Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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

January 15, 2008

I turned 32 a few months ago. As 2008 approached I started to realize that I will outlive Kirk this year. I was 20 yrs old when I met him and became his dispatcher. Looking back those were some of the best times of my life. What a funny and wonderful guy he was. I miss you Kirk and I miss our department that no longer exists. What a great time that was for all of us!

Tina Stanfill/Lead Dispatcher
Deschutes County 911/Formerly Portland School Police

January 4, 2008

" IT WASN'T THE REWARD THAT MATTERED OR THE RECOGNITION YOU MIGHT HARVEST. IT WAS YOUR DEPTH OF COMMITTMENT, YOUR QUALITY OF SERVICE, THE PRODUCT OF YOUR DEVOTION - THESE WERE THE THINGS THAT COUNTED IN A LIFE. WHEN YOU GAVE PURELY, THE HONOR CAME IN THE GIVING, AND THAT WAS HONOR ENOUGH"

_Captain Scott O'Grady: United States Air Force

Tina Stanfill/Lead Dispatcher
Deschutes County 911/Formerly Portland School Police

June 15, 2007

Kirk,
Five years later, it still stings. When I'm at my lowest points is when I realize he is most missed. For it was at these times I could rely on my bestfriend to be there at a moments notice to straighten me out with an encouraging and "look what you've got" kind of word. These weren't just pep-talks. Kirk knew what was important and he desired to have others truly see what was around them in life.
For those who never knew Kirk, you missed out on something special. A man who put his family first, and friends (considered family) a close second.
Kirk was the kind of person who didn't have to die, and only then did you see just how many people loved and respected him for who he was. So in this case, it is that much more tragic.
I'm encouraged in one respect, Kirk knew God. I look forward to the day we can once again will be throwing the baseball around and can enjoy the simple things in life.....friends.

I'll end with this...be excited for your life. Live for the moments you do have since we never know when God will gently reach down, cradle us in his hand and pull us close to his side.

Is. 40:31

E.T.
Close friend and co-worker

May 27, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

September 27, 2006

May G-d Bless you and all other LEOs.

May 26, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers go out to This Officer, as well as the Family, Friends, Department and Community.

This is a loss that will never be forgotten. Hours will turn into days, days turn into weeks, weeks into months and months into years but, the difference that these officers have made will last forever.

We lost Our Deputy Morris Taylor on September 14, 2002. When he joined the other Angels in Blue.

God Bless Our Law Enforcement Officers and Those Who Love Them.

Jack & Tracy Van Dolah
Former LEO/U.S.M.C. & Wife in Sutherlin, Oregon

May 22, 2005

We say thank you If words could express our gratitude for all the wonderful and thoughtful things that were done to ease our pain and suffering in a time of great sorrow, one would be writing forever. The support that was given from the City of Portland Police: The countless officers that have been with us all through these trying times is impossible to list. The kindness , the understanding , the love ,and the willingness to do everything that could be done, to take on our pain and share the suffering with us. A simple thank you from us will never be enough to show our love for all the gracious deeds that were done .Our hearts go out to you, we extend our love to all that serve our city, state, and country. We will never forget you or the job that you do. We are proud that our son served with you. Be proud of what you do, hold your heads high and pray to God that you get home safely each day. We are thankful to God that He gave Kirk to us for these past 32 years to love , he was a great joy to us , a joy that we will carry in our hearts all our lives, never to be forgotten, but loved for all time. We will also carry the kindness you have shown to us as a reminder of the love that is in your hearts, so THANK YOU .
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. WE THE FAMILY OF KIRK ROBERT HUFFSTETLER THINK OF YOU AS FAMILY--------MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU FROM HARM --- --AMEN ---read the 26 PSALMS

parents and family

February 15, 2005

God Speed Huffy.

Officer J. S.
PPB

September 12, 2004

God bless you and your family at your tragic loss. You will never be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

June 14, 2004

I remember the day you left us, it way a warm and sunny day. At Mark Whitehead's funeral the paster saying "No one is ever dead as long as someone remembers" I will always remember...

Paul S
Friend of fallen Officer

May 29, 2004

Kirk was a very private person, but once you got to know him he was a very caring man with a wonderful sense of humor. I think it was my 2nd year as his dispatcher at the Portland School Police that he concocted a joke to play on me with one of his favorite dispatchers from BOEC(V.B.) She told me they had gotten a call of a naked subject making snowangels at one of the
middle schools. I was of course alarmed at such behavior and immediately paged Kirk to call in for the information. Well naturally he called in and gave him the information.
Kirk immediately starting laughing and asked me what month it was. I said "April."
Kirk then said to me, "So do you really think there's naked people making snow angels?"
A year and a half later I left to take a job with another agency. On my last day i found a big box of jelly belly beans in my drawer with a note from Kirk that said, "Congrats, watch out for naked snow angels."
Thank You Kirk for your support, encouragement friendship, and humor.
Dispatcher, Tina m. Nelson-Stanfill.
DC911.

Dispatcher Tina Marie Stanfill
Deschutes County 911

February 14, 2004

I remember Kirk first as a man who loved his family above all else. He was a fine officer, the kind you wanted to come to your aid as backup and the kind you wanted to come to your home if you were a victim. His sense of humor and love of practical jokes still make me smile.
He was a friend. I miss him.
He'll never be forgotten.

Officer Greg Pashley
Portland Police

Kirk, I know you love Jesus and your family so much. Isaiah 57:1-2 has a special meaning to you and your dad:

"Righteous people die, and no one cares. Loyal people are taken away, and no one understands. Rightious people are spared when evil comes. When peace comes, everyone who has lived honestly will rest on his own bed."

God bless you Kirk and your family, Chaplain John

Chaplain John Elms
Metro Police Chaplaincy

To Officer Huffstetler family and friends our prayers and hearts goes out to you. May God give you the strength to face the storm that lies ahead. May your love one rest in peace.
D. Jones
Mother of Officer Ron Jones
EOW 12/26/01

PPD, Prentiss, Ms.

I,i am from Québec and y study on law school
and wen i see officer an officer down is very hard,and stike right in my heart.

i give for the family, my sympatie.My class stand 1 minute on silent 1 time a day for 1 week.

sincerly Enrick Fournier

police school
not for the moment

I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR HORRIBLE LOSS. OFFICER HUFFSTETLER IS A HERO FOR KEEPING US SAFE. I WILL PRAY FOR HIS WIFE AND BLESSED CHILDREN.

NIKI CHAMBERS
WIFE OF CHATTANOOGA OFFICER

God bless you and your family for the sacrifices you have made. Rest now as you will not be forgotten brother.

Melissa Cotnoir
Dispatcher
Metro Nashville, Tn Police Department

Melissa Cotnoir Dispatcher III
Metro Nashville Police Department

We're going to lay you to rest today, Kirk... you and your family will be with us today, tomorrow and every day forever more... in our hearts, our thoughts, our deeds and our prayers. You will be
missed more than any words could ever describe... rest in peace,
my friend.

Officer MLW
Portland Police Bureau

When the gates of hell open.
Evil rears its ugly head.
If even just for a moment.
The mighty God commands it closed.
A selfless sacrifice is surrendered.
A Hero, Adored in Heaven, is born.

Cpl. James J. Crawford
Lower Providence Twp Police, Montg. Co. PA.

"Go rest high on that mountain," brother. Only a few days ago, we buried a fellow officer, deputy Betterton, who was shot on a traffic stop. I know that he has met you at the gates, and together, you sat through Heaven's roll call. Watch over us now, as we now must carry on, and our prayers are for your wife, children, and family. God bless you, brother.....you WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!

Patrolman Chris Tillman
Danville Police Dept., Danville, VA

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

Fairview Oregon Police Department

Dear Family and Friends,
Your courage during this storm will keep you strong. Our hearts are grieving with you and we are praying for you to find a peace that is beyond your understanding.

Cathy Hill
Deputy Barrett Hill
e.o.w. 12/4/00
Phil 4:13

Greater Houston COPS

To the family, friends and fellow officers of Officer Kirk Huffstetler: My condolences in your time of lost. God has chosen to take another great hero to patrol those golden streets up in heaven. My prayers go out to you. May you rest in peace Officer Huffstetler. You will be greatly missed.

Anonymous

Another hero going home to the Lord, thank you Officer Huffstetler for your dedication and service, may your family find solace in the fact that you went doing something you loved, and that other lives were enriched by knowing you. You are now patrolling streets of gold with God's finest, thank you.

Isaiah 40:31

JV Jackson
FCPS Divisiion Of Law Enforcement Lexington, Kentucky