Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family and friends of Special Agent Jay P. Balchunas and his fellow officers, and most especially to Agent Jay Balchunas himself:

On this the first anniversary week of your brutal murder, please know that you are remembered and honored. Your courage and dedication will never be forgotten. You were truly a hero, and protected your community as both a law enforcement officer and firefighter.
Rest in peace, Agent Balchunas.

May your family and loved ones continue to be supported by their law enforcment family, and other police survivors.
We grieve with them and for them.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished years of service Agent Balchunas gave to his community and the citizens of Wisconsin, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 5, 2004.

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

November 8, 2005

S.A. Balchunas..please know that you - your family & friends are in my thoughts & prayers as your 1 year anniversary with the Lord has past..please continue to watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

kare
l.e.student..mi

November 7, 2005

I can't believe a year has passed. The sadness is still overwhelming to many. We rejoice in your good nature and your smile.

November 7, 2005

Dear Jay,
I never knew you, but I feel as though I had. You are very dear to those you left and they are stronger because of it. I pray for you everyday and hope your loved ones are hangning in there. You are missed.

November 7, 2005

Excerpts from a song called "Hero"

Some say a hero is born to be brave
But I'm here to tell you the hero is
A scared man that don't walk away

Momma sits by the flag of the USA
Tears well up in her eyes
As she bows her head to pray
(And she says)...

Son I know you had to go
Momma lost her little boy
But a country gained a hero

Jay, I am sure that you were scared that horrible night last October, but you were never one to give up and walk away. You fought valiantly for a week to stay with your friends and family, and we so wish you would have won the battle. Please know that you will never be forgotten and you will always be my hero.

November 7, 2005

Dear Jay,
Yesterday marked one year that you went to be with the Lord. Your family and friends were in my prayers....especially your beloved fiancee, Luann. Even though we never knew each other while you lived on this earth, I feel like I knew you because of Luann. I have heard so much about the incredible life you lived...your achievements, your hobbies, your dreams, your hopes, your plans, and so much more. You were an amazing person and will never be forgotten. May the Lord continue to shine His face upon Luann and comfort the ones you loved so dearly. You will forever be remembered, Jay Balchunas. I look forward to meeting you in heaven.

~Kelly~

Kelly Gillain
S/O of Deputy Sheriff Joshua Blyler EOW 5.2.04

November 6, 2005

Our family is thinking of you and your family today, and the great sacrifice you gave for all of us with your life. May the memories of your life be strong and beautiful especially today.

Linda Rittenhouse, mother of fallen officer Jesse Matthew Rittenhouse e.o.w.9/16/04

November 5, 2005

It was one year ago today my high school buddy Jay passed away. I will never forget Jay; he is in my thoughts every day. I believe he is my guardian angel, and I could not wish for a greater hero to walk beside me.
My prayers and love go out to his family and fiancee Luann, as well as his many friends and coworkers in law enforcement and firefighting. You too are all heroes.
Blessings,
Kenneth Kaminski Nov. 5 2005

Kenneth Kaminski
a high school friend of Jay

November 5, 2005

On this, the first anniversary of your passing, we pause to remember.
We remember those left behind, your service to the citizens of Wisconsin and most of all, a dedicated public servant.
Know that in your memory, we continue on.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police

November 5, 2005

In remembrance of Jay Balchunas on the first anniversary of your death: I remember reading about your sad and tragic death a year ago. I see
reflections left by your sister often
and I know enough time hasn't
passed for any degree of healing. I
hope justice is served here on earth,
but if it isn't, there's always eternity to
look forward to. Know that you are
missed and the sacrifice you paid
was too great. My heart goes out to
your loved ones.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

November 5, 2005

It will be one year that you were called away. I know the pain still runs deep in the many broken hearts that have been left behind and will for as long as they walk this earth. There are no words I can offer to comfort them except that you are a true hero and you will never be forgotten. Keep watch over your loved ones and try and bring them comfort, also protect those still out on patrol. Jay, you are a hero and loved by many who will keep your memory alive.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

November 4, 2005

Hi Uncle Jay,
Tomorrow is trick or treat and I am going to be a firefighter in your honor. I wish you were here so I could show you my costume. Bryan is going to be sheriff Woody from Toy Story. We both miss you so much.
Love,
Andy and Bryan

Andy and Bryan
Jay's nephews

October 29, 2005

Jay~
It has been one long year since you were shot, yet it still seems like yesterday that we got the call. So much has changed since you left us. If only we had known that the last time we heard you say goodbye would really be your final goodbye to us. We had one more week with you, but that one week could never be enough - we should have had a lifetime left with you. We all love you and miss you so much.

October 29, 2005

It seems so long ago that we lost you, yet even today, you are not truly gone, less forgotten. Your memory serves us all in the selfless devotion you gave to other above all else, including your own being. You were a teacher of life. You were a teacher of hope. You were a teacher of strength and wisdom. No one shall ever deny you the honor destowed on you that fateful day. And while it took that one day to bring to the forefront your greatness, it really didn't take that day to do that. As friends, coworkers, and associates, we all know the great man you were and forever will be. Jay, you were so many things to so many people. Even though the people you have touched in your life come from far away and close by, the one undeniable truth is you are dearly missed every day you are not in our lives. And until the day we all meet again up in the big police station or firehouse in the sky.... May the wind always remain at your back, may the sunlite always shine upon you, may God's warmth always be bestowed on you, and may the love of those you left behind always overflow your heart.

See You On The Roof, Brother!!!

God Bless,
Gregg R Schulz

EMT Gregg R. Schulz
Higgins Ambulance/ Wood County Sheriff's Rescue Team

September 20, 2005

Today is the motorcycle ride in your honor and you have blessed us with another beautiful day. A lot of hard work has gone into the planning and I am sure that it will be a huge success.
Please keep everyone safe on the road both during the ride and after the after-party.
God bless you, Jay, and continue to rest in peace. We love you and miss you.

Linda - Jay's sister

September 10, 2005

Family & Friends of Jay,
My heart goes out to you all as you endure these trials. I know that your hearts are hurting. I pray that the peace of the Lord will surround all of you and comfort your hearts.

My dear friend, Luann:
You are special beyond words. I pray that our Lord will shelter you in His loving arms every day. Your friendship is a blessing. You are a true testimony of the grace and love of Jesus Christ and a testimony of your's and Jay's love. You are in my thoughts and prayers always.

~Kelly~

Kelly Gillain
Sig. Other to Deputy Sheriff Joshua Blyler EOW 5.2.04

September 5, 2005

Well, Jay, a mistrial was declared - now we have to sit through this all over again! Unfortunately the judge had no choice in the matter, but I wonder if those few are still patting themselves on the back for wanting to go to trial...

September 1, 2005

I pray the person who shot you will not be granted a mistrial, and that he will live out the rest of his life in prison reflecting on all he did to screw up your life and the lives of all who knew and loved you.

August 5, 2005

The person who shot you was convicted of murder today. Justice has been served, Jay. Now, may you rest in peace. We love you and miss you.

July 26, 2005

Jay~

Justice will never be fully served, but we got as close to that today as possible. Reynolds was found guilty on all 3 counts - first degree intentional homicide, attempt armed robbery while armed and felon in possession of a firearm. Sentencing is obviously yet to come, and the other trial, but we will thank God for this much so far.
We think about you often and miss you dearly.

July 26, 2005

Jay is the embodiment of heroism. I recall in high school he told me that he wanted to be a firefighter, a police officer, and ultimately a special agent when he got older.And by God if he didn't do just that. What a role model this man was.
Jay and I went seperate ways after Marquette, and I didn't hear from him again until his tragic death. I still cannot grasp that he is gone.
I do believe he is here in spirit, however. I have asked Jay to be my guardian angel; a fitting choice given his background. I know that he will protect me like he protected so many members of our community during his career.
My prayers are with his many friends, family members and loved ones. God bless you all.
Thanks Jay for touching my life in such a special way. Peace dear friend.

Kenneth Kaminski, high school friend of

July 21, 2005

Jay,
Everyone is praying for you and your friends and family at this difficult time.

July 20, 2005

Today is not a special day. It is just an ordinary Monday. But it seems more important to me.

I was sitting here thinking about life and you and realized how much I've changed because of you. Although I have never met you, your legacy of love, dedication and committment has made me a better person.

Thank you for touching Luann. Sounds funny to say, but I have been able to get to know you through the wonderful stories she shares of you; and know that your sacrifice has made me a better person.

Thank you Jay - you are truly an amazing person.

A friend of Luann's

June 20, 2005

"The cry of the city like a siren's song
Wailing over the rooftops the whole night long
Saw a shooting star like a diamond in the sky
Must be someone's soul passing by

These are the streets
Where we used to run where your Papa's from
These are the days
Where you become what you become
These are the streets
Where the story's told
The truth unfolds
Darkness settles in

Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so i can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength
To carry on, carry on

Don't wanna be a hero
Just an everyday man
Trying to do the job the very best he can
But now it's like living on borrowed time
Out on the rim, over the line
Always tempting fate like a game of chance
Never wanna stick around to the very last dance
Sometimes i stumble and take a hard fall
Loose(?) hold your grip off the wall

Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so i can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength to carry on
Carry on

I thought i saw him walking by the side of the road
Maybe trying to find his way home

He's here but not here
He's gone but not gone
Just hope he knows if I get lost

Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so i can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength to carry on
To carry on"

jay you are my inspiration to carry on in my career, still miss you and think about you every day. Keep us safe down here and watch over all of us please.

new berlin friend

June 12, 2005

I was fortunate enough that Jay crossed my path when I was relatively young. Jay was a mentor to me while I grew as a Firefighter. Jay was special to me- I appreciated his candor. His concern prompted me to delve into some personal issues a little deeper. At the time I may have been less than thankful...but looking back I consider Jay to be my guardian angel. Jay you have affected my life in a very progressive way- more than you know. Someday when we are both in God's Kingdom...I will personally thank you. I miss you.

Jason L.
NBFD (former member)

May 27, 2005