Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 27, 2007

Deputy Wright:

Thank You for having served the " B - C - D Community."

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

November 19, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this 5th anniversary of your EOW. Keep watch over your loved ones and stand at their sides and protect them from harm. You have not been forgotten.

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

November 19, 2007

Gone, but Not Forgotten.

Detective Cpl. Frank Thompson
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office

November 19, 2007

"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

November 16, 2007

To Gene.

It still hurts to know that you are not around anymore. I have so many memories of the fun times all of us shared and it killed me every time I passed by the site where you died. I still remeber the call I got that night telling me you were gone and sitting in your memorial. Simply I love you and I miss you.

To Chele,

I have lost several people close to me in the line of duty, including Gene and Bell and I know what it feels like to be in your shoes. It has been a long time and I know that the pain has not died down for you or his parents. You do not know me but Gene was very dear to me at one time and I am very gratefull that he found the happiness that he so deserved with you. I pray for you, his family and his daughter every day. I know that this probably is of no comfort to you, but just know My thoughts and prayers are with you.

An Old Friend
Friend

November 25, 2006

Almost 4 years have past since i have heard your voice or scene your face, but know this my brother not a day goes by that you are not missed. love you brother.

B. Ashe
Berkeley County Sheriff's Office

September 13, 2006

Hello Baby! I just wanted to tell you how much I wish you were here. I took some balloons and a flower thing to the site last month on your 31st birthday. Its hard to believe another anniversary (4/24- ours), birthday (4/10 - mine), birthday (4/11-little missy) and birthday (6/10 - yours) have gone by without you here. I still remember the nite we were brought back into each other's lives after all those years apart, just as I still remember the night my brother called and then looked at me with tears in his eyes and shook his head because you were gone. I still feel alone without you here. I will always love you !! I miss you !!

Love,
Chele
(Beautiful)

Michele Shirey - girlfriend of Deputy Ge
Girlfriend

July 10, 2006

I ran across this site by accident, well at least I think it was an accident. I just cant believe it was over 3 years ago that Gene was taken from us.Gene was someone that I considered a true friend, always there when I needed a shoulder, no matter what the reason he could always make me laugh. I still remember the whole night that he was killed like it was yesterday although I try not to think about it too often, just too painful.Many tears were shed that night and are still shed in Genes memory. He will never be forgotten as I know that he was loved by so many within the Department on outside the Department. My thoughts and prayer will always be with the family as I know they were the most important thing in his life. God speed Gene and may we meet again someday.

Steph
Berkeley County

April 2, 2006

Wow Gene, How long it's been! I was reading the reflections and I realized it still hurts so much! I love you man and miss you so much! I miss so much those days of working our zone together. My son always asks to play with your cruiser that I have so proudly displayed on my living room wall and, I think it's GOD's way of saying, 'Hey, Gene's still with you.' You gave the most man! It's still hard to look at your dad and not start to cry (no offense Mr. Wright, I just see Gene in your face.). I love you, Brother.

Cpl. Joe Agosta
BCSO

February 23, 2006

To Deputy Marion Eugene Wright II, his family and friends, and fellow officers.

On this the third anniversary of your tragic death, please know that you are not forgotten. Your valor and dedication will be forever honored.
Rest In Peace, Deputy Wright.

In reading the reflections about Gene, it is clear that he was cherished by a lot of people. How very sad that he was trying to aid a motorist and got killed by a drunk driver.

May his family continue to be cared for by their law enforcment family and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Deputy Wright gave to his community and the citizens of South Carolina , and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 19, 2002.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

November 20, 2005

Dear Michele,
I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you. I still keep you in my prayers. I know how much you love Gene. Always remember that his memory continues to live on in you, for he loved you so much. Please don't hesitate to call if you need me.

*Gene will forever be remembered....never forgotten.

Love & prayers,
Kelly
*Joshua E Blyler EOW: 5.2.04*

Kelly Gillain
OfficerDownSignificantOthers

September 23, 2005

YESTERDAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY AND TODAY IS A GIFT.

YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU DID NOT LOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

JIM SWEENEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

September 13, 2005

Though I never knew you, I was at the Police Officer's Memorial in Washington the day someone left a bouquet of yellow flowers and and picture of you and your child below your name. Since then I remember you and try to keep these images fresh in my mind that all officers including me should continue to do our duty no matter what the risks are or may be. God bless your family and your children.

Sincerely,
Larry Bailey

Larry Bailey, Supv Border Patrol Agent
US Border Patrol

August 18, 2005

Michele,

I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and your daughter. I hope you are doing well getting alone day by day still. Miss hearing from you. Please let me know if there's anything I can do or if you ever want to just talk.

Love,
Jessi
member of OfficerDownSignificantOthers

July 10, 2005

Chele,
I wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you and praying for you. I know how hard this long and difficult journey can be without the love of our life. Just know that my heart understands your heart and I'm always here for you. Take care.

Love,
Kelly
Josh's Kelly (Deputy Sheriff Joshua Blyler EOW 5.2.04)

Kelly Gillain
Josh's Kelly

June 21, 2005

Hello Michele,
Thank you for your response and for passing on the true meaning of EOW. That truly does help. I have had to scan several pictures of Keith to send to my dad in New Mexico, which I've found it helpful to grieve. Don't worry about rambling, it's ok. I can listen anytime. I too will be at the zoo next week, long with my mother and 2 boys. It would be nice to meet you and the others that my family now shares a bond with. Take care of yourself; I know Gene is looking out for you. Always remember that you have friends who are here to listen who understand.

Kevin Cannon
Brother of Keith Cannon EOW 5/4/05

June 17, 2005

Hello Baby!!!
Today is your 30th birthday... I miss you so much! Please catch all my hugs and kisses i'm sending you for your birthday. I love you Baby!!!

Chele

beautiful

June 10, 2005

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Gene!
Please send your Michele some Heavenly hugs!!

Jessi Garger
Fiancee of Cole Martin

June 10, 2005

I would first like to say God bless you Deputy Wright and Michele. Thank you Michele for your reflection and song that you left on Keith's memorial page. It really does mean alot to me to see survivors stay strong and support each other. We have both been through difficult times and are now bonded by something that we wish we could change. I am glad to see that you have faith in God and that you have something to hold on to. Just trust in the Lord and you will see Gene again, and get to meet Keith. I know he's already made Gene laugh just like he use to make me. I can't wait to see him again. God bless you.

Kevin Cannon
Brother of Keith Cannon EOW 5/4/05

June 8, 2005

Hello Baby. This song helps me out a lot. It has been raining quite a lot lately too. I miss you and I love you!!!

"Hole In The Floor of Heaven"
by Steve Wariner

one day shy eight years old
Grandma passed away
I was a broken hearted little boy,
Blowing out that birthday cake

How i cried when the sky let go
With a cold and lonesome rain
Momma smiled said don't be sad child
Grandma's watchin you today

'cause there's holes in the floor of heaven
And her tears are pourin' down
That's how you know she's watchin'
Wishin' she could be here now
And sometimes if you'e lonely
Just remember she can see
There's holes in the floor of heaven
And she's watchin' over you and me

Seasons come and seasons go
Nothin' stays the same
I grew up fell in love
Met a girl who took my name

Year by year we made a life
In this sleepy little town
I thought we'd grow old together
Lord i sure do miss her now

But there's holes in the floor of heaven
And her tears are pourin' down
That's how you know she's watchin'
Wishin' she could be here now
And sometimes when i'm lonely
I remember she can see
There's holes in the floor of heaven
And she's watchin' over you and me

Well my little girl is 23
I walk her down the aisle
It's a shame her mom can't be here now
To see her lovely smile

They throw the rice
I catch her eye
As the rain starts comin' down
She takes my hand says daddy don't be sad 'cause
I know momma's watchin' now

And there's holes in the floor of heaven
And her tears are pourin down
That's how you know she's watchin'
Wishin' she could be here now
And sometimes when i'm lonely
I remember she can see
There's holes in the floor of heaven
And she's watchin' over you and me

Watchin' over you and me
Watchin' over you and me
Watchin' over you and me

I know you are watching over me.

Love you,
Beautiful

May 24, 2005

Hello Baby! I miss you so much! I love you!!! I have made some new friends who understand what it feels like to lose the love of your life. The ladies I have met are wonderful. They too like me lost their loves in the line of duty. I am thankful to having found them. They are up in DC for Police Week right now. I couldn't make it so they are honoring you with things they made and such in my abscence. Maybe next year I'll be able to go. I sure do miss you!!

Love Always,
Beautiful
xoxoxoxo

May 15, 2005

Michele,
You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I know how much you love and miss Gene. Remember that he is always with you in your heart.
Love & prayers,
Kelly
~Member of OfficerDownSignificantOthers

Kelly Gillain
Sig. Other to Deputy Sheriff Joshua E. Blyler

April 26, 2005

Michele -

I am thinking of you today and always as your special day with Gene draws near. You are in my prayers.
Love,
Jessica
Board member of OfficerDownsig. others.

April 23, 2005

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in southeast Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Gene did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Gene be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Wright's family, friends, and co-workers must have felt and still feel in losing such a special person. As a "survivour" my heart goes out to you all, especially to his fiancée. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. Please know that my thoughts are with you. If you ever need anything just shout.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and myself. From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Gene was well respected and well loved. You were blessed to have had him in your life, even for a short time. Know that he is with you always.

Thank you Deputy Wright for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiancé Dennis for me.

Wishing you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

March 27, 2005