Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Mr. Hill,
I'm so sorry we'll never get to meet each other, but you are never too far - your daughter keeps you so alive in her heart. I can't begin to count the stories I hear, the people she's introduced to me, who all hold you so highly in regard and in such a powerful place in their lives. You are, to me, an amazingly brave person and my honor and respect for you is completely without boudary.

Your daughter is probably the best friend I've ever had - she is the cheese to my metaphorical macaroni. When she happened to show me this site I knew it was my obligation to come and tell you that I will do my very, very best to see that your daughter turns into an even more beautiful, wonderful, talented girl. I love her very much (probably not as much as you, but you know how it goes!), and I'm so happy she's in my life and I thank God for her sense of humor.

She loves you very much, she misses you a lot too, but she's so strong. I want to be strong like her someday.

Thank you so much for such a precious person in my life.
I hope we can help each other through our struggles for a very long time.

I told her in joking not too long ago (on your birthday - HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY MR. HILL!) that you were probably partying it up with my Uncle, looking down over both of us with big fat goofy smiles thinking "Look at those two!" But I think for sure that you and my uncle are always watching out for us two! His birthday was only a few days ago - he died as the result of serving his country too. :]

I pray for peace for your family all the time - I know sometimes it must be very difficult, it's difficult for my family as well, and losing a lovedone is probably the hardest thing to face in this very human world we live in, unfortunately. But I am always ready to give her a cheer up when she needs it! (I'm pretty good at it too, if I do say so myself!)

Mr. Hill, I want you to know how grateful I am, and how I will try to be there for your family in anyways I can, because I know they'd do the same for me.

Sincerely,
Hannah Thomas

Hannah
Friend

October 5, 2009

I never knew you deputy, but just talking with your wife i can be sure you are a lovely man. Its a sad loss when someone so good and worthwhile is taken. When i go and get to wherever you are right now i will be glad to meet you.
Until then hang loose deputy Hill, you can take it from me you are missed.

simon
email friend of cathy

September 21, 2009

I'm not sure if we count this as a birthday present for you or not...Whitney got her permit to drive! It has been fun watching her grow into a beautiful teenager. Now we move into a new chapter of our lives with her behind a wheel of a car. I know she will do just fine, it is me I worry about!

Love you Bear...C

Anonymous

August 23, 2009

Happy Birthday, Shug. Taz and I baked you a cake today. Wish you were here.

Jean Hill
Mom

August 21, 2009

It is your 47th birthday today, you are never forgotten and always loved. We love you...

Cathy Hill
Surviving Spouse

August 21, 2009

Barry,
I never met you, but can tell by the many testimonials here that you were a loving husband, father, son, brother, etc. You were also, from the posts, a great officer. Whether an officer wears green, blue, black, gray, brown, etc, we are all brothers and sisters who "protect and serve." This past Police Memorial Week 2009, I had the opportunity to visit your place on "The Wall." I said some prayers for you and your loving family. Words can not express what you and the thousands of other officers remembered there did for our families and communities. May God bless you and your lovely family.

Sgt. Kevin Matthews (Retired 2003)
Nassau County Police Dept, New York

June 5, 2009

Hey Shug - your baby turned Sweet 16 yesterday. What a bittersweet day. She's a beautiful young lady that you would be so proud of. Sadness overwhelmed me again because of all she's missed by not knowing you and having you beside her at precious times like this and for all you've missed by not being here for her and Shae. Oh - what a proud daddy you would be of both. I love you always....... Mom

Jean Hill
Mom

May 31, 2009

Merry Christmas, Shug. We missed you so much today...... Mom

Jean Hill
Mom

December 25, 2008

Barry,

You continue to amaze me with the lives you touch each and every day, I know you will be overjoyed to see us one day when we come home to meet our loved ones who left us all too soon and to meet our creator.
My anger at God for taking you from such a loving family has turned into a love affair that has touched my heart and soul to the very core. When you left this earth to be with God I was so angry with him for hurting someone who I grew to love & admire in such a short time and gladly would have given my life if it would take away the pain caused by the angry young confused man that ended your days on this earth. I didn't understand where your family received their strength and grace from but now I do understand that peace that surpasses all understanding, the unconditional love we receive as a gift for the taking when you surrender your heart.

You must be so proud of the achievements and growth they have ALL made since you went home, God whispers to my heart all through out the year and gently tugs a little bit harder around the week of the 4th to pray for your family and those of other fallen officers. Another gentle reminder came today, while at work God was blessing us with the words he provided to give testimony of the loving family you created and what God can do for those who allow him to touch their lives.
Cathy comes up in conversation quite a bit because she is one of the most courageous, strong, beautiful, loving and graceful women I'm proud to know and call my dear friend.

You know this because you fell in love with and married your best friend, created two beautiful loving daughters who no doubt will continue on the Hill legacy.

I pray that God continues to heal the wounds, comforts the ache when the memories at times still hurts so, allow the tears to dry whether from sorrow or joy and the new day will come, the peace and joy will return. You are not forgotten by anyone who knew your generous nature, well known sense of humor, the smile on your face from all the love left here on this earth must warm you and touch that special place in your soul. A smile touches my heart when fond memories are shared of your special family, sweet dreams until then.

Cathy my sweet dear friend, I pray your entire family feels the love and prayers of all of us who care and love you deeply. We may not be in the same area code but know you are always in my heart, and hey lady shhhhhhhhh…….
Love ya sweet pea!!

Anonymous

December 10, 2008

I didn't get a chance to break away from our guest yesterday to sit down long enough to post anything in remembrance of Barry, so here I am today. It does not seem possible that it has been 8 years since Barry's death.
As we held our annual memorial dinner, our home was filled with, many old friends and some new friends that never got a chance to meet Barry but came in honor of a legacy that his life has left. There is an imprint of that legacy that will never be forgotten. There are many that have retired from the department and have moved on out of the area but their phone calls were evident that he was still forefront on their hearts yesterday. The life that Barry lived was an example of walking tall in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Those reading this may have known Barry personally and can testify to that faith and of course to his sense of humor and random songs that never seemed to come to an end. At least in our home this was the case and we never knew what was going to come out of his mouth. But those of you who did not get the chance to meet him and get to know the Barry that this family loved and took for granted sometimes because we really thought he was going to be here forever with us, I would encourage you to look deep into his life and search for the same thing Barry had and knew to be real and true. It is easy to find, that peace that passes all understanding and comfort that comes when things seem to be crashing all around you. His love for the Lord. It is that simple.
I think as hard as the days leading up to the anniversary date is and remembering what happened that day, being with all of you makes us feel so much better. Sharing this day with you is simply just part of him and it means so much to us.

Cathy Hill
Spouse

December 5, 2008

It's been 8 years today, Shug, and I remember telling Dad shortly after you were killed that I couldn't imagine living the rest of my life without you. You'll forever be loved and forever missed. Thank you for 38 years of precious memories. Because of them, you're never far away. The sunsets are beautiful- I can only imagine. I'm loving you forever....... Mom

Jean Hill

December 4, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this eighth anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

December 4, 2008

Our baby is growing up and more and more like you every day. She wrote this just recently and as I read it her words were a direct reflection of you. You are never far from our thoughts. C

Who I Am

At a glance, you may see my humor, friendliness,
my eccentric personality, or my willingness to be outgoing.

"You're the one who appreciates serenity and the simple beauty of nature," pitter-patters the rain in my ear.
Everything I see is a work of art, declares the bold colors on my canvas.
My inquisitive nature and will to imagine brings me to a completely different world, declares the book as I eagerly lift its cover open.

Soft melodies interrupt the silence of the empty house, hums the old piano as my fingers run against its soft ivory keys.
The sweet feeling of escaping noise and just resting occupies my mind, beckons my silent room as the number in the crowd increases.
Fragrant aromas of roses and violets overtake my senses, whispers the colorful garden as I revel in its tranquility.

A need for love and a comforting hand draw me near, reassures the best friends at my right side.
Childhood loss and the knowledge of sorrow ages me quicker than the rest, observes my loving father as I stand at his memorial.
My heart yearns for warmth and receives it, soothes Momma as I run to her readily.

When time passes and you know me better, you'll find that I'm more of a recluse than anything else and that my humor can be easily suppressed when the time calls for it.

Anonymous

October 8, 2008

Happy Birthday, Shug. You'll always be loved and missed..... Mom

Jean Hill
Mom

August 21, 2008

Hi Shug - I'm sure missing you tonight as I sit and look out the window at the most beautiful mountains in the whole world. We have a lot of wonderful memories from the time we spent here with you, Cathy and the girls. Know that I will always love you and I am so thankful that God gave you to us to love and enjoy for 38 years. I miss you so much..........Mom

Jean Hill
Mom

June 27, 2008

I served with Barry as a military Police Officer in the Gulf War.He was a great Soldier and buddy who went the extra mile to get the mission done. I also worked with Barry at the Snowbird Public safety Department.We worked many a graveyard shift there together. I was sad to hear that you was taken from us due to the bad behavior of others.God bless you and your family always and forever.

Your Friend'
Doug Lamping
Correctional Officer Utah Department Of corrections
Adult Probation & parole Region III Salt Lake Transiton Facility.

Correctional Officer Doug Lamping
Utah department of Corrections

June 18, 2008

I just wanted to say to the daughter of Deputy Hill, I was at the candle light vigil and listened to her sing, It was beautiful. It was very moving to hear and it brought tears down my face.

Thank you.

Deputy Hill, I know you are proud!

Officer K.D. Matlock #748
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, OH

May 16, 2008

I received an email from Cathy tonight, asking for prayers for Don Wass' family as they endure their trial. It remains "such a small world" as Cathy's life became entangled with Mandy and Don as he was the officer that captured the man that ended Barry's life. Mandy is the sister of our best friends, Danny and Jenny. Again, this world is ever so small. I somehow ended up here on this page and have read the majority of the postings... You can feel the love, literally feel the love as you read all of them but especially the ones from Cathy, the girls, Barry's mom and his mother-in-law. I have to say, the one that stood out and took my breath away was the letter from Barry's now son in law. Again...Barry's legacy lives on and on...The love and respect due him...is paid in full by so many.

Cathy has touched so many lives through what I refer to as her "calling"...and she does have a calling... His light shines through her and touches so many.

I have personally been blessed by Cathy, the girls, family and friends as I have seen the outpouring of unconditional love.

In His love,
Nancy Jolly

Nancy Jolly
just a friend

February 12, 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 7, 2008

I was one of Barry's supervisors at the Inmate Processing Center before he transferred to the Patrol Bureau. It was truly an honor and privilege for me to have had an opportunity to know Barry during this time. His personality truly reflected the deep love he shared with his wife, daughters, parents and siblings. There was never a day that passed that he didn't also share a glimpse of his personal relationship with God either.

Barry was a special man; honest, funny, hardworking and respectful. I'll never forget the phone call I received from another employee advising me of what had happened to Barry that fateful morning. The loss we all felt (and still do) was devastating. Our thoughts immediately focused on Barry's loved ones and their pain.

I think of Barry often and try to recall, as difficult as it is, his End of Watch date unselfishly, knowing that he has responded to a greater call. Yet sometimes, when for no reason at all, I can almost hear Barry's voice gently pleading, "Can't we all just get along?" I draw comfort from the memory of Barry's five word mantra. This comical request was one we often heard from him amid the chaos and dynamic setting we all experienced while receiving, booking, releasing and processing hundreds of inmates a day when we worked together. I know many of his friends will recall this, smile and say, "Yes, that's Barry!"

I hope that Barry's loving family is sustained in knowing that the troops still honor Barry's memory; that the family is remembered in our thoughts and prayers and that we, as Barry's law enforcement family, are all thankful that God allowed our paths to cross.

Virginia Russell, HCSO Lieutenant

Lieutenant Virginia Russell
Harris County Sheriff's Office

January 9, 2008

Your picture still hangs proudly on the wall of the Inmate Processing Center where all your friends can see. You are greatly missed. Nemo Me Impune Lacessit brother.

Harris County Sheriff's Office

January 5, 2008

Merry Christmas, Shug. We sure do miss you today. I love you forever........... Mom

Jean Hill
Mom

December 25, 2007

To the Hill Family, We have met and we have grived and we have shed tears as a "Family". We saw "Barry's pic in the local paper, and Just thought how your family might be feeling at this time. Let alone about how Christmas must be like. It is like "Jean" said, the Christmas feeling is starting to come back, slowly. I can understand that, but It still wont be the same, Connie and I wish your "Family" a Merry Christmas, and "Happy" Holidays. Your "Family" is our "Support", we "Thank You" for that. We have you in our thoughts during this season, Bob & Connie Clark.....

Bob & Connie Clark
HPD Family

December 6, 2007

Bear, today being 7 years since your death almost didn't seem real. There were so many precious men and women here at the house to celebrate your life with us and we could not have asked for a more joy filled day. The friends that filled every chair also filled our hearts with their smiles and hugs. The memories of you are never gone and our love for you never changes. C

December 4, 2007

My prayers are with your parents and family on your seventh birthday in heaven. I know that it is beutiful there and you law officers are there together celebrating your day. I thank you for your parents, I don't think I could of made it this long without their support.

Maxine Clifford, mother
Deputy Josh Rutherford EOW 5/29/03

December 4, 2007