Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today is the 23rd Anniversary of the loss of APD Officer Justin T. Wollam. I wanted to share an article about Justin written shortly after his loss. I liked and respected Justin and his family. They are a remarkable family and my thoughts and prayers have always been with them. Justin was a "Good and Faithful Servant" and I'm certain those are the first words Justin heard from God the moment he entered heaven.

Well Done Justin, you are remembered and always missed.

APD Guardian Article, Issue 42, July 2001

Officer Justin Todd Wollam

THE KIND OF MAN HE WAS

Officer Justin Wollam was not only a tall man in stature; he was also a tall man in spirit. As a police officer, Justin readily volunteered to assist others. It was obvious that he took pride in his profession and that he enjoyed his work. His enthusiasm and work ethic were infectious.

I witnessed Justin’s work ethic during the Mountain View Elementary School stabbings. Justin was one of the many officers who responded and performed superbly at that confusing and heinous crime scene. After the incident was somewhat stabilized, Justin volunteered to assist in secondary searches, helping with the children and even helped when a suspicious individual appeared on the scene; all of this well past the end of his shift.

Justin’s compassion and eagerness were qualities that I learned to expect from him. When Justin and other Mid-Shift Officers learned of the planned memorial service for Alaska State Trooper Jim Moen, they requested to be relieved as soon as possible so they could participate in the procession. When I arrived for the procession, I noticed Justin and several officers standing on a nearby corner. Even after a full night of “copping” the officers were standing erect and dressed smartly. My pride in APD was heightened when I saw this response.

I spent time talking with Justin and the others that morning. Justin was moved by the response of all the officers and outside agencies. As the old man on the corner, I related stories about other such tragedies and memorials. We always end those conversations with prayers that we never have to attend another memorial. No one on the corner knew how fateful that conversation was.

Before the procession began, someone radioed they needed volunteers to help with traffic control. The voice had not faded before Justin had excused himself and was enroute to help. I wouldn’t have expected anything less of Justin.

Justin chose to serve as a police officer. His family has shared with us that he was very proud to be an Anchorage Police Officer. Justin’s family has a history of dedicated service to this country, and it is easy to recognize why Justin was a tall man in spirit and was destined to be a great police officer. His family places God and servitude into their daily activities. As a faithful son, Justin followed his family’s beliefs and teachings and answered the call of duty. Anchorage can be thankful and proud that he chose to serve here.

Justin’s daughter, Kristin, will tell you that she is very proud of her “Police Officer Daddy”. (She will correct you if you say “policeman”, it’s “POLICE OFFICER!). She made a habit of identifying police vehicles and telling her Dad when she saw one.

Justin’s death has touched many lives, none more so than his family. Justin left his family, friends and co-workers much too early in life; but our memory of him and his sacrifice will never fade.

LT Garry Gilliam
Mid Shift Commander

Garry Gilliam

July 9, 2024

Think about you every day brother, but for some reason, today more than most.

Mike Raleigh
Anchorage PD 12/1997-8/2002

April 26, 2024

Justin,

Thinking of you on this veterans day.
Hope your family and friends are doing fine.

Patrol officer Robert Tenorio
Pearland police department

November 11, 2022

November 22, 1952 my grandmother was killed in a head on vehicular accident. Her name was Ann May Bublitz. Location of accident was Hwy 90 near East Bernard Texas. Information was posted in the “Houston Chronicle” dated November 25, 1952.

Officer Wollam’s grandparent’s , attended my grandmother’s memorial service held at the Angleton Funeral Home Chapel, We’d, Nov. 26, 1952. They signed her Memorial attendance book under the heading “Friends Who Called”. Mr. and Mrs. Lee Wollam.

Small world.

Rena Hite
Family acquaintance

July 16, 2022

Happy Birthday in heaven. We shared a birthday and memories. Hoping your family, friends and co-workers are doing well.

Becky C
Friend

May 16, 2022

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 25, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 9, 2020

You would have hit 20 with me this June. Sorry you’re not here to enjoy it. You’re still very much missed. Put a patch by your name on the wall in DC this year for Police week. Still pretty rough seeing you on there.

Roger Billiet, now retired
Anchorage Police Department

October 5, 2019

Officer Wollam, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 14, 2019

You are not forgotten, Justin. Your blue family still aches over your loss, and we remember and honor you. Rest In Peace my brother.

Lieutenant Nancy Reeder
Anchorage Police Department

July 9, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 17th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 9, 2018

We miss you Officer William. I used to work with you in the Municipality of Anchorage as a legal secretary for the Administrative Hearing Officer, Tim Middleton. I have gone by the Glenn Highway at a small gravesite your wife set up and I left an American Flag at the site. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You have not been forgotten. Rest in Peace. April 4, 2018

Eva Herner
Municipality of Anchorage

April 4, 2018

Thinking of you!!!! We had some good times.

Senior Patrol Officer
Retired Anchorage Police.

March 30, 2018

Rest in Peace.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

July 9, 2017

My teacher Mr. Settle has asked me to do a report on a Fallen Officer. I chose the state of Alaska, and decided I would do it on you. Your tragic departure from a life of service tears me up inside. I plan on joining my local Sheriff's Department, and I will carry this experience with me for the rest of my life. May God bless you, and I will never forget you.
Thank you for your service.

Student Cole Tobin
Mission Hills High School

May 8, 2017

Justin, It's been 15 years since you were taken from us in that tragic incident. My thoughts and prayers are always for your family and friends. I trust God has given you an opportunity to know just how important you are to all of us. Thank you so very much for your dedicated service; you will forever be remembered as an outstanding APD Officer. Well done sir.

Deputy Chief Garry Gilliam
Anchorage Police Department

July 12, 2016

Justin,

I never had the honor of meeting you before you went to be with the lord, but I had the privilege to work and become friends with you brother Russell for the past 13 years. I wanted to say that I truly appreciate your service and the ultimate sacrifice you mad protecting others. I have no doubt that you would be so proud of Russell and your family if you were still with with us. I have to rely on my faith to help me believe that you and others who have pasted continue to watch over your families from heaven.

In my mind I know you never ever be able to read what I have written, but if somehow the message gets to you then I really want you to know the following:
* Your brother Russell is and has been for as long as I have know him to be one of the few people that I have complete respect and consider as a friends. The world would be such a better place if there it had many more people with his qualities.

Again, thank you so much for the honorable service and the ultimate sacrifice you gave in the line of duty. You will always be remembered and honored along the others who have fallen in the line of duty and all of you are heroes to me.

God Bless You and Rest In Peace,

John Cardner
Friend of Justin's brother Russell for many years

John Cardner
Family Friend

July 9, 2016

Happy Birthday to you!!! Happy Birthday to you!!! Happy Birthday Dear Justin!!! Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!! Happy 43rd Birthday Justin! Always in my mind, forever in my heart! I love you and miss you so much! Dont worry. I will be calling your mom and checking on them today as well as posting on Facebook to her, Kristy, Kristen, and Russell. I think about you all the time. Just letting you know that you will never be forgotten by me.

Georgia Schaatt Smith
Justin Was My Best Friend In High School and Warrior Of His Memory.

May 16, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 15, 2015

Happy 42 Birthday Justin. I love and miss you. Not a day goes by that you aren't in my heart and on my mind. I pray for your mom and dad, Kristy, Kristin, and Russell. Stopped an officer tonight and told him that I appreciate what he does for us and then I tell him about you and that you're my hero. I love and miss you so much. Kristin graduated from high school and she would make you so proud of the woman she's become. This is going to be a short but sweet visit. But I just wanted you to know that you were on my mind and in my heart. I love you from here to all eternity. Thank you for being my best friend in High school. Happy 42 Birthday again.

Georgia Schaatt Smith
Justin was my High school best friend.

May 17, 2015

"The Final Inspection"The policeman stood and faced his God,Which must always come to pass.He hoped his shoes were shining.Just as brightly as his brass."Step forward now, policeman.How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek?To My church have you been true?"The policeman squared his shoulders and said,"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,Because those of us who carry badgescan't always be a saint.I've had to work most Sundays,and at times my talk was rough,and sometimes I've been violent,Because the streets are awfully tough.But I never took a penny,That wasn't mine to keep....Though I worked a lot of overtimeWhen the bills got just too steep.And I never passed a cry for help,Though at times I shook with fear.And sometimes, God forgive me,I've wept unmanly tears.I know I don't deserve a placeAmong the people here.They never wanted me aroundExcept to calm their fear.If you've a place for me here,Lord, It needn't be so grand.I never expected or had too much,But if you don't.....I'll understand.There was silence all around the throneWhere the saints had often trod.As the policeman waited quietly,For the judgment of his God."Step forward now, policeman,You've borne your burdens well.Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,You've done your time in hell

Everybody Loves Officer Justin Wollam.
People's lives that you touched.

July 9, 2014

13 years ago, you were taken from us. Not a day goes by that I don't think if you. Kristy, Kristin, your Mom and Dad, and Russell are always in my thoughts and prayers. You ought to know that by now. I still remember getting the e-mail from Victor saying about what happened. To this day I still grieve for you. I wonder what life is like in Heaven where you live. I wonder if you are playing football there or if you just kick back and relax. I haven't called your mom yet. I'm going to after I send this. I still stop and thank the police officers in your memory. I don't want anyone to ever forget you and the person you were here on earth. The wonderful friend that laughed and liked to joke around. The friend who was always there ready to dry the eyes from tears that had come. You always took care of me. I will never forget that our that you called me DT in the 7th grade. Lol That one I will not say weekday it means. Just know that I love you and think about you all the time. God Bless You and your family Always and forever and ever. You are missed.

Georgia Schaatt-Smith
Justin was my best friend in high school and growing up.

July 9, 2014

Hey Justin! Happy 41st Birthday! I still think of you all the time. I also still stop and tell any officers thank you for what they do for us and they were in mutt prayers as well. I feel like still have the void in my life and heart since you went to be with Jesus and all of our loved ones there in Heaven with you. You are going to think I'm crazy but I've gotten into piercings in my ears. I goto a tattoo parlor to have them done. I've got my left nostril, done as well. I have my traguses, industrials, anti-traguses, conch, and snugs done. I have 4 more spots in each ear that l want done, the daith, rooks, helix, and forward jellies done. I can see you shaking your head at me. I've got both Kristy and Kristin as friends on Facebook. You would be proud of the way she has grown up. She is so beautiful. I'm sorry that I've been slack with not keeping in touch with your parents and Russell. I love them more than I can say. I cursed I had better close now. I don't have much to say these days. I just had to, on this May 16th of 2014. Happy Birthday Justin!! I love and miss you yesterday, today, and forever. Danbury High School Class of 91!

Love you,
Georgia

Georgia Schaatt-Smith
High School Best Friends Alumni Class Of 91.

May 16, 2014

You've touched our lives and made it so much of a better place to live. You were taken from us way too soon. We watched with tears them lowering you down at your burial site. You passed away taking part of each of us with you. We have since then watched your baby girl grow up into an amazing lady. We've tried our best to be there for your wife, daughter, mother, father, and brother. I hope we haven't let you down. I still stop and tell other officers thank you for what they do to keep us safe and that like you, they are my heros. You were taken home to live with Jesus on this, the 9th day of July, 2001. Your memory will never die! I love and miss you, Justin, please pray for me to be able to be united with you again. God bless you & May You Rest In Peace.

Georgia Schaatt Smith
High School Best Friends

July 9, 2013

Another anniversary........ Can't believe it's been 12 years. Kristin is in Danbury today. I'm sure your mom and dad appreciate her being there. Kristy is ready for her to come home. They are both pretty neat girls and are lucky to have one another. Kristin is going to be a Junior in HS this year!!! My goodness, she is growing up fast. She is really a good kid. Still can't get over the "you've got to be kidding me" feeling when she drives out to our place in her car. Yup, she's growing up. She'll be off to college before we know it. Of course, she couldn't ask for a better mom. Love them both with all our heart.
Love and miss you.

Charlie Cash
father-in-law

July 9, 2013