Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. On the 09th anniversary of your tragic death, may your family take comfort in knowing you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

July 24, 2007

great person who loved his family and his job we will never forget you

patrolman
rogersville pd 2nd cousin

July 11, 2007

Detective Gibson...We know why you responded with dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with your Family, Friends and Law Enforcement Family. Thank you for your service.

Police Lieutenant
Naval Weapons Station, Charleston, SC

December 26, 2006

Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called sons of god. Rest in peace Detective Gibsons.

K-9 Deputy Kevin D. Lampe #27
Finney County Sheriff's Office ( Ks )

May 26, 2006

It was late July afternoon and the news was widespread about what had happened at the Capitol. There you and Officer Chestnut stood valiantly and did your jobs. Sadly, it also cost you your lives in the end because of someone with bad intentions. I won't forget seeing your wife and kids rushing to the hospital to be with you. The looks on their faces at the funeral it broke my heart but yet it strengthened it at the same time. It showed how much love they have for you and contine to have for you today. Thank you Detective for your courage and "just doing your job." You have made this place a safer place today. I know you're watching over your family from above and you're doing it with a proud smile. Godspeed Detective. I and many others salute you.

Jonathan
A thankful person

May 22, 2006

Rest in peace brother, May God bless you and your family.

Patrolman

February 24, 2006

I recall the day you lost your life. It was all over the media. Sadly, to the media, the loss of you and Officer Chestnut seemed to be a footnote to the story of a man with a gun entering the Capitol. However, to those of us 'on the job', your loss WAS the story.

Your service to your country was to be admired. Thank you, God Bless and Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

November 15, 2005

you are a true hero.

Explorer Chris Chappell
Maryland State Police

March 7, 2005

It's taken me a long time to write this, somehow the words wouldn't come out right, and probably still won't. When I saw the news about two officers being shot, somehow I just knew one of them was John. I'd only met up with him a few times when we were all in DC for Police Week, but I knew. He made a lasting impression on me, and I won't forget him, nor will I forget his sacrifice and heroism. Mrs. Gibson, if you are reading this, please know that I thought the world of your husband. It is a friend and me that leave that blue rose and memorial tribute on his panel every year, and we will continue to do so every Police Week. May he rest in peace...we will not let him be forgotten, ever.

PJN

October 11, 2004

Rest in Peace.

Chris Chappell

August 15, 2004

Our hearts go out to the families of Officer Gibson and Officer Chestnut. You can be very proud of them for their service to our country and their fellow man. May God bless you both and guide both of your families and coworkers through this most difficult of times. Be proud of them always. You served us well......RIP brothers.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State police

February 19, 2004

Dear Lynn and kids,

I am so very sorry for your loss, and I know you would have wanted your father and husband instead of a fallen hero, but he was already a hero in your eyes. I think maybe the whole world was suppose to know. Please take care of each other and remember the things you wish you had said; well just say them because he will hear you!

With Love,

Cindy H.

Cindy Hess

The policeman stood and faced his God. Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining. Just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't. 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 awfully tough.
But I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep. Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got too steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though ar times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept many unmanly tears.
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 Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don't- I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod. As the policeman waited quietly, for the judgment of his God. "Step forward now, policeman, you've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets, you've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

Jason Choate
Criminal Justice Major, Bluefield State College

Lament on the Death of an Officer

He protected our streets

He protected us all

Yet one hateful man

Has caused him to fall

He wanted to keep us safe

To protect us from what is bad

He was not just a cop

He was somebody's Dad

Now his wife and children are crying

Did anyone care while on the floor he laid dying

How do you tell his children

Daddy was killed because he was a policeman

What immeasurable cost

A life, yes a life was lost

He sacrificed his all

He will be another name on the wall.

The media in their lust for a story

Did give us the details gory

Does anyone understand the pain

Caused by this man being slain

To many, a policeman is a target,

But I will never forget

The sacrifice he made for me

He died trying to keep me free

Dear Lord above I pray

Protect our policeman everyday

And let us never forget

Those who have prematurely left.

By Kelly Stallings on July 28, 1998

I am the daughter of a fallen officer.  I know that this poem is a little
bit harsh, but it angers me when an officer is senselessly slain.  I wrote
this poem in memory of Officer Jacob J Chestnut and Special Agent John
Gibson.  My continuous prayers are with their families as well as all of
the families of fallen officers.  I will never forget them.

Kelly Stallings

THE TEARS OF OUR NATION

It was a typical day in our nations capital.

The law makers were making laws.

The visitors were visiting,

and the police were policing.

But something would change.

Two families would be torn.

The law enforcement community would be thinner,

and tears would be seen throughout America.

Two brave officers would give their lives.

Two brave officers would save the lives of many.

A greatful nation will pay their respects,

While their heros will lie in eternal rest.

The law enfocerment community will come together.

The citizens of America will mourn

While the flag drapped casket of two brave officers ,

will be given a final salute by all.

The time has come

to let these brave men go.

The time has come.

the let them walk the beat on heavens streets.

Written by:

Kayhla Brown

Dedicated to Officer J.J. Chesnut & Special Agent John Gibson

Killed in the line of duty 24 July 98

A day our Nation will never forget

Kayhla Brown
Baltimore, MD