Anchorage Police Department, Alaska
End of Watch Monday, July 9, 2001
Reflections for Patrol Officer Justin Todd Wollam
Hey Justin,
The years are starting to come and go quicker. Can't believe it's been 8 years now since we lost you. Doesn't seem possible for it to have been that long. Just know you are never far from our thoughts. Kristin still does things that someone will say "She's her daddy's kid" cause she does things and acts just like you. It's pretty amazing when we stop and think about it. Kristy finished nursing school and enjoys being a nurse very much. She is well suited for it and really likes helping people. Pretty awesome young lady she is (if I do say so myself). Of course you know we lost my brother Ronnie last December. He was a retired cop and when he died I said you and him were setting together telling cop stories. Kristin will be in 7th grade this year!! Doesn't seem possible. She was 4 years old when you passed. Guess what I'm saying is that life marches on. We all continue to live life. But, you are and always will be a huge part of our lives and because of your sacrifice we appreciate life more. We think of you often and miss you. Keep a close watch over all of us. We love you.
Charlie
Charlie Cash
Father-in-law
July 8, 2009
I never knew you, but wanted to thank you for your selfless service and sacrifice. I see your memorial on the highway nearly daily, and pray for you and your family. You will never be forgotten.
J. Stam
Former Federal Officer, Anchorage Resident
June 3, 2009
its been along time since i came here to write to you. i think of you alot when stories are told at the apd. to make you laugh and smile at the same time. wanted to wish you a happy easter and keep watching over everyone.
laura jo
angleton pd
April 12, 2009
Sometimes there is a person who touches your life that you never met. That person will never know the impact they had on you, how could they. They never met you. I know if I were blessed to have the opportunity to meet Justin that we would have been good friends. God bless Justin for the sacrifice he made.
I had the honor of briefly meeting your Justin's wife and wonder daughter. They were blessed with a wonderful man as their husband/father. When I spent my brief time with Kristy and Krisin, I could not help but think of this portion of the Beatles song "In My Life".
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you.
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new.
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I love you more.
- - -Beatles "In My Life"
T-Bor
April 1, 2009
Justin was a quiet, easy going person and a good cop. I was assigned as one of Justin's Field Training Officers. I remember starting to lose patience with an uncooperative complainant and how Justin stepped in and using his natural people skills and charm, smoothed the situation and made progress where I hadn't been able to. I remember getting back to the car and thinking, "I'm supposed to be teaching him, and he's teaching me!" Justin had that way about him that people responded to. I stood outside ABT during your service, afraid to go inside because I knew I wouldn't be able to hold it together. I drove in your motorcade and watched the people stop and honor you. Some time much later I ran into Kristi when she was present at a rescue assist call. She recognized the name on my uniform and told me that you used to tell her how much you enjoyed riding with me. I should have gone in to the service, because all the crying I didn't do there, where it would have been better understood, was done right there with Kristi in front of hundreds of people and 4 other cops in the middle of the Sullivan Arena. I think of you and your family all of the time. Every time I travel the Glenn Highway I look for your memorial and think about your sacrifice. You are missed.
Sergeant Pablo Paiz
January 29, 2009
When I'm walking through the training center alone, I still pause and look at every photo on the Wall of Honor, especially yours. I encourage the recruits to learn your story so they might grasp the seriousness of the career they've chosen and the sacrifices that were made before their time. You will never be forgotten.
Anonymous
November 29, 2008
You are missed. You will always be loved. You will always be honored.
:)
Anonymous
September 20, 2008
RIP
Anonymous
September 8, 2008
Sorry for the anonymous post - I read your reflections and it ripped through me. I am so sorry for your family, wife's and daughter's loss. It is clear that a great father, husband and family member was taken before his time.
Anonymous
August 25, 2008
Justin was honored on the website today and I spent the last hour getting to
know him. It truly is a huge loss for everyone who knew and loved him, a
pain driving one to his knees, but hopefully, closer to the Lord Jesus. He knows
the depth of our pain, but also the immense joy and thankfulness when those
who trust in Him will once again experience Justin in a way we can scarcely
comprehend now. May Christ continue to show you His presence and love.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA
Anonymous
August 14, 2008
I drive by the cross and flowers all the time with the red letters that spell out Wollam. Each time I look as I go by and whisper a prayer for you and your family. You wont be forgotten. Ever.
Police Officer
August 10, 2008
Just wanted the family to know Justin is still missed, even by those of us who are now far away ... he always cheered us up in dispatch (even on the crummy days!).
And this site can even bring us smiles ... I saw Office Billiet's name & remembered his "moose and the tree hugger story"!
Louise Dunn
former APD dispatcher
July 19, 2008
Hey brother, thinking of you 7 years later. Can't believe it has been that long. Seems like yesterday. Charlie is right, the memorial is beautiful. I drive by it two times a day. Charlie, we have lost touch. Please send me a note. [email protected]
Roger Billiet, Patrol Officer
July 11, 2008
Thinking of you and your family this day.
Maryland resident
July 9, 2008
Officer Wollam,
On today, the 7th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Anchorage. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
Anonymous
July 9, 2008
Hi Justin. Well, it's been another year. They sure seem to fly by anymore. Wanted you to know I was thinking about you this morning. With us living in Oklahoma now, we don't see your memorial along the Seward Hwy or get to attend the memorial service each year in Anchorage. But, you are never far from our memories. Bridget is keeping the memorial in tip-top shape for us. Have seen pictures of it with a fresh coat of paint and all cleaned up. It looks nice. Good thing about us all being down here is that we get to see you parents more often. We keep talking about getting together for a trip to San Antonio. Have always wanted to see the Alamo, and of course your Dad is more than happy to play tour guide for us. It's nice to be able to see them and spend time with them. They are really great people! Kristy graduated from nursing school a couple of weeks ago. Kristin has gotten so big! You would be very proud of her. She is a straight A student and sings beautifully in the Shawnee Honor Choir. She has a beautiful voice! All is well here. We miss you!
Charlie Cash
father-in-law
July 9, 2008
Justin,
I have visited this site several times a year since you left us and finally feel like I can leave some thoughts without my emotions getting the best of me. My thoughts of you always come around your Birthday. You truly were and are the definition of a friend. As I think back on your life and our friendship, I find nothing but smiles and pleasure in the times I spent with you. Hiding from Mr. Prihoda in the closet when we were 4, running from the locust on my parents front porch when we were 6, the sleepovers and prank calls through junior high, the trip to Mazatlan in spanish class in high school, chasing girls in your mustang, the trip you and I took to Cancun the weekend after we graduated, you serving as a groomsman in my wedding, I only find smiles and laughter. My heart breaks and my pride swells when I think of your life. I learned from you more than any other person to be kind and considerate to all, no matter their social, economical, or racial staus. I constantly try to instill that quality in my children and it is a direct result of me knowing you. Thanks for the great times, thanks for your service to our country and our public, and thank you for your solid friendship. The only regret I have is that I did not tell you I love You after our phone conversation a couple of days before you passed, I know it is selfish and foolish but I do regret it. I love you, I pray for your family, and I look forward to seeing you again someday. Damn it, My emotions still get the best of me...Todd
Todd Tullos
Friend
May 13, 2008
Justin,
You are gone but not forgotten and are always in our thoughts and prayers.
We will never forget you and your sacrifice.
Dave
Sergeant David Jones
Alaska State Troopers
May 9, 2008
Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.
Police Officer
March 11, 2008
A tear fell july 9th 2001 falling so slowely it splashed on the Anchorge community shelf just like a dream bring Justin home soar through the sky he is in HEAVEN theres no need to cry he served the ANCHORAGE COMMUNITY with honor,heaven is only a heartbeat away, heaven can be anyday.I hope to this day Jesus is with your family in all aspects watching over them and protecting them like you did to the community Justin.God bless your family frineds and fellow officers world wide.
darren aspelund
friend
November 16, 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
November 14, 2007
Came in to 'get huge' (as you would call it) before work tonight, and had a fleeting memory of your 170 lb frame tossing iron around with the rest of us. I actually smiled and laughed out loud at that mental picture. It's a great way to remember a friend, the tears are mostly gone and have made way to a smile and a chuckle. Much love, brother. Hugs to Kristi and Kristen, who must be darn near a little lady by now....Who will I have to play barbies with...?
Officer Ryan Rockom
APD
October 22, 2007
TO MY DEAREST FAMILY:
Some things I'd like to say, but first of all
to let you know that I have arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven where I dwell with God above,
where there's no more tears, or saddness, there
is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I am out of sight,
remember that I'm with you every morning, noon, and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me, and
He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed
while you were gone, as for your dearest family,
they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of My big plan,
there's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
Then God gave me a list of things, he wished for me to do, and for most on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
And I will be beside you every week and day and year,
and when your sad I'm standing there to wipe away the tear.
And when you lie in bed at night, the days chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth, and all those loving years,
because you are only human they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain,
remember there would be no flowers unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you of all that God has planned,
but if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is o'er,
I am closer to you now than i ever was before.
And to my very many friends trust God knows what is best,
I'm still not far away from you, I'm just beyond the crest.
There are rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb,
but together we can do it, taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy, and I'd like it for you too,
that as you give unto the World, the World will give to you.
If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain,
then you can say to God at night my life was not in vain.
And now I am contented that my life was worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is down and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him as on your way you go.
When your walking down the street, and you've
got me on your mind, I'm walking in your footsteps
only a half a step behind.
And when you feel a gentle breeze or the wind upon your face,
that's me giving you a great big hug, or
just a soft embrace.
And when it's time for you to go from that body to be free,
remember you're not going, you are coming here to me.
And I will always love you, from that land way up above,
I will be in touch again soon.
P.S. God sends His Love.
Justins High School Friend.
October 17, 2007
TO KRISTY:
I passed by Justin's memorial couple days ago(9-23-07). As the season's change color from lush green to yellow, orange, and gold it reminds me of the time that passes as children get older and loss merges with legacy. I just wanted to let you know as life takes us on different paths and to different places you all are in our thoughts. I felt it was important to acknowledge your loss today and not just on the anniversary. Brian,I,Eric and Zoie hope you and Kristin are flourishing. We look foward to seeing you both again. everything at AKUSA is still as goofy as ever.(giggle)They all miss you terribly! God Bless you and keep you both in his grace~
love and hugs,Brian , Katie ,Eric, and Zoie Manley
katie and brian manley
friend and co-worker of kristy wollam
September 28, 2007
Justin,
Another year has gone by and you are missed so very much by us all. Kristin has grown into such a beautiful girl inside and out. She has a big heart and the same grin as you. You would be so proud of her. She received so many awards this past year in school. Kristy is going to start nursing school this August, she will make a great caring and compassionate nurse. Kristy and Kristin miss you so...watch over them.
Lot of love,
Mom-In-Law
Mom-In-Law
July 12, 2007
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