Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

so so so very heart breaking, taken too soon from his family and friends. He is at peace now as much as he was in life.

August 25, 2004

Kaylee,Jennifer,Debbie & Mike,Tim & Barbara,Gaben,Sarah,Chris, and all of Jake's family--- May you be able to grieve and heal with the help of your family and extended family. We will always be there for you. You need to know that Jake was dearly loved by all(citizens,co-workers,friends). He will never be forgotten. Jake now walks as a Blue Angel for the Lord and will have things ready for us when we leave our earthly bodies. Bless all law enforcement officers. May they walk safely each day.

Retd IPD Officer
Indianapolis Police Department

August 25, 2004

This week has been a long one for the City of Indianapolis. It has been even a longer one for Officer Laird's family. With time, things will get better. I know that words will never bring him back to us. Just remember that he is in a better place and that one day - we will be with him again.

Sergeant David Bailey
Securitas Security Services - Indianapolis

August 25, 2004

Since learning the tragic events of that night, I have been overwhelmed with sadness. I didn't have the opportunity to ever meet Officer Laird, I wish I could have thanked him for watching our streets and keeping us safe. I am thankful of each and every officer...to all of you, thank you for putting yor life on line for us.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family....and all the brothers left behind. God be with you all!

God Bless

A Thankful Citizen in Indianapolis, IN

August 24, 2004

Jake, you truly are a hero. Your smile and hard work will be missed. My heart and prayers go out to your family, and to all of the officers involved. Every officer is a hero. Keep your heads up, guys...Jake is protecting all of you.

Brooke
Proud Sister of IPD Officer

August 24, 2004

To the family and friends of this witty and outgoing young man, may you cherish every moment you were given with him. Jake was one of a kind and you had to love him! I know it is hard for us to understand God's way of recruiting angels, but know that he is safe and watching over us now. He picks the very best we have to offer here on Earth and he brings them home! Jake Laird you were the very best we had to offer!!! To Kaylee, I hope you always know how much your Daddy loved you and that to all of us he was in fact a friend and a hero. My heart breaks for you knowing he is not there. But know in your heart he will always be watching over you. May God bless you and everyone who knew this outstanding and brave hero.

Tara Cox
Madison, IN

August 24, 2004

In loving memory of Jake Laird: I just read the articles and viewed the photos of your funeral. You were treated with the utmost respect and love. They are all motionally draining. My heart grieves for all involved: your parents, siblings, spouse and 7 yr. old daughter, co-workers, friends, citizens, and those, like me, who didn't know you and watched from far. My heart is broken and we need God's healing hand now in these canyons of grief. God bless everyone who is mourning now and n the long months ahead. You were eeply loved and admired, Jake and you will never be replaced or forgotten. My heart goes out to all of you who are missing this utstanding officer and also to those ho were wounded trying to restore peace in this chaotic situation.
Lynn Kole
Washington state

August 24, 2004

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.
author unknown

Officer Laird you will not be forgotten, keep watching over us. god bless your family.

Justin W Yohe, T/Comm Oper II
Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne

August 24, 2004

To Officer Laird's Family, Friends and Law Enforcement Family,
My deepest condolences for the recent loss of your loved one. I attended the funeral services for "Jake" yesterday. Although I never had the wonderful privelege of meeting him, after the very personal and touching service, I sincerely wished that I had had the joy of knowing him.
I am sure that the void of his absence will always leave an irreplaceable void in your heart forever. Please know that there are other survivors and many members of the law enforcement family that will do for you anything that they can in your times of need.

Juli Verkler
Widow of Ptlm. Bryan Verkler EOW 12/13/03

August 24, 2004

Thank you my Brother for your faithfulness, dedication, and ultimate personal sacrifice above and beyond the call. We are proud to call you Brother. Rest in Peace and the knowledge that your loved ones will never be alone for we are but a phone call away.

Bob Johnson VA-VI

Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police Assn.

August 24, 2004

May you rest in peace Ofc Laird. Watch over your family, friends and all of us that patrol the streets here on earth. It hurts to hear of a death of any police officer in the performance of their duties, no matter how far away it happens, or how big or small an agency they came from, were all here trying to accomplish the same goal. To your family, may they know that you death was not in vain, you left this earth in an honerable and noble way, protecting the citizens of the community. May they be ever grateful for your service.

K9 Officer
City of Warrenville Police Dept.,IL

August 24, 2004

May you rest in peace Ofc Laird. Watch over your family, friends and all of us that patrol the streets here on earth. It hurts to hear of a death of any police officer in the performance of their duties, no matter how far away it happens, or how big or small an agency they came from, were all here trying to accomplish the same goal. To your family, may they know that you death was not in vain, you left this earth in an honerable and noble way, protecting the citizens of the community. May they be ever grateful for your service.

K9 Officer
City of Warrenville Police Dept.,IL

August 24, 2004

Your friends and family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for doing your job. Look out for the rest of us from heaven.

LE Park Ranger
National Park Service

August 24, 2004

I have been to 3 police officers' funerals over the last four years and pray that each one will be the last. However I know deep down that it will not and unfortunately will have to relive today over and over again. I did not know you well, but more than likely shared a pop with you at the Citgo right down the road during my shift. The citizens of Indianapolis are deeply indebted to you and your family. However it is a debt that can never be fully repaid. As you walk your beat in heaven know that your daughter will be well taken care of. Kaylee will always know that her daddy died not in vain but doing the job that he loved. And more importantly her daddy died a hero!!!!

Trooper
Indiana State Police

August 24, 2004

you are a true hero.. r. i. p my brother

Detective Tommy Raley
Dallas Police Dept. Tx

August 23, 2004

I am deeply sorry to hear that yet again, the strong, brave, and incredibly committed persons are the ones who give it all for our country. I wish I could have been on that call with you brother and I hope you are now in the highest place. Both spiritually and in the eyes of your fellow law enforcement family. Thank you for going where few people dare.

Officer Tim Nichols
San Francisco Police

August 23, 2004

You are a true hero!! My prayers are with your family.

FBI-Miami Division

August 23, 2004

Rest in Peace Brother.

officer
fort wayne in. police department

August 23, 2004

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they will inherit the earth." Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace brother Laird, and God's strength to your family.

Trooper
Indiana State Police

August 23, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with the Laird family. I know what you will face in the days and months and years ahead. My brother-in-law was killed in the line of duty in 2001. Stay strong.

God bless you all.

Robin Parker
Sister-in-law of Fallen Officer Sgt. Dan Starnes, Morgan County Indiana Sheriff's Department,

August 23, 2004

Rest in peace

British Police Officer

August 23, 2004

You are in my prayers.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

August 23, 2004

My heart goes out to the family and friends of officer Laird. Rest in peace my brother in blue.

Patrolman, Mike Cruze
Edinburgh, Indiana

August 23, 2004

TO THE WIFE AND DAUGHTER OF OFFICER JACOB LAIRD GOD BLESS YOU BOTH ON THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF YOUR LOVED ONE MAY HE REST IN PEACE. OUR SON WAS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY JULY 30 2003 RICHMOND POLICE DEPT. BLESS JACOBS PARENTS. TURN TO COPS THEY WILL HELP. WE LIVE IN FLORIDA .

MARILYN FRED WENDEL

August 23, 2004

Rest in peace Officer Laird. You were a true hero. Continue your watch from heaven over us who remain in the streets of hell.

August 23, 2004