Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 9, 2012

Memorial day has come and gone but dont think I havent been remembering how extraordinary a ranger you are. I am reminded of you often, and others like you.

I remember detailing to Organ Pipe and listening in on your training session for new Border Patrol agents concerning off road vehicle use in the park. I could see clearly that those BP agents respected you. I was struck by your energy that seemed like a radiant light around your body... You might have been an angel.

I also recall with a smile how, off-duty, you responded to two rangers locked out of our backcountry quarters...Brian forgot the key in his shirt pocket in the dryer at his house. Thanks again for getting the key to us so quickly.

1010
Retired NPS

June 14, 2012

As I visited the National Law Enforcement Memorial today, I paused at Kris' name to remember his bravery, integrity, and sacrifice. We were both from Cadillac, MI, but I never had the opportunity to know him. However, I find his name every year during Police Week to honor him and pray for his dear family and friends.

May the Lord be with you and surround you with His perfect peace.

Jackie Mueller
Wife of a police officer

May 12, 2012

"...approximately 30 to 50 Mexican officers from numerous agencies opened fire from Mexico killing him."

On this solumn occassion of the anniversary of your murder, I can only say how much I see the justice in the way this filth met his end. True cooperation between law enforcement agencies is always a good thing.

Though you have been gone now for 9 years, for those who know and love you it's been an eternity. No doubt you are missed terribly, but your memory lives on and you are truly a hero.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

August 9, 2011

You have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and protect them from harm.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 9, 2011

Kris

I met you briefly in Ajo and enjoyed our conversations and the hospitality you showed while renting your house

You are in the thoughts and prayers of Border Patrol and Law Enforcement....

RIP

Senior Patrol Agent
USBP

July 2, 2011

Kris,
I did not know you personally, but have learned so much on how to be a Ranger through the people you inspired through your life and career.
Your father, one of the strongest men I have ever met, was a guest speaker/teacher on the second day of my FLETC class. It was evident that he understood your mission and also intimately understood the sacrifice each student in our basic LE class could face during our career.
God Bless your life, legacy and family.
Thoughts and Prayers

LE RANGER
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

December 3, 2010

Talked to your folks today. Glad they are still there for NPS Rangers everwhere. Wish you could still be here on patrol with us.

Anonymous

August 9, 2010

Thinking of you today, Kris, and praying for your family.

Anonymous

August 9, 2010

How the time flies! Kris, I was out running today at FLETC and passed by one of the trailers where we had a scenario together. It was like being punched in the stomach. All my memories of you flooded right back to the surface.

Know that the Sidewinders are still holding the line. Despite the adversity from the agency, politicians and the real bad guys, they continue to strive and succeed. And more often than not, another one gets the Sidewinder tattoo, inspired by you and in honor of you. Your tragic murder has inspired a tremendous legacy that I have been so lucky to be a part of.

It does not matter how many years go by, you will NEVER be forgotten.

US Park Ranger and Sidewinder
National Park Service

March 7, 2010

Kris,

This summer my time at Organ Pipe came to an end and I left the desert. But the people I met, the tasks we accomplished, and the good we did were only possible because of your dedication and sacrifice. Each time I came back into the park and many times at the end of long day on the line, I stopped at your memorial at the Visitor Center and thanked you for looking out for the team. I hope I left the place better than I found it.

Thanks,

A Sidewinder

Another Sidewinder
NPS

September 11, 2009

On the 7th anniversary of Ranger Eggle's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Ranger Eggle is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

August 9, 2009

The legacy you left continues on 6 years later.
Can't believe it has been that long.

You showed us the way.

As your dad said at your service in Ajo:

"Kris was a warrior. I am a warrior. When one of us falls, we pick up his sword and close ranks, marching on."

Those words were all that got me through that hard time.

Every day on the border, we do our best to take the fight to the bad guys while making sure the good guys go home.

Our agency is responsible for protecting this place. It doesn't say anything in the mission statement about that challenge being hard or inconvenient.

Bad guys do bad things. We try to stop them. We try and do it well and better than we did it the day before.

Miss you man. You were the best. You continue to inspire the new generation and nobody can take that away.

Good to know that a Sidewinder is cutting the line in heaven.

Even when others do, we will not forget you.

Sidewinder

September 23, 2008

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 27, 2008

Rest in peace

Dollinger
NPS

March 20, 2008

I returned to FLETC recently, the first time since we graduated more than 5 years ago. And you were there. You were everywhere. You were in the dining hall, praying before each meal. You were running for the FLETC record on the track and so disappointed when you missed it by just a few seconds because you thought you let us down. You were in the driving building, with clenched fists, angry that you were not allowed to pick up a fellow classmate returning from a funeral (you went anyway). And you were in the classroom, in your chair where I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing you. And there was your name on the memorial wall and I remembered you at graduation in front of that wall standing straight and tall, eyes closed.

Kris you are remembered everyday around the country. Your family is remembered everyday around the country.

We miss you and will always remember you.

Sidewinder
National Park Service

March 2, 2008

I read the story of your incident today in a book, and looked up this page. Its the dedication and sacrifice of people like yourself that encourage the rest of us. I heart goes out to your family and close friends. God Bless.

Deputy W. Corey Johnson
Putnam County, FL

January 16, 2008

I just read the end of the year letter from your family. It was uplifting. Rest in Peace.

Special Agent D. Paul
FBI

December 24, 2007

Kris, as my dad refered to you, always spoke of what fine young man you were. My dad was en-route to your location from Ajo,AZ running as fast as his car could go to back you up when he heard the call of shots fired and ultimately, Officer Down. Dad was the group supervisor in AJO,AZ for U.S.Customs, Joe Scimone. I had only been on a year with the Cheyenne P.D. and 23 years old, when dad called me from Ajo and told me what had happened. He was very sad and told me that the United States had lost a hero that day. Dad kept repeating the fact that you were a great cop, nice guy and a pleasure to be around. It made an even bigger impression on me with the fact that you were only a few years older than I was and here you had made the ultimate sacrifice. I never got a chance to meet you, however I heard nothing but great things about you. Dad was only 3 months from retirement and I know that you protected him. You will always be a hero in our eyes and thank you for what you did for my dad and our country.
Mr and Mrs. Eggle, You had a great Son. Thank you both.
God Bless
Trooper Joey Scimone
Wyoming Highway Patrol

Trooper Joseph J. Scimone, Jr
Wyoming Highway Patrol

October 23, 2007

Kris your dedication to your duty and to your country made you an outstanding individual. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Senior Border Patrol Agent
Air Mobile Unit/San Diego Sector

August 10, 2007

Five years have passed since your brutal and tragic murder. I know the pain your family must feel hurts just as bad now as it did then. I thank you for your bravery , service and sacrifice. May your family take comfort in knowing you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero! Until one day in Heaven we meet, keep walking a beat on the Golden Street.

DET SGT, Retired
AR

August 9, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones today. Continue to watch over them and protect them from harm, also those still out on patrol guarding over the thin blue line. You have not been forgotten and are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 9, 2007

5 years ago today. Your name is now carved into stone,
but how much greater that your name is written in the
Lamb's Book of Life!! I didn't know you in this life, but I
look forward to meeting you in the next. I wonder what
wonderful work the Lord has for you to do. You served
your God, the public and your country very well and your
reward will be great. God bless your memory and say
hi to Jesus for me.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

August 9, 2007

Kris,

You were one of the great ones.

police officer
US Forest Service

April 4, 2007

Kris we all appreciate your help and what you did. It sounds like you were a good man. God bless.

US Border Patrol

January 1, 2007