Obituary of Sergeant Chad Germain

[home]

Germain – Chad Joseph., of Hicksville, L.I., on November 18, 2016. Beloved son of Michael F. Germain and Elizabeth J. Germain. Dear brother of Scott Harrison Germain & wife Patti and Michele Germain Vice & husband Jon. Cherished lifelong friend of Daniel Patrick McCarthy. Devoted uncle of Nicole, Allison, Michael, and Kathryn. Sergeant Chad Germain was a thirteen year veteran of the Hempstead Police Department Patrol Division as well as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps (Operation Desert Shield) while serving aboard the USS Eisenhower. Sgt. Germain was a highly decorated police officer who received the Meritorious Service Award. Chad was following in the footsteps of his father, Sgt. Michael Germain, Old Westbury Police Department (retired).
Chad was loved and adored by many.

   
        Chad shown here with sister Michelle’s children Katy & Michael
       Taken a week before Chad passed.

             

One of the many who loved Chad was an 11 yr old boy, Jack Fleming,  from South Florida with autism who is on a mission to say "thank you" to all law enforcement officers. This inspirational young man has made it his mission to thank all law enforcement officers for their sacrifice and service. He’s not letting autism hold him back from bringing smiles and sharing random acts of kindness.
Jack’s dad, John, was a NYPD officer who now serves with the Juno Beach Police. After arriving in Florida, Jack decided to make a difference taking baked goods, gifts and cards to police departments, grocery stores, and random “Love Every Officer” (LEO) locations in the community.
My cards say, 'Dear Officer, you're a hero. I stand beside you and support you. Love Jack Fleming and Be safe.'
Chad, a 1989 graduate of Jericho High School became good friends with a classmate, Caryn Wasserman and the two maintained their friendship over the years.
The friendship that Chad had with Jack was a friendship nurtured because Caryn often talked about Chad and his job with the Hempstead Police Department.
When Chad heard about Jack thanking police officers in Florida for their work, Chad would text him and praise him. Remember…Jack is only 11 years old. Chad said, “Caryn is an amazing woman who is Jack's biggest advocate”.

     
               Jack presenting cards to two Florida police officers

                                                                        

Caryn, whose daughter Riley also has autism says, “sadly Jack has been bullied and picked on and feels his connection with officers is a miracle.”
"He doesn't have the ability to connect with people, but he connects with officers. Officers have approached him and gotten teary eyed. It doesn't take much to smile, say hi or thank you to someone who needs it. Jack feels so good spreading kindness."

http://cbs12.com/news/extraordinary-people/11-year-old-jack-fleming-4-leos

A note from Chad’s very close friend Jack Fleming…
Can you PLEASE do this with me? I love my LEOs and I also love and respect our military and vets. In November my very good friend Chad Germain passed away and it made me so sad. Chad was the son of Mike Germain and Elizabeth “Bette” Harrison Germain both graduates from Hicksville High School class of 1964. Chad served in the United States Marine Corps and was also a police Sergeant for the Hempstead Police Department. He sure was my hero.
I want to do something for him and also for our country. I will send a package to our troops oversees with a thank you letter in memory of Chad.

PLEASE Put a package together (list of requested items below).

This is the wish list of this month’s platoon (they have no TV, no Refrigerator/Freezer and  no way to cook except in a microwave and they have no Post Exchange (PX) to shop for these necessities that we take for granted:

Toothpaste
Crystal Light Powder (liquid water enhancer)
Floss
Nail Clippers
Body Wash
Lotion
Cleansing Wipes
Socks Protein Bars
Tuna Packets
Candy
Chips
Mio (liquid water enhancer)
Beef Jerky
Uncle Bens Microwavable Rice Packs
Rice Cakes
Gum
Mints
European Electric Outlet Adapters
Books/Magazines
Tooth Brushes

 

The shipping address.

                                   

Make sure you put #chadstrong on the box

                                 

take a picture of the box and post it on Jack Flemings Facebook Page. Also, please send an email to Bette bmain3@icloud.com that a box has been sent. There will be a drawing at the end of the month for a “Jack Has My Back” awesome t-shirt and everyone who does this with me has a chance to win one. Let’s do this easy thing for people who do so much for us. Are you in? And please share so your friends and family do it too.

A note from Bette…Jack continues to help fill the hole in our hearts with his acts of kindness and support of our First Responders and our Military. This is the epitome of his tribute to Chad. Chad loved being a Marine and loved being a police officer with the Hempstead PD. Thank you Jack! You continue to make him proud.  The send off that Chad received overwhelmed Mike and me. We have learned what an amazing friend he was to so many and what an impact he had on all who knew him. Jack Fleming has helped fill some of the hole in our hearts. #chadstrong

 [home]