Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Kris,

It's hard to believe 16 years has passed since you were taken from us. While it feels like forever ago, it still feels like yesterday. I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I got the call. I still carry the pair of handcuffs you bought me after FLETC everyday I go on patrol. They have gotten a lot of use over the years.

The impact you had on my career all those years ago is still felt. I have modeled my career of protecting our natural resources after the work you started and the example you set. You were a role model to myself and many others. I am grateful for the way you lived your life and the sacrifice you made. I will never forget.

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." - Isaiah 6:8

R. Huffman
Former USFS LEO and NWWZ co-worker

September 20, 2024

A great deal of time has passed but you still make a difference in the world through your story.

I'm on vacation with my girlfriend in Forks this week, she was quite a Twilight fan when she was younger and we wanted to tour the sights. As we stopped in to the Forks PD side of the city hall, your memorial photo is still there prominently displayed by the touristy Twilight themed one. I hadn't really thought of where your forest was when I read your story in the case at the USFS staff office at FLETC, but I won't forget it now. I had to quickly look up the story and tell it, now it's permanently etched in my mind. She hates my job as much as I love it, and your story reminds her of the nightmares and creeping thoughts we both have about what can happen in this job. I have no doubt your story will affect her in her work as a paramedic as it will me in mine.

I've seen the echos of your presence in the news story of you daughter joining the PAPD, the comments left here that I can picture now that I've visited and the challenges of this forest I can see while we vacation in it. I see old reflections left by Don Harris, the recently retired Special Agent in Charge of Region 4, Senior Special Agent Brandon Robinson who now serves at a FLETC working with new officers and Officer Jason Crisp who also gave his life in the service of our nation some years after you. Each reflection of theirs makes me consider how they must have felt, thought and changed through the knowledge of your sacrifice, reminding me to be vigilant in and thankful for this short life we have.

I'll return to Idaho soon and go back to work on my forest, with both a revitalized mind and rejuvenated attitude. Your story reminds me to consider the ways I can be careful, the things I can do to be ready and the challenges we face in this work. You have an impactful legacy.

I thank you for your service and sacrifice. You'll never be forgotten.

LEO Kevin Brizzi
USFS LE&I, #2499

November 14, 2023

RIP Kris.

Andy B
Former co-worker

September 24, 2021

You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.
Love leaves a memory no one can steal."

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

June 15, 2021

You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.
Love leaves a memory no one can steal."

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

June 15, 2021

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 20, 2020

RIP Kris.

Andy B
Former coworker

September 20, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Fairbanks.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 20, 2019

Kristine would be so proud and happy for daughter, Whitney, who is following in mom's footsteps as a K9 officer with the Port Angeles Police Department.

Gerald L. Brown, CCO
Port Angeles Office of Community Corrections, Washington DOC

December 17, 2018

Hi Kris, I'm so sorry I missed your funeral, wasn't my idea. You were an awesome K9 officer. When we met as two cops, recently moved to a seriously rural beat, I was so happy to be doing an entry on a warrant with such an outstanding cop.

You are one of the best cops I've ever known. Thank you for your service.

Retired Deputy Brian Post
Former Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy

October 13, 2018

We still think about you and miss you.

Cenci
WSP dispatcher

September 24, 2018

RIP Kris. Thoughts, as ever, with the family.

Andy B
Former coworker

September 21, 2018

Kris was my dear friend and colleague for many years. I was there when she wed and when her daughter was born. Her murder was tragic and senseless. She loved public lands and gave her heart to her job and to the American people. She is missed. So very, very missed.

Kym Hall, Superintendent
National Park Service

September 20, 2018

I had the great priveledge and honor to have known Kris due to our passion for K9. Kris was the first to certify K9 Shay and I, a time I shall never forget. I did a pencil rubbing of her name when a visited the fallen law enforcement officers memorial in Washington DC several years ago. I keep that as my tribute to her as well as a reminder how fragil life is.

Deputy Sheriff K9 Handler/trainer
Madison County Sheriff’s Office

September 20, 2018

On the 10th anniversary of her death, I salute the service of Kristine Marie Fairbanks. We are grateful for her service in the Thin Blue Line. We remember her here in perpetuity. Her assailant will forgotten in the dust of history.

Stan Jefferson
Citizen of Arizona

September 20, 2018

Officer Fairbanks,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 20, 2018

Rest In Peace Sister. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 22, 2017

Driving through Forks last month, for probably the last time, and 96.7 'Twilight' just happened to play 'Pocketful of Sunshine'. Brought both a smile and a lump in the throat. RIP Kris. Thoughts with the family.

Andy B
Former co-worker

September 20, 2017

Officer Fairbanks, the love and respect of those who knew you are apparent in these reflections. You will be honored and remembered always, and your dedication and commitment will be an example to us all.

Tina Lewis Rowe
Captain, Denver Police Department (ret.)
U.S. Marshal, Colorado (ret.)

February 25, 2017

RIP Kris. Thoughts, as ever, with the family.

Andy B
Former co-worker

September 20, 2016

God Bless Brian and Whitney and I cried when I saw the photo of Brian pinning the Seattle PD badge on Whitney's uniform today...

Special Agent Spelsberg
Former NPS

October 28, 2015

RIP Kris. Thoughts with the family.

Andy B
Former co-worker

October 18, 2015

God's peace and speed Officer Fairbanks. Thank you for your many years of brave, dedicated service. You are remembered today, and always. RIP Sister.

P/O R. Popelka #7903
Chicago P.D.

September 20, 2015

Hello Kris, it's been awhile since I've visited here.

I've been thinking about you a lot today. I have a lot to thank you for, you know? I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for you. I'm grateful for the low and kindness you showed me.

Guess I just wanted to stop by and say I have not forgotten you, and I never will.

I miss you lots.

A friend

May 3, 2015

Dear Kris,

For some reason I could not get you out of my mind today. I was driving around Lake Crescent, thinking about how many times our lives intertwined.

The first time I met you, you were returning from a ski trip and rescued me from a Search and Rescue vehicle at the top of Fairholm. A year or so later I pulled a 2-year-old Whitney from the waves at Rialto. Then Whitney was in my Girl Scout troop for 5 years. You and I did dog training exercises together. And frequently we would run into each other when you were on patrol and I was out mountain biking. You made me feel safe in the forest knowing you were taking care of things.

Before I got all the way home to Forks, "Pocket Full of Sunshine" came on the radio. I couldn't believe it! I hadn't heard that song for years. What a coincidence--or a sign?? I will always remember how Whitney choose that song for your memorial.

Whitney, if you are reading this, you are in my prayers, always & forever. You, too, Kris.

God Bless,
Becky Dickson

A civilian friend.

April 9, 2015