Remembering U.S. Capitol Officers

Capitol Police officers John M. Gibson, left, and Jacob J. Chestnut were killed during Friday's shooting at the U.S. Capitol. Donations may be mailed to the U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund, at 119 D St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20510. Readers' condolences are posted below.

It was a pleasure to have known, and served, with you both. Thank you for your service to God, your country, and the United States Capitol Police. God bless you and your families, and may you live in memories here ever after, for you will both be sorely missed! Your dedication to duty, and attention to detail, will long serve as a lasting example to those of us who will continue to serve and protect. My thoughts and prayers are with you both, as they are with your families and friends.
Detective Mark S. Shutters
United States Capitol Police

TO: OFFICER J.J. CHESTNUT - MY CLASSMATE, FRIEND , COWORKER, AND MENTOR. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE DAYS WE SPENT AT THE ACADEMY AND OUR WHOLE LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER. YOU WERE ALWAYS THERE TO LEAD AND GUIDE AND TO GIVE ME THE ASSURANCE TO STAY THE COURSE. I FEEL BLESSED JUST FOR THE MERE FACT OF HAVING HAD TO PLEASURE TO KNOW YOU. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN SOME DAY.
LARRY GAINES
U.S. CAPITOL POLICE

What a tragedy for you, the families of the fallen, for the nation, and for the mentally ill Mr. Weston and his family. May God be with you and bring you and your family peace. Please know my prayers are for you.
Christine Janis
Wallingford, Conn.

I would like to send in my sincere condolence to the family of these two brave officers who gave their life for the protection of others. My prayers are with them. There is a little comfort in knowing that they are in Heaven now.
Shawn Azarmanesh
Gaithersburg, Md.

To the Chestnut & Gibson families, As a Washingtonian, I take the events that occurred very much to heart. I am praying for you that the peace of our Lord will rest upon you and remain with you forever. Your husbands, fathers, etc. ... did the most noblest of duties in God's sight, they gave their lives for another, much like Jesus. I know within my heart that they are now in the Eternal City waiting until they meet with you again. Hold on to His hand and He will see you through!
Pamela R. Haynes
Bennettsville, S.C.

My sorrow is mixed with pride and anger. Sorrow over the loss of two true Americans. Pride in same two Americans. Anger because it seems there will always be too many guns,too easily acquired.
Wendell Ames
Menlo Park, Calif.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims who lost their lives in the Capitol shooting this week-end. Also, to the parents of the alleged gunman who need to remembered. God bless you all.
The Whitfields: John, Rita, Wendy, and Stormi
Enterprise, Ala.

I would like to send my sincere condolences to families, friends, and everyone who knew and loved officers Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson. Those two truly brave men gave their lives defending our nation's capital, and those visiting and working there. They are real heros, and will always be remembered that way. Surely, they are now with God, enjoying eternal happiness.
Logan Stickney
Kearney, Neb.

All of America has the families of Officer Gibson and Officer Chestnut in their thoughts and prayers for their actions in fulfilling their jobs as law officers. They are the role models for our youth and for our future as a free America.
Vicky Hand
Chillicothe, Ohio

I express my condolences to the families and colleagues of these officers, and gratitude and admiration for their sacrifice. When duty demands the highest price, only the most dedicated pay it; they paid it for us all. May we remember their example when duty calls us.
John Rylander
Rochester, Minn.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the families of these two Heroes, who have sacrificed their lives to protect others from harms without least hesitation. Such deed, I am sure not many of us can do. They have already had a meaningful life, even though it is not reasonably long. May Mr.Chestnut & Mr.Gibson rest peacefully in the arms of god!
Dick T. Williams
Los Angeles

Our prayers are with the families of officers Gibson and Chestnut...an unbelievable tragedy!
Steve, Chris, and Jason
Aliso Viejo, Calif.

We would like to send our most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of our newest American Heroes, officers Gibson and Chestnut. We will keep you in our prayers in order to help the healing process.
William and Gerald Edgerton
Odessa, Tex.

Please extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families of Officer Chestnut and Officer Gibson. Please tell them we wish we could undo what has been done. May God be with them in their hour of grief.
Doris A. Royle
Purdum, Neb.

To the families of these brave and honorable servants of the U.S. Capitol Police, We are praying for you in this difficult time, and thoughts for your comfort and peace are constant. God Almighty will always be your right guard and He holds you in His loving arms. He will never leave you or forsake you. We love you and support you in this time of sorrow.
Anne W. Berkowitz
Fresno, Calif.

Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson truly represented the "Thin Blue Line" in losing their life while engaged in their duty to protect the lives of innocent citizens and our country's government representatives. They did not die in vain and shall always be remembered as "brothers" by law enforcement officers nation-wide.
William S. Sykes
Rocklin, Calif.