Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Kristin,

I know that we have been out of touch for the past few years and that I will probably never forgive myself for that stupid argument we had, because I cannot make it up to you now. I remember meeting you in eighth grade, and hanging out with you and Laura and Kelly and Dustin. Could it really be ten years ago? And Hillsborough High School...how did we ever get through it? I remember when you threatened to knock out Rich Rozycki in history class for making that comment about Jews, because you knew it was wrong and upset me, but I was too scared to do anything about it. You were always sticking up for people. You truly have the courage of your convictions, Kristin, and I always admired that about you.

I got the address of this site from your Mom, who is still a sweet, wonderful woman. I remember the big bone-crushing hugs you'd give her, and how you were always kissy-face with your dogs, Jake and Ditto. I remember birthday parties, high school graduation, nights at the diner, that night in your living room when we talked til the sun came up about life and relationships...

I really miss you. I wish you had more time.

Love,
Rache

Rachel Dunst

Kristin,

I’ve been sitting at the computer for weeks now trying to write a reflection. 3 weeks ago I received the phone call that devastated my life. Two and a half weeks ago I carried and stood watch over your casket. A week ago I finally framed your picture and hung it on my wall. Three nights ago I cried myself to sleep.
Up until now, I kept stopping and turning the computer off as I found it too tough to try and put my emotions down as written words.
The time we were co-workers and friends seems both as an eternity and as a fleeting instant. Eternity because of all the treasured memories I will have forever. Fleeting given that your time with us seems so brief.
Who would have known we would have become the best of friends when you came to my shift for your last phase of field training? What started out as colleagues quickly led to a valued friendship. If I didn’t get a phone call or a visit from you at least once a day, I knew something was wrong.
Your smile warmed everyone’s heart; your spirit tightened bonds within our department. Your enthusiasm for the job as a police officer knew no limits. You responded to calls and backed up fellow officers without question.
There is a saying that everything happens for a reason. While I cannot see it through the hurt, I know I must realize that when the pain has diminished the reason for all of this will make itself known. Then it will be clear that your love for all of us knows no boundaries.

As I begin another tour of duty tomorrow, I will fasten on my gun belt and snap your gun into my holster. I know I’ll be making you proud carrying on exactly as you’d want me to; and as you would do in my shoes...

Being the best police officer we are capable of being, doing the job we love to do. Protecting and serving as we have sworn to do. And I know you will always be keeping watch over my shoulder.

I love you, miss you, and will cherish your memory until God has us together again.

PO3 Gregory S. Worsey
Maryland National Capital Park Police - Montgomery County

Hey Kristen,

I thought long and hard about what I would say to you...and for the first time in my life, I am almost speechless. You remember when you were on fto and I told you not to touch my heat or my am/fm radio and the rest of the car was yours? I will never forget that look on your face. Then you started singing that stupid "Percurlator" song. That's when I knew how fun you truly are.

I think about you daily. I cry and laugh a lot when I do. I wanted to let you know that I sent you a horse to ride around up there. He jumps really nicely, so hop a few clouds for me. His name is Whisper and he'll be looking for you. Big, fat, grey thing with huge wings.....you know the one....I know he will keep you safe.

To your family and friends, I would like to express my deepest sympathy. I will miss you Kritin but I realize that Heaven needs many angels and you are just the girl for the job.

POIV Sandy Sellman
Maryland National Capital Park Police-Montgomery Co.

Kristen, you were truly a special person to have as a teamate. Your dedication and love of the job will never be forgotten. Although I only knew for a short time, the impact you left on me as well as our squad will be forever lasting. You will always be part of our team. Your love, friendship, dedication and neverending smile will be things all of us will cherish forever. We know you will always watch over us, and we will never forget you.

Ofc. KR Gentry
Md. Nat'l Capital Park Police

Kristin,
God bless you....your mother misses your daily phone calls and thinks about you every waking minute. She takes solace in knowing that you loved what you were doing and the people that you worked with.
Rest easy and continue to watch over your family and friends.
mjs

Michael J. Scerbo

Kristin,

Thank you for being such a dear friend. Greg and I never got to tell you that I was 7 weeks pregnant when you died. Because of the high risk we wanted to be cautious. You knew all about our difficulties and you always found a way to cheer me up and make me feel better. I'll never forget the day we spent an hour and half at the gym only to stop at Dairy Queen on the way home for Sundaes. Our little secret.

You asked me if we would call you Aunt Kristin, now I hope you are our childs guardian angel, watching over me and the baby during a difficult pregnancy. If we have a daughter she will be given your name.

Peace be with you. We will meet again someday; do they have step class in Heaven? Not a day will go by that I won't cry just a little. Our lives will never be the same without you. Thank you for touching us so deeply.
Love,

Kim

Kim

To Officer Pataki family and friends our thoughts and prayers goes out to you. May God Bless you and may your love one rest in peace.

D. Jones
Mother of Officer Ron Jones
EOW 12/26/01

Thanks Kristin for those wonderful smiles and giggles in the hallway. I miss you but they say "mention a friends name aloud at least once a day and their energy never fades". Continue your good work up there and watch over those of us still down here.

Love Ya,

Roxie
MNCPP

We remember you during National Police Week this year and we will honor your service next year. With us for such a short time, we trust that you will now continue to watch over us.

Anonymous
Montgomery County Police

Kristin,

I wanted you to know that not a day goes by that I don't think about you or wonder why God chose to take you that night. I asked for another unit to assist me and without a question in your mind you answered up for the call. For that I say thank you, and for that you paid the ultimate price.
Eventhough we worked the same beat together for three months, I never really had the chance to get to know you. I wish now I had. I miss you each and every day.
Words can not express how thankful or sorry I am for the sacrifice you made. I will always remember you and always have a heavy heart.
Rest in peace Kristin and please watch over all police officers. You are in a far better place now. We will meet again some day and at that time I hope you can forgive me. Take care girl.

PO1 Jeffrey W. Price
Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County

My personal interaction with Kristin Pataki was limited to my week teaching her alcohol enforcement & DUI/SFST class. I remember her enthusiasm. What is interesting to note is that it has been my experience that most rookies are under the microscope. SO much so, that fault is always found in some aspect of their performance. Not so in her case. Everyone, even the usual cynics, had nothing but kind words for her as a person and respect for her ability as a police officer despite her short tenure.

Lieutenant Alan Goldberg
Montgomery County Police

May the beautiful smile and the warm spirit of this lovely officer remain always with those who love her. Her bravery and professionalism are an inspiration to everyone.

Joan Kraft
Beacon Partnerships, Inc.

My deepest sympathies to Kristin's family, friends and co-workers. Well served Peace Officer, may you rest in peace.

Sgt Kevin McGowan
Charleston Police Department

OUR DEAR KRISTIN,

WE NEVER KNEW THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE TO HURT SO MUCH.
BUT PLEASE KNOW HOW VERY PROUD OF YOU WE ARE. FEW PEOPLE
EVER GET THE CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING IN LIFE THAT THEY LOVE
AS MUCH AS YOU LOVED YOUR JOB AND YOUR CO-WORKERS.
WE WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THE KINDNESS THAT HAS
BEEN EXTENDED TO US, WE NEEDED EVERY BIT OF IT.
BUT MORE IMPORTANT THEN THAT IS THE NEED FOR EVERYONE
TO SUPPORT THE YOUNG OFFICER THAT CALLED FOR BACKUP THAT
NIGHT. HE IS BLAMING HIMSELF FOR THIS ACCIDENT, AND IT WAS
JUST THAT, AN ACCIDENT. MY WIFE AND I ASK THAT ANYONE WHO
KNOWS THIS YOUNG MAN WILL HELP. ONE YOUNG LIFE HAS BEEN LOST
AND TO HAVE ANOTHER YOUNG LIFE RUINED MAKES THIS TRAGEDY SO
MUCH WORSE. WE KNOW WE CAN COUNT ON YOU ALL.

LOVE, MOM AND DAD

MOM AND DAD

I'm sorry for your loss. Please continue to keep watch over us still doing the job !

Officer Matthew Kelly
Haverford Twp Police - PA

HEY YOU,

Its only been little over a week, and I miss you more and more every day. Of all the things I have done it my life this is by far the hardest. But I know as in the past you are still by my side, helping me through. I am so proud of you words cannot explain, we all are. I promise things will go on, I will take care of everyone dont worry. Just remember how much I love you. You will always be my fantasy come to life. I miss you.

Love
me

Kristin
I never knew you, but you are a sister to all of us. I am also a young officer and it deeply saddens me to see someone who had such a promising future, have it end so abruptly. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Law Enforcement Officer
US Forest Service

Kristin,

Your fellow officers remember you as a dedicated, motivated officer, and full of life. They will forever embrace your honor as you protect them from above.

To the Pataki Family,

Your family is in the thoughts and prayers of police officers everywhere, Kristin's brothers and sisters of the law enforcement family.

Senior Corporal Lev Ellian
South Bethany Police, Delaware

It saddens me to see yet another officer has given their life while helping others. Officer Pataki, God Bless you and your family.....You will not be forgotten.....

Deputy Loonsfoot
Marquette County Sheriff Dept.

God bless you and your family in this tragic time.

Deputy Doug Sullivan
Fresno County Sheriff's Dept.

IT'S IN THE VALLEYS I GROW

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble, and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountaintop
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountaintops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing,
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strenthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The Mountaintops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow.

I am a native of Maryland. We lived in the Hampstead area. I moved to Tennessee in 1981 with my two sons, Donald and Edward.
I would like to express to her family and fellow Officers my deepest sympathy in the loss of Kristin.

Hamilton County Deputy Sherrif, Donald Kenneth Bond, Jr.
EOW: September 6, 2001

Lorraine Bond

RIP!! You are in my prayers and thoughts!! When I first seen this on the website, when we had Roll-Call at work, I read your story to the officers, many of them broke down into tears, after loosing all the offices we lost on 9/11 and the great response we got from all the others, we had to leave a great response to you!! 8 months really isnt a long time, but at least you have interest in Law-Enforcement, and at least you went out every day and did the best you possibly could!! I have been working for the NYPD for 15 years, its a lot, and I have a hard time even thinking im only a Sgt. I should be a Lt. or Capt. by this time!! Its a long carrer and its the best. To bad you cant feel how great the career really is!!

My prayers go to your Co-Workers, family and soon to have been husband!!

LAW ENFORCEMENT IS NUMBER 1!!

Sgt. Matthew Raymond
NYPD- 109 PCT. QZ_33W109

Kristin,
We started our police careers together in the academy. I will never forget how much you made me and all the other females in the locker room laugh everyday, and I know now you are making those in heaven laugh as much as you made us laugh here on earth. You were so full of joy that you made my troubles go away. I will miss you and think of you everyday. We will go on, knowing that you are in heaven watching over us and keeping us safe. You will never be forgetten. We love you.
To Kristin's family, friends, and other collegues...my prayers will be with you all. I promise you, Kristin's memory will nevery be forgotten. She will live in our hearts forever.

PO1 S. Law
Montgomery County Police

My deepest condolences to the family, fiancé, friends and colleagues of Officer Pataki. I pray for you all. Though I did not know Kristin, just from reading the reflections left here, it seems that she made her mark on the law enforcement family in a short period of time. I hope that while she lived and did this job that she knew how people felt about her. If she didn't, she does now. It is such a tragedy to lose an officer in this manner. We must be ever vigilant to every eventuality while on the job and arrive alive to every call. It's a hard and hurtful lesson to learn and one of which we all must be reminded. The International Association of Women Police salutes you, Officer Pataki. Godspeed Kristen.

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

Hey you,

We only got to work our beat together for a short time but you affected me more than you ever could have known. If the rest of us could just treat and talk to each other the way you did this would be a better place. I know you are patrolling heaven now and someday I'll meet you there and we can finish our traffic detail.

Be at peace.

I'll get the gates for you anytime,
P.

Anonymous