Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family and loved ones of Sergeant Kurt E. Harrelson and his fellow officers with the LaFourche Sheriff's Department:

On this the third anniversary week of Kurt's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Kurt, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by family members and friends. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.

As a member of a family devoted to police service, Kurt must have made you all so proud with his professionalism and "lead by example" work ethic.

I am so sorry that Kurt was robbed of his life at such a young age, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Kurt gave to his community and the citizens of Lousiana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 31, 2003.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 1, 2006

thank you woody for your fast and proffesional actions when my home was broken into you were always a good person and will be sadly missed



Joseph Anderson

joseph anderson
classmate

July 15, 2006

Woody,
I think of you often. You were my first introduction into the law enforcement scene, that sunny afternoon in my first week as cops reporter for the Comet. Never did I dream that one day, I would be the one covering your funeral. That was, and will always be, one of the most difficult stories I've ever had to face. Every PIO I meet for the rest of my career will have to live up to you.
I've moved on from Thibodaux and my buddies within the Sheriff's Office, but you will always live in my memory. Keep watch over us all.

Crystal Bonvillian
Montgomery Advertiser, Montgomery, Ala.

March 22, 2005

Woody,

It has been an honor and a privilege to have known and worked with you over the years. R.I.P.

Sgt. Sam Pruitt
Thibodaux Police Department

December 22, 2004

It has taken me quite sometime to build up the strength to talk about the loss of Woody. He was more to me than just a cousin, he was more like the older brother that I never had. He was always there for me, no matter what the cost. He is the sole reason I got into Law Enforcement. The prospect of traning, learning, and working with one of the greatest detectives in the world was one I could not pass up. Everytime we talked, he would reassure me that I could and would be a good cop, and that he would do everything he could to help me along the way. God I miss you Woody! There's not a day goes by that I don't think of you. There's so many things I want to ask you and talk to you about. You are the greatest, not only in my mind but in everyone else's that your love and compassion has touched in your lifetime. From everyone that has ever carried on the family name of Harrelson, you have made us so very proud, of you and the respect and love for your family. I miss you so very much.
I'll always love you and miss you, my big brother.

Detective David Harrelson, Jr. (Cousin)
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

September 23, 2004

It's almost a year since I was talking with you at your fence at your new home. A few days later you... well let me just say that I was devastated. Lost for words and emotionally struck. As were your countless family and friends. Woody, I have so much I want to say to you all the time. You always, no matter what, had the strongest talks of belief in me. God I miss you. I will talk with you more when I pray, just read some of the reflections from others and wanted to say thanks to all of you. And to take time to thank you, "Woody" I served with you and that makes me proud. You were always there when I needed you, to talk or whatever. Goes to show how unselfish you always were, you had all those times for me, and family, friends, co-workers, victims, and on and on. You were and always will be the reason I am strong through even the toughest times. Thanks man, and thanks even more. God Bless all who stand watch on the thin blue line.

Capt. Toby Harrelson (Brother)

May 28, 2004

Woody was a great husband, father, friend, and a great deputy. It has been 5 months since God called you and Cheney home, but you are still missed. I still talk to your Dad every chance I get. We talk about the good times we had with you, Melissa, and the kids. Every time I go to CID, I still expect you to stick your head around the corner and smile like you always did and start talking about the Saints and how LSU did in their last game. I miss you, Woody. Rest in peace, my friend.

Deputy Brandon Amacker
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

December 30, 2003

The loss of Woody was very tragic for the Lafourche community and for all of his friends and family. I first met Woody when I started dispatching for Thib. PD. He made me feel at home and very comfortable, while I was trying to make it in a new place not knowing everyone . Thank you so much for your friendship and for all the specials things that you have done while here on earth.. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Theresa Webre
Lafourche Parish resident

November 28, 2003

I didn't know woody at all, i graduted with his brother Toby, but having a boyfriend that is a cop i know there is danger out there, and i know woody will be watching over everyone, from his family to his friends, he will also be watching over each and every officer or deputy, and protecting them (he will be another (st michael) for them.)

Tammy Chiasson
Officer Chad Robin's Girlfriend

October 27, 2003

OUR PRAYERS AND LOVE ARE WITH YOU ALL. THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT I CAN SAY TO COMFORT YOU ALL, BUT WE ARE HERE IF YOU NEED US TO GIVE YOU A COMFORTING WORD AND PRAYER. WE LOVE YOU ALL AND MAY GOD LEAD YOU EVERY DAY AND MAY HE COMFORT YOU AS ONLY GOD CAN DO. ONE DAY AT A TIME.

RUBY & ELTON NAQUIN
AUNT AND UNCLE

September 12, 2003

Our knowledge of Kurt and Melissa started on their wedding day when our daughter served in their wedding. It was one of the brightess days for this young couple. Their love for each other poured over everyone at the ceremony. Kurt also loved his roll as an officer just as much. The Lord had a special job and needed a special officer to take charge, this is why he chose you Kurt. You are sadly missed by all.

Sue & Wayne Fournier

September 6, 2003

Woody was more of a son than a son-in-law to us. We could have never asked for a husband for our daughter and father for our two grandchildren that would have loved than more or been more dedicated to them then Woody. His main goal in life was to provide for his family - even working three jobs at the same time. One of the happiest days of his life, besides his wedding and birth of his children, was the day he and Melissa purchased their home - he was so proud of it! Yes, he loved law enforcement, especially detective work, but this was secondary to his family. We will never know all those who have heard of Woody and his high ideals in making sure it was done corrrectly. We guess the motorcade with law enforcement from 33 parishes(counties), 46 police motorcycles, and 157 poilce cars was some indication of the respect he had gained in law encofcement. We understand some even came from Texas and North Carolina. No one can ever take your place Woody. A part of our hearts will always be missing now. May the Lord bring you to his side, if He hasn't done so already. Watch over Melissa, Collin, and your "Princess" - Hailey. Please know that we wiil do everything in our power to make sure Collin and Hailey know the great love you had for them. WE WILL carry your memory forward until we meet again!

Ma & Pa

Gary & Linda Foret
Father-in-law and mother-in-law

August 31, 2003

Woody and I patrolled the same area for more then a year. The things i learned about being a better cop and person are a result of his guidance. There was so much more i had to learn from him, I thought there would be more time. but i guess God needed you and Chaney.

I pray that God watches over your families. Not a day goes by that i don't have a thought about you and miss your presence. Rest in Peace

Deputy Solomon Burke
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

August 31, 2003

We were blessed to have Sargent "Woody" Kurt Harrelson in our lives. Woody was the lead detective on our daughter , Joely Ann Arnold, murdered, April 5, 1996. Woody dotted every I and crossed every T. He treated me with the up most respect during the years that lead to the murderer's trial. I can hear him saying "Now come on Ms Dee". Through the horror of the loss Woody was always bringing the beauty out of our daughter. Woody put his heart and soul into Joely's case. Words can not express the impact of his profound dedication and love of the oath that he took. He was a dedicated husband and father who loved his wife and children beyond words. Woody always put others first before his well being. Through out the years the bond grew to where Woody was my son not by blood but by love. His death took yet another piece of my heart. God was ready for Woody to begin his Watch in heaven. How ironic that the first dectitive to die would be the lead dectitive on our daughter's case. Now Joely and Woody are watching over all of us who cherish them. What beautiful memories we have. Woody, words of thank you for all that you did for our family does not seem enough. At night we all have another star in the sky that will guide us and we will keep in our hearts the unconditional love that you had for everyone.
Ms Dee/ Joely Ann Arnold's mother

Dee Ann Dionne (Ms Dee)
Secondary Victim to Joely Ann Arnold 4/5/1996

August 30, 2003

We love you and miss you very much "Woody" You were and still are an inspiration to us all. Please watch over us from heaven, keep us safe, and know that we are there for Melissa, Collin, and Hailey. We know you will watch over and help take care of them. You are keeping us all strong just the way you were. We miss you dearly, but one day we will all be together again. WE LOVE YOU "WOODY" Rest in peace blue angel.

Darryl and Dana Foret
Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law

August 30, 2003

My deepest sympathy and condolemces to the family of Kurt "Woody" Harrelson, who died a hero with his partner as they tried to save another person's life. I will always remember "Woody" as a true representative of what law enforcement is all about, serving and protecting others.
In my Practical Homicide Investigation Program, Woody's case in which he apprehended the brutsl murderer of a young woman will now end with his memorial page. God Bless you Woody and may your family be granted solace by their faith in God.

Lt. Cmdr. (Ret.) Vernon J. Geberth
NYPD

August 30, 2003

To The Harelson Family,When you feel a gentle rain caressing your face on a hot summer day, Know that it is Woody & Chaney's way of telling us it is well with their soul. Look for the rainbow,They were our pot of gold. The Champagne Family.

Brandi Champagne
none

August 30, 2003

Rest in Peace

Lt Mike LeClair
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Office

August 29, 2003

To our dear "Woody" this poem was written just for you may you be looking down from heaven with those snazzy suspenders and little grin keeping those "bad guys" away from all of us. Just know Collin is "taking care of the girls" and Hailey will always be your princess. May you rest in peace our dear blue angel.

"OUR DEAR WOODY"

How can we say goodbye
To a loved one so young and strong,
Only with God's help and guidance
Will we soon realize he is where he belongs.

Woody was a sensitive man
Who loved his wife and children so much,
And we know Melissa, Collin, and Hailey
Will miss his kind and gentle touch.

He died in the line of duty
Serving others who were in need,
A hero to the whole community
His dedication was tremedous indeed.

He had a paasion for law enforcement
And for playing golf too,
Watch over us our dear angel,
Precious Kurt, we will always love you! AKG

Melissa, Collin & Hailey Harrelson
Surviving Wife & Children

August 29, 2003

A Hero's Wings



My God give us the grace, to deal with the loss
Of these precious lives, so heavy the cost
Public servants, a job they were meant to do
They paid the ultimate price, to protect me and you

As a community together, we feel the pain
Of missing two officers, lost in the rain
Each in his own way, touched so many
For their dedication, the gratitude runs plenty

I bow my head, a tear falls down my face
Would I have been so brave, in their place?
It hurts a lot, I've been at a loss for words
Ever since, the tragic news I've heard

I pray for the families, hurting inside
I wish I could wipe away, the tears you've cried
May God ease your pain, and comfort your mind
That the good memories, in your hearts you find

Dear Father my prayers, from a earnest heart
I can almost see it, as the Pearly gates do part
Up in Heaven, the angels begin to sing
As two officers, are given a Hero's Wings

Dedicated to, Kurt "Woody" Harrelson and Chaney Champagne
by danny b. bourg

Rest In Peace

Lt. Aaron Arabie and the LPSO Family

Deputy Keith Carter
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

August 29, 2003

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Sergeant Harrelson.

While I did not the privilege to have known you, I am sure you have earned your place in heaven. Rest in Peace my friend, those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

Anonymous

August 25, 2003

To the family, friends and co-workers of Sergeant Harrelson, my condolences. May you be surrounded by loved ones to comfort you.

Jamie Johnson, surviving sister of
Officer Jon Cook
San Francisco Police Dept.

August 22, 2003

Kurt came on my shift when he got out of the police academy. Later after he got promoted to Sgt., he became my assistant for a while. One of the finest street cops I ever worked with. Very hard going to the funeral.
r.i.p. brother Kurt, god bless your family..

Jim Hughes, ofc. ret.
Thibodaux p.d. Thibodaux, La.

Woody, you are deeply missed as each new day goes by. You were one-of-a-kind and an awesome cop and friend. I pray each day for God to bless your family. You and Chaney are my inspiration each and every coming day. God Bless

Deputy Dobie D. Landry
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Department

Deepest sympathy to the family of Sgt. Kurt Harrelson.

Anonymous