Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace, Ranger!

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

June 23, 2024

I will never forget responding to and processing the scene on Father's day where Ranger Kolodski was murdered. He and his family have been in my thoughts and prayers since then.

SA Andrew M. Fisher
FBI

August 12, 2023

25 years. Where did it go. I remember like it was yesterday. R.I.P. sir.

Michael Roberts
Former officer

June 22, 2023

Kolodski Family - we will never forget your loved ones sacrifice.

SA Ellen Pierson
HSI Retired

December 24, 2022

Father's Day, June 19, 2022, Never Forget

Glenn Martin
Co-worker

June 19, 2022

My teacher's dad

lily
student

December 3, 2021

Every year I read and reread these reflections about my father. These short memories or words of peace are ones that I recall to myself when asked who he was. I am grateful, over 20 years later, that my father has made an impact as well has been able to help in the education of future park LEO’s. Some of these people have become my family in my dad’s absence and for that I cannot be more grateful. My mom retired in December of 2020 and my relationship with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park ended as I had known it for the past 22 years. These kind words remind me only how much dad loved his job and his family. The Park Service is a family unit, thank you.

Sarah Kolodski
Daughter

March 23, 2021

It seems like yesterday when the news was received. Still remember the wisdom and guidance you passed on during defensive tactics at Seasonal LE Park Service training. Always remembering.

HSI SA
Former NPS Seasonal LE

June 22, 2020

Father's Day 1998, I remember. RIP Joe K

Jack Piepenbring, Park Ranger (Retired)
NPS, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

June 21, 2020

Thinking of Joe's family today.
Joe was a classmate at Octorara High School, Class of 1979

Judy Evans Carroll-Carman

June 21, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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

June 21, 2020

Joe, I wish I had had the chance to meet you. I am your sisters brother in law and am just writing a short note to let you know that you would be proud of the woman she has become. We are very grateful to have her in our family and while I do not see her as much as I'd like, I want you to rest easy knowing that I am honored to fill in for you as her big brother. Thank you very much for your service and thanks to your family for their sacrifice.

Michael Dull US Navy veteran
Brother in law

June 22, 2019

Your sacrifice is never forgotten.

Tom Lewis
USNPS

June 21, 2019

Miss you brother.....I am sure you are watching over your family. God Bless.

Park Ranger Retired NPS

December 27, 2018

Best friend who is still missed.

Park Ranger Retired Larry F. Brown
National Park Service

August 10, 2018

Joe is not forgotten.


Octorara Class of 1979

Judy (Evans) Carroll-Carman

June 23, 2018

Slow Salute. Rest In Peace my Brother.

Supv. Park Ranger (retired) Tom Valenta
National Park Service

June 22, 2018

Rest in peace hero.

Lt. Jim Russo

June 22, 2018

RIP

District Ranger (Ret.) Robert E. Stinson
U.S. National Park Service

June 21, 2018

I was lucky to have worked with Joe at the Smokies as a fellow LEO and value the friendship we shared as a result. My late husband Keith was one of the rangers who witnessed Joe's murder, and we were forever changed by the event and his death.
You are not forgotten, Joe, and will always be thought of with love, smiles, and gratitude.

Cathy Nelson
former NPS ranger

June 20, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe's family, wife, children, friends, and fellow GRSM & BRP LE rangers on this day as well as throughout the year while wearing the National Park Service law enforcement ranger uniform. 18 years ago while working at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Halls Crossing Ranger Station, Lake Powell, Utah); while observing the Ranger Station flag being lowered to half-mast, I asked Sub-District Supervisor LE Ranger Russ Miller what had happened. I remember him saying "Ranger Joe Kolodski at Great Smoky Mountains National Park was killed in the line of duty by a gunman." It was the first time during the early years of my NPS LE career that a fellow NPS LE Ranger was killed in the line of duty. A year later on June 21, 1999 while patrolling the Blue Ridge Parkway (out of the Fancy Gap, VA office) the BRP dispatch center notified all employees that there would be a moment of silence in honor of Ranger Joe Kolodski. It was a powerful moment to be working at the Blue Ridge Parkway on the first anniversary. Every year since on June 21st, I reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by National Park Ranger Joe Kolodski on Father's Day 1998 along the Blue Ridge Parkway. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, wife, and children. He will always be remembered and we will keep his memory alive with the younger generation of National Park law enforcement rangers starting their NPS LE career.

NPS LE Ranger, Kevin Kavanagh
National Park Service, Minute Man National Historical Park, MA

June 21, 2016

Honoring both your memory and fullest measure to duty eighteen years ago this day, Ranger David Kolodski.

Mitch Boudrot
SCC-PSTC-LETP

June 21, 2016

Remembering Joe.
Octorara Alumni 1979

Judy Evans Carman
Octorara High School Classmate

June 21, 2016

I remember the day, the person and the funeral- I remember two stoic Superintendents crying, devastated by the loss of Joe. I remember the show of force and love by those lining the roads from Asheville to Cherokee. I remember now... so that I am vigilant protecting the LE's I supervise...and appreciate their service-daily.

Superintendent Laura Rotegard
National Park Service -Friend

March 25, 2016

I just wanted to write and let family and friends know that Joe and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. I attended the same seasonal LEO training as Joe and worked in that same area (Balsam Mtn) in years past. I still give a salute and say a prayer for him when I pass Big Witch on my way into the Smokies.

I have long since left the park service for a career in EMS, but will never forget my "brothers and sisters".

You are not forgotten, Joe.

Harry Sibold MD
Past GRSM LEO ranger

August 14, 2015