Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

SGT GILBERT, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

March 8, 2008

Sgt. Gilbert,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Brockton. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

March 8, 2008

"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

February 18, 2008

I just read a story in the local paper about the drunk driver responsible for your death. He is now a ordained Reverend who preaches to others about the dangers of drunk driving. It's sad that it took the life of a beloved police officer for him to change his life.

Rest In Peace Sarge.

April 7, 2007

Even as a "busy" teenager, I remember Sgt Gilbert well.
He was a great guy and a great cop.
He is remembered warmly.

Andy Gillis
Son of a Friend

March 23, 2007

To Sgt. John Harold Gilbert and his loved ones:

On this the twenty second anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

Sgt. Gilbert, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Sgt. Gilbert.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Sgt. Gilbert gave to his community and the citizens of Massachusetts, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 8, 1984.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 8, 2006

I knew Sergeant Gilbert when I was his neighbor growing up in Brockton. Rest in peace "Mr. Gilbert." You have inspired many of us to carry on your mission of being kind and caring to others. Thank you for your service.

Sergeant Steven Tenore
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

Sergeant Steven Tenore
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

May 17, 2005

You are a true hero and we will never forget you! Rest easy, we got it from here...

Explorer Mike C
Newton Police Department (MA)

March 8, 2005

Thank you for your service. Rest in peace Brother

Officer Scott Lundegren
Yarmouth Police Dept., MA

August 3, 2004