Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jake,

I only met you the one time on an assistance call, but last Thursday a metro officer called up Z99.5 and asked them to play "live like you were dying" the version with all the people giving tributes at your funeral. It was 7am and this grown man was driving down 465 with tears streaming down my face. Everyone in the brotherhood still remembers your sacrifice and we know put in the same situation we would all only hope to act with the bravery you did on that night. Until we meet again brother....

Fellow Officer
Brother in Arms

December 10, 2007

Hi Jake. I read your reflections often. Im not sure if it means anything to you or not, but I am a dispatcher in Ohio and I ran a license plate today and I thought of you instantly. The man's name was Glenn. He was from Indiana and I wondered if he was related to you. I think the town he was from is very close to Indianapolis, but Im not sure. Regardless, I thought of you most of the night after the trooper cleared the stop.

Anyway, I just want you to know that people all over the place, even Ohio, know who you are and know the sacrifice that you made. I was so sorry to hear about your dad. May God watch over your family and friends this holiday season.

God Speed Hero. You did make the world a better place. I know this from the reflections that you have.

Heather
None

November 30, 2007

Missing you and thinking of you, like each day. wishing i could hold your hand one more time. wanting to see you that one last time.... we miss you so much jake.

November 26, 2007

Your dad is finally with you, Jake. He's never been the same without you. Like all of us, he thought of you every single day.....still 3 years later. I really don''t know what that family is going to do. You need to send some major guidance to your troubled sister baby and those beautiful babies of hers. And Barb, she needs strength like you wouldn't believe. I'm happy that Tim is where he wants to be, with his arms around his boy, an d I'm happy you have your dad back, but this is a long tough road for the Althouse family........missing and loving you always......

November 25, 2007

HAPPY THANKSGIVING JAKE ... I MISS YOU SWEETIE

ALWAYS THINKING OF YOU .... LUANN

LuAnn

November 22, 2007

next month it will be six years that i met you. you flashed your gorgeous smile, and i instantly fell in love. for those that don't believe in love at first sight, they obviously have never seen you. i think about all the memories, the jokes, the laughs, the crys, the good and the bad. i think of how lucky i am to know you and to be able to keep you close to my heart. i love you jake and will always remember.

friend for life

November 3, 2007

I am now working with two retired officers that had the privelage of working with you and i know that they miss you and i didnt even know you but my hat goes off to you and your family. you were a brave man who gave his life to save so many others. you will always be in our hearts and prayers

steve hamilton
Muscatatuck urban training center

November 2, 2007

sorry i have written lately but you've been in my thoughts. we had our baby girl last week, and she is just beautiful. i couldn't help but think of you and how much i miss you.

November 1, 2007

Happy Birthday!

September 17, 2007

Happy Birthday bud, still seems strange me saying that to you and you not being here to hear it in person. But yes another year has gone by and I still think of you everyday. I miss you and I wish I could hear you say something funny on the radio just one more time :-) Keep watching over us Jake.

Thinking of you always
LuAnn

September 17, 2007

Your birthday is coming up around the corner... I wonder what you'd ask for this year?? The world seems to keep moving, but my life is at a standstill. I haven't talked to your mom in awhile, everytime I think about calling her I just start to cry.. I know that she would say "Jake wouldn't want this for you" I leaned on her alot after you left us... she is amazing and I only wish I could be that strong. Some days I really feel like I can keep putting one foot in front of the other and other days, I just feel like life is just going on without me. The people that say it gets easier... I am not sure if they know what they are talking about... or maybe they have never met YOU! Well, I just wanted to drop by and say Hello... as you would say "anywho".. I guess I will get back to life... I love you!

September 9, 2007

Hey buddy, I sure miss hearing that "hey old man" on the Nextel at 5am like I use to. Everyone says time will heal but it has been 3 years and as your birthday approaches I still hurt as much today as I did 8/18/04. Kaylee will be camping with us this weekend, man is she a trooper, just like her Daddy. I miss you son.
Love Dad

DAD
Father

August 27, 2007

Three years gone by, and not a moment is any easier. I still replay times spent with you...I still smile when I pass certain places we used to hang out at. More than anything, I miss you just as much now as I did then. And I know I will miss you just as much next year, or five years from now. I will never forget you Jake, or the sacrifice you made that night. I won't look back in grief any more, but with a smile, and say,you are missed but will live on in my heart forever.

friend

August 19, 2007

Officer Laird,
Today is the third anniversary of your EOW. As the years go by, and as it does not get easier, please know that regular citizens like myself will continue to honor you and the sacrifice you were called to make. I am sure the legacy of love you left behind in your daughter is a continuous beacon of hope for your loved ones. My prayers are with the people who knew you best and miss you today.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 18, 2007

Man has it really been 3 years since you left us? Sometimes it seems like it was yesterday. For some more than others. I'll be going by Dietz after work tonight and I'll light a candle and say a prayer for you. You were a good officer, father, and person and you are greatly missed. Watch over us during this time and comfort the ones that need you the most. God speed.

Shawn
Control Operator

August 18, 2007

You are still remembered and we are still grateful for your bravery and service. I wish more officers would be as swift in arriving at a scene as you were to honor your pledge to protect our community. You are still missed and your family is still in our prayers. We will be eternally grateful for your protection and grieve with your family. Thank you.

Anonymous
neighborhood resident

August 18, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this 3rd anniversary of your EOW. People say that with time it gets easier, well I have to tell those people that there isn't enough time left for many of us to ever reach that point. So many dreams that ended when you were taken away and so many broken hearts were left behind. Watch over all of your loved ones, stand at their side and protect them from harm. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You have not been forgotten.

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

August 18, 2007

I remember your face, your smile. Reading this 3 years
later doesn't make it any less sad than when I first read
your story. It's obvious you were 1st class in all that you
did and were so valued by your families and friends. At
least your little girl looks like you and there is a part of
you still here. Time has not diminished your sacrifice
or what you still mean to those lucky enough to have
had you in their lives. You are missed.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

August 18, 2007

Hey Jake, it's been 3 years since your were taken from us and sometimes it stills feels like yesterday. Someone told me 3 years ago that in time it wouldn't hurt as much. They were wrong sweetie, cause it hurts as much right now as it did then. I listened to the Tim McGraw's song " Live like your Dying " on the way home tonight. And it still brings tears to my eyes ... cause everyime I hear that it makes me think of you even more. I went down to Dietz st. tonight after work, I keep telling myself I need to visit the cemetary, but I just feel closer to you on Dietz st. Just know that a day doesn't goes by that I don't think of you. I still miss that awesome smile of yours ... I miss our talks, and the way you could make even the biggest problems seem not so big after-all. Continue to watch over us Jake, and keep us safe.

Your friend always ... LuAnn

August 18, 2007

Three years have past ... I miss your big heart, I miss your ear to ear smile and your sense of humor. I miss you! I was driving in my car today and heard the song American Soldier everytime I changed the station. I miss you. I can hear your telling me to pick up the pieces because the world will not stop turning because I have a broken heart. I know that you would want me to go on and live my life, but its difficult when I lost so much the day you were ...murdered! Three years later and I still have a broken heart... I am trying Jake... I am trying.

August 17, 2007

Hi Jake - You've been on my mind a lot this week.....can't believe tomorrow will be 3 yrs. since you were taken. I have to believe that you're in a better happier place. You would be so proud of Kaylee - she's just the sweetest thing and still the love of my life. She is beautiful in her looks and in her heart. Jennifer spoils her but Kaylee doesn't act like a spoiled brat. I remember how you would get so mad at Jen & me when we went out shopping and brought Kaylee home clothes she didn't need -- well she's still got a closet full of clothes with tags on them. ha Kaylee and all of us will be thinking of you tomorrow and probably visiting the cemetary.

Love, Linda

mother-in-law

August 17, 2007

Well Jake, you have another neighbor today. We lost Sgt. Ron Harrison early this morning to gunfire. He was a lot like you from what I remember of you. He smiled alot, whistled alot, and even after 20 years on the job he loved what he did. I think you will like him and your beat will be a better place with him by your side.

It made me realize that it is almost three years now since your incident. Seems like it happened yesterday. This is the first coworker I have lost like this since I left IPD and hopefully the last.

Take care buddy.

Det. Shawn Helmer
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Florida

August 15, 2007

This time of year is always difficult. Jake, I miss you so much! I think about where we would be now if God hadn't taken you away from me. I think about your mom and Mike, they are so amazing! I think about Kaylee and wondering how she is doing... you were her world Jake. I know that you were sending me signs today, and I want you to know that I haven't forgotten about you!
I miss you, I love you... its so hard to be here without you!

August 14, 2007

I went to the cemetary today. Sometimes I just have this powerful feeling I need to go there to talk to you. It's still too much Jake. It's too much to comprehend that you are gone and aren't coming back. You would think after 3 years it wouldn't still hit me like a ton of bricks, but it does. The last month I've had this heavy feeling--I feel this way every summer as the anniversary of your death creeps closer. On the 18th, I will try to celebrate your life Jake and remember how awesome you were and how happy we were togther. But that day also brings back the grief. You had no idea you wouldn't be coming home that night. Please watch over us Jake and make sure we all make it home.

Love always,

Kelli

August 1, 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

July 31, 2007