Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Officer Laird's family:

I wanted to take a moment to reach out to you and let you know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Officer Laird's service and supreme sacrifice are not forgotten.

My husband was shot and killed in the line of duty 9 months ago. He, like Jake, also served our Country proudly as a United States Marine before becoming a Police Officer. Jake and Jesse were brothers in both green and blue, and now they can walk a beat together on Heaven's streets of gold.
Someday we will see them again.

Thank you, Officer Laird, for your service and sacrifice. May God bless you and may you rest in peace, Blue Angel.

Carin E. Sollman
widow of Easton Police Officer Jesse E. Sollman EOW 3/25/05

January 9, 2006

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE, IN A ONE BEDROOM
HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, AND TO SEE JUST
WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, NO TINSEL, NO
PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY THE MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND, ON THE WALL
HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS, A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY, I FOUND THE
HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE, CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER, NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ? CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT, OWED THEIR LIVES TO
THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE, "SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE; I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE, MY
LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
AND THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, IT IS CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

This was written by a fellow Marine, Jake, and I thought it was befitting of you. Thanks to you and all your brothers and sisters in blue that watch over us daily.

Marion County Sheriff's Dept.

December 26, 2005

Hey Jake,

Just wanted to say Hello ... know that I am thinking about you. Thanks for wacthing over me on my way home from Noblesville tonight ... as you know it was pretty foggy and hard to see at times. Merry Christmas my friend.

LuAnn :)

LuAnn

December 24, 2005

Merry Christmas Jake. Keep a watchful eye over your family and friends. We miss you so very much

December 23, 2005

Jake,

I miss you so much. I miss hearing your smart comments on the radio and how you had to eat every two hours. I miss watching you do your hair even though it never moved or changed how it looked. You tried to be so tough, but were sucha softie. I miss you being my best friend. Thank you for loving me. I will never be the same. Merry Christmas and please watch over us all.

Love always,

Kelli

Kelli
IPD

December 16, 2005

Hey Buddy, I wanted to send you a little note to let you know that I was thinking of you. But then again not a day goes by that I am not thinking of you. I went to DC a few weeks ago and I visited The Wall. Sure made the fact that your gone hit home just a little harder. But I am glad I went there ... made me feel just a little closer to you. Today is Thanksgiving .... I am cooking for some of the guys that have to work. But here's the kicker, and you'll love this. I am not fixing the traditional turkey dinner ... I am fixing Lasagna !!!! Yep that's what I said ... when I mentioned cooking a few weeks ago there were a couple that suggested I do lasagna. So I thought about it and will sure miss the turkey, but decided to do it for them. Well bud, I am going to go for now ... gotta go get stuff ready for dinner. But I'll be back, I just wanred to say "Hello" and "Happy Thanksgiving" Miss you and wish you were here for lasagna. Talk to you soon. LuAnn :-)

November 24, 2005

happy thanksgiving jake. we'll be sure to make a toast to you and eat plenty of good food in your honor :)

November 23, 2005

Hi Jake - I still open your reflections and read them everyday. I miss you a lot. One of these days I'm gonna make a broccoli/rice/cheese casserole in your honor. You should see Kaylee - she is absolutely a beautiful little girl and still the best thing that ever came into my life. I tell her stories and funny things about her daddy every time I'm with her. You take care Jake. You are missed!

Love, "Belinda"

Linda

November 23, 2005

Whats up Jake? Sorry its taken so long for me to write something. Its been a while, but know that I havent forgotten about you, I never will. I enjoyed working with you on South District. I hear its changed, alot of new people. I enjoy Illinois, its good times. Anyway I just wanted to drop a line for you to know I think about you everyday, and I know your watching over everyone, keep a close eye on South District, I Miss Them and You. Take care of yourself Jake

Deputy Sheriff
McHenry County Sheriff, Illinois

November 22, 2005

To Officer Jake Laird:

On this Veterans Day, I honor your distinquished service to your country.
I also extend a belated "Happy Birthday Marine" as yesterday was the birthday of the USMC.

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

November 11, 2005

In the quiet misty morning when the moon has gone to bed,
When the sparrows stop their singing and the sky is clear and red.
When the summer’s ceased its gleaming,
When the corn is past its prime,
When adventure’s lost its meaning,
I’ll be homeward bound in time.

Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I’ll return to you somehow.

If you find it’s me you're missing, if you’re hoping I’ll return.
To your thoughts I’ll soon be list’ning, and in the road I’ll stop and turn.
Then the wind will set me racing as my journey nears its end.
And the path I’ll be retracing when I’m homeward bound again.

Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I’ll return to you somehow.

In the quiet misty morning when the moon has gone to bed,
When the sparrows stop their singing,
I’ll be homeward bound again

Poem by Marta Keen

November 11, 2005

Happy Birthday to the Marine Corps--you and your family are never far from my thoughts--I look at your picture every day--you are not forgotten--Semper Fi

Friend

November 11, 2005

On this the birthday of the USMC, I wish to say Happy Birthday, Marine.

Thank you for your service to your country. Semper Fi.

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

November 10, 2005

Jake,
My brother has just gone to be with God EOW 10/7/05.Please show him the ropes. He deserves the royal treatment. He was loved by all as you were. He was/is/always will be my hero. Your mom and dad came to his viewing. They had so much love in their words. They will never be forgotten to me.I know the kind of person you were through them. Many people were there and yet your mom and dads kindness gave me a little peace. They miss you so much and I am truely scared of how long I will miss him.I cry everyday and I can't imagine years of missing him. One month has gone by and it feels like eternity and yet it was only "yesterday". When you see him please tell him that his big sis is missing him so very much. Thank you for time Jake, I know you are busy. If you don't know my brother he is the one with no hair and a huge grin like yours. You are in my heart.
Shads sister

Brukentta Crichfield
sister of Shad Bassett/ Pulaski co. Sheriff.?EOW 10/7/05

November 10, 2005

The reflections leave no doubt that, even though Officer Laird's life was short, he made a TREMENDOUS impact on the lives of many.

What more could be asked of anybody!?

There is no doubt that he certainly lived a full life!

Something for his family, friends and the community to very proud of - forever!

Deputy Sheriff
Indiana

November 10, 2005

Jake,

Well brother today is the Marine Corps birthday. Believe it or not we are doing a Marine Corps Ball over here in Afghanistan. I will be thinking of you when we do the toast to fallen Marines. I'm sorry that I can't come by your headstone today. I miss you so much bro. I have been thinking about you and talking about you all day today. I promise I will come by and visit you when I get home. I picked up something over here to set by your headstone. I am sure you are up in heaven celebrating today. I will do the same for both of us here today.

Semper Fi, Gaben

Gaben Laird

November 10, 2005

Hi Jake! It's the Marine Corps Birthday! I never had the chance to know you as a Marine, but being the Police Officer you were, I am positive you were everything a Marine stands for. We all miss you so very much

A Marines Poem

If I ever go to war Mom
Please don't be afraid
There are some things I must do
To keep those promises I made
I'm sure there will be some heartbreak
And I know you'll shed a tear
But your son is a Marine now Mom
There is nothing you should fear

If I ever go to war Dad
I know that you'll be strong
But you won't have to worry
Because you taught me right from wrong
You've kept me firmly on the ground
You taught me how to fly
Your son is a Marine now Dad
I love you, Semper Fi

If I ever go to war Sis
There are some things I want to say
You've always had my back
And now its time to repay
You'll always be my daybreak
Through all of life's dark clouds
You're brother is a Marine now Sis
I promise to make you proud

If I ever go to war my friends
We will never be apart
Though we may never meet again
I'll hold you in my heart
Remember all the times we had
Don't let your memories cease
Your Friend is a Marine now
I'll die to bring you peace

And when I go to heaven
And see those pearly gates
I'll gladly decline an entrance
And stand my post and wait
"I'm sorry sir I can't come in
I'm sort of in a bind
You see I'm still a Marine sir
So I can't leave them behind"

Melissa
Friend of Jake

November 9, 2005

Semper Fi my brother.

Huntingburg Police Department

October 20, 2005

You still cross my mind atleast 5 times a day...I miss you dearly. We are doing well and very happy, I know it's what you would want.......

October 14, 2005

Forever an Officer, Always a Marine
In Memory of Officer Jake Laird

Please understand I was only being brave
You see it wasn't my life that night I was trying to save
I had a higher calling that had to be done
It was the badge on my chest and the hand on my gun
There were people just as afraid as me
But this is what I trained for, an Officer now, Always a Marine
And I ran to the horror I ran to the screams
I ran to a battle that couldn't be seen
With all of my wisdom, and all of my might
I fought with all my heart but couldn't
finish the fight
And Saint Michael the Arc Angel took me in his arms
He whispered "Come with me brother, to a place that brings no harm"
God called me home to patrol a Golden street
Forever an Officer, Always a Marine

Melissa Smock

Copyright ©2005 Melissa Smock

Melissa Smock
Friend of Jake

October 12, 2005

Family, Friends, & Loved Ones of Officer Jake Laird....My sincere condolences for the loss of a great man. I pray that you will all be comforted by the many wonderful memories you all have of Jake.

I came to Jake's page because of seeing his name on other officer's pages---postings of encouragement to other's officer's loved one's from Jakes family & friends. It is evident from the postings and messages left to Jake that he was loved very much. He is truly missed.

I was engaged to Deputy Sheriff Joshua Blyler (EOW: 5.2.04). I know and understand the pain that comes from losing the person you love most in this world. When I lost Josh, I lost the love of my life, my best friend, my soul mate all at once. He was my everything. The grief that comes from these tragedies is life shattering.

I know there aren't any words that can be said to take away the pain that comes from losing Jake. Just know that I will be praying for you all, especially for Jake's wife. May God bless you in everything you do.

Sincerely,
Kelly

Kelly Gillain
OfficerDownSignificantOthers

September 23, 2005

JAKE, YOU ARE MISSED AND LOVED BY MANY. YOU HELPED ALOT OF PEOPLE INCLUDING ME. THE THING I LIKE TO REMEMBER THE MOST IS HOW YOU COULD BE SMART AND GOOFY AT THE SAME TIME. I HAD ALOT OF FUN WITH YOU .

September 22, 2005

Although it's belated, I still want to wish you a happy 33rd birthday! You are in our thoughts daily!

Melissa
Friend

September 18, 2005

Happy Birthday Jake! I just wanted to tell you how wonderful the golf outing was yesterday. I know you were watching over everyone, but it really was a nice event. You have a lot of wonderful friends that miss you greatly. Please continue to look out for your parents, and your brother as well. They need your continued suppport as their angel.

September 17, 2005

Happy Birthday Jake ... It's hard to believe it's # 33 already. As wise as you were with your advise at times, it seemed as thought you were older. But then again ... with some of the goofy things you did from time to time, it seemd you were so much younger .. HaHa!!
Just know whatever age you are, you'll never be forgotten. Have to run for now .. just wanted you to know your in my thoughts today .. pretty much like everyday. Watch over us Jake .. talk to you soon.

LuAnn

September 17, 2005