Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I just wanted you family to know that we are thinking of them and you today. Four years seem like a life time to your parents, and family. I know they miss you everyday, somedays more than others, but one thing we will never forget you and the sacrifice that your family continues to make everyday without here with them. Josh watch over your family send them signs from time to time to let them know you are close, they will understand and get them all.
Johnny and Jean we are thinking about you today, love you both.

Connie Barker F.W.B. Fl.
Mother of Clint Walker Prattville Al. E.O.W. 1-14-04

May 2, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 2, 2008

Josh,
Another year has gone by and it is sometimes seems like yesterday that you were taken from our family.
Some days I replay in my head everything that took place
that Sunday morning.
We have seen your parents and brother go through many changes. I pray that as you and the other angels watch over them keeping them safe from all harm.
We love you and continually miss you and that beautiful smile.

love and miss you,
Aunt Tammy

Tammy Ruis-Aunt

May 1, 2008

Dear Josh

It's hard to beleive Friday you have been gone from us 4 years. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. Your mom is really having a hard time with her health I hope you can give her some of your energy to get through this time.They have come so far yet there lives are so differnt now. We love and miss you so very much.
I was so touched when I read your latest reflections how you still continue to lives that never knew you.Wow what a great young man you had became.
Love you ,Aunt Candy

Aunt Candy

April 29, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Cadets of the Basic Recruit Class 333 of Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy, Tallahassee, FL, thank you for your sacrifice.

Cadet Strzalkowski
Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy

March 30, 2008

Deputy Blyler, I want to thank you for your service to the community and the sacrifice you gave protect others. While I never had a chance to meet you, your life and accident had a great impact on mine. My brother-in-law is a SJSO Deputy who has a memorial plate to you on his car and I first noticed it about a year and a half ago, right after my first ride-a-long. I asked him about it one day and he told me about what happened and it really helped me understand the risk I am taking if I wanted to be a LEO. I am now in the Academy in Tallahassee and I hope to work for SJSO, but I might not be here if it wasn't for motivation that your story had given me to become a LEO; someone to help others. I am 19 right now but will be 20 when I get hired, something that helps me feel connected to you as a brother in law enforcement. I never knew you but I hope I never forget you or the impact you had on my life.

Jon Vanik
PTLEA

March 29, 2008

Dear Josh, I forgot to tell you. SJSO hosted a golf tournament in your memory to raise funds for the scholarship fund started at the college. The community and fellow officers made it the best. Raised double the monies expected. Thanks to St. Johns Sheriff's Office and the community of ST. Augustine. Love Mom

Jean Blyler
MOM

March 22, 2008

Dear Joshua, Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. The last Easter you were living Dad & I took a trip. I realized how bad I missed you and Mitchell. I called you all through the day. I am thankful that you two spent that day together. Then you were gone. All of our lives have changed to a different normal. I can reflect back on you boys waking up to Easter Baskets, getting dressed for church and usually a family get together of some sort. Dad & I miss you-it hurts all the time. Love Mom.

Jean Blyler
MOM

March 22, 2008

Dep. Blyler,
I never knew you, but I feel as though I do. I hear about you all the time. The other day your name was brought up, and I felt drawn to this site. Your number and "Superman" emblem are on my shift tag. You are with me and my shift every day we go to work, Charlie Southeast. Thanks for being my partner.

Dep. Jeff Cook
St. Johns Co. Sheriffs Office

March 2, 2008

Josh -

Your memory is in everyone's thoughts, and we know you're still watching over us on the road from heaven.

February 18, 2008

Josh, may your loved ones know what you already know so well, Jesus loves us.G-d bless.

January 19, 2008

Dear Josh, Dad & I spent Christmas at Mitchell's. This made it possible to endure the holiday w/o you. I hoped for a hug from you. We are in the mountains. We believe this will help us bring in the New Year w/o you. Dad & I continue to be involved in our COPS Chapter which is helpful. I know you have recently escorted some of our friends into heaven. I am sure this was a treat for them to see your smiling face. St. Johns County continues to treat us wonderful. God has given me a purpose in life, you may already know but when things are finalized I will share the joy of it with you. I love you - Mom
Happy New Year!

Jean Blyler
MOM

December 29, 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

December 16, 2007

Love you...
K

September 29, 2007

Dearest Josh,
Thinking of you, as always. Many sweet memories we shared have come to mind tonight, bringing smiles to my face. I love you and miss you - always will.
Forver in my heart,
K

August 30, 2007

I came across your name on the featured page as I signed on to ODMP and went to your page to pay a visit and leave a reflection. I know the daily struggle your loved ones fight without being able to hear your voice, see your great smile and laugh or be able to feel your warm touch. All any of us can do is take one day at a time and keep the memory of our heroes alive forever. I know that being a police officer was a dream of yours and there may be some solice in knowing you died doing something you loves so much. You are a true hero and heroes never die, you will never be forgotten by those that love you. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those out on patrol.

No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.

By Richard Fife

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

July 19, 2007

Dear Josh, We made it through your birthday. What is it like to be 24 in Heaven? My heart was crushed when I recently went to your gravesite and it was vandalized. I went yesterday to clean everything,treated your headstone. Hope your Superman pinata lasted at least a few hours as it stormed. I miss you so much. Time does help - Days such as this continue to be very painful. I feel I have learned so much concerning life here on earth since you died. We humans take way to much for granted. People still do not understand. In their opionion we do not get over it and get a life quick enough to suit them. I hope they never lose a child but they will never ever understand unless they do and walk in those shoes. I love you! Mom.

JEAN BLYLER
MOM

June 27, 2007

Happy Birthday Joshua
Wow it is hard to believe its another year.It seems like yesterday ,somtimes and other times it seems like today that you left us.I miss you so much and wish that you was here with us for all the special times. Please come and see your mom and dad they miss you so much,every day is so hard .I know that you are with us ,but they really need to see you in a special way. Tyler is coming home Friday with his girl and we are having them a welcome home party ,I know you'll be there.Continue to watch over us all and your police family as well.Happy Birthday always thinking of you.
Love,Aunt Candy

June 25, 2007

Josh,

I just wanted to let you know I have been thinking about you since we went to Police Week in Washington this year. I never met you, but I heard your story this week. I know that you must have been an exceptionally wonderful Deputy. I also know that you are watching over your family and friends. It's the angels like you and my son that keep us safe. God Bless.

Kelly
(Mother of fallen officer)

Kelly Gaudet

May 17, 2007

3 years...they say time heals all wounds, I hope this is true for the ones that lost Josh. It may not feel like it is healing the pain but I pray for you that it dulls the ache in your heart.

You are in my thoughts and your sacrafice will not be forgotten Josh

I wish I could take away your pain Mr. and Mrs. Blyler

Stephanie, Wife of Detroit PO

May 2, 2007

Josh,
It's hard to imagine that it's 3 years today that you were taken up to heaven.
I know today will be difficult for Kelly and your family.
You are still remembered and you are not forgotten.
Kelly, take a moment and remember to breath today - I think of you often and hope you are doing well.

May 2, 2007

just wanted to say that you are on my mind today, and your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. i'm sure they find it hard to believe that 3 years have already passed.... but then again they feel as though it's been an eternity since you've been around. please let them know you are still with them in some form.

kel~ hang in there girl... call if you need anything! :)

Jessi Garger
Fiancee of Cole Martin
EOW 4/25/03

May 2, 2007

Josh, today is your heavenly birthday and we know you are looking down on your loved ones wrapping your love tightly around them.Please send your Mama a rainbow today.

May 2, 2007

Beautiful Boy,

Untitled Hymn by Chris Rice

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

Lynn Kole
Washington State

May 2, 2007

Today unlike any other day I was thinking of my dad (Robert F Grim Sr). My dad was killed only 3 weeks after I was married. And we were very close. Often when I want to feel him or reflect on what others have said of him I go to his memorial page and read the wonderful reflections of those who are like I am and I am so touched by how wonderful of a person they new my sweet daddy to be. Today....I decided to go to the officer down memorial page to read some of the reflections people have left. But today while I was scrolling down I noticed Joshs mom had left a reflection and my heart bursted. While at the Tallahassee Memorial, I remembered her and I remembered him so young. No words could express how it felt to read her reflection. So here I am reading Joshes page and felt compelled to leave mine.
This was my dads favorite. It is the irish blessing.
JOsh.....
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind always be at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

My heart is with you and your family and hope to see you at the Tallahassee memorial this year to represent all of the officers who lost their lives doing a service to protect us. And to Joshs mother....thank you for your reflection. Words can not begin to express how that felt.

May god be with you and your family.

Tiffany Grim McAlister

Daughter of Robert F. Grim, Ormond Beach Police Dept.
EOW: Nov 12, 2004.

Tiffany Grim McAlister
Daughter of fallen Officer

April 28, 2007