Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Trees,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USNR during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 26, 2022

Rest easy brother . Prayers to your family

Judge /retired SC Trooper Danny Lynn
Aiken County, SC

June 26, 2018

Thank you to everyone for your kind words and thoughts... My Daddy was killed too young.... I was 18 months when he died.... he lives through your words and thoughts.... My youngest son is now a Police Officer and looks just like his grandfather!!!!

Jodi Trees Justus
Daughter

June 15, 2018

I have driven across Joe Trees Bridge in Pike county 16 times and always reflect on Joe as the bridge is dedicated to his memory. He gave his life so the rest of us can be safe! Thanks Joe!!!

Mike McCullough
Ivy Tech Instructor at IPL power plant

July 19, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 26, 2015

I had the pleasure of meeting your sister today and she spoke of how much she loves and misses you. May you rest in peace brother.

Police Officer 4 Dan Wagner
Knoxville,TN. P.D.

June 17, 2014

Trooper Trees,

I learned who you were back in the late 80s when I was in college and had gone to the Evansville Post. There was something about your picture that stood out amoung the rest.... I remembered your name and the day I became a Trooper I quietly dedicated my career to you. Every May we held our memorial service to fallen troops and I would flinch when I heard your name called. I didn't know you, you were before my time, and I'm actually gone now, too, but for some odd reason I felt an eternal connection to you. Time wears us all down and we see how disposable we really are in the big scheme of things but please know you are still thought of and I often wonder what became of your family. Normally I would say, 'We'll take it from here', but let's let the young guys and gals take it from here. Until we meet.

S.M.R.
Ret. Trooper, Indina State Police

September 17, 2013

I was honored to be able to be a part of a resolution to honor Trp Trees today at the Indiana State Capitol. A bridge will be named in the honor of Trp Trees on I-69 in Gibson County.
Trooper Trees, you will not be forgotten. Your story is told to all new Troopers who come to the Evansville District. Thank you for your service and the sacrifice made by your family.

Sergeant
Indiana State Police

March 4, 2013

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

Officer 11169

February 17, 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. 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
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 30, 2012

Trooper Trees and family:
My name is PO Kelly from the NYPD i've been on the force for about 15 years. I'm leaving my reflection because I was born June 26 1972. I fell I have a special bond with Trooper Trees. His watched ended and mine was getting ready to be started (1994). God bless you and everybody who puts a uniform on to serve and protect

PO P Kelly
NYPD

January 14, 2009

Joe,

Today I had the honor to meet your wife, daughter, brother, and several grandchildren. They attended the Annual Memorial Service at District 25. After a meal we traveled to your gravesite near Upland. A contingent from the post represented the Department well while your grandchildren placed a memorial flag near your headstone. The grandchildren are full of energy and favor you from what I can tell. Phil, your roommate from Recruit School was also present during the ceremonies.

Thank you for the reputation you helped build for the Department. Rest in peace.

Lt. Mike Nichols
Indiana State Police - Redkey

May 14, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

January 9, 2008

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.



Master Trooper Dave “Stumpy” Miller

Indiana State Police Dist 13

December 19, 2005

Trp Trees,
I was at the ILEA at the end of your watch. My class elected to get your new born a savings bond instead of a class plaque. Our class felt that we could help in some way by buying the bond. Take care brother, guide over us, and as you can see by the number of years that have past, you will Never Be Forgoten.

Lt Chuck Evans
Lawrenceburg Police Dept. Lawrenceburg Ind

October 3, 2005

Rest easy, Brother; you are not forgotten.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN USA

June 26, 2004

Rest easy troop, we have the watch now.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

October 5, 2003

Rest in Peace Brother...you will never be forgotten

CPD