Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Dad….he was amazing in so many ways. Known by many, loved by all, he never met a stranger.

He worked hard and loved harder.

He was funny, kind, gentle, but at the same time was serious, stern, and strong. He was adaptable, always bringing his best self to any situation. He was a master at diffusing intense situations, and oftentimes he would incorporate his corny sense of humor to bring lightness to a heavy moment. If you didn’t get the jokes, his goofy smile and “surprise eyes” would be enough to turn things around.

He was truly one of a kind. If you knew him, you were better for it. He was smart, patient, fair, respectful and respectable. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and shared his passion with me, as we would spend hours in the woods or floating on the pond. He loved animals and the outdoors, riding on the tractor mowing grass, and always grew the most amazing garden, which he used weeding as punishment for my brothers and I.

He was a collector of ALL things, if you needed it, he had at least three; a trait of his I come by very honestly. The saying “He’d give you the shirt off his own back…” was literally written about him.

He always put family first. Even though he worked two, sometimes three jobs at a time, we always felt loved and valued. Being away took a toll on him, but he more than made up for the time away with time spent.

Come hell or high water, he somehow found a way to be at dance recitals, Taekwondo tournaments, First Communions, school plays, band concerts, awards ceremonies, football games, cheer competitions, and any other event that we asked him be there for. He may have arrived in uniform, and had to leave immediately after…but he was there.

He took care of his elderly Grandparents, immigrants from Italy, speaking little English. He spent so much time with them as a boy, hunting and fishing with Grandpa DeSanto, helping Grandma with chores and in the kitchen. She would make him pizza and home made pasta and sauce. As an adult, Sunday Dinners were a must. Some of my favorite memories are with us gathered around their tiny kitchen table, eating, laughing, and dipping Pizelles in coffee served in fancy cups with saucers. When they reached the age they could no longer do normal every day things, he took charge of their care, maintained their home, made sure meals were taken care of. He had help, lots of family pitched in, but you could tell his heart pulled him to do as much as he could.

He did the very same for his own parents as well, right up until the day he left this earth. The pain of losing “their Jerry” was more than they could take. With Grandmas dementia, she lost him all over again every time she asked “Where's Jerry?” The silver lining is that they all have been reunited in heaven, and that pain is now their joy.

Dad had 6 grandkids who lovingly referred to him as “Papa Jerry”. His refrigerator, at any given time, was an inch deep with their photos. He always had fun things planned during visits, and every trip to Papa Jerry’s house consisted of countless tractor rides, shooting and cleaning guns, and hours standing next to the pond fishing.

He was notorious for burning bagged popcorn, and making the cheesiest baked Ziti. His favorite meal was Eggplant Parmigiana, and he was always good for a trip to the Chinese Buffet.

I could go on, and on, and ON. My point to all this is to bring attention to the fact that my Dad wasn’t just a Law Enforcement Officer who died in the line of duty. He was SO MUCH MORE.

He was a son, brother, grandson, cousin, and nephew. He was a friend, coworker, mentor, boss, and friend. He was a husband, father, and grandfather. He was an amazing human.

He will forever be, My Dad.

Chrissy McCarthy-Head
Daughter

May 2, 2024

Rest in peace Patrolman McCarthy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 8, 2023

On this day, the actual anniversary of your death, I’d like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement family.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

May 2, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

February 3, 2021

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

May 2, 2020

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 17, 2018

A Hero in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

May 2, 2015

God Bless you Patrolman McCarthy. May the good Lord above cradle you in His arms, and may you Rest in Peace my Brother in Blue. I offer my prayers and sympathies to each and every one of your family members, friends, and co-workers. Rest easy Sir.

Chris Walley
Former Jail Officer/Deputy Wayne Co. Mississippi Sheriffs Department

July 24, 2013

Whatever our duty, or wherever we serve, we are all brothers and sisters in this most honorable calling. We have lost yet another brother who we must never forget.

My deepest sympathy to both his family and his law enforcement family. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May he rest in eternal peace.

Sgt. Tom Waller, Cincinnati P.D., Ret.
Greater Cincinnati Police Museum

July 3, 2013

The National Police Wives Association would like to extend their heartfelt prayers to the family of Patrolman Jerry McCarthy and the Shenango Township Police Department during this time. Thank you, Patrolman McCarthy, for your service.

Staff
National Police Wives Association

June 22, 2013

Thank you for your service and unselfish sacrifice for your fellow man! You belong to HIM now and forever! May your family and friends find comfort and peace in that fact. God Bless!

Rev. Steven R. Closs, D.D.
Retired Captain, Nashua Police Department, Nashua, NH

June 9, 2013

On behalf of my session, we want to say thank you for your service. May your family and department find strength in knowing you are a hero.

Session 54
Zone Five Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy

June 3, 2013

God Bless and Godspeed.

BUSJOSH
GEORGIA CIVILIAN LEO SUPPORTER

May 28, 2013

My deepest condolences to the family, members of the department, and those served, at the loss of this patrol officer. May faith, family, friends and time join together to ease everyone’s pain at this time of loss.

While many other career choices were certainly available, this Patrolman chose to protect his fellow man, and for this we give everlasting thanks. As the Good Lord hath said, “Blessed are the Peacemakers.”

Thank you for your service, your convictions and moral character, as well as your devotion to duty. May you now rest in peace, knowing your fellow brothers and sisters will watch over your family and continue the Watch!

Rusty Featherstone, Asst. Dir. (Ret.)
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, OSBI

May 26, 2013

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

May 23, 2013

Patrolman McCarthy,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Shenango Township. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

May 21, 2013

"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
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 awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just 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 unmanly tears.
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 had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown

Sergeant Chad Miner
Powell Police Department

May 20, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of this brave officer. Rest in Peace.

Sheriff Ray Foster
Buchanan County Sheriffs Office

May 20, 2013

Rest in Peace Sir. I pray that when I am 60 I could still do this work if I choose to. I commend you for being out there. You are not forgotten. GODSPEED!

Aaron P. Sparks
Newbury Police Department NH

May 19, 2013

Your work is done here on Earth - Heaven has called upon you today, leaving so many words left to say. But now it's too late, for your time has come, words unspoken; I am sure everybody has some. Regrets and wishes are probably there too, but lasting forever are memories of you.
There have been many times that we waved to each other, but we were there for each other in time of need. Now it's time for us to say Good-Bye, until we meet again in heaven to fly. Now go and Patrol the Heavens Above and Watch Below those you Love. Thank you for your service.

Retired TFC Divita Washington
Maryland State Police

May 19, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to the dear family and friends of Patrolman McCarthy. God Bless him for his service and sacrifice he made to keep others safe. Rest in Peace sir, you will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
CMPD Charlotte, NC

May 18, 2013

Our entire Unit sends our prayers to the family PO McCarthy and our support to the STPD. Your service to this Country we always be honored. RIP our brother.

Commander Griffin
MPS DOPS / Chicago OIG Spec Ops

May 17, 2013

Your record speaks for itself, Sir, you were a hero. May our family, friends & your brother's and sister's in blue find comfort in the act that they were graced to be in a heroes presence.

Mother of a Sgt
Colorado Springs PD

May 17, 2013

My thoughts are with you, your family and police family.
Thank you for your service.

Brother of Jeremy Chambers
EOW 04-24-2006

Chris Chambers
Saint Louis County Police Dept

May 15, 2013

RIP My Fellow Brother in Blue. My Prayer go to the Family, Friends, and Co-Workers.

Retired Detective Don Vine #5896
Phoenix Police Department

May 8, 2013