Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Billy Jack Zachary

Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas

End of Watch Sunday, January 1, 2006

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Reflections for Trooper Billy Jack Zachary

Your baby girl turns 3 today. We had her birthday party this past Saturday. She wanted all princess stuff. We rented one of those moonwalks to jump in. Your dad even got in it with her! Of course Conner did, but I couldn't talk your mom into it. Anyway, Zoe is just wonderful and beautiful. She also is excited about becoming a "big sister". We get to find out tomorrow what we are having. She wants a girl. I guess we'll see. I love you so very much.

wife

October 6, 2008

I was walking into a store down here on Sunday and caught a glimpse of someone that my mind recognized as you. My heart stopped and I froze. As I turned around I knew it wasn't you. It was so weird. Then I chuckled, almost like you were playing a trick. :) I know we all still miss you. Don't know if it will ever be easy for any of your friends and family. I know you are doing a great job protecting your loved ones from Heaven...keep on smiling down on us.

Laura

August 27, 2008

R.I.P. Trooper. I'll be starting the academy Sept. 28. I look forward to carrying on the tradition that you and many others that have gone before me. God bless you and your family.

Trooper-Trainee
Tx DPS

August 21, 2008

As I visited the ODMP site your picture was displayed as the fallen hero. Although there are many that miss you, your service is both remembered and appreciated.

To your wife Tara and daughter Zoe, as someone who has suffered a loss of a spouse and parent to our children, there is little that can be said save For His Glory.

Rest Easy Troop.

Matthew 5:9

Sergeant
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

August 19, 2008

It's just not fair... and I get tired of hearing that life isn't fair. But, it's really not fair that you had to leave as soon as you did. I look at Zoe, and can't believe you aren't here with she and Tara. I pass your final resting place sometimes once or twice a day, and I ask God at least one of those times why he took you from us. It has been almost three years, but all the memories seem like yesterday.

Friend

July 29, 2008

Happy 35th birthday! Wow your getting old! Can you believe I am 29?! Today is such a hard day especially with our anniversary Sunday. I am having everyone write a memory about you and send it to me so I can put it in a book for Zoe. It will be nice for her to read when she is older.

I had a dream about you last night. You were holding Zoe and walking towards me. There were abunch of people around and I remember saying that I had a suprise for them. I told them to look around the corner. And here you come with Zoe in your arms. You both had such a big smile on yalls face. It was an amazing feeling to see you with Zoe. Ya'll would be wonderful together. I don't know what the dream means, but I wish it was true. We all miss you down here, but we know life is how God wants it. I love you so very much.

Your loving wife

Tara
wife

July 25, 2008

Happy Birthday BJ. I miss you so much. We all do. I hope you know how much we wish you could physically be here with us every minute of every day. The other day I had a band on with your name on it and Zoe said, "I like your bracelet, Candice, it's black". She asked me what it said, and I told her it said, "Trooper BJ Zachary, etc.". She said, "That's my Daddy, he's in Kevin". (Tara had to tell me she was saying "Heaven", but it comes out sounding a lot like Kevin.) I said, "Yes, he's in Heaven", and she said, "You can't have him, he's mine". I thought that was so sweet and touching. She is so young that she has no idea how much she has lost in you being taken away from her way too soon, but she is getting lots of love and will always know you through her mom and all who love you. I know you are so proud of how Tara and your family have stuck together and with God's help provided a nurturing, safe, and loving environment for her to grow up in. If only you were here, too.
I love you,
Candice

Candice
Aunt

July 25, 2008

Yesterday 7-23-2008, Heather gave birth to a beautiful new baby boy. 7lbs 1oz. Grayson Zachary.

West Monroe

July 24, 2008

Happy Fathers Day. Thomas, Zoe, and I hung out with your parents after church. Candice and Grandad and Marie were there too. We all had a good visit. Zoe entertained us the whole afternoon. She would just make you laugh hysterically! We talked about some good times with you, like all of our Red River trips to New Mexico. Candice is moving to New York in a month. Keep a watchful eye over her. We are going to try and visit her soon after she gets there. It will be quite cozy considering her apartment is only 500 sq.ft.! Anyway, we all love and miss you so much.

Tara
wife

June 15, 2008

I finally got up the courage to stop at your final resting place. I had not been back since the day we all gathered there. It's still not fair that you are gone, but it's still a perfect tribute to someone as wonderful as you. Godbless you and your family.


Friend

June 9, 2008

BJ, We are adding another little boy to our addition this summer. He should be born around the end of July or 1st of August. We are naming him Grayson Zachary after you. I miss you, and think of you everyday.

West Monroe
Friend

May 20, 2008

I miss you BJ. Still think about you all the time.

J
friend

May 14, 2008

Today we had the DPS memorial in Austin. Zoe and I were there to support Trooper Burns's wife, Mikayla. It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that loosing officers is something that will keep happening. I am sadden to think that, just like Zoe, their daughter will be without her daddy. Zoe wore her button with your picture on it. You would have been proud of her. I love you and still think of you everyday.

Your loving wife

Tara
wife

May 13, 2008

Madisonville remembers and Texas thanks you for your service.


TDCJ

April 30, 2008

We think about you and your family more often than you know. We miss you and sometimes wish that we could pick up the phone and call. I cannot believe it has been two years. Your memory has not faded, You will be forever in our hearts. Tara, we love you and pray for you often.

BJ and Amanda Davidson

BJ and Amanda Davidson
Friend

April 21, 2008

I think I still look at this website everyday thinking that one day you would have actually responded to one of my messgages. I miss everything about you. I just want to hear your laughter again and see your blue eyes and beautiful smile. I have comfort in knowing that I will get to see you again. I love you so very much.

Tara
loving wife

March 24, 2008

I learned so much from you in the short time we worked together. You made a lasting impression on me and my career. I think of you often, and that makes me smile. You were a wonderful person, and a great partner. You will never be forgotten.

Trooper I
TX DPS

March 19, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 3, 2008

I missed your anniversary date but I would like to leave a reflection now to say that you have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over your loved ones for not a day passes that they don't think of you and shed those silent tears of love. Your memory will never be forgotten by them and those in the Blue Family for you are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 19, 2008

It's been a little over two years but I still remember the day like it was yesterday. We continue to honor your memory and the service you gave to the State of Texas. I know from working in the same uniform that your family is still in the prayers of your fellow Troopers.

Trooper II
Texas Highway Patrol

January 6, 2008

I am sitting right now looking at your beatiful little girl feed herself lunch. Wow would you be amazed by her. She would have you rapped around her little finger.

I thought as time went on it would get a little easier, i haven't gotten there yet. It just seems as she gets older the realization that you are not here to see it is so real. I still love and miss you so very much. Keep watching over us.

Tara
wife

January 3, 2008

BJ,
Two years ago today...
We miss you and love you. Words can't express how much.
You should be here with us.
love, Your Family
(We are grateful to all of you who pray for us and leave words of kindness on this site.)

January 1, 2008

May God Bless your family!

Iliana Chavez

January 1, 2008

Its been a long hard day today. I have thought of you all day long. Your greatly missed.

Chris Ryan Trooper
DPS

January 1, 2008

Trooper Zachary,
Thank-you for your service.
May your family be watched over and blessed always!

Holley Orr
Wife of Detective Kevin Orr EOW 11-22-06

January 1, 2008

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