Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

uncle joe its me johnny its late about 3:00 in the morning just thinking about all the times we had with mom; butch; monica;and brother dan. I miss you I talk about to my two girls leah is 7yrs old hannah just turned 4yrs old I MISS YOU & LOVE YOU. YOU ARE STILL MY LEADER IN MY HEART. I SAY TO MY SELF WHAT WOULD UNCLE JOE DO THE RIGHT THING. LIKE I SAID TO YOU I WILL SEE 7/ 29/ 06 OK I LOVE YOU GOOD NITE

sergeant joseph eugene leclaire jr.
warrant unit

July 29, 2006

Happy Fathers Day Daddy. I miss you very much.I just wanted to tell you how much you are missed by me,renee,mom, and your 4 grandchildren. I took mom up to see you the other day it is so peacful there and it was a nice day. But I know you, you werent there you were out golfing. And I bet you are golfing right now to. Everytime I see a golf course I always say I see you daddy, or I tell the boy's hit one for my dad.I know your bussy up there and watching over everyone. You are never forgotten and I feel your preasence all the time. Officer Thomas will be giving me your dog tags that she had made for you, I cant wait to get them and hang them in my car that you bought me. In memory of you I bought a car just like yours and what can I say I feel you with me all the time in there, just like when you taught me how to drive and you keept reaching for the brake peadle that wasnt there Ha, Ha. Need for speed now I know what you were talking about its to easey to speed so I always have to watch it. You know dad when I think of you now I dont cry because you taught me to be strong and to carry on. But on some days I find myself crying because I cant talk to you.But then its like I can hear you tell me micky dont cry daddy's right here you dont have anything to be afraid of. And then I start feeling better. I still cant belive that your still gone. But I still see you in Renee and Malik and Shawn. You would be so proud of shawn he had gone into the 5th grade and is in the 6th grade math. He is A&B honnor roll. Dad he would make you so proud. We all love you so much. I cant wait to see you agian. Then we will all be a family onces agian. Till I see you agian be good ( yeah right) HA HA. Rember dad if your driving up there Never Drive Faster Than Your Angle Can Fly!! Love you

Michelle Leclaire
1st daughter

June 18, 2006

Hello my Love, I was very sad on our wedding anniversary you were not present I know your spirit was here with me it was a very lonley evening with out you but I had so much to look forward for the presentation wich was presented to me on the Philadelphia Hero Cop Plaque Dedication Ceremony it was a very beautiful day the weather was perfect the motorcade escort that I had was so magnificend it touched me so deeply Richard flew in from the west cost to make sure that i was not alone there where so many people from all over who made sure the can witness the ceremony to support me
all the Judges where present state represents from Harrisburg where there for me my Atorney and all the people who were in court and my friends state troopers and all the warrant Unit there are so many recruits and all the police department with the bagpipers and Taps.
It was very awesome to here the words wich was said about you my tears could not stop
from rolling down my face it took every strenght of my power to get up and give the speech to all the people who came to be there for this event.
I received a letter from the Honorble Judge Fitzgerald to say to me your wordwere presented in a heafelt and dignified manner I am so happy that what you had to say reached 10,000's of people
through coverage by three major televison
station and four news papers.
I did what I thought was right for you joe I am thinking about to run for the chapter
in Pennsylvania to be there for the survivor it will give me strenght to continue what I must do Jesus is walking with me to carry on and for all the people who have lost a loved one Officer Thomas has presented me with the name tag witch she has run for you in this two year's she was so glad to get in touch with me at the memorial in Washington I have so many nice letter's from the Officer's who were riding ther bikes in honor of you.
Joe I wish you a happy Father's day we will be together again Holly and Tyler send there kisses to you to heaven Billy renlisted again he will be going over 20 year's in the Navy he made chief last september he knew you were there for him.
Until next time my love you are always in my heart your loving wife Gretchen

Gretchen Le Claire
Wife

June 17, 2006

Dad I want to tell you about this wonderful lady who is bicyleing from Va to Dc. In honor of you. Her name is Officer Thomas and this is her second yr. I want to thank her on behalf of my father and I. I know dad that you are truly honord and you probily have on your famous grins.
Thank you so much Officer Thomas It will be my pleasure to meet with you and to thank you in person for doing this for my dads honor.

Michelle Leclaire Oliver
1st daughter

June 3, 2006

I would like to give a special thanks to Grecthen for getting justice for my father. My family would also like to thank her for a wonderful send off at arlington. You really out done yourself. He would be so pleased. I can just see his grin looking down on all of us and saying wow all this for me. But thanks to you our family can breath agian for your courage to get justice. You will never know how much that means to me because my father was my best friend and my hero and his legacie will always live on through his grandchildren. Dad you are sorly missed every day and I cant belive it has been 2 yrs. I feel like I just saw you. I was looking at our family photos and I came across the one where you were home sick and I was on your lap and you and I were eating chicken noodle soup and even though you were sick you still took care of me "Your little Micky". Mom talks to you all the time she miss you sooooo much. Sometimes I can hear you talk to me and feel your precesses near me. I will never for get your favorit words of your wisdom "Never worry until you have something to worry about". Im happy to tell you dad that Im going back to Medical asst. in Oct. I will make you proud. You know why? Because you taught me that if there was something that I wanted that nothing could stand in my way. And to make it happen and I have Im finishing what I started. Be with me at all time daddy. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SOOOOOO MUCH.
Thank you John for everything talking to me and helping me through the rough times. You are truly one of gods angles. May God keep his hands on you and Gretchen.

Michelle LeClaire Oliver
1st daughter

June 3, 2006

Hello my Heroe the Warrant Unit had your second Golf Memorial it was grate the had a very big turn out Dan from the course lowerd the flag in honer of you for the second time your friends from Burns really miss you they still always laugh of all the funny things that happend on the Golfcourse when the cart went into the pond you and Owens I will never forget the call I got and the said Gretchen you have to come and see this remember the big storm that is when it happend lots of laughs, I was in Washington for the vigil ceremony and of course it was very emotinal for me but you had some of your men there they will always be there for you and me your friend Mike misses you allot and Ed Timmko Bob Morris has done a fantastic job he is the one who got this in motion it will go in Honer of you to the Toys for tots USMC
what a good person and of course Larri Alberti we have onother ceremony for you
and this will be very hard for me Joe I miss you so much my tears are on your pillow and i spray you faverd cologne on the pillow like you always did for me so I can cuddle with it to know that you where near me, love you always your loving Wife
Gretchen

Gretchen LeClaire
Wife

May 26, 2006

UNCLE JOE I REMEMBER THE GOOD AND HTE BAD TIME. LIKE THE TIME YOU EXPLAIN TO ME YOU COULD BE FOLLOWER OR A LEADER LIKE ME AND I SAID LIKE YOU AND YOU LOOKED AT ME AND SAID THAT MY BOY .I ALWAYS SAID YOU WERE LIKE FATHER YOU SHOWED ME THE OF LIFE.YOU ARE MY HERO. MY BROHTER DAN IS WORKING HARD FOR THIS I LOVE HIM MORE &MORE.HE ALSO LOOK UP TO YOU THE A FATHER ALL WE HAD WAS YOU WE LOVE &MISS YOU ARE ALL OUR HEART FOREVER. P.S LIKE I SAID ITS NOT GOOD BY ALL WILL SEE YOU LOVE .

SERGEANT JOSEPH EUGENE LECLARIE JR.
JOHNNY BOY

May 9, 2006

Thank you for your friendship.
Till we meet again.
Bill

William Dennis
Rtired Phila. Police Dept.

March 30, 2006

Hi my love I have done it and stood on my ground to carry on with the trial and god was there for me to get the verdict what I was praying for,you can rest now and do the job up in heaven with all the other Heroes we miss you so much I have such beautiful memories that we have shared can't wait to have more such wonderfull times as we will be together in the angels of Heaven Billy Richard Eileen Tyler and Holly are saying the prayers for us the boys from your Unit are always thinking of you nd share very funny stories the had a vigil ceremony for you on the second aniversary with a bagpiper in memories of you I will always love you your loving wife Gretchen

Gretchen Leclaire
Wife of Officer leclaire

March 29, 2006

Hello my Love; just want to send you my love Idid it was very strong to figth for justice and I came through 1st degree murder and the death sentence the men in your unit where so happy and the can now feel strong again to carry on like you have trained them we have cried in the courtroom for justice and my impackstatement was how exatly how my life has been since you have paid for the ultimate sacrifice joe you can rest in peace your stepchildren Son Billy Son Richard and your dougther Eileen Tyler and Holly love you so much and praying every day for you we always miss you for ever and you will be here with us always
your loving wife
GRETCHEN LE CLAIRE

Gretchen LeClaire
Wife

March 28, 2006

To the most loving father a girl could ever want.You inspire me so much.I miss you every day that goes by.You are my everything and I will always miss you.You tought me how to be a leader not a follower.I try to make decisions just like you would tell me.But sometime I they dont come out that way.But just like you taught me you learn from all lessons and dessions. I cant tell you how much your grandchildren miss you. I know your hear.I can feel your presance and sometimes smell you (lol) for family you know what that means. I will NEVER for get you and all the special things we did together. You are truly missed but NEVER forgotten. I love you with all my heart and will see you very soon. With love your 1st daughter MICHELLE LECLAIRE

Michelle (Leclaire) Oliver

March 24, 2006

To Sgt. Joseph LeClaire, his wife, children, grandchildren and other loved ones:

On this the second anniversary week of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

Sgt. LeClaire, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Sgt. LeClaire. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication. I salute your service in the USMC; my beloved son Larry is your brother in green as well as in blue. Semper Fi.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Sgt. LeClaire gave to his community and the citizens of Pennsylvania, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 19, 2004.

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

March 20, 2006

Dear Gretchen & Family,

Thinking of you all today. You are in our prayers.

Carmen & Vicki Petrelli

Vicki Petrelli
MIL NJ State Trp. Bertram Zimmerman EOW 2-05-04

March 19, 2006

On the eve of the second anniversary of your tragic death, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You will forever be remembered as a hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

March 18, 2006

Sergeant LeClaire..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time..continue to watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

recruit MI State police
michigan

March 16, 2006

As the anniversary of your tragic, senseless death approaches, I hold you and your family in prayer. Your bravery and dedication to the safety of the community are not forgotten. Heroes live forever.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

March 15, 2006

Well it's been almost two years since the day you were taken from us. Today 03/10/06 it seem that we go justis in the form of a 1st degree muder conviction. It will not give you back to us or your family but you can now rest in piece my friend. Until our next roll call. God speed.

Sgt. Larry Aliberti
Philadelphia Warrant Unit

March 10, 2006

My Joe I was in Arlington to stand by your grave and placing roses for your Birthday it was a beautiful day just sitting and looking at your name and birthday date and the the day you where born into heaven my eyes are still crying for you how much I miss you and always will happy birthday my Love you are my strenght you where my soldier my Marine my Police Officer my Warrant Officer my Love My good Husband and a wonderful man and teacher and a great mentor I will keep our memories alive in our songs that you always sang to me.
Happy Birthday my Love . Your Wife Gretchen

Gretchen le Claire
Wife

February 25, 2006

The Epic of Joe

Cold dark March night
Only a glow from street light
Apartment building empty and dark

The officers planned their entrance route
Knock, knock by one heavy boot.
“Officers” they say, “open the door”
They knock again once more

They lady inside, said “Officers, you say?
“I’ll open the door in one minute, ok?”
The door opened, they entered the room
The next sound you heard, a loud boom.

The gunman shot at the officers, four
Several shots were fired, coming towards the door
Several were hit, Joe was the worst
That can happen, when your in the door first

The others were wounded, not as seriously
Though none escaped, injury free.
Officer down, they yelled out loud
Taking care of their own, the suspect had bailed

Off to the hospital, they rushed Joe
It was too late and they let him go
A hero he will always be
For now and through eternity


In memory of Sgt. Joseph E. LeClaire -March 19, 2004

Ed Timcho

February 11, 2006

The two year anniversary is approaching and I know that it has been a very sad time for everyone close to you. For some the time passes quickly, for others it drags along, one day running into another. You have not been forgotten and are a true hero. Please keep watch over your loved ones and help them recover from this senseless act of violence that has changed their lives forever.

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

Bob Gordon

February 5, 2006

God be with the Leclaire family everyday they still have to go on without their loved one. Joseph I read some comments left by your wife, and you have such a strong woman loving you and keeping your memeory alive. R I P Officer LeClaire and thank you for your dedication. God Bless you and your family.
Chesapeake Disp

Sr Disp B J Kendrick
Chesapeake Police Department VA

December 13, 2005

Joe God sent each person into the world with a special meassage to deliver, a special song to sing and a special act of Love to bestow.No one else can speak my message or sing my song or offer my love that is entrusted to me,you have come tome and always will watch over me in my Lonely days I miss you so much I know that you have also opend your arms and pulled him out of pain Officer Brian S.Gregg who also paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty you have touched us to give me strength to go on I love you so much you will for ever be in my heart you loving wife Gretchen

Gretchen Leclaire
Wife

October 10, 2005

Joe God sent each person into the world with a special meassage to deliver, a special song to sing and a special act of Love to bestow.No one else can speak my message or sing my song or offer my love that is entrusted to me,you have come tome and always will watch over me in my Lonely days I miss you so much I know that you have also opend your arms and pulled him out of pain Officer Brian S.Gregg who also paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty you have touched us to give me strength to go on I love you so much you will for ever be in my heart you loving wife Gretchen

Gretchen Leclaire
Wife

October 10, 2005

I remember when Joe LeClaire was a Newport News Police Officer. He always loved police work and was always a dedicated person and always took life in stride. I also remembered when my sister, Margo (Joe's first wife) introduced me to him before they married in March 1974. He always acted like things didn't bother him but deep down inside they did. My son, Matthew, really liked his Uncle Joe. I just found out that Joe was killed while on duty and was really shocked. Joe was a very smart and careful man. Joe, you will be sadly missed and Gretchen will be in my prayers. She really loved you Joe and is so very sad that you are gone. My heart aches that someone could do this do you leaving behind a wonderful wife and family.

Jeanne K. Buchanan
NASA Langley Research Center

August 26, 2005

Joe was my supervisor and he led by example. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to the community and will be forever missed. God bless his soul and the souls of other officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Inv. Jeff Tuer
First Judicial District Warrant Unit

August 4, 2005