Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY! I miss you today and can't get you off my mind. We went to your grave yesterday and put some nice flowers and mulch with a bunch of birthday balloons. Sorry the balloons were pink, purple and girly looking. That's all they had...I keep thinking it's going to get easier to accept that your gone. It really never has and probably never will. Please know that I love you dearly and miss you lots. Please know you are not forgotten on your birthday. Rodney will have a Crown Royal for you later this evening. I will always love you James. Happy Birthday!!!
All my love forever-
Tiff.

Tiffany Gilbert
Wife of James/Widow

April 5, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 3, 2008

James,

I'll never forget that day..the phone call..the thought that I just saw you on my last shift...Thank you for your service and for always being there even though it would have been easier to say no. You were and are a true hero. Thanks for the St. Michael! I'll never forget...rest in peace my friend.

K. O'Neill Federal Agent
POII Gold Sector/NPD for Life

March 27, 2008

A few years back i had the joy of getting to meet Tiffany Gilbert and her husband. Tiffany was a leasing consultant at the apartment complex where i lived as a kid I met her husband once at a function. I think it was a community yard sale and he was absolutely one of the greatest guys i had ever got to talk to. I remember hearing that he was a cop and i was so amazed by that. The day that i heard he was killed in the line of duty i was saddened. My prayers are with Tiffany and Logan everyday. I know how great of a cop Officer Gilbert was and i know he's in heaven looking over everyone in the force now. One day i can only hope to be as great as an officer like he was. He will never be forgotten! You are my hero Officer Gilbert. Thank you !

Suzanne Maynard
Virginia Beach, college student

March 20, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice. You are a hero to us all and will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

March 12, 2008

Two days ago, I attended the funeral for Detective Shivers of the Chesapeake PD, who was murdered in the line of duty last week. James' mother was there to support us, and I spoke with her briefly after the service. Despite what must be an incredible difficult experience to relive, she was there for us, and in her sons' memory. She informed me that his daughter Logan was now 12 years old and doing well, which was good to hear...
Though you are gone, fellow officer, you are not forgotten.
"Well served, brother officer...may you rest in peace."

Cpl Michael Canny
Hampton, VA Police

January 25, 2008

Would have been 12 years today. Still were my wedding band for you. Haven't taken it off. Happy Anniversary! I miss you and love you dearly.
All my love forever,
Your wife

Wife of James
Widow

October 21, 2007

I'm glad we could still have a drink together.

Buzz (Retired)
NPD

October 7, 2007

Just thinking about you today. I am having a tough day because I can't stop thinking of you. I saw your mom the other day when she picked up Logan and you would not believe how much Logan looks just like her.

Please be with me this weekend as I know we will mention you in many conversations. A whole bunch of us girls including Logan are going to the Lake Gaston house for the seafood festival. I will eat lots of shrimp for you and have a few drinks too.

Your grave looks beautiful with the little pumpkins and flowers on it. Poodie has her ashes sprinkled over your grave too. I know you would want that.

I know you loved this time of year, since it was Hunting Season. I hope I get a big buck for you this year. Hunting season starts tomorrow and I know you will be looking over me. I love you James. Until next time all my love.

Tiffany Gilbert
Your wife

October 5, 2007

Six years have passed but you have been thought of every day during those 6 years. Your memory will live in the hearts of those that love you dearly. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 28, 2007

Tiffany,
Hope you got my message today. Was thinking about you & Logan yesterday as always. Hope things are going well for you. Call me sometime. Hang in there!

Love,
Denise

Denise
Survivor of Calvin Taylor

September 28, 2007

Officer Gilbert,

I used to be an explorer in Virginia, and my father is a police officer at ODU. We will never forget your sacrifice. Your watch is over, sir, we have it from here.

Explorer Jeff Haworth
Former James City County Police Department

September 28, 2007

Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice. May your family and friends take comfort in the fact you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

August 19, 2007

Daddy I miss you very much and I will never forget you. I will always love you and all the great times that we had together!
Love you,
Logan

Logan Gilbert
Daughter

May 12, 2007

I miss you and love you dearly.

Tiffany GIlbert
Widow/Wife of James

March 23, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

February 19, 2007

I have not forgotten about you! You will always be my first true love. I love you James and will send balloons to Heaven for you on Valentines Day. We all miss you terribly and the pain is still so dear to our hearts. You will always be my Big Pa-Pa and me your Po-Pie. Happy Valentines to you, Pa and your dad. You have filled many of our hearts with your love and kindness over the years. It still hurts to even mention your name sometimes without crying. Until next time...
All my love,
Your wife and daughter

Tiffany Gilbert
James' wife

February 8, 2007

Tiffany,
I will be thinking about you & your family during the holidays (as I often do). I know it is a difficult time...part of us is happy & at the same time we are still sad due to what the past has dealt us. Thanks for the reflection you left...I so hated to hear about that Trooper in Va. I so wish people realized the dangers of elderly drivers and law makers would make more strict testing requirements for them (as a license examiner I know how easy it is for an elderly person to get a 5 year license - they just pick a day that they are doing well and pass the driving test). Hope the new year brings you lots of joy & healing! Stay safe!

Denise
Survivor of Calvin E. Taylor

December 6, 2006

I think of you every time I go to an armed person or 911 hang-up call. You did not die in vain, brother. Rest in peace.

Detective
Portsmouth Police Department

November 29, 2006

Miss you very much James. Another hard day...The holidays are around the corner and are always difficult for all of us because you are not here. It's never been the same and there is an emptiness without you. It's hard to try and be happy around the holidays when inside your angry and your heart still hurts. I will be thinking about you on Thanksgiving as I prepare my first turkey. We used to always go to our families homes for the holidays, so I never had to cook. Wish me luck this year. I know you've been with me lately because, I feel your presence around me sometimes. I've been hunting often and hope to shoot a big buck in your honor. I love you very much and wish you a beutiful Thanksgiving in Heaven. I just wish you know how much you effected so many lives. We are all left with memories we will hold onto for a lifetime. I'll make sure we eat some good ol' pumpkin pie for you. All my love forever...

Tiffany Gilbert
Wife/Widow of James

November 16, 2006

just a reminder youre a hero to us and many more, see you one day - OD rugby

October 27, 2006

HOWDEE DUDE !! Been retired for a year now and tonight Ive spent the evening going thru all the Norfolk Officers that have been Killed in the line of duty. ALOT !! You are missed alot and we think of you often. Buz and Carr have retired so, if they can get Burt to leave the old platoon will be safe. Think of ya often dude ...See ya one day...

Patrol Officer
NPD / Retired

October 21, 2006

James:

We still remember you today, all our love.
Watch out for all your brothers in BLUE.

NPD DISPATCH

September 29, 2006

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 5th anniversary of your tour of duty ending. I know they think of you every day and the tears still flow from their broken hearts. You will never be forgotten by them nor will the Blue Family ever let that happen. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die. I'd like to share this poem someone sent to me:

Poem by Richard Fife:

No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Become a part of all that we are,
Forever.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

September 28, 2006

Tiffany,
I tried to do this yesterday but evidently it didn't accept it. I just wanted to let you know that I think of you often but especially on today. It doesn't seem like it has been 5 years since we lost our guys but then again it seems like it has been longer than that in some ways. I know this is a difficult time of year for you as it is me too. I can't believe Logan is already changing schools. I read about your dog...and share your pain. I had to have our dog put to sleep 4 months after Calvin died and that day in the vet's office brought the feelings of Oct. 3 to the front of my mind all over again. I hope to see you soon and pray that you and your family are well.
Love you guys,
Denise

Denise
Survivor of Calvin E. Taylor

September 28, 2006