Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer McCarthy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 26, 2022

It has been 33 years since I lost you daddy. I remember your smile and your laugh. I lost more than you that day but your memory shines like a beacon for so many still. I love the stories of you.

Amber Cherry
Daughter

February 26, 2019

It's been thirty years today that we lost you, Gary. Now you and Daddy are together in Heaven. I just know that you are both having a great time together up there, love you so much.

Candy McCarthy
Sister

February 26, 2018

Gary was an amazing human being and a great friend! He always carried himself with integrity and the utmost decency!
Lynda Deane Allen
Friend
March 1, 2017

Lynda Allen
Friend

March 1, 2017

Twenty nine years have passed since you were so violently taken from us. But we know you are in the arms of Jesus. See you soon, my big brother.

Candy McCarthy
Sister

February 26, 2017

I was remembering Gary, as I often do, and by chance found this page. It must be evident by the number of entries the incredible impact Gary had on so many! But I believe his greatest impact will be measured by the souls he touched for eternity in far off places...we do not know their names but God will call them out one day as jewels in Gary's crown that he will gladly cast at Jesus feet as he honors the Savior he chose to serve.

Tom Markel
Former Pastor and friend

January 2, 2016

Thanks for the laughs Bro. You were an Angel that God needed in his Kingdom. Miss you Gary. Hope to see you again.

Sr. Corporal Randy Alexander #5531
Dallas P.D. (Class of 198)

February 26, 2014

It's hard to believe that my baby boy is the same age I was. Time has passed and I see you in my youngest child and in my nephew. I learned so much from the stories my mother shared with me about you and hold dear to my memories. You will never be forgotten and those stories, home-movies and love are shared for you to live on forever. They will look up to you an eternity just like I did.

Amber Scarpinati
Daughter

February 26, 2014

Gary you were one of the best friends I ever had. I miss you a lot even though it has been 25 years. Although I only knew you 2 years you had a big impact on my life and many others. I miss DPD and wish I never quit. I still laugh thinking of the funny stuff you used to do and say, and just your laugh. I remember me, Neal, Strandmo, and Montieth taking turns feeding you so you could send more money to your family. It was an honor and pleasure. I remember you speaking about God and the sheep and wolves, how we, the Police were placed by God to help protect the sheep, and to defeat the wolves we had to be stronger than the wolf. I love you, miss you, see you in Heaven brother.

Police Officer Jonathan P. Weiss 5509
Dallas Police Department retired 1991

November 18, 2013

My heart and prayers go out to your family for being the hero you were. You will never be forgotten. God grant love and peace to your family.

Loyce McIee
Parent & relative of officers

July 23, 2013

The day I saw the news of your passing my heart broke. I have such fond memories of you. You were awesome with the youth group at our church. You will not be forgotten.

Connie Radloff Hi;;
Friend

February 28, 2013

God Bless you Gary, may you rest in Peace. You are a fallen hero....

Tonya Roberts
Friend of sister, Candy......

February 28, 2013

I am Gary's second cousin. My dad, Phil Burke, grew up with Gary. They were very close in age, and so were more like brothers. I have lots of memories of Gary. What I want to share here though, is not memories of Gary. It's how he's still living today. Not in body, but in spirit. I consider his children, Amber and Jodie, my brother and sister. No cousins are closer than we are. I traveled into adulthood with them. No cousin, like myself, could be more proud of the people they've become. I don't hope Gary is proud of his legacy, I know he is. I see his face and his smile in theirs, and in their children. He does still live. And the work he did while here on earth, however short it was, did not end when he was taken from us. Not even close. If anyone who knew Gary for any period of time could see the wonderful people his kids are, they would know he was still here. And there would be no sadness for his loss. There would be joy in the growth of his soul through his family. I am proud to call Gary my cousin. Prouder still to call Amber and Jodie my sister and brother. He's looking down on us now, and that bright smile with the winking gold tooth is bigger than ever.

Angela Burke-Voellm
Gary's second cousin.

February 28, 2013

Gary. Its hard to believe its been 25 years. I think of you often. I ended up training more rookies for the Dallas Police Department than anyone in its history,well over a hundred. But you were always my favorite. I know you had many hardships prior to DPD, but you still had such a positive outlook on life. Other than that terrible driving you learned overseas,you excelled in every aspect of police work. You made a positive influence in many lives. But most important,you was a devoted husbanb and wonderful father.I will always miss you until that day we meet again in paradise. Rest in peace my brother.

Sr.Cpl/FTO Scotty Holt
Dallas Police Dept. Retired

February 26, 2013

I was browsing through ODMP and came across your name...I retired from the Corning NY Police Department in 1997 and my brother's name is Don...I thought it a bit ironic...

Gary A McCarty (Ret.)
Corning City PD...NY

May 2, 2012

Thanks for your 2 years of services, Gary.

David

February 26, 2012

Gary went to Eastwood High School and church with my older brothers. I was a little kid always wanting to be around my brothers and their friends, like Gary. Now that I'm grown, I am a Sergeant in Dallas PD and still think about Gary quite often. When I was in the Academy, his badge number was on my name plate and I have the ODMP bracelet with his name and badge number. As long as I am around Gary will never be forgotten. I am proud to wear the same badge as him.

Matthew Edwards

December 18, 2011

I was Gary's Sergeant at the time of his death. I am retired from Dallas PD but not a day goes by that I don't think of Gary and that cold February day. What a great guy Gary was. Truly loved by all who knew him. A stout warrior who had so much to give. A native son who had followed his Dad's footsteps into law enforcement.

Gary's youngest son came to visit a few years ago to learn about his dad. Longtime friend and partner Al Solis, FTO Scotty Holt and I had the chance to meet with Jodie and tell him about his Dad. What a tribute to Gary that his son grew up so well. Ronda you should be proud as I know Gary would be. I close in saying thank you to ODMP for providing space to let others know that Gary McCarthy was a fine man and great police officer. Rest in peace Gary.

Retired Sergeant Greg Evans
Dallas Police Dept
May, 2011

Retired Sergeant Greg Evans
Dallas Police Department

May 23, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 26, 2010

Gary was our hero and was like the glue that held our family together. We miss him every day. I cannot begin to describe how it touches my heart to read what each of you has written in his honor on this website. Thank you.

Candy McCarthy
Sister

December 23, 2009

The funeral line was long, There's an awful lot of cars, Folks came out of the restaurants, They came out of the bars.
The workers at the construction sites All let their hammers drop. Someone asked. "What is this all for?" And they said, "Aw, just a cop."
Some chuckled at the passing cars. Some shed a silent tear Some people said, "It's stupid," "all these dumb policemen here."
"How come they are not out fighting crime?" "Or in a doughnut shop?" Sure is a lot of trouble, For someone who's just a cop."
They blocked the intersections, They blocked the interstate. People yelled and cursed, "Damn, it's gonna make me late!"
"This is really ridiculous!" "They're makin' us all stop!" "It seems they are sure wastin' time, On someone who's just a cop."
Into the cemetery now, The slow procession comes, The woeful Taps are slowly played. There's loud salutes from guns.
The graveyard workers shake their heads "This service is a flop." "There's lots of good words wasted, On someone who's just a cop"
Yeah, just a cop to most folks. Did his duty every day. Trying to protect us, Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven, St. Peter put him at the top. An angel asked him, "Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, just a cop."
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

May God be with everyone!!!!!!!!!

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX

April 13, 2009

Officer McCarthy,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dallas. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I read in one the of reflections that you used to live in El Paso, TX and attended Eastwood High School(my father-in-law teaches math there). All I can say is good job Trooper.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

February 26, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 20, 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

February 5, 2008

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over...

SGT. John L. Gulledge Retired
Escambia CO FL SO

October 2, 2007