Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I have driven past the Hans Roelle Memorial Weigh Station for almost a year now; and I'm always curious about Trooper Roelle and what happened to him. After reading about the story of how he was killed, and about his family left behind, I really had to just thank God for what I have and how fortunate I am. Trooper Roelle was obviously dedicated to his profession; in the face of danger, he did his very best for his community, and died doing it.

May the good lord bless you and your family; may everyone who passes that weigh station and think about you, be thankful for what you've done, and for what others like you have done.

Will Stuhr
Active USAF
Brother of a Florida State Trooper

MSgt Will Stuhr
USAF

August 20, 2005

Hans-we passed by your memorial weigh station on the Glenn Hwy the other day and reflected once again on your sacrifice. Rest in peace brother.

Sgt. Brian Wassmann
Alaska State Troopers

June 20, 2005

Hans, while our time together was short, I will always cherish and miss those times we spent talking and laughing. I think of you & your wonderful family often.

Randall Milks
National Corrections & Law Enforcement Training & Technology Center

June 20, 2005

Hans and Family:
I had the pleasure and enjoyment to have served with him since the
academy in 1984. I have not forgotten you and I will not foget all that your were to all that have met you. Even today I still expect you to come in and cheer all with your humor even in their and at times in my lowest hour. To your family you have to be proud of who and what he was. We will always miss him.
Rick Pyles
AST Palmer Post

Trooper Rick Pyles
Alaska State Troopers

April 13, 2005

As you can tell by the date I do not look at the Memorial Site as often as I should. I was an Alaska State Trooper for fifteen years, starting 1981, and during that time worked with Hans. He was always a friendly, happy, family-man who would let a out of town guy stay with him and his lovely family. But not only was he exceptional in his life, he was a excellent "Trooper" who knew what his job was and did it with all his might, while keeping his good easy going way of getting things done. So my friend, sorry it took so long, but so long and good-bye.

Donald Marx Sr.
Retired Alaska State Trooper

April 12, 2005

I had the opportunity of knowing Trooper Roelle while attending the Sitka Academy in 1998. Trooper Roelle taught one of our classes. He was a jovial man who had a great personality and was very well liked. God Bless you and your family as well as all of my other brothers and sisters in the field.

Robert Haskell, Former Police Officer
Juneau Police, North Slope Borough Police

February 28, 2005

Hans:

I miss you and wish this had not happened. I have seen your daughter at work and she is doing well.

God Bless

Lt. Lee R. Oly
Alaska State Troopers

January 27, 2005

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

(Formerly of Seward AK)

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 6, 2004

Rest in peace blue angel

shannon
concerned citizen

January 17, 2004

Hans,
I knew you at Bartlett High School, I knew you as a Trooper, and as a friend. Your wife and children can be proud of you, as a husband, father, coach, and Trooper. God Bless and Keep you Always. Until we meet again...
Bill Richardson
Anchorage Police Department, Patrol Sergeant

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage Police Department

September 2, 2003

Hans,
I'm sure I speak on behalf of all your brother and sister troopers. We think of you often and remember the ultimate sacrifice that you paid. You are not forgotten, you motivate me to be a better dad to my children. I helped coached my 7 yoa daughter's soccer team this last summer, like you did for your daughter in 2001. I thought of your legacy as a dad to your kids and how important you were to them. You were a fantastic dad and trooper. You will always be remembered.

Trp. Brian Wassmann
Alaska State Troopers

I don't know why it has taken over 6 months for me to post a message here. I think of Hans often, not a week goes by that I don't think of him. I worked with Hans a lot, the two of us worked together to train APD officers for CVSA certification. The stabbing, empty feeling that struck my heart in the late morning hours of November 24th, 2001 strikes my heart every time I see/ enter/ use the weigh station on the Glenn Highway, where Hans spent so much time before he died. Hans, I still can't believe you're gone. I wish I could have been on that call with you, I wish that the suicidal maniac wouldn't have taken your life. It seems weird doing truck inspections without seeing you, you left a hole that is very hard to fill. The dedication of the weigh station was just the other day. Forever the weigh station will now be called, "Trooper Hans Roelle Memorial Weigh Station". I visited the place of your death, and it brought tears to my eyes. Hans was a good man, hard worker, and understood the benefits of inter-agency cooperation. He was also a good dad. Driving the Glenn Highway is never the same now...Officer Wollom's roadside memorial by Fort Richardson and Hans memorial at the weigh station, makes for a sobering drive that even one year ago was so much different. To Hans' family, my sincere and deepest condolences. To Hans' fellow AST Troopers, if you ever for a moment think about whether or not people respect you, remember Hans' funeral: Troopers from several states, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, federal agents and local police agencies and numerous civilians were all there to show the slain Alaska State Trooper the respect he righteously deserved.

Take care buddy...we'll have lunch buffet at Pizza Hut again someday, just because it's good, not because we need to eat.

Your friend

Officer Brett Sarber
Anchorage Police Department

To the family, friends & co-workers of Trooper Roelle,
So sorry to hear about your loss. I understand what you have been through because I lost the man I was married to for 8 years in 2001 also (Trooper Calvin E. Taylor). I just got back from Police Week this year & wanted to let you know how proud you should be that Trooper Roelle had an officer from his department there to honor his memory. We only live one state away from D.C. and there was only one officer that was assigned to attend the ceremony on Wednesday (other than the escort officer for the two families). Be proud of the Alaska State Troopers...you have every reason to be. You will be in my prayers......keep me in yours also.
Denise L. Taylor
Survivor Calvin E. Taylor E.O.W. 10-3-2001

TC Denise L. Taylor
North Carolina Highway Patrol

I had the honor of attending the Trooper Academy in 1984, with Trooper Hans Roelle and later working patrol with Trp. Roelle in Anchorage. Trp. Roelle was proud to wear the uniform as it reflected in the way he performed his job. Trp. Roelle always had a smile. Trooper Roelle represented what a trooper stood for: Loyalty, Integrity and Courage. I know Trp. Roelle loved his family, as he spoke highly of them and was proud of his children accomplishments. Trp. Roelle always had you laughing when he would talk about what his children would do and would love to talk about his trip to Germany. On 11-24-01, Trooper Hans Roelle gave his life in the line of duty, doing what he loved best: Being a State Trooper. Trp. Roelle was a good friend and I will miss him. Trp. Hans Roelle left behind his high school sweetheart Chris and four beautiful children. We Shall Not Forget You Trooper Hans Roelle or your Family.

(Retired) Trooper Cindy Pollitt
AST

What is there to say? We keep losing good people around here. Justin, Jim, and now Hans. God bless you and may you rest in peace. The job is hard, the benefits often unseen but the people you touched and helped are uncountable. God bless your family and may they find peace in the future.

Anonymous
Dept. of Public Safety Matanuska Susitna Borough

Know that your husband and father was a hero, in life and death.

Joanna

Lt. Joanna Roop
Alaska State Troopers FWP

He will be missed.

Sergeant Lonny Piscoya
Alaska State Troopers

A POLICE OFFICERS PRAYER

Help me, Lord. to be a good and capable police officer.
Give me the COURAGE to face the unknown and to act on my convictions. Give me the WISDOM to remain above the temptations and frustrations I will meet. Give me the DEDICATION to do the best job I can do.

Hans, you did your best and we love and thank you for it.
We will never forget!

Kevin

Sgt. Kevin Kemp
Alaska State Troopers

Trp Roelle may the Lord take you to His city and one day I hope to I am found worthy so I can meet you patrolling those streets of gold.
To the family you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord comfort you at this tragic time. For all things there is a reason. I wish I could answer your questions of "WHY?". Please know that Officers everywhere are feeling part of your heartache.
To the Alaska State Troopers: May the Lord watch over you, guide and comfort you.
The Lord is my Sheppard...

Sgt Rex Prince
Tennessee Highway Patrol

"Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

I am convinced the reason Trooper Roelle put himself in harms way is because he knew the ultimate fate of the two children murdered in this tragedy. I'm sure he was thinking of his own four children and knew these two needed protection. This has all been so sad. I grieve with his family, friends and fellow troopers Hans left behind.

My husband was in a training class with Hans two weeks before he died and, like most everyone, liked him immediately. He was impressed with how eager Hans was to be back on the street after a time with the commercial vehicle enforcement arm of the State Troopers.

Hans Roelle was a hero and will live on in everyone's hearts as a hero.

Cheri Chavers, Officer's Wife
Anchorage (Alaska) PD

As the Father of a Deputy Sheriff, and Father in Law of a Police Officer, I feel a part of the community of Law Enforcement in this Nation. I mourn the loss of this good and selfless man. May his family, and Brother officers find solace in knowing he died doing what he no doubt loved doing. He, like my own son, is a protector. May his memory never fade!

Ed Delaney-Father of a Deputy
Orange County FL sheriff's Office

Hans-Godspeed my friend. Keep watch over the rest of us as you patrol in a better place. Although I knew you for only 1 week I shall keep you close to my heart.

Ryan

Officer Ryan Rockom
Anchorage Police Department

To the family of Trooper Roelle. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. You will not be forgotten nor will the service of Hans. Anchorage Police Officer Justin Wollam was my son-in-law, so I know what you are feeling. I believe Justin and Hans are in a better place where there is no pain and suffering, only love and goodness. I have heard nothing but good about Hans. I wish I could have met him. Be strong. God bless you and give you comfort. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Hans.

Charlie Cash
civilian

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your department and your family. God Bless

Fairview Oregon Police Dept

May your soul find peace brother.

Officer Coughran
Fruita Police Department