Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sergeant Gregory Lei Hunter

Grand Prairie Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Friday, June 18, 2004

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Sergeant Gregory Lei Hunter

Greg, It's been just over a month now since you were taken away from us. It's tough to go into the office that you shared with the other guys and see your empty desk. I miss hearing you greet people with that voice of yours that was always cheerful and upbeat. I regret that I will never hear your voice or see your smiling face in the halls of the PD. Most of all I regret a conversation we had a few weeks prior to that dreadful day. During the conversation, I was rude to you because you were defending the actions of one of your officers. You defended his actions because you believed he did all that he could have done, and I believed that he could have done more. In typical Greg Hunter form, you maintained that ever-present air of professionalism and I allowed my anger to get the best of me. Whether you ever realized it or not, you were a great teacher. You were the epitome of what a good police officer and supervisor should be like and I will try to become more like you.

Soon, at least two new sergeants will be promoted. One to fill a promotional vacancy, and one to replace the position you vacated when God called you back to be with Him. Nobody can ever expect to replace you, so I would encourage them to strive to be as much like you as possible, because emulating you will serve to make them not only a good supervisor, but also a magnificent person.

I miss you Greg and I continue to mourn for you and your family.

GPPD Sgt
Grand Prairie Police Department

July 20, 2004

Sarge not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about you and how much I miss you sir. I pray each day and night for our department and your family. I wish so very much I was able to see your smile one more time and hear your laughter but I feel so very grateful I was one of the lucky ones who experienced that first hand..God Bless you sir...keep smiling down on us please. There will never be another like you.


Grand Prairie Police Dept

July 15, 2004

From birth some are destined for greatness, few achieve, You Greg, achieved.
A humble, obedient, servant to the Master, a good man and a loyal friend to all.
The positive impact you had on so many lives, will long be embraced and remembered.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Rest in peace.

j shinpaugh

July 13, 2004

I wanted to express my deep sorrow for one of your fallen officers and one of my fallen brothers. I felt the impact of the loss as my brother, Det. Mitch Szempruch works for your agency. I also felt the impact of the loss as I represented the Bossier City La. Police Dept. at the services for Sgt. Hunter. I put your family in my prayers and I pray for the safety of all officers in our country. My God always be with you and protect you from all of the evil in this world. And to Sgt. Hunter, thank you for dedication, your service and loyalty to our country and to God. You have crossed the thin blue line and now you are at rest in Heaven. God Bless you Sir and thank you. You are now a guardian angel for the rest of us. Protect and lead those who are new to our career. Lead them in the right path and teach them the brotherhood of being a Police Officer.

Cpl. Mike Szempruch
Bossier City Police Dept. Louisiana

July 10, 2004

A COP ON THE TAKE


First he takes the oath.
Now look at all he takes---

He takes it in stride when people call him a pig.
He takes time to stop and talk to children.
He takes your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket that you deserve...
He takes on creeps that you would be afraid to even look at.

He takes time away from his family to keep you safe.
He takes your injured children to the hospital.
He takes the graveyard shift without complaint because it's his turn.
He takes his life into his hands daily.

He takes you home when your car breaks down.
He takes time to explain why both of your headlights have to work.
He takes the job that no one else wants---
telling you that a loved one has died.

He takes criminals to jail.
He takes in sights that would make you cry.
Sometimes he cries too, but he takes it anyway because someone has to.

If he is lucky, he takes a retirement.
He takes memories to bed each night,
that you couldn't bear for one day!
Sometimes he takes a bullet.
And yes, occasionally he takes a free cup of coffee.
Then one day he pays for all he has taken...

GOD takes him!


Officer David Carroll
Choctaw P.D. Choctaw Oklahoma

July 9, 2004

What you did was heroic. You gave your life to save that of many more. God bless you and your family.

Police Officer Anthony V. Papaleo
Richmond City Police Department

July 7, 2004

Sgt. Hunter,

My brother sent me word of the terrible tragedy that took your life in the line of duty. We are all brothers and sisters from the moment each of us puts the badge on. So, for me, I lost a valued member of my "family". We didn't know each other personally, but I can easily see that you were loved and revered by both LE and civilian. You set the tone. You raised the bar. You served for your entire life and died doing the job you loved so much. Peace be with you, my brother...

Trooper Erik Torrey Wickman
Washington State Patrol

July 7, 2004

Today the Grand Prairie Police Department gave a promotional exam for the rank of Sergeant. Although the exam had been scheduled for some time, to fill a vacancy cause by another promotion, it is a very, very important exam. One of the officers that pass this exam will try and fill the shoes left behind when Sgt. Hunter was taken from us. I hope that all the officers taking this test will understand the gravity of the task of trying to take the place of a such a good supervisor.

The future of our department will be affected by this exam. I hope that the officers that will be promoted will try in every way to emulate the supervisor that Sgt. Hunter was.

I don't think that we as a department truely knew what we had in Sgt. Hunter. I hope we won't take each other for granted ever again.

I will miss Sgt. Hunter very much.

Detective David Griesinger
Grand Prairie Police Department

July 7, 2004

Dear Hunter family and friends,

I am sorry to hear about your loss. Only a coward would shoot a police officer. I am glad to hear that the coward met his justice swiftly by the hands of Sgt. Hunter's backup. Please take some comfort in two verses from the Bible: "Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." Matt. 5:4 and "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the Children of God." Matt. 5:9. God Bless.

Ofc. Mike Snyder
Coral Springs PD, Florida

July 6, 2004

My deepest simpathy to the family and friends of Sergeant Hunter. May God bless you and give you strength through this terrible time.

Rest in peace Brother.

John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Sgt. Edward Bachert
Allentown Police Department

July 6, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you Brother Hunter.

Ofc. D. Sewell
Baltimore County Police
Pc09

PFC Dale Sewell
Baltimore County Police COT Unit

July 5, 2004

I couldn't count the number of calls that you most likely answered that were the same nature of this call. This one night, you gave it all.. I can only imagine what was going through your head as all this unfolded. It kills me to see an officer go down. I never knew you but you are still a part of the largest family in the world. Brother, rest in peace and I am praying for the family that you left behind. I can't say enough but I will leave you with two words; Well Done....

Sergeant Britt Godsey
Amory Police Dept.

July 5, 2004

Sgt. Hunter.....may you rest in peace and may God bless always bless your family!!!!!!!

Explorer Deputy Josh Legan
Onslow County Sheriff's Office

July 5, 2004

Sgt. Hunter and Family,

I'm so sorry that I missed the funeral, even though I had every intent of going.
Sarge, you epitomize what every man has the potential to be. While I know that it seems that you have failed, you have shown the potential to hundreds if not thousands of others that we are in a respected and needed proffession, and that we are'nt trying to hurt, annoy, or inconvenience anyone but to protect as many as we can, just as you were trying to do that fateful day.
You may rest in piece knowing that you have affected many and made them think "I don't wnat to live that life" due to your death.
You have helped us all!!

T. Wilson #144
Glenn Heights P.D.

July 4, 2004

Though I have not had the previlege and honor of becoming an officer I still feel the hurt and sorrow of losing a human being in most cases for no good reason. These men and women risks their lives day and night just so that my family and friends can sleep at night. My heartfelt sorrow and sympathy goes out to his family, friends and co-workers. I'm sure he will always be missed and loved eternaly . May you rest in peace sir with our father above

gilbert gonzales
citizen of fort worth

July 4, 2004

I never met Greg Hunter, however I know that he was a respected and loved police officer, an outstanding family man, and a brother to all police officers. God bless his family.

Officer Mark Courson
Denton TX Police Department

July 3, 2004

Thank you, Sgt. Hunter, for your service to your community and the sacrifice you've made to protect and serve your fellow man. At the Texas Police Games in Abilene this year, we had a moment of silence in your honor. My heartfelt sympathies go out to your family during this trying time. God bless you sir.

Deputy G. Lucas
Comal County Sheriff's Office

July 3, 2004

"A Part Of America Died"


Somebody killed a policeman today and
A part of America died.

A peice of our country he swore to protect,

Will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect who shot him will stand up in court,

With counsel demanding his rights,

While a young widowed mother must work for her kids

And spend many long, lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battlefield too,

Just as if he'd gone off to war.

Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,

To his name they will add a gold star.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,

It happened in your town or mine

While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,

A cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,

And he stands at each new rookie's side.

He answered the call, and gave us his all,

And a part of America died!


(Written by and full credit to
- Angel Sparks)

---------------------------------------

My thoughts and prayers to my brothers in Texas.

I honor your courage for not giving up "the fight" in the days after this incident, and for being able to continue to come to work and somewhat function under the thoughts of lossing one of your own...

And also for you guys to be able to continuing answering calls for service having your Sarge and this incident on your mind, I tip my cap to you....

Respectfully,

- A "brother" in Massachusetts

July 2, 2004

It was two weeks ago today that you were taken from us. I went to Walmart for the first time since the day and viewed the memorial for you. It was so hard to pull into the parking lot but Greg the memorial from your family,friends,your police family and citizens was overwhelming to see. You were so admired,respected,and loved. I miss you so much we are all pulling together and trying to stay strong at work like you would want us to do. God Bless you sir we all miss you so much.


GRAND PRAIRIE POLICE DEPT

July 2, 2004

DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

A Brother In Blue

Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force

July 2, 2004

The one thing I will never forget about Sgt Hunter was he would never walk passed you without saying hi and asking you how you were doing. Sgt Hunter was the kind of officer that many strive to be, but few accomplish and he will be greatly missed.

patrol officer/ chad walsworth
grand prairie pd

July 1, 2004

My 8 yr old son said "He always talked to me when I was at the police department with Dad, he was so nice....and he always smiled". So many lives Greg touched with just his smile. My heart goes out to all of you.

Once in Awhile

Once in a while, someone comes along.
That one in a million heart,
So pure and so strong.
They can face up to the tears.
And somehow still find a smile,
That we only get every once in a while.
Once in a while, someone has the eyes,
That one in a million look,
That never tells lies.
They can get you on your feet,
To walk that extra mile.
We only see every once in a while.
That's why we call them heroes.
That's why we know their names,
And once you've heard their stories,
You're never quite the same.
That's why we call them heroes.
The best thing they ever do,
Is to point to the best in us all,
And say: "If I can, you can too."
Once in a while, I still hear his voice.
That one in a million sound,
Like two laughin' boys.
He would hate it if we cried,
That never was his style.
Oh, we still miss him every once in a while.
They can face up to the tears.
And somehow still find a smile,
That we only get every once in a while.
Oh, how I miss him every once in a while.

Denise Bardwell, wife of C. Bardwell, GP

June 30, 2004

May God bless the family, friends, employees, and officers of the Grand Prairie Police Department. I know that times are hard during this time but my thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Sgt. Hunter was a good man and there is no doubt that he saved many lives on that dreadful day. Rest in peace Sgt. Hunter.

Detective Byron P. Stewart
Arlington Police Department

June 30, 2004

We are truly saddened at Greg's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) P.D.

June 30, 2004

On behalf of the Correctional Emergency Response Team of the Clayton County Jail, our thoughts of peace are with the family of Sgt. Hunter.
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal,.....

Cert Operator Virginia Robinson
Clayton County Sheriff Dept. Jonesboro Ga.

June 30, 2004

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