Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was unable to attend Officer Maher's memorial service, but my uncle (who is a chaplain for the Federal Way Fire Department) had the privilege to attend. I've had the opportunity to work alongside three FWPD officers on a citizen's community project and can tell that he is still very missed. Everytime I walk the FWPD station and see Officer Maher's picture displayed, I am reminded of how great a sacrifice that he made.

Having several friends who are officers with respective agencies, I have kept them in my prayers.

Anonymous

February 15, 2004

We ask ourselves why, the question is never far from faithful hearts. Pat you are absolutely a hero in the way you especially saved those innocent lives. I will tell you I am grateful that you were there to meet Nathan and hold on to him. Still grieving your loss, we will now grieve Nathan's loss of a dynamic young life. Elaine and Mandy were very strong but utterly heartbroken. Rich, Lisa and I are grateful we are there for them but never have I seen so much sorrow. If Nathan must be gone I am glad your son is with you. We will keep all of us close.As we pray for you and Nathan make sure you both keep a heavenly watch over us.

May you both rest in peace. We miss you so and love you both.
Mary

Cpl. Mary Huggins
Orange Co SO ,Orlando,Fl

January 17, 2004

Semper-Paratus

Rest in peace.....

Anonymous

January 7, 2004

December 31, 2003
On this last nite of the year, we remember you Patrick and the
tremendous sacrifice you paid. It has only been 5 months since
you left, not nearly long enough for us to heal. Thinking of you
and your friends, family and co-workers. God bless them all!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

December 31, 2003

I did not personally know Officer Patrick Maher. But, I did not have to know him to appreciate the sacrifice he made while serving the Federal Way community. As a former Federal Way PD Commander, I am intimately familiar with and appreciate the caliber and quality of police officers that FWPD employs. As such, I can attest to the level of professionalism that Officer Maher exhibited every day. I am confident that he was a man of high integrity and strong personal character...all of Federal Way's officers are consummate community role models. Federal Way is a challenge to police...and a unique community; only unique individuals are given the chance to serve this special Department. And Patrick Maher must have been very special, too.

Rest in peace, my fellow officer. Thank you for your contribution to a profession that is the most noble of all professions.

And to my FWPD brothers and sisters, May God Bless you and keep you safe. I miss you.

Deputy Chief Kenneth A. Morgan
Portage Police Department, Portage, Michigan

December 6, 2003

Officer Maher, an officer, a hero, a son, a brother, a huband, a father, a co-worker, a friend...

No words or expressions can express the grief, the love and the pain I fealt this past August on the day of your accident. I heard of your accident while on duty of an explorer event and it hit so hard. I saw you that morning with you bright shining ever so brightly smiling face! I will never forget you or the legacy you left. Your in FW's hearts forever!

Also, thanks to everyone who left a message, it wlould take days to read them all but for the effort and outreach of love and prayers, thank you. He knows we're thinking about him, god bless you all!

Explorer Malia Elsasser
Federal Way Police Department

Explorer Malia Elsasser
Federal Way Police Department

December 2, 2003

Patrick, rest in peace.

mpo-1
Honolulu Police Dept.

November 26, 2003

Words can not express the loss we all feel.

Sitting here and reading the many reflections that people have taken the time to fill out brings tears to our eyes. To all of you who have taken the time to fill them out, we thank you.

Ours hearts go out to Nathan and Mandy, and they know we are just a phone call away.

Thank you as well to the Federal Way Police Department, for your generosity and support.

God Bless the Men and Women who continue to risk their lives every day to keep us safe.

We love and miss you Pat!

Thomas Maher III & Family
Brother

November 9, 2003

I still remember the day I found out that Officer Maher was shot. I was in the Reserve police academy at the time. Our class was on a break and when I came back into the classroom, something didn't feel right. It was the strangest feeling I have ever felt, I knew something happened before anyone said anything. One of our commanders said that a Federal Way Police Officer had been shot, but at the time it was considered a non-life threatening injury. I knew several officers from that department, and it was hell not knowing who had been shot. It was somewhat comforting to know he was going to be okay. Then, as we got ready to leave that evening, our commander informed us that the officer had died. It was the worse feeling in the world. The mood of the academy changed after that, everyone realizing that this was for real, and that any day one of us could be next.

God bless Officer Maher, his family, and all my friends of the Federal Way Police Department

Mike Thomas
Orting Police Department

October 20, 2003

Pat,
Even though we never worked together, we got to talk alot; in the hall, at court, DRE, etc. When I first heard that you had left HPD to move to Federal Way, I was surprised, then jealous as how this agency would get a well respected, professional officer. I was deeply saddened to hear what happened to you. Rest in peace, we'll take it from while you watch over us, both here in Hawaii and in Washington.

MPO-IIM Kevin Kobayashi
Honolulu Police Department

October 15, 2003

Oct. 11. 2003
May God comfort all those who are still grieving your passing. Life is
difficult at times and the Lord Jesus wants to help carry our burdens. He
gives us many beautiful promises in His Word to help us through our
valleys. I pray you will feel His presence and know His peace. God
bless!

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

October 11, 2003

To the Citizens, Businesses and Law Enforcement Personnel leaving reflections on this Memorial Site.

On behalf of the Federal Way Department of Public Safety, I would like to thank all of you for your overwhelming concern, kindness, and support over the loss of our Officer and friend, Patrick Maher. The support we have received is astounding.

Officer Patrick Maher was a wonderful person, dedicated and devoted to duty. He was called upon to do an extraordinary thing and saved the lives of two individuals at the cost of his own. I cannot express or explain the pain and sorrow that flows through our Department, but I can tell you that it is a great comfort to know that the thoughts and prayers from all of you are with us, and the Family of Officer Patrick Martin Maher.

On behalf of the members of the Federal Way Police Department, thank you for your tremendous support.

Anne E. Kirkpatrick, Chief of Police
Federal Way Department of Public Safety

Chief of Police
Federal Way Department of Public Safety

September 18, 2003

This is Lisa, Renee Maher's sister and Patrick's sister-in-law. Patrick was one of the kindest, gentlest, and most loving people I have ever known. He was a great father to my nephew, Nicholas. I saw firsthand how much Patrick cared about Nicholas. The two were inseparable, and you could just see the bond between them.

So many people have said that, with Renee, Patrick was the happiest that he had ever been in his life. I was lucky enough to witness this. Patrick often talked about how happy he was, how he and Renee were such a good match, how he loved his job and yet couldn't wait to come home to Renee and Nicholas. Patrick and Renee were the ideal couple, and they both knew it.

My brothers and sisters and I are very grateful that we got to spend time with Patrick's extended family members. I know these people were very close to Patrick because he often talked about them. Aunt Aggie, Tricia, and Bobby: I now know why Patrick loved you all so much. You have been so kind to us and especially to Renee and Nicholas. Teresa, Rita, and Peggy: thank you so much for all the support that you have shown Renee and Nicholas.

And to all the law enforcement community: I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the genuine sympathy and concern that you have shown my sister and nephew. You have helped them immeasurably. They will continue to need your support in the coming years, and I know that all of you will be there, ready and eager to help.

Lisa Van Keulen
Patrick's sister-in-law

September 1, 2003

my sympathy to the family of a fellow D.R.E.

TROOPER CLINT WALKER
TEXAS DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY

August 31, 2003

You will not be forgotten - "Una Stamus" "We stand as one".

Eric Bruss #2181 - Police Officer
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Police
Houston, TX

OFC. Bruss -#2181
V.A. Police - Houston

August 31, 2003

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Officer Maher.

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

Rest in Peace Brother and thank you for your service,,,,,,Another Hero is lost

Off E. Kavanagh
Virginia Beach Police Department

August 19, 2003

Pat, thank you. I don't think i can every repay you for the guidance, advice, and friendship we had. You and Elaine were always their for Lisa and I in our time of need. I hope there's internet access in heaven so you can read all of these powerful messages and thoughts. Now it's my turn to repay you for all you have done for my family. Please rest in peace knowing that Mandy and Nathan will always have me to rely on. No matter the time or distance your kids can count on me as I was able to count on you even when you were in Hawaii and I was in New Jersey. I will never forget our trips to Hawaii, the time we ran around disney/universal, and Lisa is grateful for you introducing her to "Bellows" beach.
For the men, women, and my sister in blue, I thank you for your courage for the job you perform day in and day out.
For the Federal Way Police Department, I and my wife thank you for embracing us into your family.
Unitl we meet again, I love you, and I'll get the first round on the ultimate sunset sail.

Rich Knudsen
cousin

I watched the memorial with tears streaming down my face. I got to thinking that God not only needed an officer to walk Heaven's path, but He needed to remind us here on earth of the many good people that grace our lives-whether we know them or not. What an impact Officer Maher has had on so many... he seems to have been a humble man, but now he is remembered in the hearts of many--even total strangers. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Take care and God bless!

Eileen Heinzmann

Pat and I are cousins - growing up I used to tell everyone he was my big brother. We all have many chapters in our lives and so did Pat. In each chapter he brought honor, dignity and humor to the table. I have always admired him and looked at him as a good man. Throughout his Coast Guard career he served well and I knew once he retired he'd join the police service.

On that fateful morning Pat saved two people he'd never met before on a call we have all been to a thousand times. My heart is broken for my entire family, especially his children, Mandy and Nathan. But I am proud of him and I honor and salute him for a job well done. Pat until we meet again - I love you Mary

Cpl. Mary Huggins
Orange County Sheriff's Office

As a friend of Officer Maher's sister, Terry, please accept my sincere condolences and prayers for your family. What a beautiful tribute to a truly selfless, dedicated man. Reading these reflections only make me more thankful and respectful of these great men who keep us safe. Stay safe out there. Many prayers are with each of you.

Joan, Cincinnati, OH

I am humbled to read the words addressed to my brother, Pat. For those of you who grieve the loss of a father, brother, uncle, nephew, I gieve with you. For those of you still wearing the badge, thank you for all you do. I am sure that as you read about the death of another officer, you again, recommit yourself to the service of peace officer. Thank you. Please know how touched and humbled I am to read your words. They have touched my heart very deeply. Teresa, Pat's sister

Teresa Maher

WOW !! What a wonderful tribute to my brother Patrick. He truely had a lot of friends world wide. I am very lucky for the years we had together, that my older brother actually liked one of my boyfriends...now husband. That no matter where he was or what he was doing he was always looking out for me. I thank God for the week we all had together before his incident. And I know that he will always be looking out for our family. Federal Way lost a great officer and citizen. We lost a wonderful brother, husband and father. I am honored to be your sister. Peggy Maher-Dreher

Peggy Maher-Dreher
Sister

WHAT A SHAME; IT SEEMS AS THOUGH WE LOSE THE BEST!
MAY GOD BLESS FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND KEEP THEM STRONG.
DAVID BEASLEY, DIRECTOR OF TRAINING.

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING, DAVID BEASLEY
SUMNER COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

A Hero Is....

One who never hesitates to tackle the most difficult problems....
One who is always by your side....
One who knows right from wrong....
One who acts with pride....
A hero touches evryone of us, whether it be word or deed....
Always tending to those who find themselves in need....
When a hero leaves this earth, Yes , it's sad but true....
All too many times,
A hero is dressed in blue.

Pat you are a hero and were a hero long before this. You will truly be missed and I will always remember your smile the most. That chesire grin....lol. Save a DUI transport for me. To Federal Way Thank you for Honoring Pat right! Thank you for giving him a home in your Department and your hearts. Renee, you will always be a part of the HPD Ohana. Anything you need we will be here.

squisher2669