Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer James Christopher Magill, Sr.

Gwinnett County Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Sunday, May 23, 1993

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer James Christopher Magill, Sr.

We remember, honor you, and thank you for your sacrifice Chris. God bless you and your family. We got the watch from here.

Master Police Officer CP Anderson #2221
Gwinnett County Police Department

May 23, 2023

I knew you as just "Mr Magill," the man who frequently drove me home after I babysat Amy and Jim. I was in 8th or 9th grade, I believe, and you were one of those adults who, just by your everyday kindness in our interactions, made a difference in the way I viewed LEOs and adults in general. Thank you for everything you sacrificed. The life you led was impactful.
Megan Swearingen (maiden Cisson)

Megan Swearingen
Neighbor

April 23, 2022

Rest in peace Officer Magill.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 3, 2019

I am a civilian who lived in the area and stopped few minutes after the accident to help and because the highway was shut down. I remember seeing him stuck behind the wheel and obviously deceased. I didn’t know he was deceased and I offered my fire extinguisher because smoke was coming out of the hood. The officer I talked to declined my offer to help and the look on his eyes told the whole sad story :(.

Civilian
Gwinnett county resident

October 21, 2018

I worked at Gwinnett County Police with Chris.. I ran into him shortly before his death. We said we should get together soon off duty. It never happened.

PO2 Robert Yonker
Gwinnett County Police Department

December 15, 2016

It's now early on Sunday morning, May 24, 2015 but just as good as the 23d. I still live in Snellville and remember saying "Hi" in passing in the neighborhood or rest of the city. When you went to Gwinnett PD we didn't cross as often. I went through Snellville CPA this past fall and through Gwinnett CPA this spring filling in some pages missing from my Army Military Police Officer Basic and Advanced courses through the Reserve. All the old heads remember you like yesterday and make sure the new ones do too. I have always said the greatest monument to a man's life are the memories left behind. Yours is a great one.

MAJ Howard N. Williams, Jr. (Retired)
U.S. Army and neighbor

May 24, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 23, 2015

Daddy,
I love you and miss you more than you'll ever know. I have so many things to say about what a wonderful man, officer, and dad you were but I can't ever find the words to express my feelings. I've made a tribute video in your remembrance. You are my hero. I love you!

Amy Magill
Daughter

May 23, 2015

Chris,
It has been 22 years since we patrolled together and I still remember where I was standing when we last talked face-to-face. I was pouring me a cup of coffee at the Satellite Blvd QT when you walked in with that signature smile. It was a good conversation between two good cops. You rode patrol with me last night as we made 10 traffic stops. I know you did not ride "physical" patrol, but you were in my heart each time I flipped the switch and the bluelights began to flash. The night's total was 16 UTCs with 3 arrests. Both of the DUIs were over .15. I know its not about numbers, its about saving lives. Many officers think I'm crazy to still be doing this job, and most still policing at my age have moved onto a more secure position "in the rear with the gear." A lot of officers are discouraged by all the bad news about cops these days, and many are talking about changing careers. I use to go around saying that "I'm a cops cop" but I now know that's not true. I am, however, a "good cops cop!" I will continue to stand on the blue line between good and evil. My hope is that all good men and women wearing a badge today will continue to stand on the "thin blue line." We owe it to you and the others that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our safety. Continue to rest in peace my brother!

GCPD B133 (RETIRED)/CPD B263 (ACTIVE DUTY)

May 23, 2015

"I remember when"
I remember when we met for dinner that night.
I remember that chocolate pie we shared.
I remember the medical run I received and you said no problem
just meet me at the park and ride to ride with him after work.
I remember the unsettling feeling in by heart as I said good bye and telling you that I had a funny feeling and you said TTFN. I ask what that meant and you said ti ti for now.
I remember driving passed you as sitting on 85, as I returned my paper work to the office.
I remember running 115 mph coming back to the scene of the accident and the DWI units passed me at 130 mph leaving me behind an knowing I was going to scene to see if it was you.
I remember been met my your fellow officers.
I remember the words that still echo in my ears that you were gone.
I will always remember you and your smile.
TTFN See you again.

I'll always remember May 23 1993.

ICA Officer Janet Bowen
Friend and Co-worker

April 2, 2015

It has been over 21 years and I still remember the radio traffic from that evening. I did not want to forget. It kept my senses sharp for danger, including traffic around me. I'm now retired and believe that keeping Chris in my thoughts all those years contributed to making it through my career safely. Chris was a great fellow officer. For the family of Chris, know that he was a good Peace Officer and is still missed.

Retired Sergeant
Gwinnett County Police Department

December 27, 2014

I still think of you and miss you so very much. You guide my career today. You have never been forgotten.

Cpl. Michelle Spencer
Clarke County Sheriff's Office

April 14, 2014

Its hard to helieve it has been 20 years today since you were taken from us...I think of you and remember your heart warming smile. I miss you Chris but Iknow I will see you again...I love and miss you...

sgt. d. garner
Gcpd

May 23, 2013

You're always on my mind and forever in my heart....I miss you....

sgt d garner
friend

February 16, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know that both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 23, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Magill. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 31, 2012

"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


Assist St. Michael in watching over and protecting us!
Rest in peace Brother!

Police Officer
Chattahoochee Hills PD

May 23, 2011

Officer Magill,

From one officer to another, I want to thank you for your service and ultimate sacrafice. Although it has been 18 years since your end of watch, you and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you, brother.

Officer S. Conrad #109
Chattahoochee Hills Police Department

Patrol
Chattahoochee Hills Police Department

May 23, 2011

"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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 27, 2007

Mr. MaGill, I have tried my best to look after your son Jim, and not let him take on some of the harder things in life and learn from my misadventures. I hope that you think that I am doing a good job. I know that he misses you sometimes more than others and I will keep helping him and looking after him as long as he needs it. I promised him that the day that you died, I am still his best friend and will always be. Thanks for letting me and your son become best friends.

Richie Pye

Richard Pye
Fleet Maint. Gwinnett County

May 23, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Magill on the anniversary of his passing.

May God continue to give you comfort.
Rest in peace Officer Magill and thank you for your service.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

May 23, 2007

Officer Magill,

On this the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sense we pay tribute to your spirit. Tonight the Evening Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department’s North Precinct will hit the street in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entire shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

May 23, 2007

Chris,
I only knew you from when my dad would take me to work with him from time to time. No matter, I'm glad I met you. You were a fine officer, and a good man. I always remember you would take time to talk and smile. You are not forgotten. God bless you and your family.
.

James Presley #064

March 2, 2007

You were always there for everyone. A wonderful smile and upbeat personality. I think of you often and miss you daily. You are totally missed!!

Christi

February 1, 2007

Chris,

I still remember those days you would back me up when you were with the City of Snellville and I was the lone Gwinnett car for 100 square miles. We often talk about you coming to the county and you did. What a fine dedicated
Officer, so tragically taken from us.

Your missed my friend, your truly missed;

Big Joe

Joe Markham
Retired Co-Worker

November 13, 2006

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