Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was assigned to provide security during your murder’s trial. I sat and listened to the evidence. I sat and saw your family in their time of deepest loss. I sat and watched as your murderer hoped to get away with his deed.

During the opening statements of the trial, the State Prosecutor played the type of your final moments on the Police radio. When the Officer who found your body was asked of your condition by the radio dispatch operator, his only transmission was “He’s 10-7.” There was a moment of silence on the radio and then the dispatch operator stated “10-4 officer is 10-7.) The Prosecutor then stopped the tape and the courtroom was completely silent.

I was there when the defendent was found guilty and also when he was sentenced to die. I never want to wish ill on any person but justice was handed down that day.

I pray for your family and their healing.

Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice.

Training Officer Rico Valencia
Pima County Sheriff

August 10, 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

August 1, 2007

Hard to believe it's been four years ago today. Here I sit at work and still think you'll burst in telling us all how great the day is and brighten our day. I make sure that I work every May 26th for you, even wearing the uniform that I loaned you that day you needed one for pictures. I hope you are doing well up there. It goes without saying that you're missed bro. Take care Pat.

Reserve Officer
Tucson Police

May 26, 2007

Pat,

Still see that billboard up there with your name on it. Still see the pain and pride it brings. Still think about that fateful day.

Keep it safe up there for us. We will keep it safe down here for everyone else.

Officer
Tucson Police Department

March 22, 2007

Its 3 1/2 years later, and just like you used to say, it's still a great day to be a crimefighter. We never forget and I think about your sacrifice all the time.

Officer
Tucson Police Officer

January 27, 2007

Rest in Peace Marine!

Matt Lyons
Retired Marine MP/CID

August 19, 2006

Pat,
I just wanted to let you know that I was thingking about you. Take care brother and say "HI" to Tim and Scott for me.

Dep. K.S. Dabb
Pima County S.D.

July 15, 2006

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Tucson Arizona
USBP

May 26, 2006

rest in Peace Sir.Thank you for your service.

May 26, 2006

Miss ya Brother. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9).

Reserve Officer
Tucson Police Dept.

May 26, 2006

Here we are, three years past my friend....and I can still remember everything just like yesterday. Thank you for everything you taught me about "the job". The importance and the passion you must posses to do this type of work. It is something I will carry with me for the rest of my days.

You are sorely missed,
"Here is to us and those like us"

Police Officer
Tucson Police Department

May 25, 2006

Still thinking of you brother...

Police Officer
Tucson Police Department

April 2, 2006

Pat,
Thanks to you I was able to fulfill my dream of becoming a law enforcement officer. Only after you went to bat for me at PMO MCB Camp Pendleton, to allow me to serve in the Augmentee Program. That selfless act to put your reputation on the line for me, was the start of my career as a policeman. I thank you and know that everyone who ever knew you, respected and loved you. My heartfelt condolences to your family, you are sorely missed Sir!

POII Buck Crosby
Las Vegas Metro Police Dept

December 11, 2005

To Demetra,

I was thinking about you and your family today...as I do many days, even though we haven't talked for a few months. But I wanted to share something with you. My 23 year old niece, Tara Drummond, was killed recently during a police training exercise while she was in the Academy in Georgia. (EOW: 09/13/05). At the services, her 17 year old sister, wrote Tara a note. It it quite profound for someone so young...but it has helped me and I would like to pass it on to you in hopes that it also brings you some comfort. Brittney wrote to her sister Tara,

"Love never dies, it just changes shape..."

Pat is near, when you feel the gentle breeze on your face, that's him. He is still here with you, still close, still loving you as much as you love him.

Love, thoughts & prayers always,

Teresa Perrin and Family

December 10, 2005

My husband and I were living in Tucson Arizona (after moving there from England) when this great officer was killed and it saddened us greatly. God keep you in his care.

Your family's loss hit us hard and as we were deported (unfairly) in March 2005 we had to leave our car in Tucson and are arranging for it to be collected and sold by your superiors and the money passed to your widow and children to help them in their future.

December 6, 2005

Pat,

We still hold a solemn place in our hearts for you. We miss you and will never forget.

Officer
Tucson Police

October 16, 2005

I served as a Sergeant with then Lt Hardesty at PMO, MCB Camp Pendleton. He had a great sense of humor and was respected by the troops that served under him. He loved to pull pranks, and hated to see someone wronged. I remember once we responded to a domestic and while we were at the door listening to figure out what was up, we could hear the husband begin throwing his wife around. Lt Hardesty got back, took a running start, and busted through the entire door and charged the guy, tackling him and falling over the couch with the guy in a bear hug. When I overcame my shock and ran into the room he was pulling the husband to his feet. Both the wife and the husband had such shocked looks on their face that I just stood there and laughed. He was always like that when he thought someone was doing wrong to someone else.

Master Sergeant Tony Hurst
USMC (retired)

September 7, 2005

Pat last week Pima County lost a Deputy in the line of duty. Your wife was with his widow the entire time. She showed courage and strength and made us all so very proud. I still miss you Brother, and I hope to see you again some day.

Officer V. Garcia II
Tucson Police Department

August 23, 2005

Pat, I know that you are still watching over us all as we protect your loved ones in the city you adored. Last night, another brother fell from the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Please watch for him as he comes through the gates of heaven and help guide him in his time of great sorrow and confusion. Lend comfort to him, knowing that his service will be forever remembered. Vigilans Servitio, Patrick.

TPD Patrol Offider
Tucson P.D.

August 11, 2005

Justice was served the day the killer recieved the death sentance. God speed.

anonymous
Pima County Sheriff's Department

August 3, 2005

Knew Pat in 1987-1988 at Camp Pendleton and Okinawa with 1/5.He a Sgt, me a Cpl in his squad. Good man and a good Marine.

Semper Fi

Lt. Dave Stellers
Hailey Police

May 5, 2005

Pat, It has been almost two years. It doesn't get any easier, but we continue the fight for you.

You are my hero, and I feel blessed to have walked this beat with you. Please watch over us as we continue to serve and protect.

God Bless your family, and know that Midtown is a better place since the building was honored with your name. Everyday we walk in to the station is an awesome reminder of the great man/father/son/brother/marine/officer/friend and human being that you were.

Now, as you stand guard with Our Lord Jesus Christ, I know the heavens are safe!

God Bless Patrick Hardesty!

Patrol Officer
TPD

April 13, 2005

Justice was again served today for you Pat. Death is the sentence for the convicted. God Bless always and never forgotten are you.

Officer Bret Summers
Tucson Police Department

March 10, 2005

I just read that your killer was convicted. Justice has been served. Rest in Peace.

Special Agent Darin L. Paul
FBI

February 26, 2005

Rest in Peace, Brother. You have served this world well and have been called Home to continue your service under the Supreme Commander. A proven warrior, you will never be forgotten. Pass the sword to those of us who are following in your path with the hopes of joining you for an eternal beat Above. Watch over your family and give them strength to forge ahead.

"...ever looked on Heaven's scenes, they would see the streets are guarded by United States Marines!"

Semper Fi!

A Squad
Woodbridge CT PD

January 19, 2005