Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jared,
I was in DC during Police week. What an amazing time. Thousands of our brothers and sister together at the same place. It was truly amazing. I saw Jeff at your panel and Ken's panel. Your nephew was there with him, and it was inspiring to see the look on his face. I can't describe it. Natalie is amazing and has been a privledge to get to know her. You are not forgotten. Tell Ken I said hi.

June 9, 2007

Jared, My Dear Jared,

Police Memorial week in Washington, D.C. was a phenominal example of the bond that exists within the brotherhood and sisterhood of Law Enforcement. The hundreds and hundreds of officers from around the country who volunteered, working 10, 12 & 18 hour days to help the grieving family members was amazing. The dedication, support and love so beautifully on display by all of the volunteers, the Fraternal Order of Police, NLEOMF and COPS was beyond description. The honor they jointly bestowed upon you and the other officers who gave their earthly lives in 2006 while in the line of duty is something I will never forget. Emotionally draining, but unforgetable.

I made and brought with me, two laminated pictures of you, on Police Academy Graduation Day, proudly standing in front of a huge picture of a Colorado Springs Police Badge. It's the same picture of you that is on this ODMP website. Under your picture, I printed in large red letters the most prophetic words I have ever heard and will ever hear. They are the words you spoke to me when you informed me you were giving up your acting career to become a Police Officer. Under your picture the words are ..." Dad, I want my life to matter, I want my life to count. Det. Jared Scott Jensen EOW 2/22/06."

Along with other members of our family, I arrived several hours early for the candlelight vigil. Numerous times, while it was still daylight, I had to get up from my chair and walk ... just walk .. to get away, while staying within the confines of that beautiful Memorial setting. I walked back to that section of the wall that now bears your name. I knelt down to place one of the laminated pictures next to your name. While placing it there, a reporter asked me, as she looked at your picture, " is that your son?" I said yes, he is my son. She replied, "please tell me about him." I told her of your prediction at age 8, that you would be an actor. I spoke of you being on a professional stage at age 11, your high school, college successes (and beyond) as an extremely talented actor, But then, as I showed her the picture with those words, those prophetic words, she knew and the world knows that you accomplished in your 30 years and 17 days on this earth ... you accomplished your most wonderful goal. My dearest Jared ..Your life matters, it counts and it always will.

I did not realize it at the time, but that reporter was with the America's Most Wanted T.V. show. At the end of the following weekend's broadcast, which included many film clips of Poice Memorial week, at the very end of the show ...there I was, showing your picture, your words to millions of people.

Three weeks ago, today, President Bush spoke to the thousands of us about "holes in our hearts" over the (earthly) loss of our loved ones during the preceeding year. Afterwards, he visited with the families who were described as first-year survivors. When he came to me and others in our family, he saw the other laminated picture of you and those words. He stopped, took it from my hands, stared at it intently and said, "Oh, my God." He continued by saying, "I am so proud to be part of a country that has such fine women and men as your son." He autographed the picture, and then the President of the United States asked about you. I told him of your dedication to acting from age 8 to age 26, how talented you were ... then I referred to those words under your picture. I said you were a law enforcement officer, a Detective for 3 & 1/2 years and you loved it. He spoke more to all of us. He hugged your Mom. I asked him, "Mr. President, may I shake your hand." He looked me square in the eye and said, "you can shake my hand... you can hug me .. you can even kiss me." I gave him a big hug, thanked him for being there with all the families then I shook his hand. I will never forget his compassion of that day.

So, my dear son, it took me three weeks to gather what was needed within me to write all of these words. I am heart-broken, I grieve with pain that is almost unbearable. But, I will absolutely keep and honor my vow to you, your Spirit, to do all I can to honor you, your memory and your legacy.

Your life matters, in counts. You have positively impacted thousands already. Many more will be so affected in the future,

I love you Jared,

I Love you, Son,

Dad

Thomas Jensen
I am Jared's Father

June 6, 2007

I have been thinking about what happened to you alot lately. As well as all the other Police Officer funerals I have been to. Although for some reason your funeral stands out to me. As I am getting closer to the Police Academy I have so many thoughts and emotions running through my head. I hope to become a great Officer like yourself. I hope your family is doing well and staying strong.

May 30, 2007

You have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over us as we work to complete the mission you started.

May 29, 2007

Detective Jensen,
I wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you during this Memorial Day weekend. I recently moved to PA from Colorado Springs and remember your service at St. Patrick's. My young sons were moved by the pictures on display and asked many questions. All I could say (through many tears) was that even though we did not know you personally, you had this dedication and passion for what you did. It must take a rare, special kind of person to put his/her life on the line to protect us average people. Jared, we have thought of you (and Ken) so many times, and visit your reflections a few times a week. A simple thank you is not adequate to convey our gratitude. You have touched so many lives, young and old, and will forever be in our memory. I thank your family who stood by you while you pursued a career that was so meaningful to you.
Rest easy this Memorial Day weekend. Thank you.

Pennsylvania citizen

May 27, 2007

I have not forgotten....
A Proud CS citizen

May 22, 2007

Detective Jensen,
I have been a Colorado officer for about 3 years now. Your funeral was the first officer funeral I was able to attend since becoming an officer. I was so moved in your funeral, despite never meeting you, that I will never forget that feeling and never forget you. I saw your father on America's Most Wanted this weekend and my heart goes out to him and the rest of your family, I cannot imagine the pain they go through on a daily basis. Detective Jensen, you are a true hero, thank you for your service.

Police Officer
WRPD

May 22, 2007

I saw your Dad on America's Most Wanted, and I want him to know that cops around the country send their love to you and your family both. You followed your heart and became a cop; God knows and appreciates that. I hope your Dad reads "Our Children Forever" by George Anderson. It will help him cope with your loss. Rest in peace, brother.

Anchorage Police Dept. AK

May 20, 2007

Wish us luck this weekend and keep an eye on all of us! We are thinking of you.

May 19, 2007

A life cut too short by a horrible human being.
Thank you for your sacrifice.
God bless to you and your family and friends.
Thank you to all who protect us so we can feel safe.

suzanne lynch
citizen

May 18, 2007

J-Rod,
Washington was so amazing, you and the others were honored very well. Today we honor you, Ken, and the others here in Colorado. As I've said before...(and heard it sung so beautifully in D.C.) You are a hero not just for the way you died, but also for the way you lived. We will remember to celebrate your life as much as we honor your heroism. There are so many good memories, that come to me often and make me smile (and laugh!) We miss you. (And as Kyle wrote; hope you're having fun up there!)

Thinking of you Always,
Meridith

May 18, 2007

Today is National Law Enforcement Memorial Day, I salute you on this day for your bravery and dedication to law enforcement. I know the daily struggle your loved ones go through to get through each day without you. All they can do is take one day at a time and continue to keep your memory alive. Continue to watch over them. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 15, 2007

Today my family and I remember and honor you and all of your brothers and sisters who lived and loved this job. Those we have lost and those who still hold the line in honor of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Natalie and your family as they remember you today.

Erin
Wife of a CSPD Officer

May 15, 2007

Thank you for protecting our community, and please rest easy. Heroes are never forgotten. We're counting on you (and Ken) to watch over us now.

Deepest love, hugs, and condolences to your family. Be proud, as we all are.

CSPD LEO Mom

May 14, 2007

Thomas Jensen,
May you find peace and comfort knowing that so many of your son's "brothers in blue" are carrying on the torch and serving our communities each and every day in honor of our fallen brothers. Not a day goes by that I don't think about those who came before me and made the ultimate sacrifice. Your son is a hero and did more good in his all too short life than the average person will do in an entire lifetime. May you find strength in this sir.

Public Safety Officer J. Perrone
Sunnyvale Dept. of Public Safety, CA

May 6, 2007

Well J-Rod, the spot where you took a stand against evil looks a little different today. Thanks to the hard work and efforts of Bear Claw Landscapers, Rocky Mtn. Boulders, and everyone else on hand today, your special place is much more peaceful. I know you must like it, as we felt your presence, and nods of approval today as we worked. Now all you have to do is let the sun shine through (and a little shower now and then) to help keep things healthy and beautiful there. These next few weeks will be rough on all of us, as we continue to pay tribute to your sacrafice...
just know that we will always remember to celebrate your LIFE as well. We miss you.

Thinking of you Always,
Meridith

May 5, 2007

I still think of you all the time. I will never forget.

April 29, 2007

It still seems like yesterday, we will never be the same, you have not been forgotten. God bless and keep your family and wife strong and safe.

April 29, 2007

To Detective Jensen and family:

I couldn't help but think of a passage in Shakespears Romeo and Juliet when I read all of the reflections left for your loved one and thought I would share it with you as it seems to fit him perfectly:

"When he shall die take him and cut him out into stars and he shall make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun." - Shakespeare

God Bless you and your family especially your father, he truly tears my heart with his words on the website.
May you eternally find comfort and joy with our God and may He craddle you in Hisloving arms.

Sent with utmost respect,

Francis O'Brien (Ret)
Detroit Police Department

Francis

April 27, 2007

Jared,

I am still saying "Oh Jared - I can't do this. Please help me to be strong.

I love you Son,
Mom

Debby Hudson
Jared's Mom

April 25, 2007

In the fourteen months since you were taken from us, thoughts of you are never far from my heart and mind. Though the pain we feel gets a little better everyday, your memory still runs strong. We miss you.

April 24, 2007

I have not forgotten....
A Proud CS citizen

April 23, 2007

Jared I just wanted you to know I was thinking of you today as I do everyday

Rachel

April 23, 2007

The longest fourteen months of my life. I miss you Jared.

April 22, 2007

Missing you Jared.

Love,
Your Sis

Jonika Winkler
Sister of Det. Jared S. Jensen EOW: 2/22/06

April 19, 2007