Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Didn’t know this officer, I came across his name while driving in Kansas and saw his name, googled and here I am. Reading the story I can’t help but say our justice system is failed. A murderer walks amongst us, while this officer’s life was tragically ended.
The family didn’t receive justice and the jurors failed to recompense evil or see evil for what it truly is.

Sarah E
N/a

December 8, 2023

I had the privilege of meeting and working with Bud for the first time about two weeks before he was murdered. I remember he was a big guy and "old school". When he approached a vehicle that he had stopped he would introduce himself as he reached in to shake the driver's hand. He told me that he was starting to have problems with arthritis in his hands and was getting gold shots to treat the arthritis. When he told me that , he laughed and said he was probably worth more dead than alive because of the gold in his veins. Bud didn't wear a vest. When I asked him why he said, " Well, you know it's been my experience that about 98% of the people we stop out here are good people, it's only the other 2% that you have to worry about." Unfortunately Bud was gunned down by one of those 2%.
I will always remember Bud as the perfect example of an officer and a gentleman.

Sgt. Rick Langdon
Kansas Highway Patrol

July 12, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 11, 2020

Proud to send my No Parole letter today. You have not been forgotten sir, thank you for your service. God bless the family, friends, and former co-workers of Trooper Pribbenow during this time of re-opening a never healing wound.

Deputy Donnie Meaders
Seminole County (OK) S.O.

May 30, 2017

Dearest Toyia, I hope you and your family are doing as well as possible and have wonderful memories of your dad. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss and frankly a loss to many others in our community. I and several others in a van returning to Wichita from Kansas City were witnesses. We were driving by El Dorado when a car passed us at a huge rate of speed. Right after that we saw a state trooper coming the opposite direction. He crossed the median in pursuit. When the trooper went by our van, I had eye contact with him. I smiled, he looked business-like, then he was on his way. We were probably going seventy and the speeder just blew by us. We all thought it was pretty cool that that guy was going to get a ticket for driving like a moron. We came upon the trooper's car and the other guy was pulling away. We knew he could not have written a ticket so fast. We could see the trooper was down in front of his car. I jumped out and ran back, put my arms under the trooper and tried to get him to speak. I could get no response, but I told him I loved him, and God loved him. Then I jumped in the car thinking I could pursue, but I couldn't figure out how. We called on the radio with a description of the car and the state of the license plate. We stayed there and the police showed up. They took us to the station in El Dorado for witness statements. I was the only one from the van to testify in the trial. Everyone else had seen things just a little bit differently. It was, of course, about as open and closed a case as you could have. I really don't recall looking at the person that much during the trial, but I did notice his mom and dad who looked in total shock.

It took me almost five years before I could drive that road again. I recall the funeral like it was yesterday. I am so sorry for the loss your family has had. Your dad served our community and our state with dignity and honor. I know that he is in heaven smiling down at you and your family right now.

I was totally unaware that there were ever probation hearings. In the history of the world this would be the last person who should ever get probation. I am going to make darn sure to write a letter.

It horrified and changed everyone's life involved with it. We didn't talk about it. The jovial atmosphere we had in traveling changed dramatically and so many other things. Even though I didn't know your dad, it seems like the face and smile that I saw, that I can still see to this day, was the face of a man doing his duty with honor and dignity. I hope you always keep those wonderful memories of your dad. I'm sure you and your family will greet him in a better place in the future. God bless you and your family.

Patrick Hill, Wichita

Patrick Hill
Witness

May 22, 2017

Thank you to all who have left a reflection here! You don't know how much I appreciate knowing that Dad is still remembered. I wish I could talk to each of you and hear some of the stories about his time on the job, to share with his grandchildren. And to those who have submitted letters requesting denial of parole, God Bless You!

Toyia Pribbenow Bulla
Daughter

November 15, 2016

Sad that even back some 35 years ago, that a mentally disturbed individual wanted to kill a cop, and still exists, and even worse than back then. These people will "always exist" no matter how many rules, regs, and training law enforcement receives, if they have the intentions it is impossible to know what they are thinking, we can only react to what they do. So my fellow Law men, be vigilant always!

I worked with Bud in the same turnpike stretch, Emporia to Eldorado and it was always a hoot to have coffee break with him, a more even minded, smooth flowing person you would ever know.

We all missed you terrible then, always will and still think about you often.

Trooper (Ret.)
Kansas Highway patrol

July 12, 2016

I served with the KHP at the same time Bud was killed. I still remember the terrible news we received on that day. We will always remember and salute our friend and fellow trooper. All family and friends made a terrible sacrifice. Thanks to all...

Lt. Col. Laynard L. Shearer (Ret.)
Kansas Highway Patrol

July 12, 2015

I did not work directly with Bud, however, I did get to visit with him at our training academy during our yearly In-Service training. He was a very nice person and he was a dedicated officer. I want to send my condolences to Bud's family. He was a true hero.

Lieutenant
Kansas Highway Patrol

July 11, 2015

Rest in Peace, Trooper Pribbenow. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 4, 2014

Toyia sweety, I'm sure your daddy is with you on those tough days and is forever watching out for you. God bless you and your family!

Senior Officer H.Torres
Federal Bureau of Prisons

July 16, 2012

Daddy, today has been a tough day, and I miss you. Can't wait to see you again in Heaven some day!

Toyia (Pribbenow) Bulla
Daughter

July 11, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 9, 2012

Thank you Trooper Pribbenow for paying the ultimate sacrifice for the fine folks in the great state of Kansas. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!! May you continue to rest in peace, my brother...

I was honored to send off my 'no parole' letter today, for your cold blooded killer. May he never see the 'light' of day again!!!

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

May 30, 2012

I had the privilege of growing up with Trooper Pribbenow's daughter, Rochelle. To this day, I still call her one of the best friends I have ever had. To see the pain and saddness that her family has had to endure is heartbreaking.

I never met "Bud", and I feel that I am at a loss for that. I understand that he was a top-notch officer and a wonderful father and friend. I believe that Rochelle is an example of the dedication and loving spirit that Bud instilled in all who came into contact with him.

I pray for justice to continue to be upheld and for Bud Pribbenow's killer to be held, per his sentence, so that he may do no harm to anyone else. He has brought so much pain upon one family, I cannot fathom the possibility of him doing it to another.

Buck Leonard
Family Friend

May 22, 2012

Trooper Pribbenow,
I have had the honor of being friends with and working with your daughter Rochelle. For her to be who she is today means that she had parents that inspired and influenced her. You would be proud. We are proud and thankful to you for the service and commitment you made during your short life. Thank you.
My prayer and petition today is that the man that shot Trooper Pribbenow be kept in prison for the duration of his life. The taking of someones life maliciously is heinous and unforgivable. Shooting someone multiple times with intent to kill, should say enough to keep him locked up, but unfortunately some one came up with the idea of parole for people like this. Please keep this man behind bars so that our streets and community may be safer and that we may feel more secure.

Clint Peitz
Friend

May 22, 2012

Sending my "No Parole" letter today on your behalf. I hope it to be the best 45 cents I will ever spend. The rest is up to the Parole Board.....and God. George Rainey showed no compassion in voluntarily deciding to murder a police officer, a father, a husband, a friend that dedicated his life to protecting and serving others. I hope the Kansas Parole Board returns the favor.

Please support the "No Parole For Cop Killers" effort by sending a letter to:

Prisoner Review Board
Office of Victim Services
900 SW Jackson Suite 400-N
Topeka, Kansas 66612

Let them know we want to be protected by our police officers, not endangered by putting murderers back on the street.

L.A.W.S.
Concerned Citizen

April 25, 2012

Trooper Pribbenow,
Thank you for your service and sacrifice, you will never be forgotten! The fight to keep the one who took you from your family and friends will carry on until his last breath is taken in prison where he belongs. To Tropper Pribbenow's family, thank you for your sacrifice as well, too many forget that when we put on our badge and uniform there are always those of you who love and support us every day, GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU!!!

Michael Jones, Reserve Officer
Millbrook PD, Millbrook AL

April 25, 2012

Thank you sir, for your dedication and sacrifice. You are a true AMERICAN HERO. Heroes never die.....

I was honored to send off my no parole letter today. This is the least I can do....

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

April 24, 2012

Gone, but never forgotten

Jonathan Richards

April 24, 2012

No parole letter sent so the thug that killed you stays locked up - where he belongs. I've had the pleasure of meeting 2 of your daughters. They are fine women and I treasure their friendship.
Look forward to meeting you one day Sir. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Kristi Porter
Police Family Survivor

April 24, 2012

"No Parole" letter sent today. God bless you.

Tamara Trimble

April 24, 2012

The No Parole letter was sent today to the Kansas Parole Board. May Trooper Pribbenow rest in peace.

Gregory Leeb
Grandson of retired NYPD officer

April 24, 2012

Dad,
It's been 30 years since last I saw you and gave you a hug...sometimes it seems just like yesterday....today is one of those days. But you taught me so much in life and through your death serving others, and for that I am eternally grateful. May your memory live on in each of your daughters, their kids, and through each and every new recruit willing to put their own safety on the line to serve and protect others. I love you and I know that I will see you again someday. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Love,
Rochelle

Rochelle (Pribbenow) Mann
Daughter

July 11, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th anniversary of your death. 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.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 11, 2010