Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Merry Christmas Patrick,

Keep watch over your family, wrap your wings around them and help ease their pain.

Bob Gordon, father of Michale P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

December 25, 2005

patrick

as you know our irish are playing in the
fiesta bowl. mom and i were talking last night with antoine about when i
used to take you to football camp at
notre dame and all the good times you
had there, i love you and miss you
very much.

dad

Dad

December 25, 2005

WHEN I GET WHERE I'M GOING-BRAD PAISLEY
When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly

I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

(Chorus:)
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here

I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I missed him
Every minute since he left
Then I'll hug his neck

(Chorus)

So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer
So much work to do

But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going
Yeah when I get where I'm going

Merry Christmas Patrick & Shannon
LEO fiancee and friend of Peter Grignon EOW 3/23/05

December 24, 2005

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAT!! SORRY IT ME SO LONG TO WRITE BUT I THINK ABOUT U EVERYDAY. WELL U KNOW I WAS INVOLVED IN THAT SHOOTING SUNDAY AND HAD A FEELING U WERE WATCHING CAUSE I'M STILL ALIVE. I PULLED UP TO DUNKIN DONUTS AND SAW THE GUY WITH WITH THE GUN BEATING THE CLERK. I TOLD MY TRAINEE TO GET BACK AND I FIRED SEVERAL ROUND AS HE RAN TOWARDS ME WITH THE GUN. ALL I COULD THINK WAS NOT TO HAVE ANOTHER POLICE FUNERAL AND PUT THAT WEIGHT ON YOUR MOM. SHE CALLED ME AND IT MAD ME FEEL GOOD. WELL GOING TO DRINK A BEER FOR YOU. MISS YOU PARTNER/FRIEND/ROOMATE.

OFFICER A. THIBO
MIDLOTHIAN POLICE DEPT. IL.

December 23, 2005

Hey Big Poppa
I hope you had a wonderful birthday! I know you're having a ball up there and that you're happier than ever but it's still so hard. I miss you everyday. I saw your mom yesterday, it was hard but she got through it and ended up having an ok day. We all know that you're watching over us, thank you. I still can't believe you're gone. I wish i could just see and talk to you one last time. Thanks for all the amazing times.
Thank you so much for being you Pat
I'll love you forever.

December 21, 2005

Pat,

Happy Birthday!
What a wonderful person you are.
All these reflections, you are so missed and we will always remember your friendship!
Christina


A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath
found such an one hath found a treasure

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks
out.



Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind
me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend.

Friends are God's way of taking care of us.

My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.
-Henry Ford

I count myselt in nothing else so happy As in a soul rememb'ring
my good friends.
-William Shakespeare
We will be friends until forever, just you wait and see.
- Winnie the Pooh :)

December 21, 2005

Memories...
your baby smile curving around the pacifier
walking before most babies master crawling
our trip to Santa Claus Land and beyond
you were Luke Skywalker
holding a stuffed rabbit and singing "I've been looking for a bunny like you."
raking the leaves in my front yard
football and photographs
your broken shoulder and the bb gun
the drums
the lego angel and note you left for me
our long walks around Ft. McClellan
the loving hugs

I miss you. I was looking forward to making so many more memories, but I thank God for the wonderful ones I have.
I will always love you.
Happy birthday Pat!

.

December 20, 2005

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
Miss you lots and love you!

Shannon

December 20, 2005

Happy Birthday! Since we were in grade school we've shared birthday wishes since mine was just 10 days before yours. How you loved to remind me I was older!

Anyway, I found this site some time ago and have really enjoyed reading the reflections left by your family and friends. They're so full of love and pride and yes...sadness. We all miss you so much!

Jennifer

December 20, 2005

Happy Birthday Fatty

Scott

December 20, 2005

Dear Shannon,
I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you. Holidays are the hardest without the ones we love. As Christmas and New Years approach, I'm reminded of all the wonderful memories Josh and I shared together since 1998. I know that you have some beautiful memories of Patrick. Those memories are precious beyond measure...they are comforting on the toughest of days. Know that I am thinking about you and your family, as well as Patrick's family, this Holiday season. Remember that Patrick is always with you, inside your heart. Please let me know if you need anything. I'm sending you a hug. Talk to you soon.

Much love,
Kelly
S/O to Deputy Sheriff Joshua Blyler (EOW: 5.2.04)

Kelly Gillain
OfficerDownSignificantOthers

December 13, 2005

Policeman's Last Roll Call

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

December 12, 2005

Patrick,
I saw this on someone else's page and thought it was very true!
This time of the year is so difficult and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you.
I love you and miss you very much!


A Million Times
A million times we've needed you,
A million times we've cried
If love alone would've saved you,
You never would have died.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place
No one else will ever fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone.
Part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.

Author Unknown

Love you,
Shannon

Shannon
SO of Patrick Righi-Barnard

December 8, 2005

The sounds and sights of Christmas bring back so many memories...making it very hard to face them without you.

December 5, 2005

'Near shady wall a rose once grew,
Budded and blossomed in God's free light,
Watered and fed by morning dew,
Shedding its sweetness day and night.

As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall,
Through which there shined a beam of light.

Onward it crept with added strength,
With never a thought of fear or pride,
It followed the light through the crevice's length,
And unfolded itself on the other side.

The light, the dew, the broadening view
Were found the same as they were before,
And it lost itself in the beauties new,
Breathing its fragrance more and more.

Shall claim of death cause us to grieve,
And make our courage faint and fall?
Nay! Let us faith and hope receive --
The rose still grows beyond the wall.

Scattering fragrance far and wide
Just as it did in the days or yore,
Just as it did on the other side,
Just as it will forevermore.' "

December 4, 2005

I miss You

December 4, 2005

"Who You’d Be Today"
By Kenny Chesney

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile
I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
I still can’t believe you’re gone
It aint fair you died too young
Like the story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I’ve been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today
Would you see the world?
Would you chase your dreams?
Settle down with a family
I wonder what would you name your babies
Some days the sky’s so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
I know it might sound crazy
It aint fair you died too young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I’ve been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today
Today
Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know I’ll see you again some day
Some day
Some day

YOU ARE MISSED SO MUCH!!!!

December 2, 2005

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING OVER US PAT
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, ESPECIALLY DURING THE HOLIDAYS
WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!

PO
CPD

December 1, 2005

I miss you!!!!

November 30, 2005

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you mark the one year anniversary of your beloved son and fiancee. Patrick was truly a hero in life as well as in death. My brother was the same way and was late for many an occassion because he had stopped to render aid to a stranded motorist. I am sure that they have met and are trading stories.
May God bless you all during this difficult holiday season.

Linda Lamm - LEO Wife and Sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

November 29, 2005

Patrick,
How can it be a year??? One year of not seeing that smile...not hearing that voice...missing your love. I did not realize how difficult losing you would be...my entire life has changed. This past holiday week-end was made easier by your many friends. Bob and I spent Wednesday night with Mike, Terri, and family...Stacey, David , and Austin joined us for Thanksgiving at Shane's...Trent, Shannon, and I laid flowers in your memory at both stations on Friday...then back to Shane's for a "Pat" party with Spider, his Shannon, Glenna, Brett, Jason, and more. After moving family all day, Alex hosted a "Open House" for your Markham friends plus Roger and family. Where would I be without these people????? I am so afraid that I will lose contact with them...losing even more of you in the process.
Your passing has left a huge hole in my heart...one I can not seem to fill.
Missing you more...

MOM

November 28, 2005

Pat,

I just wanted you to know that you have been in my thoughts alot this week.
I wondered, why did this happen to you? Of all people. I can't seem to come up with any answers. I just smiled and realized that you are helping people from up there now too. I am sure that this Holiday season your loved ones are grieving and I also know that you will not alow it. What we all would do to have you here again.
Stay close. We miss you!!!!
Christina De Persia

A Letter From Heaven
First of all...
To let you know, that I arrived Okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven, here I dwell with God above. Here there are no tears of sadness; here is just eternal Love. Please, do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.

The day I had to leave you when my time on earth was through, God picked me up and Hugged me, and He said, "I welcome you. It's good to have you back again. You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family, they'll be here later on. I need you here so badly, you're a big part of my Plan. There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things he wished for me to do, and foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. For when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight, God and I are close to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think about my life on earth, and all those loving years, because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all the things that God has planned, but if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But this one is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er, I'm closer to you now, my Loves, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb; but together we can do it taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy, and I'd like it for you too; that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody, who's in sorrow or in pain' then you can say to God at night.... "my day was not in vain."

Now I am contented...that my lifetime was worthwhile; knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. So, if you meet someboy who is sad and feeling low; just lend a hand to pick him up as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps, only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go... from that body to be Free; remember you're not going... you are coming here to Me.

November 26, 2005

Patrick,

I have decorated the outside of my home in Blue Lights. One of those blue lights will be lit every night from now until New Years in your honor and to honor all those in law enforcement who gave their lives in the line of duty and those still out on patrol. You will never be forgotten.

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

Bob Gordon

November 25, 2005

PAT,

IT IS SO HARD TO COMPREHEND THAT THIS ALL TOOK PLACE A YEAR AGO. YOU ARE DEEPLY MISSED, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. YOU HAVE HAD SUCH AN IMPACT ON MANY LIVES.
WE (CHERI AND I) STILL PRAY FOR YOUR MOM AND FAMILY. WATCH OUT FOR US.
KEVIN WRIGHT
MARKHAM PD/ ORLAND HILLS PD

KEVIN WRIGHT
SERGEANT ORLAND HILLS/ MARKHAM

November 25, 2005

I was just reading other's reflections left for you. Seriously, how in the hell did this guy only get 180 days? What is wrong with our court system? If you just look at the number of line of duty deaths, you will know that justice is not served MANY times. All these police officers are putting their lives on the line every single day. When something bad happens, there really isn't a consequence. All of the families of fallen police officers have to live without them every day. These people that cause these things to happen usually get the minimum sentence. Are you kidding me? I thought the courts and the police officers were connected in some way. Obviously not. This is just plain out ridiculous! The family of Officer Righi-Barbard should really look into an appeal. Justice has not been served. You need to fight this until justice is served!

A Very Concerned Citizen

November 24, 2005