Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

For Correctional Officer Gary M. Chapin:

The risks in law enforcement are great. We complete our tours of duty -and our careers- more because of luck than any skill. We profoundly regret that our brother Gary would die doing his duty. But as such, he gains the special status of hero that none among the living can share.

We pray for Gary's family, friends, co-workers and all who care about him. May they be ready to reach-out to one another in the days ahead.

I am proud to render CO Gary Chapin a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

November 26, 2010

rest in peace brother . god bless

CORRECTIONS OFFICER JOE BLAZINA
CLINTON COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY PENNSYLVANIA

November 25, 2010

As you celebrate this, your first Thanksgiving without your loved one, please be aware that his service and sacrifice where not in vain. Though these words are small comfort on a day such as this, his brothers and sisters in law enforcement shall ensure that he and you are never forgotten! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones, may GOD bless you and keep you on this and every day!

Deportation Officer
ICE

November 25, 2010

Brother Gary,

Please keep the gates of heaven open for the rest of us.

R.I.P. my Brother

Cpl. Robert L. Padgett (ret)
La Plata P.D. Md.

November 24, 2010

To the friends and family members of Officer Gary M. Chapin,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Session 49
Zone Five Police Academy, NY

Session 49
Zone Five Police Academy

November 24, 2010

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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 (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 23, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with those friends and family members that are left behind and cannot follow. Rest in peace my brother in blue...we will take it from here.

PFC Adam F Laser
Westminster City Police Department

November 22, 2010

Our hearts and prayers go out to your family and friends in their time of sorrow. May God Bless and Rest in Peace!

Cpl David Murphy
TX DPS

November 21, 2010

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"

Author unknown

May God be with everyone

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX

November 21, 2010

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to express sincere appreciation on behalf of Gary Chapin's family and friends for your outreach to the family.

The Honor Guards and Details from various facilities truly captured people's hearts and made an amazing visual impact on those passing by. The procession still gives me goosebumps.

Your outreach is important and we thank you for taking your time and resources to be with us. You're an amazing group of people and we can't thank you enough.

Sincerely,
Brenda Schmidt

Brenda Schmidt
Family Friend

November 21, 2010

Thank you for your service and Sacrifice.

Rest in peace Brother.

CRO J Clendening
Glades County Sheriffs Office (FL)

November 21, 2010

RIP brother Gary.

May God bless and be with your family, co-workers and friends at this very difficult time.

Det Bevenour
Gettysburg PD

November 20, 2010

My prayers are with you and your family.

Lakeycha McDonald
Widow of Deputy Chad McDonald E.O.W 12/21/2007

November 20, 2010

Officer Chapin,

May you rest in peace

Sergeant M. Fontaine
California Department of Corrections

November 19, 2010

I would like to send my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Gary’s family and friends. To his brother’s and sister’s of Crawford County Correctional Facility; I sent my love, my respect and true sorrow. When we signed on, we all knew that we may one day be called upon to make the “Ultimate Sacrifice”; yet knowing such, day after day we continue our quest of providing care, custody and control.

CARE: for those who “do not care”
CUSTODY: keeping those who no one else wants
CONTROL: controlling society’s “uncontrollable”

This tragedy has changed all of our lives. We must remember to STAND STRONG, STAND TOGETHER and stay vigilant in our plight. We will all make it through these tough times. We must remain united; WE ARE ONE.
It is an honor to work beside each of you.

Lt. Dorian P. Denman
Crawford County Correctional Facility

November 19, 2010

My deepest condoliences go out to the family, friends, and the PDOC/CCCF over their lost of Corr-Officer Gary Chapin.
Be proud as I'M sure you are that a hero died honorablly. My prayers are with you. RIP my dear LEO Brother-just continue to watch over us in the heavens and we'll continue your work down here.

Lieutenant Cedric A Smith
Mississippi Dept Of Corrections

November 19, 2010

As a fellow corrections professional, I am deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence. Our line of work is equally as dangerous as others in law enforcement, however, we rarely get the recognition we deserve. I pray that your family will find comfort in knowing you served your community with courage. Rest in peace, you are in a better place.

corrections corporal
OCCD, Florida

November 19, 2010

All give some, some give all. Go with God's speed Officer Chapin.

Butler County Prison

November 19, 2010

The both the personal and professional families....

We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. And please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Captain R. McCoy
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office - Charlotte, NC

November 19, 2010

Rest In Peace Sir,

Thank you for your service. May God bless your family, friends, and fellow Officers who mourn the loss of another Hero.

Lieutenant Drew Hallowich
Mercer County Prison

November 18, 2010

I have known Gary for quite a while, mostly on a professional basis in the law enforcement community. He was one of the good guys. A family man, a former Police Officer for several Crawford County municipalities,and most recently a Corrections Officer. His family has been through a lot the last month, and will have to deal with this injustice for the rest of their lives. Let justice prevail, and may God bless Gary and his loved ones.

Sgt. Fredric E. Oakman
Pennsylvania State Police (retired)

November 18, 2010

It is with heartfelt sympathy I write this message, my the Lord God continue to bless the Chapin family as well as his correctional family during this your time of bereavement.
2 Corinthians 5 states 6-8 states
"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for(I) we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord"

Again may the Lord God Bless each of you.

Capt. Lolie Jones, Jr,TDOC
Lois M. Deberry Special Needs Facility
Nashville, TN

Captain Lolie Jones, Jr.
TN Department of Correction

November 18, 2010

Officer Chapin, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.

November 18, 2010

I know that I always promised that I would protect you. I am sorry that I was in the wrong place that night. I apologize to you, your wife, your family, and all of our fellow staff. You, Officer Chapin were one of the best people I have ever worked with and had has a friend. I know that you are in a better place at this time, and will do GOD some justice protecting his gates. I miss you and will always think of you. I hope that in your honor, i can follow in your footsteps.

Sgt. Justin R. Moore
Crawford County Correctional Facility

November 18, 2010

To the family of Officer Chapin,

My deepest condolences on the loss of your son/husband/father. Know in your hearts that Gary is safe in God's arms & that he will in time heal your wounds.

Sincerely yours,
Officer John J. Price
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Mahanoy

C.O.1
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections

November 17, 2010