Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I never knew Officer King but I know why she put on the uniform every day.  It is Officers like her that blaze the trail for future women officers.  My deepest sympathy to her family, friends and co-workers.  She will be remembered by all of us at the International Association of Women Police.  Godspeed, Tanja.

Officer Donna C. Hillier
Purdue University Police Department, Hammond, IN

Tanja,

We all know how much you and your squad were hurting after George was killed and Eddie was wounded.  And how badly you never wanted anything like that to happen again, so no one would have to hurt again.  Who would have thought we'd all be grieving again so soon?  We are all praying for your squad and your family, hoping they'll get through this time of sadness.  And we take a measure of comfort knowing you went while you were doing something you loved.  Rest in peace, girl.  We will miss you tremendously.

For Andy and Dan, no guilt, ok?  You did nothing wrong and you guys made a good arrest.  And we all hope when you get back out there you'll call a 44 or 43 again if you need it.

Anonymous

All too often we take for granted the things that life has given us. These past three months have awakened us all at OPD and taken people that are near and dear to us.I have comfort knowing that you are taken care of now, yet the pain throughout the agency can be felt with every radio transmission, every call answered, and each time I put the uniform on. Gone, but NEVER forgotten, your memory will live with each and every officer that you worked beside. Until we all see each other again, take care of George and keep a watchful eye on us all.You will be dearly missed.

D.E. #11547

Orlando Police Dept

Anonymous

I only met Tanja less than a week before her death.  I met her of all places in Washington DC at Police Memorial Week.  It was Tanja's first trip for Police Week.  She was such a sweetheart and had such a good time during the week.  We spoke of the memorial and she was so glad to be there and honor her brothers and sisters. She told me that she would see me next year and every year after that.  I kissed her goodbye and we both headed home for work.  She was killed on her first day back to work.  We will miss Tanja but she will always remain in our hearts and we will vist her every year keeping our promise.

Det. John Krupinsky
Danbury Police Department

Tanja loved life and gave everything she had to everything she did. She remains immortal now in the hearts of all her fellow officers, friends and family. God bless her as she watches over us in the heavens above.

Anonymous

I will never forget our many talks and your stopping by my desk every day....looking to raid my candy jar.  I told you once....special people get special treats....Tanja, your a very special person and I'm certain that God will have many special treats for you in his candy jar.  Until I see you again....your in his good hands....I miss you already...Dan

Sergeant Dan Wellington
Orlando Police Department

TANJA,

IT'S ALMOST TWO (2) MONTHS SINCE YOUR TRAGIC DEATH, SORRY I HAVE NOT WRITTEN SOONER. I STILL CAN NOT BELIEVE YOUR GONE, I REMEMBER TALKING TO YOU SHORTLY BEFORE YOUR CRASH, ABOUT THAT ARMED ROBBERY (YOUR LAST CALL). YOU ARE MISSED, EVERY TIME I ACTIVATE MY EMERGENCY LIGHTS & SIREN, TO RESPOND TO AN EMERGENCY CALL I THINK OF YOU AND USE EXTRA CAUTION! YOUR DEATH IS HELPING TO KEEP US ALL SAFE. YOU AND "BIG SAL" ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. I MISS KILLIN TIME AT OAKRIDGE AND I-DRIVE, DURING THOSE QUIET EARLY MORNING HOURS.

OFFICER DAN BRADY
ORLANDO POLICE

Three years... But not forgotten. Keep watching over us.

Anonymous

TANJA,

I ONLY MET YOU ONCE, HOWEVER I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU. I MET YOU AT THE ORANGE COUNTY JAIL, WE WERE BOTH BRINGING IN PRISONERS. I SAW ON YOUR UNIFORM, A PIN WITH GEORGE DE SALVIA'S BADGE NUMBER. I ASKED YOU WHAT IT WAS AND YOU TOLD ME. YOU OFFERED TO GET ME ONE TO WEAR ON MY UNIFORM. THE NEXT WEEK I LEARNED OF YOUR PASSING.

IT HIT ME HARD KNOWING I HAD JUST MET YOU THE WEEK PRIOR.

I ATTENDED YOUR FUNERAL AND I CRIED. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT YOU WERE GONE. I USED TO PATROL THE EAST SIDE OF ORANGE COUNTY AND YOUR RESTING PLACE WAS IN MY ZONE. I USED TO VISIT YOUR GRAVE OFTEN.

NOW THAT I HAVE BEEN REASSIGNED, I HAVENT BEEN BACK IN AWHILE. I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN AND I OFTEN THINK OF YOU, AND GEORGE.

PLEASE WATCH OVER ALL OF US, AND OUR FAMILIES.

WE ALL MISS AND LOVE YOU BOTH VERY MUCH.............

DEPUTY SHERIFF
ORNAGE CO. SHERIFFS OFFICE, ORLANDO FL

Dear Tanja, You "Crossed Over" three years ago today, May 18, 2000. We miss you very much, but we know you are with us in Spirit. We Love You very much and think of you every day. Your Police Family and friends have been very nice to us and we love them for their thoughtfulness and prayers. Mom and Dad

Rest in peace and watch over us.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

I just finished watching our favorite movie. It is still as good as the first time. I know you are above with George and with Bob watching over the rest of us as we continue to do what we love. Thank you for protecting us!

Anonymous

Wow! What an inspiration you are and you even have a street named after you, like the movie stars in Hollywood! Happy 31st, Happy 32nd,
Happy 33rd... The years just whiz by and the wounds are still there. You have left such a huge void, but God is close to the broken hearted and He has compassion on a contrite heart. You are an amazing person who had so much love to share. You truly live on in the hearts of those who love you and those you love. May God richly bless those who still mourn and I look forward to the day we are all reunited with our loving Saviour, who promises to dry our tears and remove our sorrow for ever, and ever, and ever and ever. AMEN!!!! Feb. 4, 2003
Lynn Kole
Washington State

Our dear and beautiful Tanja, today is your Birthday, September 15th, 2002. You would be 33 years old today and we have been reflecting on your life. You are a wonderful and great person and we miss you terribly. Your Spirit and good deeds live on and we will never forget you. God will take care of you.
Your Loving Family

Jim King
Tanja's Father

Tanja, It will be two years next month, and there has not been a day you have not been thought of. I drive by your crash site everyday, and tears come down my face and I asked the same question everyone else does, why ??? The trip to D.C. will not be an easy task, but one that is needed. I know you are watching over us, please help to keep us safe until we meet again..

Anonymous

Our Dearest Tanja,

Today is Easter Sunday 2002. We thank God for
"The Resurection". We Love and Miss You more than anyone could ever know. You are in God's loving hands now and He is looking over You. Love Always, DAD

I can't beleive how many years it has been. It seemed like just yesterday, you and Anita drove down from Orlando for a charity softball game my local FOP Lodge held for George DeSalva. I then saw you a few weeks later at the Police Memorial in Washington. I never dreamed that I'd read your name coming across the teletype. We added your name to the Tallahasse Police Memorial wall last year. You are truly missed by many friends and relatives.

Anonymous

Our Dear Tanja,

Today is Christmas Day 2001. We Love and miss you so much.
We think of you every day and sometimes it is difficult to go on without you. We know, however, we will meet again. We look to the Lord to give us strength. We thank the Good Lord every day for giving you to us, even though it was for such a short time. You are a Blessing to us and we will never forget You. Our Love Always. "Merry Christmas".

Mom, Dad and Family

I only met you once, just a few days before you died. Your laughter and smile will be the things I'll always remember about you.
May God Bless and watch over your family, friends and co-workers, they are all in my prayers.

Anonymous

Dear Tanja, Today (September 15th) is your 32nd Birthday. We are constantly thinking of you, but today, especially. We Love and miss You very much. We know you are here with us on this "Special" Day. We can feel your energy and are wishing you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Love Always, DAD

Tanja, your Memorial at the Tanja King Blvd.in Avalon Park is a beautiful tribute to the heroic life you lived and gave for your fellow man. The new Elementary School on Tanja King Blvd. will open on August 14th. We think of you every day and know you are with us. We thank you for the "Life" you lived and the sacrifice you made. We will never forget you and George. We wear our T-shirts proudly which say, "DON'T MISTAKE OUR TEARS FOR WEAKNESS...". We Love You.

Anonymous

Its been over a year now and I still sob at the glimpse of her picture. I often wondered how close we were after her death. I realized that we were friends , I mean are friends, it took me a long time to get over it, but I can still see her ponytail in front of me when I run in the mornings and I can still hear her encouraging me to keep up with her. I miss her.

Ofc M. O'Keefe
Orlando Police

GOD TAKES CARE OF THOSE WHO TAKE CARE OF OTHERS. THAT IS WHAT YOU DID AND I'M SURE YOUR DOING IT NOW. WATCH OVER US TANJA, WE NEED YOU HELP. REST IN PEACE, YOUR TOUR IS OVER.