Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Ten years later...you are still missed...

Dana

March 19, 2009

You are not forgotten.

Anonymous

February 4, 2009

Happy birthday Rusty! Today, my thoughts turned to you as I turned the calendar to December 8. Today, We would have been your 34th birthday. Your birthday party in heaven must be a great one with birthday cake and ice cream for everyone! I know you are missed and loved by many!

Diane
Mother in law

December 8, 2008

Rusty,
Any time I sit down to write a note to you, the words that I choose never satisfy me and I end up deleting sentence after sentence. And though the right words seem to never come to me, the tears always arrive without fail. My heart aches because I can't just tell you what I want to say the next time we all go out to eat or watch fireworks. I don't want to have to "leave a reflection."

You are missed by so many everyday and especially today. I wouldn't trade these tears for anything because I am privileged to have had you in my life. Happy birthday and I love you and miss you.

Cathy

December 8, 2008

Miss you, Rusty.

Amy

October 15, 2008

The fact that so many still have Rusty in their thoughts and in thier hearts is just testimony to what kind of individual he always was. The memories I have of Rusty growing up, and through his teen years supply me not only with blessings but also stories that make me laugh. I, like all that knew him, miss him.

To Dana,
I still have you in my prayers and think of you often.

Eddie Roberts

September 3, 2008

Some days...I just miss my friend.

Corrie

July 3, 2008

Rusty was such a kind & loving young man, he was one of my daughter's best friends, and his family is very dear to us. Rusty is remembered often with much pride & love. Many prayers are still said for his family, for I know they will miss him always.

Diane Thompson

April 17, 2008

For all who are missing you and once again grieving your death, I say a special prayer. "God, comfort us." This day will always be marked with sadness for me... "God, send your peace." Memories of life spent with you are good and often bring a smile as I remember your infectious laugh! "God, thank you for the gift of Rusty."

Dana

March 31, 2008

I miss you.

Cathy

March 31, 2008

Rusty - that terrible anniversary is nearly upon us, again. I still think of you often and wonder how Dana is doing. It still seems like a bad dream...

Thank you for all you did for the City of Atlanta and for just being a good friend to the rest of us.

You are still missed...
Dawn

Dawn
Friend

March 17, 2008

Rusty,

We miss you here on earth, but realize you are in a better place.

I remember the wonderful times your mother and I had as we went on our weekly shopping trips with you and my son Roody. You were only toddlers and would both enjoy sitting in high chairs at the restaurants for lunch, and try to open your individual saltine cracker packages. What a mess you would both make, but what fun you had. There were so many other happy memories thru the years....the visit to Virginia Tech....etc.

We are doing fine as you know from above, but miss you and selfishly wish you were here.

You, your Mom and Dad, and brothers have always been "family" to us and always will be.

You were a great blessing to everyone who knew you and I can't believe it has been almost eight years since you left us.

This world and our hometown "Atlanta" were a better place because of you!!!

Love
Diane
WPB, FL

Diane Buxbaum
friend

March 15, 2008

Rusty,

You are on my mind this month. I thank God for your life and how you touched the lives of others. I will always remember that grin you were so willing to share with the rest of us in Stockbridge.

Shawn's Mom

Shawn's Mom

March 4, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 28, 2008

Hello Rusty, I just finished reading alot of the reflections that your friends, family, and co-workers wrote about you. You sound like someone I would of liked to know. When I read reflections like yours, it gives me a feeling of admiration that I can't even describe. You are an inspiration to all of us, and your service will never be forgotton. God Speed My Brother

Patrolman Tom Cocco
Hi Nella Police Dept, NJ

January 4, 2008

Happy birthday! I can't believe that so much time has passed since we celebrated your last birthday... I'm so very thankful for your life and your place in my life. You remain a gift to me...then and even now as I remember many happy moments shared with you and your family. May God bless them with happy memories today. I hope there is lots of white icing in heaven! :)

Dana

Dana

December 8, 2007

"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

October 8, 2007

ATLANTA POLICE HAS HAD ALOT OF DRAMA LATELY AND AT TIMES I QUESTION WHY I STILL WORK HERE, THEN I SEE YOUR FACE AND REMEMBER THAT YOU GAVE YOUR LIFE AND WOULD SURELY WISH TO STILL BE HERE SERVING WITH US.THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE. RIP BROTHER

JCG
APD

June 20, 2007

What you did in service to your community meant more than you'd ever guess - Thank you so much for your service

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

May 19, 2007

Dear Rusty,

It's almost the end of March and I was just thinking about you. I can't believe it's been eight years since that horrible night I had to drive to your parents house to pick up your mother. I just ordered a bronze memorial plaque in your name for the Police Academy. We will dedicate a classroom in your honor during police memorial month in May and hang the plaque on the door.

One of our new recruits did a nice memorial write up about you. We have it hanging on the wall here at the Police Academy.

We love you, we miss you, and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Lieutenant Joseph P. Spillane
Atlanta Police Training Academy

March 23, 2007

Rusty,
I am so sorry that we lost you. You have had a huge impact on our lives which changed enormously in the past 8 years. I never got to actually meet you but I did meet your lovely wife, and that was an honour. Atlanta was weakened after your loss. God bless. You will never be forgotten and will always be an important part of our lives.

March 23, 2007

Forgiveness...repentance...the journey of grief...helping others to cope with death...moving forward...finding hope in the dark moments...

These are all gifts that I have received in the last 8 years. They are not gifts I would have chosen on my own. But I try to embrace them with the same positive spirit and hope that you showed me every single day when you put on your uniform and gunbelt. You never seemed to doubt that you would do some good on the streets of Atlanta. I was touched and so proud of you the night you came home and told me of the children you helped rescue from bad situations. I was saddened with you and held you the night you had nightmares after you held a dying man's head in your arms. I was so happy with you when you saved a woman's life after a car crash. There were so many who were touched by your kindness, humor, and fairness while on patrol. I am happy to have been part of your life...and to have you be such a special part of mine.

With tears, fondness, and love I remember you.

Dana

March 22, 2007

Hi Rusty,

I just wanted you to know that I often come by here to pay my respect to you and your great sacrifice. I still remember that day during the Olympics that I ran into you. I had no idea you also worked for Atlanta Police. I had no idea that we had both chosen the same path in life. We both went to the same Junior High and High School together. Although my time at Atlanta Police was short it was an honor to wear the same uniform as you. I can still remember that day that I learned of your death. I was working at a different police department and when I heard the name it hit me like a ton of bricks in the chest. I knew you... Its always hard when we lose an officer somewhere. But when you knew that officer personally it hits a million times harder. Your family is in my prayers. I have been a police officer for 11 years now and I know you still have my back! Thanks for watching out all these years...

M.P.O. Todd Garoutte #2272
Dekalb County Police Department

January 28, 2007

Rusty,
You are still loved and missed so much...
Robby and Cathy

Cathy Holbrook

December 8, 2006

Hi Rusty,

You were on my mind today and I had to visit this web site and read all the wonderful things that are written here. You already know of the good news, I know. Everyone here is fine and so sweet and beautiful too. I wish you could see what I am talking about but you already know and have seen the joy and love sent from heaven. Keep out a watch over them from Heaven, Rusty. Your birthday season is approaching and I know all who loves you will have their birthday wishes in their hearts. Listen for the whispers from the hearts of many. Thank you for the pink roses. You are greatly loved and remembered. May you rest in peace. Diane

Diane Askew
Mother In Law

October 26, 2006