Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Joseph John McGarry

Myrtle Beach Police Department, South Carolina

End of Watch Sunday, December 29, 2002

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Joseph John McGarry

Joe,

Always in my heart and thoughts. When I reflect back on Salve and all the smiles we shared and jokes we played. Your big body stomring down the halls but your eyes told of a kinder person inside. Never a harsh word and ALWAYS with a grin or a smirk. You are and always will be a positive relefction in my thoughts. Rest in peace my friend.

Patrick~

Patrick
College

December 29, 2010

You are remembered today and always! May you forever soar with the angels!

Kim

December 29, 2010

8 years ago our hearts were broken beyond repair! It still hurts like hell Joe! We love you and miss you everyday!
May you continue to rest in peace!

Angel
MBPD

December 29, 2010

People say time heals all wounds. Thats not true. Hurts as much today as it did almost eight years ago. I've just learned to deal with the pain. God I miss you.

greg

December 3, 2010

A few weeks ago I planned a trip to newport, RI for labor day weekend. I didnt even get a confirmation code for the hotel before I was planning on coming to see you. Thank god for satellite imagery cause somehow I was able to find the cemetary from a few small details. I'm so glad I came by. Its been almost 8 years now and I cant tell you how many times I've come to your page filled with so much to say but just unable to say it. So many stories, laughs and great times.
There isnt a day that goes by that I dont think about you, not a shift that goes by that I dont carry a small piece of you with me. There has been a bunch of times I've had to work on December 29th and every time I do I wear a mourning band and will continue to until i retire.
You were a great cop and even better person. Thanks for watching over all of us. I miss ya pal!!

Steve Corsiglia
Wayne, NJ PD

September 10, 2010

Hey Bro,
I took my son to see your name on the wall today. It was a bit hard for me but getting better. I still do stupid s**t so nothing has changed and I still need your help. But now things are changing. My son wants to live the life that we love so much. He wants to be a cop. Yea, i agree Joe he must be screwed up. But I need you to watch him now not me. I love you Bro. Watch us but rest. I still need U!

P/O Steve Cabral
Baltimore Police Department

June 16, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventh anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for those who miss and love you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I share your parents' anquish in losing a beloved child which surely has to be life's greatest sorrow. I was saddened that your family is now going to have to go through another trial. I read the court decision reversing the conviction and remanding the case for retrial, and am so sorry the family has to go through this ordeal once again.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 29, 2009

7 years and it still hurt likes hell! I miss you so much! I love you !

Angel 300
MBPD

December 29, 2009

Tonight, right after midnight, marks the 7th year since his death.
It seems like yesterday that I heard the shots of gunfire ringing loudly through the donut shop. The images, sacrifices and faces of that night will never be forgotten.
Every year I reflect on this man that I never knew, but whose eyes I saw when they saw their last.
I think of Officer McGarry everyday and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. He has forever placed a seal on my heart.
For all those who serve everyday who go unappreciated and unnoticed: Thank you. It is because of you we have freedom.

Jessica Edwards
Witness to his murder

December 28, 2009

Cant believe its been almost 7 years that you tragically left us. I think about you quite often still and as the holidays approach I wonder how your family deals with the pain and sadness of no longer having you around. You are sorely missed and loved by many and will never be forgotten. I know your time on earth was well served though it was way to short. Please continue to look over all your friends and familly along with the men and women who fight the good fight in blue. I know you are in a better place and hope you and my dad are hanging out and telling stories of the good ole days! Love and miss ya buddy!

Derek Frakes
past Co-Workers MBPD

December 8, 2009

R.I.P. Officer McGarry, thank you for making Myrtle Beach a safer place for us all. I am 10-8 radio and I will take the next call....

Anonymous

November 11, 2009

Hi Joe,Keep watching over Steve for me. I dont talk to him much anymore but I think about him from time to time and i'm always worried about him while he's out there protecting the streets of Baltimore. He always told me stories about how close you two were so im sure you have and will continue to protect him!! GOD BLESS YOU!!! REST IN PEACE!!!

Kimberly

September 6, 2009

Eternal rest grant unto him Oh Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in peace.

Retired Sgt.
Clayton, Mo. P.D.

May 23, 2009

When I first heard the the news about Joe, my heart just sunk. I couldn't imagine how anyone could do such a horrible thing to such a sweet person. I went to Salve with Joe and can honestly say he was one of the nicest guys you could know. He was the kind of guy who would do anything for someone in need. I feel very lucky to have known him, even if it it wasn't for long. Joe, you and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for everything you did to protect and serve others!! You will be missed by many!!

kristyn trudeau

March 30, 2009

Joe, I was just thinking about you and want you to know that you are still missed by all the PD.

Lt. Kevin Heins
Myrtle Beach Police Department

March 26, 2009

Sometimes I wonder why I come here night after night and read these sad, sad stories. I can't understand why anyone would choose to serve in law enforcement and yet, at the same time, shudder to think what it would be like if no one volunteered to do it. I am not naive enough to think all law enforcement personnel have integrity, but the majority of the ones I've read
about here have my admiration. I just can't imagine the courage it takes to put your life on the line each and every day you serve. And thank you just doesn't seem to cut it. I wrote the following 5 years ago and for lack of anything better to say, I'll repeat it.
Remembering you on the anniversary of your death. May God comfort
all those who are still grieving your passing. Life is difficult at times
and the Lord Jesus wants to help carry our burdens. He gives us many
beautiful promises in His Word to help us through our valleys. I pray you
will feel His presence and know His peace. God bless!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

December 29, 2008

It's hard to believe that it's been another year. Alot has happened this year and you must be there watching me or I would be there next to you. I still think of you everyday. Its getting better dealing with this day but it still sucks and at some point I will most likely end up drunk and crying like a little girl like I do every year. Anyway I miss you bro.
Your friend forever
Steve

P/O Steve Cabral
Baltimore Police Dept

December 29, 2008

Merry Christmas Joe... a memory come to mind when the Hollidays came around everyone bringing a covered dish to the station, and gathering around all evening/night, eating, laughing and sharing the spirit even though we were giving ours up to do a job most dont want to do... alas this Holiday you dine in paradise with the Father this Holiday season, with the others that gave their lives in defence of their communities and country...my prayers go out to your family and your family back down at the MBPD,,, Merry Christmas...

Cpl. EriK Miller
WRSP

December 24, 2008

Joe,

There is not a night that goes by I do not think of you and your family. I am so grateful to have known you and the time we spent together at Salve. God bless you!

Thomas Walsh
West Greenwich Police

November 27, 2008

Hi Joe,Keep watching over your fellow officers and please keep Steve safe while he's out on the street.. Thank you for all you did and God bless you!!

Kimberly

Anonymous

November 21, 2008

RIP and know that all who love and know you will never forget you.

Anonymous

October 5, 2008

Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice so that others could remain safe. RIP.

April 26, 2008

As we all were starting to heal we are going to have to go through a new trial and reopen all the old wounds again. Everyone misses you and thinks of you everyday and we are heartbroken by this recent decision. We do believe that in the end justice will prevail. Bless you Joe.

February 3, 2008

I was mortified to learn that the sentence of the man who took Joe's life was overturned and he was granted a new trail. It amazes me that there is even a question as to whether or not this monster deserves the death penalty.
A very good friend of mine was a friend of Joe's and fellow officer and I remember how devestated he was the day Joe was murdered and can't believe that the nightmare will have to be relived in court again. I pray that the monster that took Joe's life will be held accountable and that the friend's and family of this hero will find some peace.

Joe, please continue to keep watch over your brothers in blue. My heart goes out to your family.

Christy
Sister of Char-MeckPD officer and friend of Horry County officer

January 29, 2008

Officer McGarry,
Just a note to let you know how thankful we all are for your service and just how heartbroken I am for what happened to you. You know I think of all the times I've vacationed at Myrtle Beach and wonder if I ever saw you. I went to your memorial service last week and took my wife and 19 year old son. It was very moving to say the least. I had you on my mind the entire week I was in Myrtle Beach for Christmas and ironically I woke up several times early in the morning and as I looked out the window of the hotel each time I saw a Myrtle Beach police car riding by. Made me feel better, a lot better.
Thank you young man for your sacrifice so that many vacationers like myself feel safe.

NC Citizen

January 1, 2008

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.