Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The funeral line was long, There's an awful lot of cars, Folks came out of the restaurants, They came out of the bars.

The workers at the construction sites All let their hammers drop. Someone asked. "What is this all for?" And they said, "Aw, just a cop."

Some chuckled at the passing cars. Some shed a silent tear Some people said, "It's stupid," "all these dumb policemen here."

"How come they are not out fighting crime?" "Or in a doughnut shop?" Sure is a lot of trouble, For someone who's just a cop."

They blocked the intersections, They blocked the interstate. People yelled and cursed, "Damn, it's gonna make me late!"

"This is really ridiculous!" "They're makin' us all stop!" "It seems they are sure wastin' time, On someone who's just a cop."

Into the cemetery now, The slow procession comes, The woeful Taps are slowly played. There's loud salutes from guns.

The graveyard workers shake their heads "This service is a flop." "There's lots of good words wasted, On someone who's just a cop"

Yeah, just a cop to most folks. Did his duty every day. Trying to protect us, Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven, St. Peter put him at the top. An angel asked him, "Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, just a cop."

His Judgment Day:

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

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

The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges 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 tough.

But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.

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 silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

Jay-
you're missed so much by so many. I think of you often Jason - As your sacrifice is never forgotten. Miss you - -

Anonymous

March 23, 2009

It saddens my heart to hear about these tragedies & read these reflections. I come on here periodically to read them. I think about these dear officers' who have lost their lives in the line of duty here in Michigan.

These brave officers, family, & close friends are always in my heart, mind, & prayers....God Bless them ALL...

Michigan Resident

February 14, 2009

Hey Jay-
Been thinking a lot about you lately. The other day my friend asked what the wristband was for - why I wear it. I told him your story...my eyes still swell up. God, I wish things could be different. I still remember you in court a few weeks before the shooting. Still remember Ed's voice on the phone when he called to tell me what happened. It's all still so raw - still seems so unreal and even though It's been almost 3 years the wound is far from healing. we miss you Jay. Stay with your brothers at the station, help them through their shifts....Things are difficult now...and we still turn to you for strength...send it Jay.
We miss you...rest easy.

Anonymous

February 11, 2009

Tara,

I've been praying for you and your family. I know that God has answered them because of your good news. When I say family, I also mean your police family. That's because of the connections we have in law enforcement. All the brothers/sisters in blue are family. You are never alone. Memories, of your brother and all those killed in the line of duty, will never be forgotten. We may not always express in writing how we feel but in our hearts we hold close to us our loved ones. Jason and your mom would be so proud of you. Remember, man may fail us but God is forever by our sides. To all of Jason's partners, you are not alone either. There is always someone in that patrol car with you and walking the streets with you all. Your doing a great job protecting us all. Thanks to you all. Blessings.

New Mexico

Anonymous

January 23, 2009

To everyone that is interested,

I got married in August, I just found out I am pregnant, Hoping for a boy, will name him Jason Anthony in honor of his uncle. I miss and love Jason so very much. That is the least I can do in his honor. Take care Everyone, will keep you posted. TARA MAKOWSKI- WESTER

tara sister
sister

January 16, 2009

Merry Christmas Jay. I was thinking about the chase we got into when we backed up the Dearborn officer who happened to be my wife. We had LT LaBenne's blessing to help Dearborn. A crash happened we got quite as the vehicles were spinning 10ft off of the groung. We thought one of them was my wife in her patrol car. You said "Jesus Christ" and I said "Shit dont look good". We exited our car to find the bad guy car got t boned by another vehicle and my wife stopped prior to the intersection. We watched him die together. We could not do nothing for him because his head was twisted all the way around and he looked like Beetle Juice. I remember what you said to him. It was a Thanksgiving night. Today is Christmas and I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas. We miss your unreserved, honest, or sincere expression. We are thinking of you Jay.

CPL KROT
DHPD

December 25, 2008

Hey Jay-

I read these posts just about everyday and visit you often - you know that we all love and miss you. You're though about ALL the time and prayed for always. We love you bro! Continue riding "shotgun" with your brothers at the DHPD. YOU ARE NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN!

NEVER FORGOTTEN #7!!!

FRIEND
Department of Homeland Security

December 12, 2008

Jason,

Just because people do not post on here on a regular basis does not at all mean that you are not missed or not thought of often. Everyone handles grief in their own way. You are always remembered!!!

Anonymous

December 11, 2008

Hey J,
Just wanted to say that I find it ironic that so many people constantly say how much you meant to them and how they are moarning you time and time again, yet nobody has written a reflection in almost 2 months. I feel so bad for your sister and your son. But although your friends are missing you, their lives are going on.
Jason, you were a nice guy. I knew you briefly. It is sad that your life was cut so short. I hope that everyone that claims to miss you will stop and think about how much they really do and what life is really about.
Take care and god bless you.

A friend

December 9, 2008

not a day goes by Jay, Not a single day goes by where we dont think about you. I was at the station visiting with the guys and we started talking about you AGAIN - DC is in the plans for some of them this year. I hope you and you family always know and remember that you are forever missed and will always be honored and remembered. Everyone still wears the memorial wristbands - we love you bro! Everyone thinks that another police officer was killed in the line of duty, but what they dont think or know is that when that coward took your life he took a part of your family, brother officers and loved ones. Jay, we laid you to rest - we laid down a part of us with you. You're never forgotten Jay, and the pain...well, it's still here just as it was on 5/24/06. The void, the hurt we carry it with us everyday.
Rest easy Jay, continue riding with your brothers at the DHPD.
Missing you always!

FRIEND

October 15, 2008

miss you and mom so much, so lonely without you - i love you tara

tara sister
sister

October 12, 2008

Hey Bro, Been thinking alot lately about you and all the good times we shared. I will never be able to thank you for all the times that you had my back. I miss all the good times we shared on the job, you made work a lot of fun. The days we spent at the table, listening to the day in the "life of Jay" always made me laugh. You really should have been a doctor or a lawyer, you were way to smart to be a cop. (not that lawyers are smart, lol). Sorry, its been a while since I have been to the site, but I have not forget one bit. I think of you almost every day, as I pass your locker, and its still an honor to have the tatt. Take care bro, Miss ya lots, Jethro (he rarely wore a belt, and once came to work in flip flops)

G

October 8, 2008

Tara,

Praying for you and your family. Though we've never met, you are constantly in our thoughts. Your brother, being a part of law enforcement, makes him family to us as we are also in law enforcement. These offices are very good, courageous people. I thank them for protecting us. They do an excellent job and no matter what circumstances they are in, good or bad, there is God that is always with them. Thank you all for your service.

NM

Anonymous

September 22, 2008

Hey Jason--
I read these reflections all the time, it helps in some small way to know that everyone is still thinking and praying for you - we all miss you so much. The other day a police officer from the wayne county airport authority was killed in car wreck - look out for him up there. He was a really nice guy and good officer. I wish you were still here with us but since God had other, more important plans for you i'm glad you not alone and you got Koz and chet with you. Look out for each other.

Anonymous

September 19, 2008

you are not forgotton...ever...your life was taken -but not your love. in your passing you taught so many to appreciate every minute with our family and friends. watch over us, # 7.

Anonymous

August 20, 2008

Hey Jay--

Just wanted to stop in and let you know that we're still thinking and praying for you...if it's not too much trouble, send me some strength to make it through this difficult time im in now....miss you bro, until I see you again---rest easy...

Anonymous

July 30, 2008

Jason...
I think of you often as I pass by other officers and I think of my ex-husband and just hope that he stays safe always. I have no ill feelings toward him and hope he doesn't with me, but life was hard as a cops wife....no excuses, but couldn't do it. I am just sorry that it took me 5 years to realize that!!
God Bless you and your family....

Someone who thinks of you often
Former wife of an officer

July 21, 2008

Jason though I have never met you. I had the priveldge of visiting your office (DHPD) today along with my husband. You should be proud on how your freinds and fellow officers have honored you. I was so impressed with the memorial and the presence that I felt when I was in teh station. Your work is not done here on earth, you must continue to look down upon all of you fellow LEO's and protect them give them the heads up when needed. I am sure you are proud of them all.

God Bless you and your family,

SO Wife
Polk County, Fl

June 23, 2008

Jason,

A day early but HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON. You are missed so much. I think of you everyday...on 6/21 the glasses are raised and the bottles are tipped in your honor - we love you bro - YOU ARE AND NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN!

--- You are one of the best to ever walk the beat; an inspiration to all and the true defination of what it means to be a police officer, friend and HERO ---

Happy Birthday Jay.

Friend

June 20, 2008

Jason,
I met your sister while in Florida this past weekend. You should be very proud of her. She continues on in spite of all the obstacles she keeps getting hit with. It is easy to see how much she loves you by talking with her. You will clearly remain very near and dear to her. I will think of you often and your family will be in our prayers. Rest in peace brother!
David

Sgt. David Oaks
Hubbard, OH Police Department

May 26, 2008

Thinking of you and your family this day.

Maryland Citizen

May 25, 2008

Remembering you on this day......our department prays for your family, department, and friends.

PO Kowalik
Harper Woods PD

May 25, 2008

Thanks for all the wonderful things everyone says, I read the reflections all the time. It has been two long hard, lonely years for me. Thanks for keeping his memory alive. It helps me knowing so many people think of him. I would give anything to just call him and hear his voice tell me how to cope and what to do next. I am so glad Cameron is doing well and his mom being so wonderful to me and my kids. I am coming to Michigan soon to deal with my mother's tragic death, both my parents and Jason were so wonderful, so smart, so charasmatic, too young to leave me. I take nothing for granted and live each day to the fullest . I feel like I need to do more to honor my brother, he would make me laugh so hard I would get cramps. Everything he did looking back now was funny, all the mopeds he went through, the big yellow camaro that literally shook the neighborhood when he drove down the street, growing up in Dearborn Heights, Michigan was absolutely the greatest!!! Thanks again, Tara

tara sister

May 25, 2008

We thought of you with love today But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday And the days before that too

We think of you in silence, We often speak your name.

All we have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake, with which we'll
never part.

God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts.

unknown

May 25, 2008

Jason,
It was exactly 2-years ago today that you responded to that 9-1-1 call for service that turned into a shoot out and would eventually claim you life. first, I would like to say the YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN, we honor your memory every single day. You are thought about and prayed for a lot. I want you and you family to know that your are appreciated and the actions you took that night were nothing shy of heroic. You save so many lives in a matter of minutes, disregarding your own safety - you put your life on the line to help protect your brother officers and fellow citizens. That, Jason, says a lot about your character and the kind of man you were, and that is a man of honor, dignity, and respect. A noble police officer who stood for honorable values. A kind, funny and smart person who sacrificed himself for his community, friends and family. You are someone we all look up too and i would be honored if someday I had a son who grew up to be the type of man you were. I am honored to have the oppertunity to tell everyone that I was your friend And tell them the story about Jason Anthony Makowski.

Tomorrow, 5-25-08, marks the 2-year anniversary of your E.O.T. - and the second day in what turned out to be a horrible month. Everything happened so fast and turned this community upside down. It ripped through our hearts and left this huge gap that, to this dy, is far from ever being or will never be filled. The pain stills fells as though you were taken from us yesteray. The tears still folw nonstop everytime I visit your gravesite, talk about you or think about what happened. Jay, your touched so many lives in so many ways and you forever changed the people you came in contact with. We are all better people because of you. So, i know it may be too late to say Thank You but I really want you to know that we still think about you and that the DHPD along with your family and friends will always honor your memory.

You are miss so much, please continue to watch over your brothers as the continue doing the job you loved, walk with them as they walk their beat, respond with them as they answer their calls for service and ALWAYS STAY RIDING "SHOTGUN" ON OUR SHOLDERS. we love you Jason and we miss you. NEVER FORGOTTEN #7!!!!!

Your fiend.

FRIEND

May 24, 2008