Officer Down Memorial Page

Officer Gelb,
On today, the 36th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of New York. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol
March 11, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your sister Emily and your friends for sharing their memoireis and devotion to you through their reflections. I am glad that after many long years your family got some measure of justice.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
March 11, 2012

Rest in peace Officer Gelb and Olav Hashshalom, your gallantry won't be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 11, 2012

34 years ago today so many lives were changed. i still can't believe it. you have left a legacy in this family that i know you are watching from above. one is a fireman and first responder, one has dreams of being a court officer in your footsteps. one has set her goals on being an oncologist. as we mourn another year you're gone, we are learning to celebrate your life and make you as proud of who we are, as you were to us. love and miss you always alby. r.i.p.

karen gelb martinez
cousin
March 11, 2011

Another year has passed. Our family attended the Court Officer's Association Awards dinner. As I do every year, I presented the Albert Gelb Award and spoke to the guests. I am so honored to be a part of this evening. You will never be forgotten. Of this, I am sure. Miss u every day, Alby

Emily Gelb
November 4, 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 11, 2010

I am relieved for Albert's mother and sister. I only wish that this had "ended" in his father's lifetime. They all died their first death that morning! It has been a long slow climb for justice with heartache that is impossible to comprehend unless you have been through such a death yourself. Thank God there are few families in this world that have.
I am a Gelb and stand taller because of the pride Albert has brought to the name.

Alma (Gelb) Hill

Alma Hill
cousin
October 13, 2009

After 33 long years, the murderer of my beloved brother, Court officer Albert Gelb, has been tried and sentenced to 2 consecutive life terms in prison.
My family wished to express our gratitude to all those Agencies that assisted in this case. We are forever in your debt.
We miss you Alby, every day.

Emily Gelb
sister
September 25, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Court Officer Gelb and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes
March 9, 2009

Albie,
It's been a long time my friend but I have not and will not ever forget you. You were a true friend to me, not too many people can say that about someone. We had some good times for the short period that we knew each other. Remember the conversations we had in the coffee shop on Atlantic Avenue when we got off of work? It was strange that morning when you never made it back to the apartment. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do calling your folks in Florida to tell them the sad news. And the drive upstate to find Emily and bring her back to Queens.
You were a good person and I am proud to say that I knew you and that you were my "friend". You are with your creator now so rest in peace..........

Rich

Rich
Friend
December 30, 2008

RIP.Your killer has now been brought to justice.Continue to watch over your loved ones below from God's arms and know that you will never be forgotten.

Doris
September 21, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
April 7, 2008

Officer Gelb, today marks the 32nd anniversary of your murder. You made an arrest that at the time may have seemed to you like a routine act, but apparently to some, it was more than that and for doing your job, they took your life. You are a hero and though you were taken physically from your family, it's safe to say, you never really left them.

The State of New York is better for having had you work there, even if for only three years.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
March 11, 2008

i never met you alby but i have something of yours and i am honored to hold it and be able to play your guitar. rest in peace. i wish i could have met you.

Julia

cousin
February 10, 2008

I just found out about your heroism. You truly are a great hero. You firmly held to your oath and for what is right in this troubled world. You will never be forgotten, your courageous story will live on forever. You are definitley an inspiration for officers following your footsteps.

Rest in Peace Brother,
Santos

P.O. Santos
NYPD
February 9, 2008

My family and I are overwhelmed by the tremendous amount of support and compassion we have received from all New Yorkers. It is truly a tribute to Alby's dedication to his job and a reflection of the wonderful person he was that, after all these years, so many people still remember and honor his name. I know that my Dad and him are looking down on us and smiling today. My family wishes to also thank those who never gave up, who continued to seek justice for this crime. we honor you as you have honored Albert today. Sincerely, Emily Gelb

Emily Gelb
sister
February 9, 2008

Finally, an arrest today in connection with this brutal murder. Hopefully, this brings some peace and a sense of justice to his family.

A concerned citizen
US Citizen
February 7, 2008

I remember the day you were murdered by cowards. Your kindness and strength
will never be forgotten. May your relatives have peace and comfort. God Bless.

SSGT Alex Rabinowitz
1st Cav Div/5th Cav Reg
February 7, 2008

Al saved my life on August 26th, 1975. He resuscitated me after a strangulation and arrested the man who did it. I will forever be in his debt. It has taken me 30 years to find even this information.

He was warm, caring and sincere. May he rest in peace and never be forgotton.

Paul Dembrow Vakerling
Friend
September 30, 2006

Officer Gelb, We never met, we never served together. You were true to your oath. Rest in peace, we have the watch now.

Sergeant James Alfieri
New York State Office of Court Administration
September 3, 2004

02/27/04

Each day I read the ODMP. Today I read the story of your death. Every officer who gave his/her life for us need never be forgotton. Rest in peace, sir.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
February 27, 2004

MAY GOD BLESS YOU. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

Anonymous
December 16, 2003