Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Sweetie,
I was at Lake Junaluska 4 days ago walking around the lake and of course couldn't help thinking about all the special times we shared there. When I was living there we went through the Blizzard of 93 together (remember the photos we took of us outside), we walked/ran many times around the lake & fed the ducks & geese my bread whenever it got too old to eat (or just whenever we wanted to feed them). I spent the best day of my life there with you (when we got married at the Chapel) and the second worst day of my life there (your funeral at the auditorium). I say the second worst day because October 3, 2001 (when you were killed) was the worst. As I walked there, it was peaceful, almost like you were walking along beside me. A guy ran past me and his stride so reminded me of how you ran except it seemed to be taking much more effort on his part. You always were such a good runner - maybe it was the flame-color of your running shoes!!! I have been through some dark valleys and weathered some bad storms and I know life is not promised to be all sunshine but I can't wait until the day that all my storms are over and I only walk in sunshine like you are doing now. I know the Lord will continue to help me along & carry me when needed until then. I would give anything to again feel like I did on 9-25-93...thanks for making that happen! I'll love you always!

Denise

September 9, 2007

Hey Denise,

It was so nice to meet you at the COPS meeting a few weeks ago. I read your reflection left on Heath's page and I wanted to let you know that I found comfort in what you wrote. You know what I'm going through. It's a struggle everyday. We are still trying to find our "new normal" , whatever that may be. Take care and I'll hopefully talk with you soon.

SHELLY HARDIN
WIFE OF SGT. HEATH HARDIN , EOW 01-11-2007

September 1, 2007

Hi Sweetie,
Yesterday a group of us survivors got together at a water park to share fun & sun. It's so hard to see others going through the same thing, especially those who had the unfortunate luck to join this group in 2007. I remember being there....not wanting the world around me to go on because my world had been shattered. But now, almost 6 years later, I can tell these survivors that life can/and does go on. You do eventually go through a full day without crying. I'm glad I can offer a hug & a listening ear to someone else. You did that to many people (including me) for many kinds of things. I know how important just a hug or someone saying they care means, as I was denied that by some people due to our circumstances. But I kept remembering things you told me and knowing you like no one else did, tried to do what you would want. So I can say I'm dancing the dance of life now the best I can because that is what you wanted me to do! I miss you as much now as ever and love you with all my heart! Continue to watch over me from your beautiful seat with our Lord until I'm lucky enough to be there with you.

Denise

July 22, 2007

MY HEART AND SOUL GOES OUT TO THE WHOLE FAMILY. I, MYSELF, HAVE 3 BROTHERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ONE WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I PRAY, SOMEHOW YOU CAN BE WITH YOUR LOVED ONE!!

AGAIN, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU!

WENDY H. CROW
NONE

July 1, 2007

May you rest in peace my fellow brother in law enforcement.
God Bless your family !

Sincerely,
Cpl.J.W. Lowder, Union County Sheriff's Department

Cpl. J.W. Lowder
Union County Sheriff's Department

May 14, 2007

Sir,
Just by reading some of the reflections left for you,I can see you were a great man,and a great Trooper.The world has changed so much in the years since you were called home,please wtch over us down here on erth,as we contiue the battle against crime in all its forms.Denise you and your family are in my daily prayers,and I hope to meet you one day when I move to N.C. to serve with the NCSHP.May our great Lord and Saviour Jesus keep you safe and bring you peace in honoring this great man,husband,and Trooper.GODBLESS

Joseph Palmer
NCSHP APPLICANT

May 12, 2007

Trooper Taylor,
I was at the North Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Memorial service today in Wilmington. The service was beautiful as usual (this was my third year going) and was well attended. I was pleased that you were remembered again today, as the Chaplain told of your funeral. That was the only time I was moved to tears, as he told of the radio traffic calling your radio number, then announcing that you were 10-42. During my own father's funeral, the radios were turned up and the tone was given to clear the channel, then the Sheriff announced that "273" was 10-42. That is still the most painful part of his service. I say a prayer for you and your family each time I pass "your" bridge, which is quite often as we love to go to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Thank you for your service, dedication and sacrifice for the citizens of North Carolina. My son, who is only 15 now, says he is a State Trooper "gonna be" and I only pray that I never see his name on this website. It's hard enough to have given up my Daddy. Watch over those left behind as they protect the thin blue line. God bless you, Sir.

Lori Johnson Rowley, wife of NC LEO
Daughter of Sgt. James Johnson, EOW 11/11/04, FCSO, NC

May 11, 2007

Happy Birthday Sweetie Pie!

Love you and miss you

Denise

May 4, 2007

Denise,

I'm so happy to see that you are still around and remembering Calvin. I truly wish we could reconnect b/c you were always such a supportive friend. I spoke with Patricia Tucker the other day and she mentioned you. Please get her to give you my contact info and give me a call. Let me know if you are attending Police Week. I've missed the last two years due to getting remarried, moving to Charlotte, and having twins - YES, I HAD TWINS! Can you believe it? Please give me a call and let's catch up. No matter how much time passes we always need a good shoulder to cry on. I wish everyone would understand the pain never goes away. I hope you are doing well!

Calvin,

You will never be forgotten! You made the Ultimate Sacrifice and will always be honored as a Hero. Thank you for the service you gave this great state of North Carolina. We were all lucky to have you protecting us.

Dana Shriver
Fiance' of Deputy Joey Rodgers eow 4-9-97

April 24, 2007

I think of you often. My brother lost his life two years ago after a foot chase, and my life will never be the same. I think of your family and friends and know that they too are feeling what I feel. Originally from WNC, my big brother always wanted to be a NC State Trooper. It was his dream. After the Marines, he ended up as an officer in the state of Virginia, but in his honor, I try to remember him by treating your fellow officers to sweet treats. Went by the Patrol office just this past week to treat your boys to some cookies. You will never be forgotten. Your memory is saving lives everyday. I thank you for your sacrifice and I want your family to know they too are not forgotten. When I was in DC last May I sketched your name from the wall. What an amazing place. I felt much comfort in being there amongst so many people that understood my pain. I hope to go back someday and find your name again.

Watch over your family as they are precious... and if you see my big brother... tell him we love him and miss him like crazy.

"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."

Elizabeth - Canton, NC
Sister of Officer Drew Henley E.O.W. 3/19/2005

April 15, 2007

Good Morning Sweetie,
This morning I passed by the TV while getting ready for work and paused to see a story on GMA about officers hit by motorists not slowing down/not moving over. Imagine my surprise when your picture popped up. It's nice to know that you are still being remembered & hopefully your story will encourage at least one driver to move over. It was nice to see your smile in the morning again (even though just a photo)! You're always in my heart!!!

Denise

February 16, 2007

IT SEEMS A POLICE OFFICER HAS THE MOST DANGEROUS, MOST IMPORTANT, YET LEAST APPRECIATED BY MOST OUTSIDE OF THE AGENCIES!! I WANT YOU AND THOSE GONE BEFORE YOU TO KNOW THAT THE THIN GRAY LINE THANK YOU AND THE REST FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID AND ARE STILL DOING ON THE STREETS OF GOLD!! WE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE!!!!!!!!!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE HAZARD POST 13

February 10, 2007

Thinking of you today and glad your in God's arms. I hope your doing OK too Denise. Just one of those days that hits you right in the face and everything comes back to you like it just happened yesterday. I always wonder when it's going to get easier. I'm tired of hiding all the pain and keeping it inside of me like everything is OK when inside my heart is collopsing with hurt and anger. I miss you and think of you both often. Calvin, you are an amazing man and I know you and James are in Heaven having a blast.
All my love to you both.
Tiffany

Tiffany Gilbert
Friend of Denise and Widow of James Gilbert

February 8, 2007

Rest in peace my friend.

H211
NCSHP

January 13, 2007

Merry Christmas Sweetie,
Once again, I'll be missing you terribly on Christmas Day. I remember the last Christmas that you were alive and we were at Mom & Dad's. You were a shining example of love, compassion & forgiveness. Thanks again Angel.

Denise

December 22, 2006

Calvin, You were one of the finest Troopers and friends I've
ever known. You always put in that extra mile, upheld the law and projected the perfect image of what we as NCSHP Troopers are all about. You've taken your final 10-42 now, and should rest in peace knowing you made a difference and were among the finest of all men I have ever known. I pray we will meet again and you will never EVER be forgotten.

Lieutenant W.P. Thomas (ret.)
North Carolina State Highway Patrol

December 8, 2006

My Dearest Calvin,
I found this old Indian prayer and it reminded me of you. It also reminds me of how you liked indian stuff. Missed you during Thanksgiving as always.

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.
Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world will cry and you will rejoice.

Sweetie, you sure lived your life in that manner because much of the world still cries because you are gone from us. There was a trooper in Va that was just killed in a very similar manner to you...welcome him into heaven and watch over his family.

Love you & miss you forever!

Denise

November 28, 2006

I thought about you today when an Officer was hit and killed in a town not far from us in Franklin, Virginia. He too was struck by a vehicle and killed. It is just senseless, but an accident! I met your wife over 5 years ago attending the 2002 annual memorial services in DC for our fallen spouses. You unfortunately past away just 5 days after my husband did and she and I just connected. Both Denise and I went through alot of the same things and were ridiculed. Your wife and I instantly became friends and I got to hear alot about you. It was like God put her in that spot in DC just so she could spot Rodney out of the hundreds of thousands of people. I still do not understand why god took our husband's from us and I have so many unanswered questions as I'm sure Denise does. Although I never met you Calvin, I know you must of been an amazing man. I think of you both often and know your protecting both Denise and I from Heaven. I know you guys would have been good friends. Merry Christmas to you both in Heaven. We have never forgotten about you and never will.
Much love to you Denise...Hang in there and I miss you.

Tiffany Gilbert
Widow of Norfolk Police Officer James B. Gilbert

November 28, 2006

I'm from Texas and have very special people in my life that are in or have been in law enforcement. I was in North Carolina on business October 2006 and noticed a bridge on I40 that was named after an officer I presumed that had died in the line of duty. I wrote his name down so that I could later look him up on the internet. I would like to pay my respects to this man who made the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless him and his family.

Misty Johnson
Traveler

October 6, 2006

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 5th anniversary of your end of watch. I know they still think of you each day and will continue to do so. You will never be forgotten as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol who are guarding the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

October 3, 2006

"The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us." - Jean Paul Richter

Calvin,
It's been five years today ... you're not forgotten.

October 3, 2006

Still thinking of you. Praying daily for family and friends that knew you and how great you were to all. Even after 5 years the pain of your loss is great. May the comfort of the Lord be with your family and friends today and everyday. You will always be in my heart.

Carol Sales

CAROL

October 3, 2006

May G-d Bless you and all who love you.

October 3, 2006

Good Morning Sweetie,
As you already know, I won't be at home on Oct.3 so I wanted to write this before I go out of town. Mom sent me this poem and it made me think of you.

SEA KISS
Each morning when I take a walk,
Along the ocean's shore,
I think about my life with you,
Could I have loved you more?
The gentle sea breeze caresses me,
I feel your presence here,
The sun so warm upon my face,
As I wipe away a tear.
I find a piece of driftwood,
And a pretty shell or two,
Draw a heart upon the sand,
And whisper, "I Love You."
I watch the surf erase my heart,
And take it out to sea,
Blow a kiss into the wind,
And say, "To You From Me."

Yes I know I could have showed my love more at one point but I promise you, I never quit loving you. I'm so sorry that I couldn't work through some things while still there but we aren't always able to do that so quickly. I'm sorry that when we reached that point, the Lord took you within the next few days. My only small bit of relief is knowing that I was loved by you when you went to be with the Lord and that you knew that I still loved you! Rest well my sweet angel.

Denise

September 29, 2006

My Dearest Calvin,
Today was our special day...even with all that had happened it is still special to me. I had hoped that it once again would be.....until 10-3-01. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Today would have been 13 years. I'll never forget how happy I was that morning as I walked down the isle and saw you in the chapel at Lake Junaluska...who would have thought so soon I would be attending your funeral there. Thank God it was in the auditorium and not the chapel. I can still have good memories of the chapel. Thanks again for making me your wife. I'll love you forever angel.

Denise

September 25, 2006