Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace, Ranger!

Lead Ranger Matt Lyons
National Park Service, Traffic Management - SEKI

June 23, 2024

Ranger Patrick,
On today, the 50th 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

August 5, 2023

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

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

August 5, 2020

Rest in peace Park Ranger Patrick.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2020

My thoughts and prayers are with Tomie Patrick-Lee and her family on the anniversary today of the murder of NPS LE Ranger Ken Patrick. I worked for her as a National Park Service Law Enforcement Ranger when she was the Chief Ranger of LE Operations at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona) during the summer of 1998 at Halls Crossing and three years later when she was the Superintendent of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska. She is and will always be a symbol of strong NPS leadership during the early years of my NPS LE career. I cannot imagine losing Ken on this morning 42 years ago at Point Reyes National Seashore while she was at home taking care of their 20 months old, 5 yr old, and 12 yr old children. As I now have a wife, 5 yr old daughter and 2 yr old son at home; I always reflect and remember those NPS LE rangers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for being an NPS LE Ranger. May they watch over all of us as we continue to serve the public, make traffic stops to keep the roads safe in our NPS units, and maintain a presence for the safety of all visitors as NPS LE Rangers on patrol throughout all of the National Park units. Very Respectfully, Kevin Kavanagh

USNPS Law Enforcement Ranger
NPS, Minute Man National Historical Park, Mass.

August 5, 2015

A terrible waste. Ken Patrick was a caring person who stood for all the good things men & women value in life. He was a special friend of my parents, who never ever got over this tragic event. My sister and I both send love and best wishes to Ken's family. He shall always be in our hearts.

Barbara Bailey Martin

April 6, 2014

I just found this website honoring Ken Patrick. Ken was my brother in law. He was always dedicated to any task he took underway. It has always saddened me to know he died at such an early age. He left behind sons and left them big shoes to fill. He is well-remembered.

Melanie McDowell (Patrick)
former sister-in-law

February 16, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 31, 2013

Ranger Patrick thank you for your willingness to serve your fellowman. May the Lord continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother. You will not be forgotten.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

August 5, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former Police Officer
District Heights Police Dept. (MD)

August 5, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 27, 2008

Ranger Patrick, the Chicago Street Sign was voted down by the City Council of Chicago. Many people besides me fought this horrible idea, including the Officer Down Site. How they could even think of honoring a Black Panther in beyond belief. You have not been forgotten, nor the other officers who were murdered by members of this radical organization. You are the hero that should have the street sign. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

September 4, 2006

Ranger Patrick, you have not been forgotten. I can not believe that they would even consider parole for a cold blooded killer, especially one that would kill a police officer. Now an Alderwoman in the City of Chicago is attempting to have a street named in honor of one of the Black Panther leaders. This totally discusts me and is a slap in the face for the 8 officers killed my members of this radical organization. You are the HERO Ken. I will fight this proposal the best I can and I hope others will join me in this fight. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

March 1, 2006

The following is a letter sent to Chicago City Councilwoman Madeline Haithcock who has sponsored an ordinance to name a city street "in honor" of a former chairman of the Black Panthers who advocated murdering police officers.

************************************************************************

King County, in Seattle Washington just announced today that they will adorn all county seals, flags, papers, patches and badges with the image of Martin Luther King... I personally am proud to wear the image of my childhood "HERO" on my uniform and badge.

I am however shocked and appauled that you sponsored an ordinance to name a city street "in honor" of a former chairman of the Black Panthers who advocated murdering police officers. Members of the radical group were responsbible for the murders of 5 law enforcement officers, including 2 Chicago officers during his chairmanship.

I can think of the families of the murdered officers (Frank Rappaport ~ John Gilhooly ~ Glenn Smith ~ Kenneth Patrick ~ Ricky Kinchen), and how horrified they might feel to see this supposed honor. Please think of "all" involved before moving on with this idea.

Glenn McGloughlin

Officer Glenn R. McGloughlin
King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention

February 28, 2006

God Keep you Brother Kenneth and bless your family. Your service was heroic and honorable, and your death senseless and vile. While those who slayed you will be forgotten your courage will live on always. Rest now as we keep the watch.

February 28, 2006

What a heart-breaker! Wicked and senseless :-(

Mark V.
Security Officer, Conn.

September 17, 2005

Ranger Patrick,
On today, the 32nd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Nation. It sickens me that the scum that murdered you, only had to serve no more than 32 years for the cold blooded way they murdered you.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

August 5, 2005

Ranger Patricks sacrifice shall never be forgotten. Ranger Patrick, When your killer was to be released all active and retired green & gray hearts were sadded just as on the day you fell but your brothers and sister in Green and Gray (and those of other agencies) all petitioned the release. We never want your sacrifice forgotten or lessened. No matter what the outcome you will always hold a special place in all our hearts.

Franco

July 10, 2005

Thank you for your service. May God continue to bless your family and friends.

Chesterfield County Police

June 15, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

September 28, 2004

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Ranger Patrick.

While I did not have the privilege to have known him, I am sure that he earned his set in heaven. Rest in Peace my friend, those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin, blue line.

Anonymous

September 20, 2003

A member of the green n gray family has had their time cut too short. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Ranger Carmel. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over.