Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lt. Dahlem at this most tragic time. R.I.P

Cpl Jean Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP Service, Traffic Unit

April 7, 2007

Lt, I'm going to do what I think you would have wanted: Instead of mourning your passing, I am going to celebrate your LIFE. Though your life was cut short (the day before your 46th birthday), you lived life more than most people do in 80 years. You touched so many lives in a positive way.

I remember the photo in the 04/05/07 edition of the Gainesville Sun that was taken of you that night shortly before the tragedy (probably the last photo taken of you). It showed a large crowd at the celebration and it showed you shaking hands with Gator fans (even though you are a devout “Nole”). That final photo of you that night embodied who you were; well-like and respected by anyone that came into contact with you.

It’s now 0100hrs on 04/07/07 and I have just left you at the funeral home where I was performing guard duties over your body. For a few hours, it was just you and me alone in the funeral home tonight and I really was blessed to get to spend that time alone with you. I am thankful for this time that I could say my goodbyes (for now), thank yous, and make peace with this whole senseless tragedy.

Though I told you several times while you were alive, I want to thank you gain for all the mentoring, advice, and guidance that you gave to me. Most of all, thanks for being a friend. Even though I disliked the hours on midnight shift, it was such a blessing to have worked for you and with you for 2 years. You were not only my supervisor, but also my friend and I sorely miss your presence. I truly would not be where I am today without your words of wisdom, mentoring advice, and input. I also enjoyed all of the fun times on and off-duty that we had.

Thank you God for sending your angel, Corey Dahlem, to bless us.

Until next time, Lt.

Godspeed

Sgt Steve Bradford (GPD) (AKA Willie Nillie as you liked to call me)

Sgt Steve Bradford
Gainesville Police Dept

April 7, 2007

Lieutenant Corey Dahlem and his family have been my neighbors for the past 18 years. I have watched his children grow up. Corey was also a former co-worker of mine when I worked for GPD many years ago. I never would have imagined I would be writing a reflection such as this about Corey. My heart is very saddened. It has been said Corey was a great family man, and this is absolutely true. He truly loved his wife and children and always spoke so highly of them.

It seems so strange to drive in the neighborhood now and no longer see his patrol vehicle parked in front of his house, to know that he will never step back inside his home again. My heart sincerely goes out to his wife and children during this very sad and difficult time they are going through. This reflection page is such a strong testament to the kind of person Corey was and the many people's lives that he touched.

Corey, you were too young to be called home this soon and it is during times like these that God's plan can be so difficult to understand - when one really has to call upon their faith. The whole thing doesn't make sense and it doesn't seem real right now. You had so much more life to live and experiences yet to have. I want you to know that I will be there for your wife and children if there is anything that they need or try to help in any way. The community in general and especially your law enforcement family will feel the impact of your loss for a very long time to come. You displayed a kindness and quiet strength that earned the respect and admiration of others.

~ YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN ~
Rest in peace Lieutenant Corey Dahlem.

Pam DiBernardo
ACSO - Crime Scene Investigator

April 7, 2007

God bless the family of Lieutenant Corey Dahlem.Being an Officer means being a member of a huge family that stretches from one end of the United States to the other. We all mourn our brothers and sisters when something this horrible happens. To the family:Your are not alone! We pray for you and we love you! Officer Michael Gloyd

Patrolman M. Gloyd
Marietta Police Department (Ga)

April 7, 2007

Corey - I miss you buddy. It was an honor to have worked with you and even a greater honor to have been your friend. Keep watch over all of us. We'll be thinking about you. Rest in peace.

Michael Chappell
Former GPD Officer and Friend

April 6, 2007

Godspeed Lieutenant Dahlem. Your life and loss will never be forgotten. May God watch over your family, friends, and co-workers during this dark time.

Detective D. Thompson
Colorado Springs Police Department

April 6, 2007

Corey -
I don't remember how many times I have thanked you for conducting your shift's roll call that night in my hospital room at North Florida Regional Medical Center. You, I don't think, ever realized how much of a boost that was to me and how much it aided in my ultimate recovery and return to duty. To have been twice as close to perishing as I was and to feel the warmth, presence, concern and friendship in that room -the feeling was just overwhelming. Oh- and what looks and comments I got from the nursing staff that night...and from that point on during the remainder of my "incarceration" there! It was a hoot! It's true -those of us who serve others, in whatever capacity, stick together like glue and re-enforce, support and strengthen one another..there was NEVER any exception with you - and never any doubt how you felt about me...us...yourself! That is probably one of the greatest qualities of your personality that I will rememeber - and now miss.
As a former Sheriff's Deputy, I realize that the "ultimate sacrifice" is a term of employment, whose existance we MUST accept and never take lightly - it is just a reality now that we just want to avoid...until we think...that maybe now was the time that our creator decided it was time for you to "walk his beat" for a while.
To the officers of GPD- know that I, and the rest of that group of professionals I work with, shall continue to strive to keep all of you just as safe as you allow us to, as NONE of us wants to ever "lose one of our own". We are, after all "your CARE TEAM on S.E. Hawthorne Road"!
To Corey's wife and two beautiful children - I knew your husband and dad for seventeen years and, honestly, cannot say one bad word about him...as a man...as a police officer...as my Shift Commander and, definately...as a husband and a father- I know from numerous conversations with him how much he cared about and for all of you. In this day and age that, in and of itself, is a gracious blessing from God.
Corey - how I hate to say "goodbye"...so I am not going to...I'm just going to say that I know, from my training and my beliefs that we shall once again see each other. On that day, in that dimension and at that time, I will smile and say to you..."So what about those Seminoles?" !
Your memory is commited to my heart and I am honored to have known you as a friend.
Rest in peace and walk with God, my Brother!

John R. (J.R.) Williams
Telecommunicator III
Law Enforcement
Alachua County Combined Communications Center
Gainesville, Florida

Telecommunicator III J.R. Williams
Alachua County Combined Communications Center

April 6, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Lt. Corey Dahlem and his fellow officers with the Gainesville Police Department:

On behalf of our family, I want to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Lt. Dahlem was murdered in the line of duty. His valor and dedication will never be forgotten.

In reading the loving reflections, it is obvious that Corey was an amazing man who touched many lives in a positive way. I can see that he is so loved and will be missed by so many.

The circumstances of his death were heart breaking and I know caused much anquish for all those affected. To his parents, I share your agony in losing a cherished child and know that the lives of everyone who called Corey beloved have been forever changed. To his wife and children, I pray that you find comfort in your faith, each other, your family and friends as you struggle with this devastating loss. May you be embraced by your law enforcement family and other police survivors who share this journey with you.

May Corey's spirit continue to soar and his memory continue to inspire. May God hold Corey and his family in the warmest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul. Heaven has another hero today, but how I wish it were not your Corey.

Our family lost our cherished Larry when he was ambushed and fatally shot during a foot pursuit of two robbery suspects on April 23, 2005. We were supported and comforted by the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement, and that wonderful community will be there for you. Nothing takes away the pain of your loss, but the comfort of the law enforcement community will help you endure what will seem at times unendurable.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Lt. Dahlem gave to his community and the citizens of Florida, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 4, 2007.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg, Ca PD eow 4/24/05

April 6, 2007

Lt. my heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to you, and your family. You will truly be missed here at GPD. Rest in peace ID #39!

Ofc. Bruce 684
GPD

April 6, 2007

Lt.Dahlem thank you for your service. Rest in peace, we will take the watch now. To his family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so sorry for the loss of your hero. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Investigator B.K.Dudley
Campbell County S.O. VA

April 6, 2007

My thoughts and prayers go out to Lt Dahlem, his family, and the Gainesville PD. Rest in peace my brother.

Officer M. E. Mowery
Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD

April 6, 2007

Rest In Peace Brother. Your family and friends are in my prayers.

Officer Dwight Rackley
Louisville Metro PD, KY

April 6, 2007

L Loyal in life
T True to his calling

C Courageous in his endeavors
O Overseeing your patrol
R Relentless in your pursuit of justice
E Energetic in your daily life
Y Yearning to make a difference

D Devoted husband and father
A Abundant in your praise
H Heroic and brave
L Life long partner and friend
E Earnest in deed
M Melodious in spirit

You cannot win in every situation
You cannot keep all teardrops in your eye
Remember through the anger and frustration
This world's a better place because you tried
And so if these reflections that you ponder
Can help you find a balanced point of view
The day will come when once again I'll see you
Stand straight and tall and proud to wear the blue!

Lt. you can rest easy now your tour of duty is over. Just know that you and your family will forever be in our hearts and prayers. We know that you'll be looking out for all of us the best that you can. Until we meet again know that you were an inspiration to us all!

GPD Officer
Gainesville Police Department

April 6, 2007

22 years. It speaks for its self what this man was made of. Thanks "LT". God bless.

Darrell Cook Retired Police Tn.

April 6, 2007

Lt. Dahlem, I send my condolences and prayers to your loved ones and co-workers. Thank you so much for making this world a safer place. I appreciate your service to others. Rest easy, you've got a new beat to patrol.

Sgt. Richard E. Wood Jr.
Montgomery County, Texas Pct. 1 Constable's Dept.

April 6, 2007

Corey-
Your passing has impacted so many people, here in Gainesville, as well as all over the country. I am one of the lucky ones that can say I knew you, worked under your leadership, and call you a friend. Your compassion for people, dedication to this job, and love for your family made you a very special person.

As my supervisor, you made it clear that no matter what, family came first and always offered support whenever it was needed. I want to return the gesture and offer my support and prayers to your family.

The GPD family will miss you very much, but your memory and spirit will forever be present.

Carolyn Cassidy
Gainesville Police Department

April 6, 2007

May you rest in peace. We will take over your watch from here.

2974
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY POLICE. MD

April 6, 2007

Spooner, Spooner, Spooner...I can still hear it now........ T-shar-nay, How you doin???? Well, buddy..not so good. Who is going to come in the gym and complain about me disturbing them with my running four walls away? Don't worry, I'll get Gunny to work out with me..You were the only one brave enough... I know, I know...I should try out mountain biking because it is so much easier than running...You know what, I think I will...I will bring home that Gold you were going for this year in mountain biking...It may take me a couple of years, as you know I haven't been on the bike in a while, but I promise I will. You know I can't compete in your age group - old man...or your sex...Well, maybe they will let me compete with the men..You better be laughing! We all miss you so much and your family will be taken care of....don't worry about that...and I will do what you requested on Monday with the flag...look for it!

Corporal Tscharna Senn
Gainesville Police Department

April 6, 2007

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Lieutenant Corey Dahlem as well as to the Gainesville Police Department. Rest in peace Lieutenant Dahlem, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch, CTO
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

April 6, 2007

Lt. Corey Dahlem,

About three months ago I moved into the house were I now live and one day was in my garage unpacking boxes when my next-door neighbor walked over to introduce himself... it was Corey. We had only been moved in for about a week or so and Corey was the first of my neighbors that I met. Corey jokingly referred to himself and Sally as the "seniors on the block" as they had lived there since the late 80's and were one of the first families to move into the neighborhood.
He told me that it was a quiet neighborhood and that I was going to like it there and I remember thinking to myself I already did just knowing that my next-door neighbor was friendly. I looked forward to becoming friends with Corey and his family and am saddened that I only briefly had the chance to know him.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Dahlem family. The Dahlem's are a loving family and wonderful neighbors and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace Lt. You will be missed.

Ricardo

D/S Ricardo Vega # 1663
Alachua County Sheriff's Office

April 6, 2007

Rest in Peace Sir...........

Officer Thomas Wiederhold #1890
FT Worth PD

April 6, 2007

My heartfelt condolences to the Dahlem family. We have just lost two officers here in Charlotte on April 1, so we understand the pain the family and department are suffering. Godspeed Corey Dahlem, and may your family find comfort and peace with God.

Tina Robinson, Investigative Technician
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Dept, Charlotte, NC

April 6, 2007

Since one of our own was killed in the line of duty a month and a half ago, I find myself on this webpage hoping that it's been a while - a long while before another person's name is added to the list. I was saddened to see that your name is now here. Ironically I have been a Florida fan for years - and to see how your precious life was taken hurts me tremendously. I pray for your family - that they can somehow get through this horrible time, I know there are no words that will make anyone feel better at a time like this. But I know that prayer does work, and I will be thinking of your family now and always. Thank you for your service Lt. Dahlem, may you rest in peace.

Civilian Dispatcher - Tania Schneider
TPD - Toledo, Ohio

April 6, 2007

Lieutenant Dahlem, you have served your city and your community with honor and dignity, we will carry on from here. To the family of Lieutenant Dahlem you all are in our thoughts and prayers, remember that you all are now part of a much larger family that will be there for you always. Reading the reflections left by the Troops that you supervised you sound like the type of "Boss" that every street cops needs. To the men and women of the Gainesville Police Department hold your heads high as you all carry on during these difficult times. Stay safe. Rest in Peace..Boss

Detective First Grade Robert F. Jackson
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC/Homicide Branch

April 6, 2007

My thoughts and prayers go out to Corey's family and all of GPD. I pray God's loving arms encircle you.
Thank you Corey for you service. You will be missed.

Lori Moore PST
GPD

April 6, 2007