Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Joe,

I think of what a top-notch law enforcement officer you were each day that I strap on my body armor and head out the door, I'd like to think that your professionalism has rubbed off on me and that I'm a better ranger for that. When I teach at a seasonal academy I make sure the kids hear your story. I remember you each and every Father's Day and I always give my kids an extra hug to remember the hugs you are missing from Rachael, Sarah, and Samuel. In my office I keep the quote you had posted over your desk "Your reputation is that which people think you are; your character is that which you are". Well, YOUR reputation is secure, your character is honored, you're never forgotten.

US Park Ranger
National Park Service (Coworker)

December 21, 2006

Joe I never knew you but I remember the day you were shot. I remember this because my dad was one of the officers who responded when the call came in that you had been shot. I was only 8 years old when this happened and I remember when my dad came home that night. You did what you had to do and you made the ultimate sacrifice. I'm thankful for heros like you and all the officers who risk their lives daily.

NC LEO son

November 17, 2006

Joe,

Words can not express how your life and your death affected so many. I am a ranger and I think of you often when I patrol the Smokys. I know you are in heaven with God and I look forward to seeing you there. Until then I will go and protect the visitors, and the resource and I too will give my life just as you did if God so wills it.

God Bless your family everyday!

January 23, 2005

Your memory lives on in your wife and children. You would be proud of Florie in the way she is raising Rachel, Sarah, and Samuel. And you would be proud of who your children are becoming. You are greatly missed.

Lynda Doucette, Park Ranger
National Park Service

December 2, 2004

“If by chance you wish to remember me, do it with a kind word or deed to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.” - Robert N. Test

Five years ... you're not forgotten ... thanks for making a difference.
June 21, 2003

Anonymous

I never met this fine Ranger, but I felt the loss. I was first stationed in that area, Bryson City, when I was a young trooper. People in that area that I know, officers and citizens all thought so highly of Joe.

US Park Rangers do such a great job in our national park lands. The work is a very difficult and obviously dangerous job, with low pay and often need more personnel and equipment. They do a great job.

Such a tragic loss. I pray for Joe, his family and the Park Service. We all share in the loss. He now patrols the streets of Heaven with St. Michael.

His loving family asked the US Attorney not to seek the death penalty on the usspect, who may have had a diabetic episode at the time of the shooting. How kind.

God Bless and be safe.

Chief JA Millan

Chief JA Millan
NC Public Schools Law Enforcement, Avery Dist.

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

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA

Joe,
it was father's day, Sunday (June 28, 1998). Like every other day you strapped on your vest, your badge and your Sig. When you heard the call "Man with a gun," you did not hesitate...you went. You found the bad guy and he fled into the thick forest, although not a supervisor, you wisely started placing backup at the likely points of egress. You were protecting the many visitors on the Blue Ridge that day. To protect yourself, you could have easily said, "come to me." But you didnt, you sent your back up as a barrier to protect the public at Big Witch Gap a few hundred yards away. Inexplicably the bad guy returned and like the coward he was, shot you from behind a tree, you fell because you were doing what you swore to do, protect park visitors...and that makes you a hero. Two years later, the honors have all been rendered, your name is carved in stone at Justice Square in DC and at FLETC. And on this web site...so rest in peace, we won't forget.

Anonymous

Joe,
Although we never met, I was a LE Ranger at the time you gave your life for others. Your memory lives on as a constant reminder of how fragile life is and how important family is.

Michael

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

Dear Joe: I am the widow of Steve Renard Makuakane-Jarrell who was murdered 18 months after your tragic murder. Although I never met you, your wonderful wife Florie has become my friend. Through her, I have learn about your wonderful qualities. The kind, gentle, and loving husband and father you were to Florie, Rachael, Sarah, and Samuel. The committed and dedicated ranger you were as was the case on June 21, when you arrived to work early as usual and became the first on the scene. I want to thank you for your ultimate sacrifice and for your wonderful Florie who has helped me through my loss of Steve. Love, JM

Park Ranger Joni Mae Makuakane-Jarrell
National Park Service