Brothers and Sisters of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, I am so sorry for your loss of your brother. Please know that we are so appreciative to be honoring him. He will not be forgotten and by Class 16's graduation day (08-14-08) his photo and plaque will be placed on our "Wall of Warriors" for all who enter these doors to see.....

Jeff, thank you for continuing to watch over us from above. Isaac, Tony, Larry and Dan I'm sure will have some good stories for you about all of the shananigans of Classes 12,13,14,and 15..... Thank you for your inspiration my friend and please continue to watch over Class 16 as they begin this long journey. Show them that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Until we talk again,
R. Akans #1354

R.Akans #1354
Escondido PD/PCPA

October 21, 2007

Deputy Mitchell,

It is officers like you that truly define this profession. You have strengthened all those around you with your love for your family and this job. It is truly an honor to follow this career path that has been walked by giants like yourself who value family above all else. Your family has been so strong its easy to see how great of a father, husband and law enforcment officer you were. Your sacrifice will never be forgotton.

Recruit Greggor J. Park II
Palomar College Police Academy Class 15

October 20, 2007

One Who Never Hesitates To Tackle The Most Difficult Problems..

One Who Is Always By Your Side..

One Who Knows Right From Wrong..

One Who Acts With Pride..

A Hero Touches Every One Of Us,

Whether It Be Word Or Deed..

Always Tending To Those Who Find Themselves In Need..

When A Hero Leaves This Earth, Yes, It's Sad, But True..

All Too Many Times, The Hero Is Dressed In Blue.

Class 15 Recruit Maldonado
Police Recruit

October 20, 2007

Friends

A friend is someone we turn to
when our spirits need a lift.
A friend is someone we treasure
for our friendship is a gift.
A friend is someone who fills our lives
with beauty, joy, and grace.
And makes the whole world we live in
a better and happier place.

Class 15 Recruit Maldonado

October 20, 2007

Crystal,

I don't know if you remember me because it was so long ago that we were all carefree kids running around the Army Depot in Granite City, IL looking for trouble. I remember you as a pretty girl with a spitfire attitude who used to beat up all the boys (including me!).

Life's road led me into law enforcement just as it did your husband. It wasn't until I became a police officer and father that I could truly understand what the word "sacrifice" meant. It means putting yourself in the way of harm so that others would be safe. It means working longer and harder so that your family could have more. It means giving of yourself without the expectation of even a simple "thank you". Your husband did these things for us and you and for that I would like to tell him thank you.

Sgt. Jason Jackowski
Carlsbad Police Department

October 17, 2007

"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

September 20, 2007

Jeff-
This is your brother steve's girlfrineds son...colleen's son..I will be starting my career soon as a public saftey officer "police/firefighter"..and just know that I will be thinking of you evrytime I go to the job..and i promise I will always have your wrist band with me in memory and in honor of you..you truley are missed and loved...rest at ease brother

Mike Hughes

September 8, 2007

Jeff,

I was a mere academy recruit when you were taken from us. I was given the honor of attending your funeral and learned many lessons about our chosen line of work.

Now, so many months later I am a Deputy just like you were. I cannot count the ways that your memory has impacted both my career and my personal life. I have had many long discussions with other Deputies and civilians regarding you and this job. The final agreement is always that you are a hero.

Every day on the way to work I listen to "Centerfield" by CCR because it reminds me of you, your sacrifice, and the reasons I became a Deputy.

I have shed tears on many occassions about your death. And I was finally able to visit your memorial almost 7 months after we lost you. It was a truly moving moment.

Thank you Jeff for your life and the lessons you've tought with your death. I for one will always remember and will make sure to make you proud and make the badge shine brighter because of my actions.

Sincerely,

Deputy P.

Deputy P.
SSD

June 23, 2007

Jeff,
I never had the honor of meeting you, but your nephew (Dillon) is one of my best friends. Whenever I talk to his dad or see pictures of you at their house, I can't help but think about you and the sacrifice that you made. You sacrificed your life for your family, friends, and community. That makes you a hero. REST IN POWER

Brian Phan

June 9, 2007

Happened upon the memorial while trying to find a back road to Ione. Very sad. I will always remember this and pray for you.

george field
a citizen

June 5, 2007

Crystal & members of the Sacramento Sheriff's Office

I too was at Kelly's when the fender was presented as a tribute to Jeff, and although I never had the pleasure of meeting him, it was apparent by the actions of those who new and loved him, that he was special man and great cop. "Heros live forever"

Detective Scott C. Rochefort
Saco Police Department - Saco, Maine

May 18, 2007

Crystal,
I want to thank you and the members of the Sacramento Co. SO for allowing myself and the other police officers from across the country to witness the beautiful tribute presented to you this past week at Police Week in DC. Although I know you were all focused on one another and the reason you were there, what you made not of seen was the lack of dry eyes in the house and our pride and admiration for all of the officers that made the 54 hr non-stop trip to be with you in Washington.
Signing of the motorcycle fender and leaving it in permanent rememberance of Jeff at Kelly's was a great tribute. I don't know if you know it, but the MSP door also left there at Kelly's was passenger door of the cruiser of one of my fallen brother troopers here in Maine.
I will forever remember my conversation with you following the tribute to Jeff and cherish our shared words. You are a class act, loved by many of your friends and Jeff's co-workers and I wish you and your son the best in the future.
God bless and "In Valor There is Hope"
Sincerely,
Sgt Mike Edes
Maine State Police

Sgt Mike Edes
President, Maine State Troopers Assoc. Maine State Police

May 16, 2007

Jeff... I am getting ready to go through the Sheriffs academy. I hope that when I am on the job your sacrifice will be remembered by all my fellow officers and the public. You gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of justice. You were a true defender of the public and Im proud to have had you as one of the people protecting me. I only got the privilege of meeting you once, but I knew right away your dedication to the job. You will always be remembered and I just want to thank you personally for the sacrifice you made for me and my fellow citizens. And I only hope that I come close to being as good a deputy as you were. God bless!

Trainee Thomas Rowbottom
Sacramento Sheriffs Department

May 15, 2007

Hey Mitch,
Tomorrow is opening day and opening day will never be the same to me. I miss you everyday!!! I miss your smile, your wisdom, and that incredible laugh. What I am trying to say is I miss my best friend!!

April 1, 2007

Dear Jeff,
I know I only met you a few times, but I think about you every day. Your nephew and I love and miss you very much. Dillon and I talk about you often and always seem to think of questions we wish we could ask you. Like can a highway patrol officer pull someone over in a residential street? Just silly stuff like that. I got a ticket last month, and I thought of you. I thought, Jeff wouldn't have given me a ticket. Or maybe he would have, and then just laughed at me with that big ol' smile. Anyways, I'm just rambling. We love you Jeff. You will forever be in our hearts.
Love,
Jess (your nephew's girlfriend) :)

Jessica

March 31, 2007

I keep checking to see if they have caught your killer yet. I hope justice finds him soon. RIP brother.

Nc Game Warden

March 7, 2007

Jeff, I still think about you every single day and your also missed every single day. I come to this site often just to visit and every time I do, I'm still awed by the lives you touched. I love you Jeff.
Your sister in Law
Charlotte

February 16, 2007

I still think about you and your family all the time. I still scour the internet for the news that they have found the person responsible. I hope you are resting in peace. We owe you justice, as it is the least we can do after you have served us.

February 15, 2007