Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff David Whitfield Gilstrap, Jr.

Oconee County Sheriff's Office, Georgia

End of Watch Thursday, October 9, 2008

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff David Whitfield Gilstrap, Jr.

Godspeed, brother. CPD

P.O.
CPD

October 12, 2008

May you rest in peace because God have called one of his own home. When you arrived at the golden gates, you will be greeted by Bibb County finest Chad, Joseph, and Mike and you will be welcome with open arms.

Sincerely,

Lakeycha McDonald

Lakeycha McDonald
Wife of Deputy Chad N. McDonald Bibb Co. BSO E.O.W 12/21/07

October 12, 2008

Rest in Peace, Brother. You gave your life protecting the most precious gift we have in this country, our children, our future. My prayers go out to your family and friends.Your service will not be forgotten, as you lived your life as a example for others to follow.

Thomas A. Carpenter
Las Vegas Metro P.D.

October 12, 2008

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Dep. Sheriff Gilstrap. Another Hero taken too soon. May God comfort you and your Family.
You will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Sir.

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

October 12, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers go out for your family and friends. You will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Explosives Technician Mark Flynn
Chicago Police Department

October 12, 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

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

October 12, 2008

Rest in Peace

Officer 6275
Atlanta Police

October 12, 2008

AMERICA AND GEORGIA LOST ANOTHER HERO. DEPUTY GILSTRAP GO PATROL THOSE STREETS OF HEAVEN..YOU HAVE EARNED YOUR WINGS. YOU DIED A HERO. MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

R.I.P. BROTHER

OFFICER MARC RILEY
EMERSON (GA) POLICE DEPT

October 12, 2008

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

October 12, 2008

Rest easy, brother...

Badge 195
Winston-Salem Police, NC

October 11, 2008

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Deputy Sheriff David Gilstrap as well as to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office. Rest in peace Deputy Gilstrap, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

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

October 11, 2008

I will always remember Gilstrap and what he has done for our community and myself in particular. I appreciate him opening my life to a career in law enforcement. I am forever indebted to him and know that he will always be watching over us.

Comm Officer K M Ward-3839
Ooconee County Sheriffs Office

October 11, 2008

I am honored to have been able to work with Deputy Gilstrap. We was one of the hardest working deputies I have ever known. "Gilstrap Hill" will never be the same without him sitting up there. Deputy Gilstrap was a great person also. Oconee County is a better place for having had him a part of it. He will be missed. Gilstrap, I can't believe I will never again hear "300, I'm 10-8 stat 7 and I'm done for the day" Rest in piece Gilstrap go walk a beat on Heaven's streets. We will try to make you proud. And we will look after Tammy.

Cpl Kandy Marchman
Oconee County Sheriff's Office

October 11, 2008

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office

October 11, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

October 11, 2008

My prayers are with your family, friends, and Agency. May you sleep easy with God, David. We thank you for your Service, Sir. You will NEVER be forgotten.

Sr. Corporal Trey Pellizzari
Texas Dept of Public Safety/Commercial Vehicle Enforcement--Rockwall

October 11, 2008

Rest In Peace Deputy. Watch over your fellow deputies as they continue the watch. My condolences to your Family and the Oconee Cnty SO.

PO Fred Nordt
Lake Success PD, Long Island, NY

October 11, 2008

Deputy David W. Gilstrap loved his wife Tammy and his children Jordon and Mandi. His second passion and devotion was in the service of all Oconee County Citizens as a Deputy Sheriff.

This was a man that was truly in his calling and loved his profession. His daily vigilance, assistance to all motorists, pedestrians in need and enforcement of state and local traffic laws is the reason why Oconee County roads and highways are among the safest in the nation.

Deputy David Gilstrap is commended for his professional services and is recognized by all of his friends and law enforcement colleagues for a Job Well Done!

Sincerely,

Captain P.G. Gainey
Patrol Division
Oconee County Sheriff's Office

Captain Phillip G. Gainey
Oconee County Sheriff's Office

October 11, 2008

My reflection to honor the professional services and memory of Deputy David W. Gilstrap.

During my brief employement with the Oconee County Sheriff's Office I have had the honor and distinct priviledge to know and work with Deputy David Gilstrap.

Deputy Gilstrap proudly served in our Traffic Accident Prevention Unit. His primary job was to serve and protect the citizens of Oconee County thru his daily presence, vigilance, assistance to all citizens, and his enforcement of state and county traffic laws. He was a true professional, and a warrior for the forces of good that made a difference in making the highways and roads of Oconee ildren and grandchildren. His second passion and true calling was his service as a Deputy Sheriff in the Oconee County Sheriff's Office.

Captain Phillip G. Gainey
Oconee County Sheriff's Office

October 11, 2008

Rest in peace.

East Texas police Officer

October 11, 2008

REST IN PEACE, BROTHER.

F OFCR WINSLOW
FEDERAL POLICE

October 11, 2008

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service.

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden

October 11, 2008

Rest in peace brother. We've got the watch from here. May God bless your family, friends and fellow officers who all mourn the loss of yet another hero.

Motor Officer Dominick Marraccini
Easton Police Department, Easton, PA

October 11, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice DEPUTY GILSTRAP. May GOD bless your family during these tragic times. You will never be forgotten.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

October 11, 2008

Rest in peace bro' we'll take it from here

PO JA Bottillo
Troy NY PD

October 11, 2008

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