Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Gregory Alan Gariepy

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Gregory Alan Gariepy

THE LORD HAS TAKEN ANOTHER HERO FROM OUR BROTHERHOOD.THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION DEPUTY GARIEPY.GOD BE WITH YOU.

CISNEROS, J
LOS ANGELES SCHOOL POLICE

June 24, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with your beloved family and department. May you rest in peace.

Cpl. Simon Baumler
Swiss Army MP Service, Traffic Unit 11

June 24, 2005

we are so sorry to hear of another loss. We pray that Deputy Gariepy has found peace with God. We pray for those family, friends and co-workers that they might find peace knowing he laid down his life for others. Peace be with you all. We dedicate our day to his memory.

Chief of Police Charles R. Orth
Larned, Kansas Police Department

June 24, 2005

“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And the Lord said, Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands….No Way.”

“It’s not the hands that are causing me the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.”

That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, “May I see what’s in there sir?” (When they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work tomorrow.”

“I can’t,” said the Lord, “I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on civil service paycheck.”

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.

“You bet,” said the Lord, “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim’s family’ and then read in the daily paper how Law Enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“That’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

“What’s the tear for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

June 24, 2005

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

June 24, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and fellow officers of Deputy Gariepy tonight. Rest in peace, brother. Semper Fidelis.

Sgt. A. Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ

June 24, 2005

Farewell Brother. We are greatful for your sacrificial dedication to duty and towards your Brother Officers. Rest in Peace and in the knowledge that your loved ones are never 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.

June 23, 2005

Gone but not forgotten, rest in peace Deputy Gariepy.

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

June 23, 2005

Greg, Thank you for being a great partner. Thank you for being part of our station and our family. You'll be missed. I love you

Deputy C. Johnson
SBSD

June 23, 2005

On behalf of the members of the Sutherlin Police Department, I send to you, our heartfelt condolences and prayers in your time of sadness. May your fallen officer’s legacy live on in the memories of his friends and family. Rest now brother, after a job well done. We’ll take it from here.

Corporal Justin Marquis
Sutherlin Police Department, Sutherlin, OR

June 23, 2005

Rest in peace, sir...

Linda Lamm - LEO Wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11/05/04

June 23, 2005

Rrest in peace Brother Greg, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten for you courage and service.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham Retired
Sand Springs Okla Police Department

June 23, 2005

Rest in peace sir.

Shannon
Collins Fire dept.

June 23, 2005

It is my prayer that the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Greg Gariepy find somee sense of peace during this difficult time.
Just know there are folks all across this country that care very deeply and will lift you in prayer before the Almighty. May God continue an outpouring of His eternal love and endless blessings.

Patrolman Doug Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas, retired.

June 23, 2005

This accident is all too familiar. Our family lost my brother almost forty-four years ago at the age of twenty-nine. He also had his vehicle overturn, ejecting him with his seat-belt still around him as it was torn from the car's chasis because of the force of impact. I don't know what words to offer at this very sad time except to say that I will keep Deputy Gariepy, his wife, son and daughter in my thoughts and prayers. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers in their time of grief. As surviving families of those who would risk their lives daily in the pursuit of serving and protecting, know that there are many people who share your sorrow and will remember to honor this ultimate sacrifice. May God shine His perpetual light upon Deputy Gariepy, grant him eternal peace and bless his family with the courage and strength to cope with their loss.

Anita L Culosi
sister of Tpr. S.J. Embarrato eow 7/6/61

June 23, 2005

Yet another life cut way to short. Deputy Gariepy thank you for a job well done. To the wife, children, family and friends of this fine deputy my heart and prayers are with you all. God bless you.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02

June 23, 2005

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but a two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
Author Unknown

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired

June 23, 2005

Greg, although we did not know you, may you rest in peace. Please trust that your family in "blue" will take care of your immediate family from here. May God help them find comfort in this tragic time.

God speed sir. We have the watch from here.

ROSS COUNTY OHIO SHERIFF DEPARTMENT
CHILLICOTHE OHIO POLICE DEPARTMENT

June 23, 2005

Deputy Gariepy, Thank you for your service to the community and for being a brother to us. As an Officer you teach many people many things. I know that you have written many chapters in many peoples lives and this may be the last, but you have left a lasting memory in all, may you continue to live through your family. Be good brother


All 36000 from the NYPD

June 23, 2005

God bless you Deputy Gariepy. Semper Fi.

Officer M.R. Frost
Lexington Virginia Police

June 23, 2005

God bless Deputy Sheriff Greg Gariepy, his family, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department

Corporal P.R. OLIVER
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

June 23, 2005

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Deputy Greg Gariepy, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Deputy Gariepy, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

June 23, 2005

I pray your family and friends will find strength and comfort in the reflections left by your extended family, they really do care! May your spirit have a joyous homecoming and may you eternally rest “High on the mountain”

D/Sgt. Vencent Woods
State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

June 23, 2005

WHAT IS A COP?

Cops are human ( believe it or not) just like the rest of us. They come in both sexes but mostly male. They also come in various sizes. This sometimes depends on whether you are looking for one or trying to hide something. However, they are mostly big.

Cops are found everywhere-on land, on the sea, in the air, on horses, in cars, sometimes in your hair. In spite of the fact that " you can't find one when you want one", they are usually there when it counts most. The best way to get one is to pick up the phone.

Cops deliver lectures, babies, and bad news. They are required to have the wisdom of solomon, the disposition of a lamb and muscles of steel and are often accused of having a heart to match. He's the one who rings the door-bell, swallows hard and announces the passing of a loved one; then spends the rest of the day wondering why he ever took such a "crummy" job.

On TV, a cop is an oaf who couldn't find a bull fiddle in a telephone booth. In real life he's expected to find a little blond boy " about so high" in a crowd of a half million people. In fiction, he gets help from private eyes, reporters, and who-dun-it fans." In real life, mostly all he gets from the public is " I didn't see nuttin'."

When he serves a summons, he's a monster. If he lets you go, he's a doll. To little kids, he's either a friend or a bogeyman, depending on how the parents feel about it. He works " around the clock", split shifts, Sundays and holidays, and it always kills him when a joker says. " Hey tomorrow is Election Day, I'm off, let's go fishing" ( that's the day he works 20 hours).

A cop is like the little girl, who, when she was good, was very, very good, but, when she was bad, was horrid. When a cop is good, " he's getting paid for it." When he makes a mistake, " he's a grafter, and that goes for the rest of them too." When he shoots a stick-up man he's a hero, except when the stick-up man is " only a kid, anybody coulda seen that."

Lots of them have homes, some of them covered with ivy, but most of them covered with mortgages. If he drives a big car, he's a chiseler; a little car, "who's he kidding?" His credit is good; this is very helpful, because his salary isn't. Cops raise lots of kids; most of them belong to other people.

A cop sees more misery, bloodshed, trouble, and sunrises than the average person. Like the postman, cops must also be out in all kinds of weather. His uniform changes with the climate, but his outlook on life remains about the same: mostly a blank, but hoping for a better world.

Cops like days off, vacations, and coffee. They don't like auto horns, family fights, and anonymous letter writers. They have unions, but they can't strike. They must be impartial, courteous, and always remember the slogan " At your service." This is sometimes hard, especially when a character reminds him, " I'm a taxpayer, I pay your salary."

Cops get medals for saving lives, stopping runaway horses, and shooting it out with the bandits ( once in a while his widow gets the medal). But sometimes, the most rewarding moment comes when, after some small kindness to an older person, he feels the warm hand clasp, looks into grateful eyes and hears, " Thank you and God bless you, son."

Officer Dave Carroll
Choctaw, Oklahoma

June 23, 2005

Another hero has gone to be on eternal watch in the Lord's patrol. God bless you Sir. May to rest in peace in the arms of the Lord. To your family - trust in the Lord and he'll get you through this difficult time. I lost my brother almost 2 months ago and the Lord has helped me. Have faith in God and you will see Greg again. When I am having a rough moment, I just remember that this life is a temporary pit stop to eternity and that there is a day of reuniting ahead. God bless you.

Kevin Cannon
Brother of Keith Cannon EOW 5/4/05

June 23, 2005

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