Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Connie
Your Reflections to Dale are so heart wrenching, he sounds like a great husband and dad. I know the pain is horrible yet. But you move on for those wonderful boys of yours. He would be so proud of you guys.

Karen

March 3, 2007

Hi Connie,

I was reading your the reflections that have been left for Dale. He was a wonderful man. Our husbands gave the ultimate sacrifice. I would love to talk to you sometime. Take care..

Shelly

SHELLY HARDIN
WIFE OF SGT. HEATH HARDIN , EOW 01-11-2007

March 3, 2007

14 days until the party Dale and Josh, it's March 16th

March 1, 2007

Hey,

Not much going on, just tryin' to plan our trip to Washington.. Marvin and I are all signed up.I talked to Cap. Today he is excited about going to D.C. (you got to love that man).. Dickie called tonight he is also excited. There is alot of people from here going.

Trent is getting ready for his big trip with Marvin, They will have a good time. I'm not sure what Tyler and I are going to do this weekend, Maybe go to Kentucky.

Mike's birthday is tomorrrow, last year you two had cake together. I guess a person never knows what a year will bring.

The boys are at a Junior Fair Board Meeting . I'm now on the safe driving committee for the Extension Office. I guess that is just one more thing that got passed down to me.I told Connie M. that I would help anyway I could.

You already know how much we miss you and love you.....

''Life sure isn't fair'' ~Big hugs and kisses ~

March 1, 2007

We're so proud of you, Dale. We miss you. You are always in my thoughts and your family is in my prayers.

We're very proud of you as well, Connie. You are an inspiration to us all. God bless you and your boys. Our hearts are with all three of you.

February 28, 2007

GOOD NEWS TRAVELS FAST !! Yes there will be a party March 16th...

February 28, 2007

Good news came today Dale.. There is going to be a party March 16th.. I think it is going to be a big one . You and Josh desreve this one....

February 26, 2007

Hey, it's just me,
We are home from the cattle show, Tyler done really good Saturday, everyone was proud of him. I know you would be too. He had a really good time this weekend, He hung out with Cassidy and some girls that are friends with the Ruffs. Trent,Cody and Brett had fun I guess They were up till 5 one morning.
Your Birthday is right around the corner, You would have been 46 on March 7th.

I got a phone call this morning, I guess Col. Mc Clellan is Retiring on March 16.. I wonder What brought that on ?? Any way I'm sure we will get a good Col. to take over.. Maybe that will be your birthday present, Dale... You and Josh deserve the best present ever...

Well I better go for know, just thought I would let you know we are O.K and that the news this morning was by far the best news yet ...

We love you and Miss you everyday and I'm sure you already know that !! ~hugs and kisses~

February 26, 2007

Hey Dale,
It's just me, Just wanted to let you know that Tyler and I are going to another cattle show this weekend. We leave today (friday), Tyler loves going to them and as along as we have people to go with I will make sure he goes.Tyler and Cassidy have got to be really close because of the shows. you know they both love there cows.. Trent to going with Marvins. Brett and Cody will keep him Busy. Trent is also going snow skiing in a couple weeks while Tyler and I are gone.The snow around here is finally gone, Thank goodness !! You know I'm not much on winter..
Everyone is fine. We are tryin' to plan our trip to Washington, Boy is there alot to do. Marvin is going to be with the boys and I for that week. I know he will get us where we need to be. Or I will take him to the Wood Shed. heehee. Capt. Maier is going to go from Jackson, I just love that man. One more thing I wish I could tell you, I got a phone yesterday that really surprized me. Very Good news came for Tyler .. (Something that you always wanted to do for him.) He was pretty tickled when he came home. I was at the post yesterday, it seems like I'm there everyday. Someone has to keep them straight since your not there. Trent and I went to the Gym last night and Nick and Jordon was there, Trent worked out with them
I've got to go , got to take Trooper to the kennel and go to Wal-Mart. I'll write later and tell you about the show.
We love you and miss you every single day, but like you always said life isn't always fair and you must be toughto make it. Well I'm trying to be Tough for you.
~HUGS AND KISSES~

February 23, 2007

Hi Dale, Dean told me about this site and I thought it would be nice to tell you how glad I am to have had you for a brother - in - law. You always treated me as part of the family from the first time I met you. The kids and I are going to miss you giving us a rough time about being Jeff Gordon fans. This race season is not going to be as much fun as in the past. Dean is having a hard time because he wasn't albe to tell you good-bye and how much he loved you. It wasn't meant for him too. You two had some moments that I know if you had the chance to change you both would, but you guys were brother and you got along like brothers should. Your mom and dad are getting along as well as they could after all they lost a son that they love and respected. I think that they always knew that they would get a call that you were killed in the line of duty, but I don't think they thought you would be killed in a car crash. Dale, I lost my mom on Jan 12. I know that you knew that she has been sick for a long time. I was able to tell her that I love her before she died. Dean told to look you up and tell you Hi. I hope you two got to see each other again. She was really upset when we told her about your accident. She wanted to come down to the showing but her health wouldn't let her. I have lost two special people in my life since September. Well I gotta go. We miss you alot!! Just want to let you know one more thing before I close. I FORGIVE YOU FOR BEING A DALE EARNHART FAN !!!! wE ALL HAVE OUR FAULTS EVEN YOU.

Sister -in - law

February 22, 2007

Hi Connie ~

Thanks for dropping in on me to say hello - I appreciate you thinking of me, as you know it helps to know you are not alone.

I've read through many of your reflections to Dale and I'd like to say that you are doing a GREAT job of keeping things going. A great job with the boys and a great job of keeping yourself together. This isn't easy, Connie, it isn't easy and it isn't fair. You (and the rest of us) were placed on this path and your only option is to travel it - it's not what we wanted or ever imagined but it's what we were given. We can become so depressed that we can't function, or we can get up every day and get things done. It seems to me you are getting things done - Dale would be so proud, so very very proud.

You describe it so perfectly, the passing of time.....sometimes it ticks by slowly, other times it seems like you are spinning in a circle. And yes, the kids keep you going. I think every widow I've met or talked to (including myself) has wondered what we'd do if we didn't have our kids, what choice or action we would take - a person can only endure so much pain. But we have our kids AND we have each other - when it gets to be too much we need to reach out to other widows who understand what we are going through, who understand the loss and lonliness, the desperation and the fear.

Hang in there, Connie. Things will get better. Another widow made a wish for me, and I'd like to make a similar one for you - here's wishing you a day without sadness, without lonliness, a day without fear for the future. A day with maybe even a little sunshine and happiness. A good day.

Take care of yourself and your boys. I think of you every day and send many good wishes your way.

Warmly ~
Carin E. Sollman
wife of Officer Jesse E. Sollman, EOW 3/25/05

February 21, 2007

Hey it's me again

I went to a retirement party Friday at Jackson. Friday was Dingess's last day. There was a bunch of people there, I talk to Taylor for awhile, she ask about the boys.I got to meet some new people and some guys that I had not seen for awhile. Captain Maier had a nice surprize for Bridgett and I . All though I cried when I seen them. Dave was happy that I came over, he has stopped to see me 4 times he said and I'm never home. I told him that we were never home before. He said one day he will catch me. Keith stopped and picked me up and took me to Jackson, I had soooo many thoughts going through my head when I got in that front seat of that patrol car.
I think from our post Keith and I , Robbie, James, Jennifer, Lt.,George, Brian Rutherford and Pack went over for the party. I know you and Dingess always got along. He was your Nascar buddy.
Love you and miss you ~hugs and kisses~

February 19, 2007

Hey it's me,

Just letting you know that Tyler and I made it home from the cattle show. I'm glad you never ask me to move to Springfield, Ohio. The snow up that way is unbelieveable. We all went to Red-Lobster saturday night to eat, Tyler stepped out of the car and sunk up to his knees.

The show went pretty good. Tyler and his hiefer done good. She can be kinda hot headed, but you got to remember where she came from. hehe. You know the Ruff family there all about winning. But everyone was proud of Tyler and Blaze. Cassidy got Grand Champion so that made the LONG day well worth it.
Trent had a good time, while we were gone he went to Aarons and stayed with mom, Mom fed him really good so he was happy... I think Trent may go to Florida with Mom and Dad before long.
Well I've got to feed the boys so I'll write again soon.
LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU ~hugs and kisses~

February 19, 2007

Hi Dale,I still can't believe you are gone. I'm having a very hard time getting past it. I would do anything just to have one more day to spend with you. That time would be spent telling you just how much I respected you. Even though we had our moments (just as brothers do) I never told you just how much I looked up to you. When Brenda called me at work and told me that you have been killed, my life went into slow motion, and it has not gotten better. Mom is having a hard time excepting it as well. She has her good days, as well as her bad days. I've spent a lot of time talking to her about it, and she will start cring and I tell her it's alright to cry. Dad, well you know our father, he doesn't talk about it. He chokes up when he doesn't think anybodies watching. They mention if I have taked to Connie lately. They are still very concerned about her and Tyler, and Trent.
We are trying to get our lives back in some order. Work is doing great. Brenda is still working at Bob Evans, but is starting to look elswhere. Brenda's mom died on Jan.12th. We got to say goodbye to her before she died. I ask her look you up and tell you that we miss and love you. Bernard also died back in November. On Feb. 8th I wasn't feeling well at work and the Nurse and fellow workers were cocerned. I was having chest pains,and tightness in my chest. The nurse took my bloodpresser and it was 180/98, and my pause was 87. I went to the Doctor and he did a EKG on me. It come back that I wasn't having a Heartattack, but it did show some imformalities. He put me on High Blood Pressure pills, and I have to go back on the 19th of Feb.
Well I'm going to go now. Don't worry about us. I'll take good care of mom and dad. If Connie or the boy's need anything I'll be there for them as well.
I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU, Your Brother Dean

Dean Holcomb
Brother

February 18, 2007

Thinking of you Sarge and wishing you were here. We sure do miss you and Josh.

Brandy
P27

February 17, 2007

Sarge, we just had our first real ice and snow days. It was like always crash after crash. and very cold. we miss you

pacman
p-27`

February 15, 2007

Hey it's just me
I've been busy today, tryin' to get everything done around here.. It seems my life is in fast forward. Just when I think I have everything under control something pops up. Your badges have come in that I ordered. I ordered 250 with your name and 250 with Joshs name, there really nice. I stopped and seen Shannon today, I don't see him like I do the other guys. I have to run Shannon down, must of the time he is at the bridge. You know that is there hang out.

Tyler and I have a cattle show this weekend in Springfield, I'm not sure what Trent is going to do. maybe go with Aaron. We only have one more basketball game left. You know the DAYTONA 500 is this coming sunday, this will be the first year we will not be there in a while. I think Dad and Tyler would like to go. I've got a 3 and a race flag to take down the road for Sunday.

Bryan and I took a Valentines Day heart down the road the other day. The ground was frozen you talk about a job getting it in the ground..But Bryan got the job done. (it was one of those off-duty details)...

Karen and I have been going out to Rio working out everyday.. Last Friday we walked and ran 10 mile today we done 71/2 but we are going back out this evening at 6. You know I like to run once I get started.I always had to push you to walk or run. But we done it.

Well the weather is calling for some snow tonight (JOY) so I got things to do. We miss you everyday and love you so much.

~HUGS AND KISSES~

February 12, 2007

DALE,
I've wanted to write you for sometime now & decided todays the day. The last 4 mo has been very hard on Connie & the boys and on your P27 family. Your memory is still very strong & will be in our hearts forever. The accident has changed our lives. Its made us take a step back & recognize the blessings we have & to not take even 1 day for granted. It was very hard to explain to Cole what happened, of course he still can't understand it all. He always looked at you with admiration especially when u were in uniform. I miss hearing u call him "pee wee". You couldn't wait for him to show animals at the fair. You knew I wasn't exactly crazy about the idea, but I'm sure you'll still have your way. Well tomorrow we go to Columbus for the awards banquet. Yes, James got the district employee award. We miss u & will do all we can for Connie & the boys.

Carrie~
Friend & P27 Family

February 8, 2007

Hey it's me

I'm on my way to work out this morning , Just missing you this morning..... Just like any other morning ...

Love you bunches.. ~kigs and kisses~

February 8, 2007

You can shed tears that he is gone
or you can smile because he lived
you can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left

your heart can be empty because you can't see him
or you can be full of love that you had him
you can turn your back on tomorrow because of yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

you can remember him and only that he is gone
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on
you can cry and close your mind be empty
or you can do what he would want you to do
Smile, Open your Eyes and love Again and go on .....

Thinking of you Connie and those boys.
Your a great family ...

February 2, 2007

Hey it's me
It's Feb 2 groundhog day, and spring is right around the corner. you would never know it by looking out side today. It has snowed the biggest part of today. This weather just sucks. you know I hate winter... Trent woke up sick this morning, Tyler is at school. We have a basketball game tonight in Southpoint. I went to the gym again this morning, I wish me and you would have done that together. We had started to go running together, but I really enjoy going to the gym. I go out with a bunch of girls from school then we go to Bob Evans and eat lunch.
Well gotta go, We miss you so much.
We love you and miss you !!!!!! ~~hugs and kisses~~

February 2, 2007

...forever in our hearts!!! NEVER forgotten!!!

Brandy
P27

February 2, 2007

Hey it's just me,
Well it's Jan.31, another month has went by without you.. It still seems like a nightmare. Yesterday was Nans funeral, I wasn't ready for that again, I just really lost it when the music started. The lady sung go rest high on that mountian.. Why that song ?? I kept thinking to my self.Some people from the Gallipolis and the Athens post came. The boys done really good yesterday. Bob and Shell and all the kids came home. Along with Kathy and Tony and Travis and Cass. All the kids stayed here with me, boy was that a hoot.. We had a good time , I was sad to see all the kids leave this morning, I gave them all a kiss and told them I loved them and to be careful going home. The boys and I may go down come spring break I don't know.The boys just love it when they can hang out with Bob you know that. Trent thinks the sun sets you know where ....
Tyler and I are getting ready for a cattle show this weekend, I'm not sure where Trent is going for the weekend maybe with Aaron.
Well I've got to clean house after all the kids were here, I've been to the gym working out so it's time to get busy..
Love you and miss you ~hugs and kisses~

January 31, 2007

Just thinking of you as always, Dale. We miss you. It's hard to believe that you are gone. We're all so proud of you. You still remain a guiding light for all of us still here. Please continue to watch over us. Rest in peace, friend. You will never be forgotten.

Connie, we are all praying for you and the boys. Wish there was something I could do to take the pain away, but I know that is not possible. I know there really aren't any words of comfort which can add up to the pain, but you and the boys are always in our hearts. You are thought of on a daily basis. Please know that you are not alone in your loss.

JLM
Ohio Firefighter

January 28, 2007

Dearest Holcomb Family,
I have just finished reading many of your reflections left for your precious husband and father. I am so sorry you are having to live this life now. Our beautiful 25 year old son died in September 2004 during one of the storms that came through with hurricane Ivan. It absolutely does not get better being without the one you love and miss so much, but you do learn how to insulate yourself and keep going and try to stay focused on those that are still here and need you. We will be in Washington in May, and with honor and respect and love hear Dale's name read.

Sincerely,
Matt's Mom Always

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

January 26, 2007