Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Pride Integrity and Guts

Some of you may know my face, but not my name. Most of you have seen me around the city and some have even met me, but not always under the best of circumstances. Some of you have even spoken to me on the phone, when you called me while I was working.

Most of you have an opinion on how my job should be done, but would never take my job if it was the last one on earth. And some of you who don't even know me, hate me because of my job. But when I go to my job, I go to make a difference and so I can fight what everyone else fears.

When most would be running away from danger, my job requires me to run towards it. I do this in the hopes of making a difference for someone else I don't even know. Most people say I make too much money, because my pay is published in the newspaper. But don't think twice about hearing about another sports player sign a 20 million dollar contract for 6 months a year of playing a "game."

Since my job's base pay isn't the best I must work extra to pay the bills. Including working extra shifts on holidays, and pick up side work at construction sites as well on my days off, most still complain thinking I am greedy, but don't they realize that I to must pay taxes, have a mortgage car payments and kids in collage as well?

Don't they understand that I am not paid for what I do, but for what I am willing to do for them? After all how can you properly compensate someone to risk their own life and face danger everyday they go to work?

And when I go to work I am punched, kicked, spit on and called every name in the book for doing my job. And every night I leave my house to go to work I realize I may not come back home in the morning. Because when I go to work I can be stabbed, shot, drown, fall, be electrocuted, or die in a car accident rushing to help you.

My job also requires me to carry special "tools" to help me do my job. Sometimes even while doing my job I have to defend myself from someone attacking me. Although, the newspapers will report to you that I "beat someone down", and not that I defended myself from an attack.

While at work I must also carry a gun to protect you, but should I have to use it, the media reports to you that I "gunned someone down" or that I "shot and killed" somebody, and not that I defended myself. Don't they realize that I shoot to live and never to kill?

Also when I go to work I wrap a protective vest around me to help keep me safe through my shift. I use this vest so that I will be allowed to live to the end of my work day. And hope and pray that should something bad happen that this vest helps keep me alive so that I will be allowed to see my children grow.

When I go to my job, I will see more pain, sorrow, agony, death and destruction in one month than most of you will see in an entire lifetime.


And to the ones who don't know me, I unforunetly will meet most of you at the worst times in your life.

You often will call me to come help you out with a problem. But if you have a really big problem you can get me at a special 3 digit number and me and my coworkers will race to your house, just to help you no questions asked. All you have to do is call and we will be there for you, no matter what time, day, night or holiday, rain shine or blizzard.

Sometimes my job also requires me to deliver lectures, babies and even bad news. I am also the one required to ring your doorbell in the middle of the night, swallow hard and advise you that a loved one will not be coming home tonight, then I spend the rest of my shift wondering why I ever took such a job.

Some people even refer to me as a "pig," but when I hear that word called to me or one of my coworkers I think of Pride, Integrity and Guts, which everyone in my profession needs to do this job.

Me and my coworkers must be able to have muscles of steel, have a sense of humor and put ourselves into dangerous situations and face danger head on all in a days work.

We must act in a second and make a decision in the blink of an eye, and spend the rest of our life hoping we made the right choice in that split second. If not we can be arrested and charged with breaking a law, be sued for violating someone's rights, or end up with even a worse fate.

My job requires me to take an oath to be their and to risk my life to protect you. And it is an oath that me and my fellow coworkers have taken and is one that we will not break.

What, you ask is my job, I am your local police officer. And what do I ask in return of doing all this and risking my life for you, nothing at all because it is my job and my hope, of being the one who makes the difference.


- Ofc. P. Cotter
Lynn Mass PD............

Ptlm. P. Cotter
Lynn MA Police

June 22, 2004

" A police Officer is out there doing his job 365 days a year, but this officer is never really truely recognized, until the job is done or he is killed."

June 22, 2004

May you rest in peace and always be remembered as a hero. Thank you for your hard work. God Have Mercy on your soul

Ryan

June 22, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Gregory did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Gregory be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Sergeant Hunter's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Gregory is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Gregory was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Sergeant Hunter for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

June 22, 2004

To the friends and family of Sgt. Hunter, I am deeply sorry for your loss and pray that God will shower you with love and stregnth during your time of mourning. To my brother in blue, Thank you, Sgt, for a job well done. Although I never met you, your excellent reputation speaks for itself. May you rest in peace my brother. . . we'll take it from here.

Bronson Owen, Officer
Fort Worth Police Department

June 22, 2004

God bless you and your family, Sergeant Hunter. Rest in Peace, we'll take it from here my brother.

Officer in North Dakota

June 21, 2004

If Officer Hunter would have been my Son, ... right now I might be grieving and mad. I might be mad at the deranged man that shot him, or I might be mad at the system for allowing him to “slip through”.

However, I would also be very proud. Proud to know that my Son did exactly what he was trained to do…save lives. In this particular we will never know how many lives Sgt. Hunter and Officer Seix saved by getting involved in this situation. I believe God put them in this situation to protect the public they were sworn to serve.

So grieve. Pay respects to Sgt. Hunter’s family. But never forget that this is the exact thing that Sgt Hunter loved, and the reason he became a Peace Officer. To protect the public. He did this with his last breath.

God Bless Sgt. Hunter and all the other Peace Officers doing their job, protecting the public.

Anonymous
Grand Prairie

June 21, 2004

Sgt. Hunter you will be missed but never forgotten. May God bless you and your family. Keep a watch over us-we will truly miss you!

Officer Chris Weis
Grand Prairie

June 21, 2004

My husband Ofc Eric Schuster and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Ofc Hunter. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless

Dispatcher Corinne Schuster
Coral Springs Police, Fl

June 21, 2004

The world lost a great man. Hunter is now with the big party under the Lord's gentle hands. May the Hunter family be comforted in their grief and loss. He is a true Hero. Heroes go to Heaven. He's with God now and having a pow wow with another Hero, Ronald Reagan. What an honor.
Yours, Susan

Susan Motley
none

June 21, 2004

TO:The family;loved ones;friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER'S PRAYER:- O,gentle Lord! Keep the day/night watch with me.As I begin my tour of duty , I ask your protection from all mental,physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work,endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent on me for life and safety.Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence..Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers,and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord,I ask that I may return safely,after my tour of duty,to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer;and after my tour of duty is over here on earth,may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well.AMEN.***REST IN PEACE*** Sent to you by the father of First Class Officer J.D.Koeppen,Capital City Raleigh NC,Trooper D.C.Koeppen,NJ State Police and Cadet Officer A.M.Koeppen,Wilmington NC.

Chief (retired) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

June 21, 2004

On behalf of my department, our thoughts and prayers go out to Sgt. Hunters' family, co-workers and friends.

To all of our public safety counterparts out there, please stay safe!

Roy de Leon, Paramedic/Fire Fighter
Glenn Heights Fire Department

June 21, 2004

You gave the ultimate price. You are in a better place now and we will all see you again.

Officer Russell Tucker
Plano PD

June 21, 2004

To the Hunter family...my deepest sympathy to your family in this time of grief. I too, understand what you are going through as I lost my brother 3 years ago this July in a Swat Stand off. From the things I've read and heard, I can be certain that Sgt. Hunter is not alone; my brother will welcome him up there. He sounds like such a wonderful person. God Bless him and your family.

Karen Buechler
sister to Sgt. Kevin D. Cox, Lubbock, Tx

Karen Buechler
none

June 21, 2004

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Sgt. Greg Hunter. I have read a few reflections about him and never knowing him can honestly say that I would follow him into battle armed with only a slingshot and rocks. He sounds like a motivator and a fantastic Sgt. I watched on Friday as this incident unfolded on the news and hoped that both officers were okay, but found out later that Sgt. Hunter had passed. Grand Prairie and Texas has lost a true HERO. Rest in peace brother and watch over us guys in Florida. To the members of the Grand Prairie police Department keep up the good work and besafe.

Cpl. Bryan Taylor
Hillsborough Co. Sheriff's Office Tampa, Fl.

June 21, 2004

To the family and law enforcement family of Sgt. Greg Hunter, it was heart-wrenching to hear about his loss. How many times we tell our fellow officers to be careful out there, not allowing, in our heart of hearts to that we might not see them again in this life.
"But they that wait upon the Lord shal renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isa. 40:31.
Greg could not have given a more precious gift, could not have paid a more dear price, when he laid down his very life for others. He obviously lived what he believed and gave strength and uplifts to all who knew him.
An eternal gift to his children is the love he had for their mother, and that his children know how to pray. The love, character, integrity, and courage he displayed in this life are things that can never be taken from his family.
And so it goes with too many of our own over our radios...Sgt. Greg Hunter is 10-42 in this life...but is 10-41 in the next. He lives just as our Savior lives, and will stand watch in the eternities, over his loved ones. He will especially be there to welcome his family one day.
We might be 10-1, but Greg's message for all who ever knew him will be eternally 10-69.
May the Lord bless and comfort each of you and let you feel complete joy in celebration of his life and its influence on yours.
You are all in our hearts and in our prayers.
Cpl. Pam Jetsel
PIO Johnson County Sheriff's Office

Cpl. Pam Jetsel
Johnson County Sheriff's Office

June 21, 2004

From a fellow officer,

Thank you for doing a wonderful job and being a funny, caring, and brave officer. You were well loved! Rest in peace knowing you did your job to the best of your ability.

"To Protect and Serve"

Assistant Fire Marshal, Retired
Irving, TX
and:
Police Officer, Part Time
Dallas County Community College District
Northlake College, South Irving Center
Irving, TX

Police Officer Mary Pettigrew
Dallas Community College District - Northlake College

June 21, 2004

Greg and I were the first supervisors to receive training in use of the Taser. As such, we were given the choice of whether or not to take a "hit" from the Taser electrodes to get an idea what the shock felt like. We decided to take the "hit", setting a precedent for all those who attended the training after us. While I was about to get shocked Greg stood behind me to catch me if I fell and was there to support me when I started to go down after the shock. That's one thing I will never forget about Greg. He always had your back.

Greg, I am a better man for having known you. Godspeed, my friend. Our partner. Our bud.

Sgt. Eric Hansen
Grand Prairie PD

June 21, 2004

I would liek to that The Lord for brining Sgt Greg Hunter into my life 7 yrs ago. When I first met,Greg, he asked my name. I told him my name was Kirk Garza, and I got the usual response like Capt Kirk , of the Tv show Star Trek. I said yes. From that point on, everytime I saw greg, he woudl as who was taking the "Con", for the oncoming shift in dispatch. I will miss that question, alomg with his great smile. He will be missed dearly. but he can rest assure, that anytime I am there, I will have the "Con" for him. Love Kirk W. Garza C151 Senior Telecommunicator Aka "Capt Kirk"

Senior Telecommunicator Kirk Garza
Grand Prairie Police Department

June 21, 2004

My deepest thought go out to your family, friends, and co-workers during this difficult time.....
Without trying to sound vengeful, I'm glad that your killer got his.....
Your reflections bespeak of you being a cop's cop, and I truly commend you for that, as well as your strong sense of family. Thank you for your years of faithful service doing this often thankless job...

P.O.-Michigan

June 21, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for your bravery, courage and commitment to the badge – your hard work and valiant efforts will never be forgotten. God bless!

A Relative of Officer Robert Stanze
EOW: August 8, 2000

June 21, 2004

This has truly brought to light the nature of my husband's job to proctect the city. Greg, he spoke of your kind, gentle spirit. But we know that you have received your promotion as a guardian angel. God bless your family.

Kim Fincher
Wife of Officer Fincher

June 21, 2004

God bless Greg's family.. My heart goes out to them..

I will miss seeing Sgt Hunter walking through the parking lot on the way to my car after my shift.. Just about every morning he was walking in as I was walking out and we'd have a nice little exchange of "Good morning" and "How are you?".. He was such a happy man and that seemed to come from deep within.. I will always remember the willing smile.. and a true Soldier of GOD..

Detention Officer Laurisa Escobedo
Grand Prairie PD

June 21, 2004

It's a very sad and tragic day in Grand Prairie and all over the world. We lost a great man, a very good friend and a protector. I have known Greg from the time he came back to Grand Prairie in 1981 when I was working as an HR Recruiter. I can never forget that time, he had a huge smile on his face when I first met him.....and since then I have never seen him without a big smile. I knew then that Grand Prairie is very fortunate to have such a great guy in the Police Force. He is loved and respected by everyone and so did I. He never missed to come by my office whenever he came and visited the HR Dept. We've talked about his family and he is so proud of his children and I have children with the same age so we compared notes and we had a lot of laughs.....great memories and friendship that I will always cherish and remember....goodbye my sweet friend but we will meet again someday....and thank you for your friendship and for keeping the city safe....our prayers and thoughts to your loved ones....we will miss you and I love you my dear friend...may you rest in peace and watch over us from heaven!

Gaye McCollough, Former HR Manager City
President/Owner Legends Sports Photography

June 21, 2004

My deepest condolences to Sgt Greg Hunter's wife and children as well as his extended family at GPPD. May God carry your burden and grief through the coming days, weeks and years.

Sgt Greg Hunter was truly a remarkable man. He genuinely cared for his officers on a personal level. When Steve was hospitalized for surgery a few years ago, Greg called to check on his condition several times. He not only called to check on Steve he also took the time to talk with me and see if I was doing ok. Greg was the REAL DEAL and it was obvious through his actions.

Sgt Greg Hunter has left his mark on this world and he will not be forgotten. May the goodness of Greg’s life comfort each and every one of you in your sorrow. I pray that through this terrible tragedy that everyone will be inspired to live their life as Greg did…caring for others.

Thank you Sgt Hunter for your sacrifice. Rest in peace.

Teri Courson (wife of Officer Stephen Co
Grand Prairie Police Department

June 21, 2004