Patrolman First Class Gilbert Franklin Halma Cheraw Police Department South Carolina Friday, June 26, 1998  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

I was on the internet trying to find you and your brother.I've often think about you and george and i miss you both. I'm sorry you left this world to soon.I'll never forget when we won the 1986 Bangor PA little league championship. it was our ability to work as a team that won us that trophy. I know the other officers could count on you as a teammate.

Lance
a little league team mate and friend
2009-06-11

Gil,
Every year that goes by,It still feels like yesterday when I last talked to you. I remember the night before you were taken from us how you backed me up when I chased down that pickup. "I miss you brother", But I know you and John are up there watching over us. I will never forget you or John and how you both watched over me and on occasion fussed at me for taking to many chances. God Bless you Gil and your brother George, We will meet again.

Michael Blevins / Senior Officer
U.S. Dept. Of Justice / Friend
2008-10-03

I will never forget the wonderful person you were - you and my husband, Allan Davis, were to go the the Police Academy in Columbia the next morning the night you were killed. My heart just fell as so did my husbands. He thought a lot of you and was very proud of you. Maria was a wonderful girl and I still think of you and her often.....you will never be forgotten - our hero!

Anonymous

2008-09-28

A decade has passed but you have not been forgotten. Those who were close to you and love you dearly will never let you be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2008-06-26

DEAR GIL,
MAN, IT HAS BEEN ALONG TIME. I REMEMBER YOU STOPPING ME ON SECOND STREET FOR SPEEDING AND GAVE ME A BREAK. WE BECAME FRIENDS AFTER THAT. YOU WERE REALLY A STAND UP FRIEND THAT I WAS GREATFUL TO HAVE. I STARTED AT CHERAW POLICE DEPARTMENT JUST LIKE YOU DID AND NOW I AM HONORED TO BE WORKING WITH YOUR BROTHER GEORGE. HE ALSO IS A STAND UP GUY, AND WILL DO ANYTHING IN THE WORLD FOR ANYONE. I STOP AND LOOK AT YOUR PICTURE EVERYDAY I WALK IN THE PD. I'M PATROLING NOW AND HOPEFULLY I CAN CARRY OUT THE DUTIES IN AN OUTSTANDING WAY THAT YOU DID AND THAT I PRAY THAT ONE DAY THAT I CAN SEE YOU AGAIN. LOVE YOU ALWAYS BROTHER.

PFC.BOBBY DRIGGERS
CHERAW POLICE DEPARTMENT
6-09-2008

PFC BOBBY DRIGGERS
CHERAW POLICE DEPARTMENT
2008-06-09

"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
2007-11-16

9 years today,Seems like just yesterday,Forever my hero, And never forgotten,Keep looking over us all,I love you and miss you,In Memory Of 930. Love George

PFC George Halma
Cheraw Police Department, twin brother
2007-06-27

It always hurts to know that another officer has died. It hurts just a bit more for me when it is one from the Carolinas.

May You Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC/LAPD
2007-06-26

Gil,
Its hard to believe that it has been 9 years today. A lot of things have change since you were called home. A lot of changes have happened at Cheraw PD. Rest in peace my brother and keep a watch over us left here. In memory of 930.

Cpl. Jason Shoemake
Society Hill Pd
2007-06-26

Thank you for your service to your fellowman. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
2007-06-26

Gil,

My heart still goes out to your family after all this time. I will never forget going to your wake and meeting George, Maria, Connie, and of course Nikki. When Joey was killed I thought I could never live again yet somehow I found a way to pick up the pieces and move on. Then I clearly remember when you passed away b/c I happened to be in Cheraw when I heard the news. I remember thinking how horrible it was that another officer was taken from us. I went to your wake and met your incredible family and we all became such wonderful friends. Your brother George and his wife Connie were always so great to me and I miss them so much. I guess moving to another state takes a toll on how much you get to see those you care for. I also miss little Nikki. She stole my heart from day one, and she loved her Uncle Gill with all of her heart. Maria and I also become dear friends and still chat every now and then. I remember her visiting me in Columbia and staying up laughing at the craziest things. She loved you so much and I know still misses you as I do Joey. It's amazing how a tragedy can hit us yet somehow somthing beautiful can emerge. In my case, the death of you and Joey brought some wonderful people into my life and I never forget them. Some friendships stand the test of time even if you don't speak to those friends everyday. We all went through the hardest part of our lives together and somehow made it through b/c we all leaned on one another to give us strength. Gil, please give Joey a big hug for me and let him know I miss him. You guys be good up there and don't worry b/c we will always be remembering the both of you. Rest in Peace.

Yours Truly,
Dana
Charlotte, North Carolina
Fiance' of Deputy Joseph C. Rodgers
Florence County, South Carolina eow 4-9-97

Dana Shriver (Moody)
Fiance' of Deputy Joseph (Joey) C. Rodgers eow 4-9-97
2007-02-25

To the family of Mr. Halma,
When my family travels to the beach, I always notice the bridge dedicated to the memory of Patrolman Halma. After researching this gentleman online, it reminds me of the sacrifices officers take in protecting us - and the sacrifices that their families make, as well. May God bless all of those out there keeping us safe. May God bless all of those back home loving these men and women. Thank you for all that you do.

Crystal Barnhardt

2007-01-04

Dear Gil, Hey little brother, Iwant you know how much I miss and love you.I think about you everyday of my life, but I feel comfront knowing you are up there watching over all of us.Well, love you little brother talk to you later. Love always, your big sister Sherri

Sherri Reynolds
sister
2006-11-02

I have passed the bridge named in your honor for many years on the way to the beach from NC. I have always wondered about the officer in which it was named. Now I have read your story. My prayers are with your wife, brother and family. My husband was killed July 28, 1994.

JANICE DANIEL ORTIZ
WIFE OF OFFICE JACKIE L DANIEL EOW 7/28/1994
2006-10-26

Dear Gil, It is has been over 8 years and it still feels like just yesterday the last time you were here. I think about you all the time. Time has made it easier to talk about. Keep looking over us. Love George

SGT. GEORGE HALMA
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, TWIN BROTHER
2006-09-11

Gil,
It's been almost eight years since you went home to be with our father. I can't believe how much time has actually went by. I know that you are doing great, looking down and watching over us from up above. We will always have those wonderful memories and love that we shared. I am doing great. I still think about you every day, and know that you are an angel watching over us. You are truly a HERO.
Love Maria

Anna Maria Halma
Wife
2006-07-11

May you Rest in Peace .I am sure that your guard your twin 24/7.

2006-06-26

Although I have visited your page many times, I have never known what to say. I remember all those good times in the Guard and the trip to Panama will forever be in my memory. I wish we hadn't got into that argument in the van on that trip, I don't even remember what it was about. When I saw George for the first time all I could think about was you. How funny life is that I now work w/ him. I think of you often. Take Care

Deputy Matt Crow
Chesterfield Co Sheriff's Office
2006-01-21

My sympathies go out to Officer Halmas's family and especially his twin brother. I too am a twin and have served in LE as does my brother. I could not bear a loss such as this. May he rest in peace and God watch over his twin brother for all time to come.

Bless you all.

SFC William Farrell, Ret
US Army Military Police
2005-10-05

God bless your family brother and i know your standing guard at the gates of heaven along with the rest of our brothers.

DFC Brian d, Mitchell
ccso
2005-09-21

Thinking of you.
It's hard to believe it's been 7 years.
May God bless your family and friends.

Melinda, John's Widow

2005-06-27

GIL, TODAY MY WIFE AND I WERE IN CHERAW AND CROSSED THE BRIDGE THAT WAS NAMED IN YOUR HONOR. IT SURE DOES NOT SEEM LIKE IT HAS BEEN 7 YEARS SINCE YOU LEFT US FOR HEAVEN. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AS LONG AS I LIVE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
2005-06-26

Gil we never really met but I did know you. We both statred in law enforcement the same way as dispatchers at Cheraw. You had already been called home when I started. But I did see your picture ever time I went down the hall at the pd. I did have the pleasure to work with your brother at cheraw. Gil, you are missed and look over the rest of us.

Cpl. Jason Shoemake
Society Hill Police Department
2004-07-21

God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

2004-04-13

It hard to believe it's been 4 1/2 years since your fatal crash. Your friends still miss you..Tell John that we love and miss him...
Love,
Melinda

Melinda C Sellers, John Crawley's widow

2004-01-12