Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trevor,
Almost 12 years. Graduation from CLETA (Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy) almost 19 years now. CLETA is gone. But the memories of CLETA are not. We had some great times! You were with Craig, CO. PD then. Young and eager. The first in the class to play a joke. Then the rest of us would eventually "pull a Trevor." Fun.

When I heard that you had been killed in the line of duty, I got out the academy pictures. Then I talked to my Chief and explained why I needed a couple of days off to travel to Beuna Vista, attend the services and get back to Denver. I got there about mid-day. Stopped at a little restaurant (I'm sure you would have eaten there!) and had lunch. Then I went out to my car and retrieved a bag. Carried it into the restroom of that little restaurant and came out in my uniform. The room just got quiet. I looked at them and they looked at me. We all gritted our teeth as our eyes began to fill. I nodded my head, no words to speak, they nodded back and I walked out. Then I went to the service (but you know that!).

I’m still on the job. I’ve got your watch!

L.A.W.

L.A.W.
Officer

April 15, 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

December 9, 2007

Officer Trevor Staszak,
Officer Staszak. I began law enforcement the same year your trajic incident happened. It was a very uncomfortable time for me being the first time shrouding my badge. I dont know you, but you seem very special and greatly loved.
I am currently a DUI Deputy in the Denver metro area. Your trajic traffic stop is a horrible reminder, but makes me more motivated in conducting DUI Enforcement. I feel I owe you that.
I feel like we have so much similarities. Reading your wifes past message. I too lost my favorite dog who died October 10th, 2003. My dog was a female Shih-Tzu as well. 13 years old and putting her to sleep was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my entire life. My wife and I got another one, but will always have a special love for our Cuddles.
I have friends in Buena Vista and visit them about twice, three times a year. I stop by your roadside memorial and say a little prayer for you my friend.
Kelli and Gizmo love you very much Trevor and your memory will remain in our thoughts as im speaking for all law enforcement.

Deputy (Traffic) Ron Brandt
Adams County Sheriff's Office

October 31, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

Mrs. Staszak, you reflection breaks my heart, my deepest sympathy over your loss. Your husband is a hero just by the profession he chose. I am so sorry that this has happened to you. God bless you.

Pat Van DenBerghe
Manchester, NH

October 24, 2007

My dear Trevor,

September will soon end and October to begin. Since you left me I have come to hate October. Last year on October 9th our beloved Gizmo passed. (The Shih Tzu pictured with Trev) although my heart ached that day I knew she was going to heaven to be with her daddy.
There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. Your smile, your touch, your love for life. I close my eyes and your there always. I can see you in your uniform the first day you went to work for BV. You walked out the door and got in the truck. I waved goodbye only to see you back up and jump out of the truck to run back through the door lift me into the air and say I love you! You were so proud to wear the uniform and protect and serve.

I miss you with every passing day. They say Time heals all wounds but no one knows the hole that was dug into my heart by watching you die right in front of my eyes. A void in my soul that will never go away with time.

Kelli
Wife (widow)

September 27, 2007

its wonderfull officers like Trevor Staszak that have kept the chaffee county area a wonderfull place to call home and to have been raised there for 22yrs of my life was a pleasure..i too can still remember the day that Trevor left us. doesnt seem like its been so long ago. Trevor you and ur family are forever in my thoughts and prayers .

CW
native of bv-salida area

March 27, 2007

My darling son...we have passed the 10th year of your death coming into the Christmas season, 2006.
I pray to our Lord every day, with much gratitide, that He sent you to me if only for a short time. Thank you for all my wonderful memories which have sustained me through all these years and will continue to sustain me until we met again.
God has given me the privilege of becoming a grandmother.
You, Uncle Trevor, have a beautiful baby girl, Shayne Staszak Larson.
When you left us there was no one else to carry on the Staszak namesake in our family so Cari gave Shayne our lastname.
You will never be forgotten, my son. We all love you. Your loving smile, your laugh, and warm hugs will be with me forever. My memories ...my treasures.

Dawn Staszak
mother

December 18, 2006

I was recently engaged to a police officer who introduced me to this website. I had asked him to look and see if Trevor had been recognized and,of course, he had.
I just wanted to express my deepest sympathies for the family of Trevor as this year marks the 10 year anniversary of his death.
I grew up in Trevor's hometown and for a few years, was his babysitter. I have, and always will, treasure the time I spent with him as a sweet little freckle-faced boy. Even as a kid, Trevor had the kind of heart that left him no choice but to stick up for the "undedog" and do the right thing.
It would seem this lovely little boy grew to become a beautiful and courageous young man who was willing to put his life on the line to do the right thing, to protect and to serve. Thank you, Trevor.
...I'll look for you and Blackie (his childhood pet)when I get to Heaven because I KNOW that's where you are.
Love you,
Tammy

Tammy Clauson

December 17, 2006

To Patrolman Trevor Raymond Staszak, his family and friends, and his fellow officers:

On this the ninth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your valor and bravery are remembered.

In looking at your picture, you looked such a "cowboy" who loved life. I am so saddened that your wife had to witness the horror of your death, but am glad for those final moments you shared.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service to your community and the citizens of Colorado, and the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on October 26, 1996.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

October 26, 2005

Rest in Peace brother. May God bless you and your family, and continue to help them during their times of sorrow and need.

Patrolman

August 21, 2005

I will never forget that day... As some of us have moved on from BVPD, the memories will always be there of the good times and your smile in the office. You will never be forgotten.

Jessica
DEA

May 11, 2004

Trevor, I worked briefly with the BVPD from 1989-1990. That was before your time...but I still feel a loss & sadness. The "Buni" PD is a small department and I have to believe your loss was a tragedy to such a tight-knit department and community. You went from one beautiful place to another. God bless.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

February 29, 2004

Trevor, I never met you but visit your town annually.  Thanks for keeping Buena Vista a beautiful place - Your memory is not forgotten . 

Anonymous