Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Tanja, tonight I sit here and remember the times we spent working together and the impression you left upon me. I find myself weeping but then God comforts my heart as you are truly in a much better place. I know you are still watching over all of us from Heaven above as that was just the type of person you were here on earth. May God Bless your family and friends.

DFC Vernon Brown
Orange County Sheriff's Office, Fl

October 21, 2003

God bless you and your family.

Anonymous

October 12, 2003

T.K.
Hey girl, I should have gotten around to doing this a long time ago but I was afraid of what to write. You were the first real friend I have ever lost in my life. I think of you everyday and to see how many people's lives you touched is amazing. I guess God has his reasons and I am being selfish, but I sure wish you were with us. On 05-18-2001 you walked the point for all of our brothers and sisters. You put yourself ahead of us all, and T.K., I miss you.

Anonymous

Tanja,

Just as we promised each other last year we returned to Police Week to meet again. Neither of us knew your name would be placed on that wall. Police Week will never be the same for me without you. You were sadly missed as they played our songs this year. That empty space between Ed and Anita and I can never be filled. Miss you little one, see you next year.

Det. John Krupinsky
Danbury Police Department

Tanja:
I am not sure if I met you when I worked in Florida, I spent a lot of time in Orlando, I worked just north of Orlando for another "OPD". I went back home to New England and in the news I read about the accident and it was very very sad, the tears just would not stop... but I know you are with GOD watching over us. This year again I did the bicycle ride to DC from Boston, for Police Memorial week. We were riding for our fallen Brothers and Sisters, you being one of them. I did the ride in your honor. I told what I knew of you to my brother and sister officers on the ride and it touched them all very deeply. When we came into Judiciary Square and rode around the monument in single file I saw your picture...and knew you were watching over us. I met several of your brother and sister officers from both OPD and LAPD, they all told me how much they missed you and how special you are to them. We talked for quite a while and many many people miss you dearly. They told me how you wanted to be a big sister to the younger cops, how you spent so much of your time in DC to see to it that "Sal" would be remembered. Whether you know it or not you touched many people, some whom you never met or even knew. As an honor to you I now wear a band with your name and end of watch. The man at the memorial store told me he felt as if he knew you because of all the people who wanted a band to honor you.
"A person is not dead until they are forgotten.......and you Tanja will not be forgotten"


"In Valor there is hope"




God bless you Tanja, and your family, you are all in my prayers.

PTM BPD#99673

Anonymous

Tanja,

I never got to thank you. Yes, I said thank you for giving me the pin for George that you took off of your uniform shirt one night you backed me on a traffic stop. I never got to thank you for looking after me after George passed. You took so much time every time you saw me to make sure I was alright and not blaming myself for not being there. I remember you being strong for me when I cried for George and I admired your strength, and Oh how I cried and hurt so much inside when I found that you had gone too. I never got the chance to say thank you for being my hero. Now, I wear the pin that you gave me for George and a pin that Teresa gave me for you everytime I go 10-8. I know you watch over me and agan, I thank you.

Deputy Jerold White
Orange County Sheriff's Office, FL

TANJA, I REMEMBER YOU WHEN YOU WERE MY ROOMMATE IN LOS ANGELES. YOU HAD FIRST STARTED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND YOU LOVED IT. I REMEMBER YOU, MELISSA AND ME SITTING AND STUDYING FOR THE TESTS AND SHINING YOUR LEATHER GEAR. IT IS STILL HARD TO BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE NO LONGER HERE. BUT I KNOW THAT YOU LOVED WHAT YOU DID. TO YOUR FAMILY I AM DEEPLY SORRY AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYERS. TANJA, LOOK DOWN UPON US AND WE WILL MISS YOU.

POII MARCUS D. COMSTOCK
WILSON POLICE DEPT. (N.C.)

Our Dearest Tanja, Tomorrow is Easter Sunday and we really "Thank God For The Resurrection". It has been very difficult for us because we miss you so much. We do know that we will see you again one day and that helps to keep us going. We know you are looking down upon us and we thank you for your guidance and sharing in our daily lives. May God Always Bless You. We Love and Miss You very much.

DAD

Tanja's Dad

Our Lovely Tanja,  Today, September 15th is your Birthday and we are thinking of you.  You brought so much joy to our lives and accomplished so very much during the few short years you were here.  Several Police Officers and Friends are coming today to our house to a "Celebrate Tanja's Life" cookout in your memory.  We know you will be here in Spirit and you will be able to see the outpouring of Love we have for you.  May God Always watch over You.  We Love and miss You very much.  Mom & Dad

Jim King
Tanja King's Dad

How amazing it is knowing that you are not alone.  I can see you and George laughing, holding hands, and provinding the rest of the family with your incredible strength.  Thank you for giving me a part of you every time I drive by your memorial on LB or touch your name engraved on the Burson Memorial. You will always be a part of us. God Bless!

Friend

Today, you have been gone from us for three months now.  It is so difficult to go on without you.  You were so beautiful and we miss your smiling face and presence with us.  Your cat, Merlin, misses you too.  We still see lots of your friends and they talk about how wonderful you were and that your are now at peace in the Loving Hands Of Jesus.

We love you very much and want you to know, we will never forget you our little darling.  We just thank God for the 30 wonderful years He gave You to us.  One day, we will again be together, where no one can separate us.  We Love you very much.

Your Loving Family

Tanja...today we had to remove our black badge bands that we have worn for 30 days since your passing...it does not seem possible that you have been gone that long.  I just wanted to ensure that you know we mean no disrespect towards you, but those of us left must get on with our lives and move forward into the future.  Please know that we will never forget you...and I sincerely hope...that you never forget us...till we meet again.

Anonymous

I walk to wall in Washington DC after check off in the morning before I go home. Now we can walk together.

Anonymous

Having participated in the bicycle ride from Boston to DC in memory of our fallen brothers and sisters made me realize how fragile our lives are. Standing at the candlelight ceremonies and sometimes knowing one the officers being added to the wall leaves you speechless and in tears. I have had friends and classmates placed on that shrine yet I know they are always with me, watching over us almost like our Guardian Angels. I never knew Tanja but my heart is broken for her family and her brothers and sisters at OPD. Having lost two officers in one district or unit in such a short time is very hard to deal with. Reading some of these posts nobody should blame themselves, bad things happen, out of these tragedies comes one thing your squad your unit  your department will become closer, take your time and heal. Your officers are in the prayers of many us.

"In Valor there is Hope"

Tacitus

Anonymous

T.K.

I remember the day you were assigned to our squad.  We had so much in common and became the best of friends immediately. You knew the true meaning of dedication and friendship.  Dedication to your family, friends and career.  Thanks for setting a great example. Your family is just as wonderful as you talked about. I will never forget the great times we had together; our little chats, waverunning and tubbing on the lake and who can forget our beauty nights :) The greatest memory I have is of Michelle, you (screaming your head off for me to slow down-that was funny!!), and I tubbing last summer on Lake Minneola and the saddest memory is the morning I received the unwanted phone call of the your accident. I wanted them to say you were in stable condition but instead I heard the worst.
T.K.-I will miss the hell (you know I couldn't get through this with out at least one cuss word!!) but until we meet again for "an eternity of beauty nights", take care of Sal and Hobie.  You are gone but will never be forgotten!!!

<3 <3 <3 <3

The Miracle of Friendship

There's a miracle called frienship

That dwells within the heart,

And you don't know how it happens

Or how it gets its start...

But the happiness it brings you

Always gives a special lift,

And you realize that friendship

Is God's most precious gift!

Author Unknown

Lots of Love from Down Below!!

Nay Nay

Nadine Piazza
Orlando Police Department

I met Tanja just moments after the Memorial Service in Washington D.C.  I walked up to her and another co-worker because the death of George DeSalvia had touched me so.  His death resembled that of my husband's very closely.  AS a new resident of Florida, I felt a particular bond to the Florida officers present in D.C.

As we sit at the Candlelight Vigil and Memorial Service in D.C. every year, many of us wonder in our minds who we will be honoring next.  Little did I know that this lovely young lady whom I hugged on a Monday afternoon would be taken from us in just a matter of hours. The news of her death across my t.v. screen brought tears to me and I barely knew her. The tragedy never seems to end for those of us that are part of the wonderful family of law enforcement.  We all share a bond that can NEVER be broken. We each suffer so much pain with every death.  No one understands like we do.

To Tanja, may you rest in peace.

To Tanja's family, take comfort in the fact that you have a huge family of support all over this great nation that loves you and is here for you.

Anonymous

Tanja...it's been two weeks now...and this is not getting any easier.  I drive by your memorial marker on L.B. McLeod Road everyday and I spend most of my free time guarding it for you.  I don't want to let go...the only peace of mind is knowing that your in a better place...walking hand in hand with George on one side and God on the other.

Anonymous

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Tanja. I lost a very close friend in 1997 and I know the pain and sorrow you are feeling at this time. However, take comfort in knowing that Tanja meant so much to so many people and she touched so many lives in a positive way. The healing will come, but it will take time. Please remember the good times you shared with Tanja and remember that she is now resting in God's loving arms.

DEA Special Agent

Tanja, you were so beautiful, loving, kind, selfless, always caring for others.  Your committment to make this a better and more loving place to live was always reflected in everything you did.  You will live in our hearts and mind forever.  With the help of the Good Lord, your loving brothers and sisters of the OPD, Our Tony, Chris, Stefan and Sabina, all of our good friends and neighbors; somehow, we will make.  May your soul "Rest In Peace" with God. We Love and Miss You Dearly.  DAD

Jim King
Tanja's Father

I remember you, George, Eddie and I at Denny's early one morning.  You came in, slid in our booth next to me and I was waiting for you to comment on the caloric intake of my breakfast!  Instead, you ordered a waffle that was bigger than you were, with all the trimmings.  You asked me during the conversation when I would be on the street full time.  You encouraged me, saying "We need more good people out here," and told me to ride with you as soon as I could.  Thank you for that, Tanja.  When you said you would do anything in your power to make sure no other names would appear on that wall, I didn't realize God would be giving you this much power.  You can now watch over all of law enforcement, not just OPD.  I want you to know that my decision is much clearer now, what I must do.  I miss you, little one, and I don't know how to let you go…

Anonymous

What I will remember about Tanja is her absolute devotion to her family, especially her parents, and the gleam in her eyes you could see when she had the chance to talk about them. I remember her getting ready for a squad party with my old roommate who was also on that squad, and listening to them say such positive things about everyone, like sisters talking about their brothers. I remember Tanja was absolutely beautiful, but I don't think she realized it. Tanja died wearing a memorial bracelet for George DeSalvia. That says it all. The only thing that eases the pain is knowing she is with the Lord. God Bless You Tanja, I will never forget you.

Amy Pierce
Orlando Police Department

I had the honor to meet and talk with Officer King at Police Week.  She came to honor her fallen comrade from her shift at Orlando PD.  She was a lady and she was a cop.  This was my first visit as well, and I had a list of eleven friends to honor.  In 2001...it will be twelve.  God Bless Tanja's family and fellow officers.  Another ST*R in God's Heaven.

Sgt. George Cabaniss
Van Buren, Arkansas PD

My deepest regrets to the family and loved ones of Tanja King.  I met Tanja only 10 short months ago.  We immediately hit it off and had a special bond.  Tanja was an asset to the community and made a difference in many peoples lives.  I spent many hours sharing hopes, dreams, frustrations, accomplishments, joys and sorrow with Tanja.  She was a friend and an inspiration.  I will always remember when she would round the corner in the gym and yell " is that my friend".  It has been an honor to be your friend.  I will keep you with me always and will forever miss your smile.  She may have only been 5'4" but she had a giant heart. 

Gena Ward
Orlando Fire Department

To to family (immediate and law enforcement) you have my prayers and deepest sympathy.  It was heart wrenching to read of the accident involving Tanya, and to recall memories of how a fellow officer of mine and dear friend, Deputy Dana Shaw, died similarly August 8th, 1999.  Dana's accident occurred around 0415 hrs and she also hit a utility/light pole, killing her instantly.  Her name was added to the wall this year.  I drive by the accident scene every day at work and I still remember responding and arriving to see her there.  I now reflect on her smile and quick wit she always displayed.  I hope that you all can reflect on a treasured moment that you may have spent with Tanya and cherish the hope of seeing her again in Heaven.  Be vigilant and careful, and God Bless.

Cpl. Donald Hite
Cherokee Co. Sheriff's Office

As a woman you make me so proud, your hard work, your diligence, the commitment that comes from deep within, the qualities very few of us share, and taht few of us get acknowledged.  You are an extraordinary woman, I will miss you greatly, I thank you for all the pointless conversations we shared, why did you have to leave.  I will miss you girlie, but I know you are wehre you can watch down on the rest of us....May you carry on in spirit

Anonymous