Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family and friends of Deputy Joshua Blyler and his fellow deputies with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office:

On behalf of our entire family, I wanted to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered at the untimely death of Josh. How sad to see such a young man lose his life when he had so much ahead of him. How you must cherish the memories of your life with Josh. He looks so heartbreakingly young with such a sweet and winsome smile.

To his Mom Jean, I relate to so many of your messages to Josh...some of them are just like my feelings for my lost son.

May you continue to find comfort in the warm embrace of support and love from your law enforcement community. Undergoing a devastating experience like this forges bonds between blood families and police families that can never be broken.

Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Department when he was fatally shot on April 23rd during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers. Larry left a loving wife and his son, born 2 1/2 months after Larry's murder, as well as all his extended family and friends who loved him so much.

I know that Heaven has another hero, but how I wish this accident had not happened to your beloved Josh.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Josh gave to his community and the citizens of the state of Florida, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on May 2, 2004.

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

September 11, 2005

DEAR JOSH IT HAS BEEN A WHILE. I HAD SURGERY RECENTLY I HAVE RECOVERED. THANKS FOR BEING WITH ME. THERE IS NO CANCER. I MISS YOU SO MUCH! SUNDAYS ARE STILL VERY TOUGH. I DONT THINK OF IT AS THE LORD'S DAY ANYMORE, IT IS THE DAY THAT I LOST MY CHILD & IT ALWAYS HURTS SO BAD. A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE ARE DYING, WHAT IS GOING ON IN HEAVEN?
WE ARE DOING GOOD CONSIDERING ALL THINGS. WE WILL BE GOING TO THE COPS PARENT'S RETREAT SOON. HAVING YOUR CAR DETAILED NEXT WEEK. MOMMY LOVES YOU & I CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU.

JEAN BLYLER
MOM

August 31, 2005

HEY JOSH I JUST WANTED TO SAY I MISS YOU BROTHER ITS BEEN 2 YEARS NOW SINCE WE WHERE HIRED ITS GONE BY TOO FAST BUD. I KEEP YOUR PARENTS IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND WISH THEM PEACE AND COMFORT FROM OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, REST WELL BROTHER

DEP. JARED GOODMAN #3262
ST. JOHNS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

August 29, 2005

I had never been to your site before
but after reading so many messages from Kelly on others' sites I stopped by. My condolences go out to your
loved ones. This is so sad, you were
so young and had so much more to
give and experience. And judging from your picture, your kids would
have been adorable!! I guess the only way your dear ones left behind
can cope is with the love and comfort
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thanks for being a bright light, Kelly
and continue to share the love and
truth of Christ. NOONE gets to Heaven without the salvation He
provided on the Cross thousands of
years ago. We love Him because
while we were still sinners, He loved
and died for us. May God continue to heal your broken hearts. What a HOPE we have when we are secure in Jesus! God bless you all! With love from one coast of America to the other.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

August 21, 2005

Josh, we never got the chance to meet one another on the street, but I feel like we did. Time has passed but you will never be forgotten. God bless you and your family. Please watch over your fellow brothers and sisters @SJSO and SAPD. Till we meet in the next life take care my friend.

Officer Jon Yarbrough
St. Augustine P.D.

August 18, 2005

Dear Josh,

I love you. I'm thinking of you today & always.

Forever in my heart,

Kelly

Kelly Gillain
JOSH'S ONE & ONLY LOVE

August 16, 2005

My dearest Josh,
You truly are the most amazing person I have ever known. I wish I had you here to share with me, each and every minute of each and every day. I think about you and miss you every day. The love you gave me continues to warm my heart as it did every day you lived.

This morning at Westside, the choir performed "Midnight Cry". I hadn't heard that song performed since we were at youth camp in 2001. I remember you telling me that night that you felt like you were in heaven when we were together with all those believers, praising the Lord. It was an incredible night of worship. This morning, as I listened to the words of that song, I closed my eyes and thought about you, knowing that at that very moment you were where I long to be--in heaven with our Lord. I thought about the fact that if I am still living when Jesus returns, I will see the sky unfold one day and meet Jesus in the air. You, along with the other dead in Christ, will rise to meet Him in the air. I had an incredible time of worship as that song played, and as I thought about the day when I will meet Christ face to face.

We also sang one of your favorite praise and worship choruses this morning, "Better is One Day". You now live out that song and know what it is to dwell in the house of the Lord. Knowing you are with Jesus fills my heart with unexplainable joy and gives me an imeasureable amount of hope. Although my heart longs to be with you and share my life with you as we had planned for so many years, I am comforted by the fact that you are eternally at rest with our Lord. You gave me more love than I could have ever dreamed of, and for that I will forever be thankful. Your legacy continues to touch lives because of your holy boldness, your courage and grace, your compassionate heart, and so much more. You will always hold the only set of keys to a very special place in my heart. I love you, Josh.

Forever in my heart,
Kelly

"Better is One Day"

How lovely is Your dwelling place,
Oh Lord, Almighty.
For my soul longs, and even faints for You.
For here my heart is satisfied
Within Your presence.
I sing beneath the shadow of Your wing.

BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR COURTS.
BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR HOUSE.
BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR COURTS THAN THOUSANDS ELSEWHERE.
BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR COURTS.
BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR HOUSE.
BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR COURTS THAN THOUSANDS ELSEWHERE.
THAN THOUSANDS ELSEWHERE.

One thing I ask and I would seek;
To see Your beauty.
To find You in the place Your glory dwells.

BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR COURTS.
BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR HOUSE.
BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR COURTS THAN THOUSANDS ELSEWHERE.
BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR COURTS.
BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR HOUSE.
BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR COURTS THAN THOUSANDS ELSEWHERE.
THAN THOUSANDS ELSEWHERE.


*Josh is alive and well with the Lord. He rests beneath the haven of the Lord*

Kelly Gillain
Josh's One & Only Love

July 31, 2005

IT'S BEEN A WHILE SINCE I WROTE YOU.I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME,I THINK ABOUT WHAT LIFE WOULD BE LIKE FOR YOU IF YOU NEVER WOULD HAVE DIED.YOUR MOM& DAD ARE DOING GOOD,AND THEY MISS YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY, SO DOES YOUR BROTHER MITCHELL.HE GETS REALLY SAD SOMETIMES WHEN WE TALK ABOUT YOU,BUT MOST OF THE TIME HE KEEPS HIS FEELINGS LOCKED UP INSIDE.WE ALL ARE CHANGED PEOPLE NOW,WE WILL NEVER GET TO SEE YOUR WRINKLES WHEN YOU GET OLD,OR BABY SIT YOUR KIDS WHEN YOU NEEDED US TO.ALL WE HAVE ARE THE MEMORIES OF THE LAST TIME WE SAW YOU OR THE FUNNY THINGS YOU HAVE DONE.
WELL GOTTA GO KEEP US IN YOUR PRAYERS!!

APRIL BLYLER-sister inlaw

July 26, 2005

DEAR JOSH THE DEDICATION TO THE MEMORIAL AT SJSO TURNED OUT VERY NICE.
WE NOW HAVE A PLACE TO GO IN ST. AUG.
MANY BRICKS WERE PURCHASED WITH LOVE.
EACH FAMILY SOMEHOW BEING A SURVIVOR.
MITCHELL PLANNED DAD A SURPRISE B-DAY PARTY. HE WAS HAPPY BUT SAYS HE ALWAYS MISSES YOU SO MUCH. HE HAD A DREAM ABOUT YOU . I WAS HAPPY FOR HIM.
I HAVE TO TELL YOU THIS IS SO HARD. I WISH HUMAN BEINGS WOULD REALIZE HOW SACRED EACH DAY IS , CHERISH THE SPECIAL MOMENTS, AND LOOK FOR THE GOOD IN ALL THINGS. STOP WHINING. ONCE THE LOVED ONE IS GONE THAT TIME WITH THEM AS WE KNOW IT IS OVER..... SARGE WAS PROMOTED TO LT. I KNOW YOU ARE HAPPY FOR HIM. APRILS GRANDMOTHER HAS BEEN SICK FOR AWHILE, WHEN HER TIME COMES PLEASE HELP ESCOURT HER HOME.
WE MISS YOU AND I CLING TO THE PROMISE THAT I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN LOVE MOM

JEAN BLYLER
MOM

July 20, 2005

Dear Josh (My li'l cuddle bug),

Thinking of you always. I love you.

Forever in my heart,
Kelly (Your Perfect Angel)

Kelly Gillain
Josh's One & Only

July 12, 2005

Josh
I just wanted to Thank you for reminding me of all you taught us about life.I miss you and love you more than you know. Always thinking of you.
Aunt Candy

Candy Smith

July 9, 2005

DEAR JOSH I WANTED TO WISH U A HAPPY 22ND BIRTHDAY. I AM LATE ON THIS, OUR COMPUTER WAS DOWN. WE MISS YOU MORE THAN ANY WORDS CAN DESCRIBE. WE CELEBRATED WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY AT THE BEACH. I WATCHED A VIDEO OF YOU BEING BAPTIZED BY BRO.BILL -WHO IS IN HEAVEN WITH YOU. WHAT ARE TWO UP TOO?
I KNOW HE IS SHOWING U THE ROPES. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MOM & DAD

JEAN BLYLER

June 28, 2005

Josh,

Happy Birthday.

I hope you are having a great birthday party in Heaven, but take a moment to visit your family and Kelly today and let them know you are still with all of them.

Hugs,
Monica
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit

OfficerDownSignificantOthers

June 27, 2005

6/26/05

Josh,

You and your family are in my thoughts today; your 22nd birthday.

Norie Haas
Mother of Brian Haas
E.O.W. 4/24/04

Norie Haas

June 26, 2005

Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you on this Father's Day. As Mother's Day was as difficult to bear; we know today is terribly hard. We wanted to express our thoughts of love and support and make sure you know too, you are not alone...ever.

Bobby, Kelli, and Abigail Grim

Bobby Grim, Jr.
Daytona Beach Police Dept.

June 19, 2005

Josh
I was just thinking of you this morning.
It's raining and kind of gloomy,But I know that your in sunshine and glorie.I miss you buddy and so does all of our family.We all had such an awesome trip to Washington D.C we met alot of awesome people because of you and will continue to meet more.We are just trying to find the good in all of this so that your death was not in vain.We want your memories to live on and be a blessing to others.
Thinking of you always.
Love,AuntCandy

Candy Smith

June 11, 2005

I'am so sorry for your lost.Me and my husband lost our best friend/roomate/co work Adam Fleshner e.o.w 1/13/03 in the same way almost and I always would think why did god take him he was so young but I know now that god only takes the best no matter how young they are. As time goes by you will never forget but you will start to think about all the good times you had with him and it will bring a smile to your face.I will keep you in my prayers

Holly & Tommie spikes
Carlton County S.O

June 11, 2005

Josh was my best friend's boyfriend. There was always a constant in Kelly's life and that was Josh. Growing up through high school and early adulthood can be a challenging time where people make a lot of mistakes and have a roller coaster ride, happy then sad then confused. Kelly never experienced that. No matter what the situation Kelly could always handle it. Having the peace of God watching over her and having someone on earth taking care of the rest (Josh). I got to know Josh in high school. A guy I could relate to, we could talk about big-blocks, long tube headers, and camshafts for longer than Kelly could stand. Josh was a man among boys, me being included. A goal oriented person who knew what and who he was and was going to be. I envied him. I didn't know what I wanted out of life and he had figure it out before he even graduated. Josh was a guy you wanted to be around. The person who no one had a grudge against. I had stupid impressions that Kelly would make me do that he would crack up at. I still keep a picture of Kelly and Josh in my wallet. The perfect couple. Well Buddy, take heart in knowing shes hanging tough. I still remember the first time I saw her after your passing. I just kept telling myself don't let her cry, make her laugh. You did too much to make her smile to let her cry now. Your still making her smile today. She can't mention your name without a grin coming to her face that she can't hold in. I miss ya buddy but I know your driving a Super Stock Camaro at Heaven's quater mile. I hope they have Super Chevy Shows up there. Take it easy and know that you didn't leave, you just got called away on another assignment.

Brian Suggs
Property Appraiser, COJ

June 6, 2005

I would first like to say thank you for leaving your post on my brother's memorial page. You were right, Keith was full of life and by looking at the picture of Joshua, he was too. I am truly sorry for your loss. We don't know why they were taken from us so soon and it is not our place to question God, but I believe they were taken because they were ready. In this line of work, being ready for the Lord has to be something you are prepared for, and I believe Keith and Joshua were. God bless you all. Thank you for your prayers. We will be praying for you too. REST IN PEACE, JOSHUA.

Kevin Cannon
Keith Cannon's brother EOW 5/4/05

June 1, 2005

My dearest Josh,
I had an amazing dream about you last night...thank you for it. Since you left this earth, I have had many sweet dreams about you, us, and our last moments together. I love you and miss you beyond what I could ever express in words.

When I walked in the door from D.C., I was greeted by this huge wall hanging of "It's All Good". Emily had it sent to me while I was in D.C. Every time I look at it, I'm reminded of you (which of course is why she sent it to me). You would love it. I can just picture you looking at it and saying, "sweet".

Every day without you is difficult. I carry our love in my heart with me always. Your friends are all doing very well with life, but they all miss you so much. There are so many people who love you, and who you continue to touch with the legacy you left.

My heart longs to be with you every minute of every day. I am thankful for the hope that Christ gives us, to see each other again one day. Every day, I look forward to the day when we'll meet again. I love you, Josh.

Love,
Kelly

Kelly Gillain
Josh's One & Only

May 24, 2005

Josh,
Last week we were in Washington D.C. for Police Memorial Week. My two daughters had met with some of your family by the Memorial Wall. A few days later I met your parents, we were sitting at a table at the host hotel. I almost wonder if you and Nick had planned both of these meetings. It seemed like too much of a coincidence that we had two chance meetings in crowds that large. Your family is so nice. We share so much in common. I know you are with them and always will be by their side.

Chris Sloan
Nick Sloan's Mom E.O.W.1/30/04

May 19, 2005

Josh,
It was an amazing event that honored you this weekend. To meet and talk to the parents of young men and women who have died in the line of duty.
To hear their stories of pain and sadness helps us to realize we are not in this alone. Your parents have been strenghtened by the love of new friends and parents who have suffered this same pain. I know that you are there watching over your Mom and Dad. I know you know how much they love you and miss you.
Our family has come together because of you. Please know that you did not die in vain. There are lives being changed all over because of how you lived your life in Christ. We will never be the same. Love and miss your smiling face.
Aunt Tammy

Tammy Ruis-Aunt

May 17, 2005

Dear Josh,
This Monday was one year since your passing. It's so hard to beleive that it has already been a year. Both Adam and I reflect on this past year with so many memories, both new and old.
We wish you could have been a part of all the wonderful things that have happened this past year, but we know you have been there in spirit.
We think of you often and pray for your family. We also pray for Kelly, as this has been very difficult for her as well. She is so strong and has done a great job in keeping your memory alive.
We miss you so much and you are thought about everyday.
To Josh, Adam and everyone else who puts their life on the line, thank you.
Thank you for your sacrifice and determination to do your job well.
With love and friendship,
Emily
Wife of Adam Kline, UPD #1043

Emily Kline

May 5, 2005

Josh,

I know we never met, but I have heard a lot of things from you from Kelly. Don't worry they're all good! Kelly has started working on a memorial page for you. It's amazing. I've learnt so much about you, and about your relationship with Kelly. You were blessed to have each other.

Josh, Kelly misses you terribly, just as I'm sure the rest of your family misses you. Please continue to watch over them from above and help lead them to the path of happiness and inner peace. Help them use the love you shared as strength to move forward in life.

Thank you for your sacrifice Josh. Know that you did not die in vain and that your memory lives on in Kelly, and in the hearts of all those lives you've touched.

Peace, love, luck, health, and happiness!

Jocelyne :)

PS: I hope you've been able to meet up with my fiancée Dennis. Next time you see him give him a "purple nurple" from me and the kids. I'd ask you to to give him a hug and a few "smackers" for us too but that's not really a manly thing to do is it? :)

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

May 4, 2005

Josh,

It's been one year since you were taken from everyone who loves you. I have come to know you through Kelly. I enjoy hearing about the love you both shared and all the great things you have done in your short life.

You would be so proud of her. She has been such an inspiration to me and a lot of other women. She has shown such Christian virtue during the past year. She has helped me strengthen my faith in God again with her faith and Christian ways. I know you would love this in her since you yourself have a very strong faith in God and loved to bring others closer to Him.

I know you are in Heaven enjoying all the promises He made to us. Please say hello to my Scott.

To your parents and family. I can not begin to imagine your pain in not having Josh in your life. Losing a child is something no parent should have to endured. Children are an extension of their parents. To me it would be as if a part of me died, and I'm sure a part of you died that day.

Hold on to the good memories of Josh. Love everything and everyone Josh loved, even those you might not care for because they are an extension of him.

In the end everyone who loves Josh will sit with him, together, enjoying Heaven.

Josh is always with you. Our love ones never truly leave us, they are here everyday we think of them. They live in our hearts and minds. The memories of Josh will help you smile when you need one.

I'm not an expert, I don't know all the answers. I have been walking this road for almost 3 years and have come to realize a few things in that time.

Josh,
I hope your family and Kelly will have all the support and love in they need to walk this road and maybe one day they can walk it together.

I have this same prayer for everyone who needs it, including myself.

From what I've been told about your faith. I know you would want this. I know you would think of 2 phrases - Love one another as I have loved you and Forgive one another as I have forgiven you.

God Bless you, and all your love ones, keep an eye out for all of them and send them little kisses from time to time.

Monica
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit

May 3, 2005