Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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 27, 2007

We had Christmas and it dosen't get any eaiser with you not here we all miss you so much .Austin is living with me and Missy now he can eat like you and loves icecream like me and you. Allison is in college and Austin I hope can start next quarter they are good kids and Iam trying to keep them on the right road .I tell them I'am gonna rasie them the way you wanted and I want them to make you proud . Mom got to vist Sarah for Christmas Mom said she is so smart and can write good to be only five I know she misses you too.We love you ..xxoo
love,Diane & kids

Diane Fincher
Sister

December 26, 2007

Jimmy,

Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you and your family! I ran into Pat not too long ago...it was so good to see her. Merry Christmas Jimmy!

Lt. C. Nebel
HCPD

December 26, 2007

Hey Daddy-O! I just wanted to know that I love you soo much! We just had another Thankgiving and its almost Christmas! But its just not the same anymore without you! People say that it will get better with time but Daddy it dosent! There isnt a day that goes by that I dont miss u! You were a wonderful man, father,friend and husband you were to everyone who knew you! Daddy you are loved and missed by so many people. And I have run into people all the time who I don't even know and they always tells me that my father was a great man and that you are missed so much. But even though its gets even harder for us this time of the year. I know that you are fine and that you can finally rest. You arent working two and three jobs trying to make ends meet. And you dont have to stress and work from sun up to sun down on the house and trying to make the "wicked queen" happy! You can finally rest and enjoy yourself! I love you so much Daddy-O and miss you so much!! And Daddy dont forget I WILL ALWAYS BE DADDY'S GIRL ALWAYS AND FOREVER!!!
I love you!
Love Always,
Allison

Jennifer Allison Gilbert
Oldest Daughter

December 5, 2007

Jimmy, I just wanted you to know you are always in our thought and prayers....we miss ya and love ya.....

Michelle Brown
family

July 1, 2007

Hey brother. I miss those times Jimmy. Still getting rid of the weak links. I know you must be happy there. I'm proud to say you were my partner and friend. MWC bro.

Patrick Snook
HCPD

May 3, 2007

Hey daddy-o its your 3 yr. ann. and I just wanted to tell you that we are thinking of you and we miss you so much.I love you and am so proud to be your daughter. You are my HERO and always will be. I miss you so much and you have three wonderful children. Allison(me)20, Austin 18, and Sarah 5. Who miss and love there Father so much! We miss and love you very much! Love Always Daddy-O's oldest daughter.

Jennifer Allison Gilbert
Oldest Daughter

May 2, 2007

Sergeant Gilbert,

Tonight we ride for you. Please tell Wilbur, Chuck and Jim Chandler that I miss them very much, and think of you all often. Take care.

Vance

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

May 2, 2007

I just wanted to say that the Henry County PD. Evening Watch North End will be patroling in Sgt.Gilbert behalf on this date.

I also wanted to say Jimmy was always a great person to be around and I really enjoyed working with Jimmy.

Our thoughts and Prayers are with the Family

Sergeant Patten RD
Henry Co PD

May 2, 2007

A thousand times we needed you
A thousand times we cried
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died
A heart of gold stopped beating
two twinkling eyes closed to rest
God broke our hearts to prove he only took the best
never a day goes by that you're not in my heart and my soul.
We love you Jimmy-----Love Mama,Your sisters Diane,Missy& Kids

May 2, 2007

Daddy-O,
I miss you so much! There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you! Sarah just had her fifth birthday and on 18 of April and mine is on the 29th. I will be 20 and I wish you were here for it. I am kinda happy but then three days later will be your three year ann. And that sucks! The pain of you taking away from us will never go away. People say it gets easier with time but thats not true either. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO MUCH! HCPD has new badges with your and Chucks badge numbers on it. I wish I had one to put in a shadow box but maybe I will get on one day. You are and will always be me HERO! I'm so proud to Say that i'm Sgt.Jimmy Gilbert's oldest daughter! Well I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU I KNOW YOU WILL BE WITH ME ON MY BIRTHDAY! KEEP WATCHING OVER US AND KEEPING US SAFE. REST IN PEACE! YOU EARNED IT DADDY-O!

Jennifer Allison Gilbert
Oldest Daughter

April 22, 2007

Hey, Just wanted to let you and your family know that you have not been forgotten. God's Grace and Love to you all.

Major David McCart
Henry County Sheriff's Office Ga.

February 11, 2007

Dear Jimmy,

Sorry I have never written. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you and Chuck. It is an honor to have known and worked with you. I learned a lot from you and that has kept me safe during many encounters. Of course that could have been you looking down and watching over me. I will never forget the good times we had when I was in the training divison after I first started. You gave me my first nickname in law enforcement and it stuck even when I changed departments. I remember the last time I saw you. It was at a funeral for a Georgia State Patrol Trooper. While at the grave site I heard you above the crowd, "Hey baby face." I will never forget that. It saddens me that our last conversation was so short. One of my best friends is your cousin, Michelle. She misses you. I got out of law enforcement back in May 06, but have missed it so much that I am thinking about getting back in. I know you will be watching over when I do. Say hey to Chuck for me.

Brad Smith
Ex Henry County Officer / Friend

February 5, 2007

Sgt. Gilbert in 1995 I was a resident of Henry Co., and also worked as a R.O. with HCPD, as my full-time job was with the GWCCPD. I remember meeting you, and working with you on a few road blocks. Even though I was only an R.O., you welcomed me to your shift, guided me and never let me feel like an outcast. Shortly after I began volunteering with you I left Ga. to move to Ca.. I was saddened when I was searching this site one day last year and punched in Henry County for the heck of it, not knowing that I would find you, and Officer Haist listed on here. Well since then I have been back numerous times and have read and re-read your reflections. I can tell you are truely missed and the department has gone through a great loss,in which I am sorry to hear. I hope your family continues to stay strong, and know that you will never be forgotten. You have made a great impression on my life, as Im sure many others. I thank you for everything that I learned from you.~~~~God Speed~~~~
If possible I would like receive one of the new patches designed to honor Sgt. Gilbert and Officer Haist. Please contact me [email protected] if you can send me one. Thank You.

Jeannie Diehl, Senior Officer Specialist
Federal Bureau of Prisons, Ray Brook NY

January 22, 2007

Merry Christmas Sergeant Gilbert. I just wanted you to know that I still think about you. Take care, and say hello to Chuck, and Wilbur.

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

December 26, 2006

I love you and am lost without you. We went to your favorite place but its not the same, nothing is...until we are together again...I love and miss you...Sarah still has your feet

Pat Gilbert
Wife

November 19, 2006

Just thinking about you Jimmy.

Deputy K.E. Phelps
Henry County Sheriff's Dept

October 20, 2006

Happy Birthday little brother I miss you. We always had our birthdays at mom's together and it's so hard since our birthdays are 5 days apart me sept 5 and a year and 5 days later on sep 10 mom had you as I sat at your grave Sunday I thought about how you would loved to be at mom's right now eating that sunday dinner and me talking junk on you about how many biscuits you would have on your plate and then me teasing you about we got you your own gallon of ice cream for your birthday .I love it as much as you do to but I love birthday cake with it . I love you ,Diane

Diane
sister

September 11, 2006

Dear brother take my hand For if I should die this night,Lead me from the darkness And guide me to the light,Even though you have gone I know you watching over me. I can see the smile on your face existing through all eternity.Dear brother we'll always love you , although you are not here .The memories we shared with you are the ones we hold so dear.Your life was cut to short too many deeds undone,Adventures not encountred So many songs left unsung.I hope that you can hear me In the new place you are in Through all of my experinces And all the lonely battles I must win. Someday will be together When my own story ends.Till then ,the sadness I know,eased by the kindess of good friends.Dear brother I do miss you I keep you in my heart In the story of my life You have the biggest part.Forever I'll remember All the things you did for me .The lessons you have taught Have set my spirit free. Dear brother I can see you And your footprints in the sand.When the day comes I will fear no evil when dear brother takes my hand . We love you and miss you!!!!!! love,your sisters Diane & Missy

Diane Fincher/Missy Gilbert

May 3, 2006

Mr. Gilbert,
I cannot believe that it has been 2 years since we lost you here. I just want to tell you that even though I on;y met you once, I feel like I've known you for a long time because of Allison's stories and memories that she's shared. I hope that you're doing ok in heaven, I know that God is sure glad to have you home. Not a day goes by that I am not thankful for all that you did with your time here on earth. Thank you!

-Elysse Lewandowski

Elysse Lewandowski
Daughter's Friend

May 3, 2006

Hey Daddy-O! Today is two years that you were taken from us here on earth and when you meet God face to face in heaven. Daddy it has been and still is hard down here without you, but I know that you no longer in pain. And that the good Lord needed you more than we did. I have been having a really hard time with this lately but I know that you are in the best hands! You are with Jesus Christ and I know that when he calls me home that I will see you again. But I'm trying to look at today as the day I lost you but the day that the Lord got you! Because everyone knows that he is the luck one! Daddy also take care of Chuck and help his family b/c they are getting ready to go to Washington. And that is a sad time but also a wonderful time. It really helps alot to be there with people who are really going through what you are going through too. Well rest in peace Daddy-O! B/c there is alot of people that miss you like MWC and all you brothers and sister in blue! And all of your friends and family. Daddy I hope that you know that you are truly missed and loved!
I LOVE YOU!
LOVE ALWAYS,
DADDY'S OLDEST GIRL!

Allison Gilbert
Daughter

May 2, 2006

Sergeant Gilbert..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers as they remember you on your 2nd anniversary in Heaven..please continue to watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

mi state police recruit
farmington

May 2, 2006

Jimmy, Its been too long brother since I wrote you. Two years and it seems just a few minutes ago I got the call that you were taken away. I'm back with MWC. Gray got promoted. He would make you proud. We had a Jimmy Gilbert roadblock the other night. Gray yelled out "How Yall Doin". There were so many blue lights I'm sure you noticed. 8 in 30 minutes. The guys on Morning Watch would make you proud. We almost totalled the most arrests ever. I miss you each day man and I'm glad that are no more weak links where you are Jimmy. The department really is doing better. I know you would appreciate it. It seems so surreal somtimes. I go on a call somewhere where you and I have been and I stop to think that it just aint the same without you there as my 20. But when I get back into the car, I realize you were there with me. Always my 20!!!

PD Snook
Henry County Police

May 2, 2006

May you Rest in Peace and may Our Lord wrap His Arms around your family especially tightly today and in the future.May He comfort them as they continue their journey towards you.

May 2, 2006

You and your family are remembered prayerfully on the second anniversary of your tragic death. I am very sorry that they must walk this very difficult journey. May they take comfort knowing that you are remembered with respect for your selfless service to the community. Heores live forever.

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

May 1, 2006