Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On Saturday June 18, 2011, as we gathered on the parking lot of the WalMart store where Sgt. Hunter was killed, the Texas morning sun was shining reminding us of the light of his friendship and person.

Chaplain Emil Balliet
Grand Prairie, Texas

June 24, 2011

Daddy,

How mommy and I miss you so! Today is a very sad reminder for us that you were taken from mommy and me 7 years ago. You will always be our bright and shining star throughout our lives. We will never forget your service or your selfless sacrifice. Mommy and I love you now, always and forever and ever!

Today, mommy and I celebrated your life at the memorial monument with many people in attendance to honor you. At the conclusion of the service, we held a balloon release where friends wrote messages to you on their balloons. Mommy and I each wrote a very special message on a card and attached them to our balloons. We released the balloons in unison and watched the many balloons as they soared high into the heavenly sky where we know you share your eternal life in Heaven. It was such a beautiful moment. I know you were watching. Chaplain Emil Balliet spoke kindly about you and especially focusing on you has a good Christian and father. I wrote something very special about you daddy and Chaplain Balliet shared my story with everyone who came to remember and honor you. Here's my story daddy but you already know.

DADDY -
There exists a very special quote by a well-renowned author by the name of Max Lucado that I will never forget. This quote was typed on a yellow sheet of notebook paper and taped on our refrigerator door by my father for me to read.... “From the first time a father reaches to take his daughter's infant hand, she reaches up and takes his heart. She never returns it. He is her protector, her provider, her knight, her hero. In turn she is his lamb, his angel on loan. His beauty of beauties.”

This is how I have always remembered my father, Sergeant Gregory Lei Hunter, and how I will always cherish him in my heart. He was and is the devoted father who would push me in the swings at the local park, race me in car video games, challenge me in basketball until I was completely tired out, who would always attend every sporting event, talk to me about the qualities of a loving and God fearing husband and father, remind me of his very much needed approval for any young man that would dare try to court me “when I get older”, and who would always stay at my hospital bedside for every open heart surgery praying with my mother and I, kissing my forehead until my fearful eyes turned into roaring and effortless smiling and laughter before heading into the operating room; but most of all I knew him then and still know him now as the faithful Christian servant and mentor who would come home from a long day at work, put on comfortable clothes, and sit at the kitchen table with two Bibles open, as he asked me how my day went and read some of our favorite household scriptures, amongst others, and teach me how to apply these into my daily life.

I have very fond memories of my daddy teaching me what it is to love and be loved, to have true ambition, and to be thankful and never forget the wonderful works of God as well as the people God graciously places in our lives, even if for such a short time as this, to always walk in the Lord’s way and praise Him continually, to always be kind and generous in heart and to always be thankful and be giving. I know that my daddy is the true blessing that God has shared not only with my mother and me, but also with others who will never forget and will continue to keep very much alive his unique, cheerful and Godly spirit, his beautiful smile and his ubiquitous kindness that continues to touch us all. I will never forget the joy and compassion that he demonstrated, and the humble role model for me that he will always continue to be.

Your candle will forever burn brightly in mommy and my hearts and your candle will never burn out. We love and miss you more than words could ever convey. Daddy, mommy and I know that we all will be together again and we will celebrate our eternal life together with no more sadness, no more pain and with much joy and happiness. Mommy and I always and will forever carry you in our hearts with all our love and you are always with us!

TOMORROW, MOMMY AND I WISH YOU HAPPY FATHER'S DAY IN HEAVEN.

We love you always and forever Daddy!

Your baby girl,

Erin M. Hunter
Your Loving Daughter

June 18, 2011

════════════ ೋღ☃ღೋ ════════════
♥ ♥ ♥ HAPPY VALENTINES DAY in
Heaven Daddy! Mommy and I love
you and we miss you so much. I
know you will love the roses we
brought to you at the memorial
and cemetery today. God is
blessing you face to face. With
all my love forever and ever and
ever and ever!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥
════════════ ೋღ☃ღೋ ════════════

Your baby girl,

Erin M. Hunter
Daughter

February 14, 2011

Sgt Hunter you were without a doubt one of the great ones. You still have an impact on me. Your kindness and thoughtful ways carry on thru those your graced with your teaching and mentorship. I only hope I measure up. God bless you and may you be resting in peace.

Anonymous

December 31, 2010

Dear Daddy,

Merry Christmas in Heaven from me and mommy and know with each passing sad and painful day, how much we remember your sweet face and gentle smile, and your caring and loving ways as a father and a husband to mommy. We will NEVER, EVER forget you! We love you with all our hearts. We continue to visit your memorial and the cemetery and came out today on Christmas. We will forever miss you Daddy. We love you with all our heart and soul.

Erin Hunter
Your Loving Daughter

December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas Sgt. Hunter.

Anonymous

December 25, 2010

A true hero. Rest in Peace,sir.

Trooper
Michigan State Police

September 24, 2010

Always remembered & honored 4 his service & his ultimate sacrifice. May the Lord continue to comfort all who mourn his tragic loss.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of Leo's

August 31, 2010

I really don't know how to start this. I remember watching the news when this happened. It hurts me to see this man had his life taken away. I know the pain that is going through the family for losing this man, because in that shooting I lost someone also, The guy in the van who shot Sergeant Hunter was my step dad. I was 12 years old when this happened. He was my dad for 9 years. When all of this happened and I heard he killed an innocent man I felt terrible. Like it was my fault. But it isn't my fault. I guess I just feel I need to apologize for what had happened June 18, 2004.

Shelby Clem
citizen

August 3, 2010

HERO...

Anonymous

July 23, 2010

As we stood at the memorial marker this morning, June 18, 2010, we honored our friend Sgt.Greg Hunter. The memory of the tragedy stirs our emotions on this day. The memories of Greg's life are a bright light that remind us of his integrity, dedication, and love for God and family - those are the things we choose to remember every day of the year. Six years have passed . . . we still remember and will never forget Sgt. Greg Hunter.

Chaplain Emil Balliet
Grand Prairie, Texas

June 18, 2010

Daddy,

The memorial service Chief Hill held this morning in your honor and memory was so nice. Chaplain Balliet spoke such beautiful words of you as a husband and father and deep your faith in the Lord. There were so many people who came out to honor you and your sacrifice and to support me and mom. The kind people at WalMart came to the service too and set up a nice shade and chairs for us as well as water for everyone. You should see all the beautiful and colorful flowers that were left by mom and me, co-workers, friends and the community who will never forget you and all you did. Mom and I forever hold you deep in our hearts and we will never forget you. Mom and I will always miss you with such incredible heavy hearts. You will always be the love of our life aside from our Lord. Mom and I love you beyond desription and we continue to work hard on your scholarship foundation to reach out and help others as you always did. Mom continues to speak so fondly of her love for you and the memories she will always cherish, as I do. I know you are continuing your good works for the Lord. We love and miss you for now and for always daddy. Your baby girl.

Erin M. Hunter

June 18, 2010

Thank you for your services. You will never be forgotten!

Daughter of an Officer

June 18, 2010

Hi Dad,

It's so nice to see the reflections people leave to show that you are still in their thoughts.

So many special memories of my very best friend I will cherish forever....Today is another day in memory of you and we have never stopped thinking of you...A fallen hero never forgotten, for [Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:16

So today's the day...help me get through it again. I Love you always.

Love your daughter,

Erin M. Hunter

Anonymous

June 18, 2010

Hi Greg,
Wow we all know "the day" is approaching it still seems so unreal. I was telling a new friend today about you and I told him I will never ever forget what I was doing at the exact time Bruce got on the radio and said Sgt Hunter has been shot hurry with the ambulance our world as we knew it stopped right then. Later at the hospital and the days that followed I never saw so many men and women officers cry openly..Sarge you were awesome, you were loved,respected, and mostly you are still missed. We love you... God bless you for being in our lives.

Anonymous

June 11, 2010

In just a few days it will be 6 years,seems like yesterday that Chantel called me and told me what had happened. We talked alot over 10 years, mostly you trying to get in my thick skull to do it the right way. I think it finally sunk in. Thank you. I learned alot from you. But mostly I miss you. I would sure like to hear that familar greeting, "Officer Mike Sutton" and then that smile. I hope I'm getting it right now, if I don't I am sure you will let me know.

Mike Sutton
Cockrell Hill PD formerly GPPD

May 29, 2010

On the way to work today, I saw a memory magnet on the back of a vehicle for Mr. Hunter. I researched him on the internet and have just been so moved to see what an impact he had on the community and what an awesome father and husband he was to his wife and children. I am deeply moved by this and this inspires me to be a better father to my daughter and thought his friends and family would like to know that Mr. Hunter has touched another life in his passing. I will prey that the family he left behind will continue to find peace and be able to live full and rich lives after his passing as you know this is what Mr. Hunter would want for them. Keep your faith and spirits high and I wish you peace and comfort as Mr. Hunter's passing comes up on its six year in a few months. My very best, Joe.

Joe
None

May 20, 2010

Dear Daddy,

Happy birthday to you daddy on your very special day in your eternal life in Heaven! How glorious it must be to be with our Lord! Mom and I continue to go to your memorial and gravesite each Sunday after church. I hope you know we are there and that we think of you everyday. We miss you so much. This will never change. Our special and wonderful memories of you and of us together as a family will always be with us and in our hearts. You are forever with us daddy. Mom is taking care of Grandmother-Dear, as she had emergency double bypass surgery and is very ill. She misses you very much too. Mom and I wish you a very special birthday in your very special home with our Lord and until we meet again, I want to say mom and I love you so very much and miss you more than words will ever decribe.

Erin M. Hunter
Your Loving Daughter

October 1, 2009

I recently met your beautiful and loving wife through facebook. I love her so much. I had bought a gregory hunter magnet in memory of you back when you got killed and my car was totaled by a DWI and I lost my magnet. I was hurt emotionaly over that. Well you sweet wife recently sent me another one. I just love her. Please keep watching over us. Jena

Jena

August 22, 2009

Sir, you are remembered. Again, thank you for your service and for everything that you gave to our community, our country and our God.

Anonymous

July 30, 2009

My first funeral after coming to Texas Law Enforcement was yours. God bless you and your family Brother. You have not been forgotten.

Officer Marc Sweeney #136
Denton Texas Police Department

July 28, 2009

Sir, Just wanted to let all of you know that Sgt. Hunter is honored every day. God Bless all of you at the Grand Prairie Police Dept. Stay safe my friends.

Sgt. Mike Szempruch
Bossier City Police Dept. Bossier City Louisiana

June 24, 2009

It's been five years today Mr. Hunter. I was going to write you a letter and leave it by your stone but I couldn't bring myself to do it. There are so many words that I have to say, yet none of them come out right. I never really got a chance to ever say thank you for all of the many Sundays that you took me to church. You were one of the very few people that could bring me closer to God since my grandfather's death. I can specifically remember every single Sunday, the smell of the house, the Sunday morning programs that would be playing, looking over the newspapers, and walking out of the door laughing and saying "Let's Bounce." Not to mention the three times that I ripped my jeans on the way to church. You and your family have made such an impact in my life, and I promise to always cherish every single moment with them. I thank God so much for putting Erin in my life. She is such a beautiful person inside and out. You have done the most amazing job on raising such a strong girl. I can't even begin to say how thankful I am for Denise being in my mother's life. For so long she has needed a true friend, and I am so glad that they have each other. I truly am. It is a blessing to know that she is a phone call away if my mother ever needed her. You could not have married a more perfect woman. Times can get really rough, yet it is hard to want to believe that everything happens for a reason, but I know it does. Two paths cross for a reason, and in this situation so many lives have been saved. Mine being one of them. You saved my life and brought me closer to God and for that I would have to say I owe you the world. I have been inspired to strive to be a better person, to keep a smile on my face come what may, and to always, always have faith that God is in control. Unfortunately, I find it hard to find myself in a church these days. I know that wouldn't be your answer for things, but it is so hard. I hope that things get easier, and in time I am sure they will. In the mean time, I'm doing my best and I know you would be proud of everyone. We all miss you more than words could ever say. You are a hero, my hero, and for that I love you. Thank you Mr. Hunter.

Tiffany

June 18, 2009

Well Gegg it has been five years ago today that you met your fate. I can still remember getting the page and my phone going crazy. I was in Plano when all hell broke loose. I was in the middle of a hearing and told the chairman that I had to leave, two of my officer had been shot. Chopin met me at I30 and Loop 12 and escorted me to the hospital. I got to see you as they sent you to surgery. I met Denise in the Chapel. But it was God's will that you go to be with him that day. Some many times I know you have been at my side when I am out on a traffic stop out in the country here in Ponder. When I get the hairs on the back of my neck raise up, I know you are trying to tell me something.

Keep those streets of gold safe by friend. May God bless Denise and all of your beautiful daughters.

Chief Steve Grube
Ponder PD Former GPPD Chaplain

June 18, 2009

Seems like it all happened just yesterday. Gone but not forgotten.

Anonymous

June 18, 2009