Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bret your life will live on in the hearts and minds of all officers every where.

David G. Tudor Cheif
Busthon Police Dept.

April 13, 2007

It has been three years sence you've past and I just found out about your passing. I never got to thank you for the chance that you helped me with, or to say I was sorry for messing it up. A lot has changed and I'm doing well. I think thing happen for a reason. I'm not suer what reason that is, but we will never know. I wish your family the best. Thank You, Bert

Deputy Bert
Lost Friend

October 28, 2006

It has been 3 years since your tour of duty ended and you have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case. Your loved ones will always remember you as will the Blue Family. Keep watch over those girls of yours and those officers still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

September 22, 2006

Bret,

It has been two and half years since you've been gone and yet when I walk in the front door of your home today you are still so much alive in your daughter and wife. The walls are filled with reflection and your presence is still felt.

I have come to bring mom home to rest beside you and dad. Although it brings me great sadness, it comforts me to know that she is by your side.

I miss you dearly,
Colette (Sister of Bret)

Colette (Sister of Bret)

March 18, 2006

Bret, the days are going by but I still hear your voice calling me at night. Every morning I get the priviledge to look into your eyes abliet they are on the faces of three amazingly beautiful girls. They still miss you terribly, as do I. I am trying the best I can raise them. We still honk wildly when we go by the crash site, it is sort of a ritual now. I heard John Cougar on the radio today and had to turn it up really loud and sing and cry at the same time. I do miss you so much still. I can see you and hear you sing that song like it was yesterday.
As you know, since I talk to you every day, I am grateful for the blessing of Kenton coming into my life. He has been the strength that we all needed, and the girls really love him, and so do I. Still there is not a day goes by that I don't think of you. It is so nice that all these other people that I haven't met still take the time to write such great things about you. You will always be my hero. All my love, forever. Angela

Angela(wife of Bret)

January 20, 2006

To the family and friends of Investigator Bret Duane Tepe and his fellow deputies in the Ford County Sheriff's Dept. and most especially to Investigator Tepe:

Although it has been 2 years since Bret's tragic death, I wanted to extend sincerest condolences on behalf of our entire family for the grievous loss they suffered when he was killed.

Investigator Tepe, your valor and dedication will never be forgotten.


May his family continue to be comforted by the support and caring of your law enforcement community, and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Bret gave to his community and the citizens of Kansas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 23, 2003.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

September 23, 2005

Investigator Ford,
On today, the 2nd anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service, not only to yur community, but to our Country when you served in the U.S. Navy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

September 23, 2005

Watch over your family and help ease their pain. You are a true hero and have not been forgotten. Keep watch over all the other officers still out there on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

September 21, 2005

Bret,

I came here today to say hi and to remember the good times. I will never forget the times we spent just talking, laughing and working together. You are the main reason I work in Law Enforcement today. I smile every time I get in a patrol car and remember the things we talked about and joked about. You made the job fun my friend.
I will never forget you.

Deputy
Ford County Sheriff's Office

Deputy
Ford County Sheriff's Office

August 6, 2005

To Brets family,

Nearly two years has past since Bret left us. Time may pass. People may change. But the impression that he left on my life remains.
I've never worked with a man so dedicated to the security and well being of his family. Although Bret was an exceptional, hard working investigator, in the end, his first priority was where it should be---with his wife and girls.

I will never forget him.

Former DCPD Detective Edward Schambs
CPATT/Iraqi Police Trainer/Al Kut

July 30, 2005

Bret your sacrifice was not in vain you will not be forgotton. Thanks for being a hero.


A HERO TO MORE THAN HE KNOWS. (c)2004

Emory - Ephrata, WA
brother of Ferry County WA Undersheriff Matthew J. Lane, EOW 5/30/03

April 24, 2005

In loving memory of Bret Tepe on the
first anniversary of his tragic death:

Thank you for your selfless service and sacrifice. It is a long road to healing that lies ahead, but I know that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will extend His mercy and comfort to all who reach out to Him.
There is none greater than He. We don't get to Heaven based on what we do,but what He did for us!! AMEN! There is now a huge void that cannot be filled. God be with all those who mourn and may His promises lift all those with heavy hearts for many years to come. I found this poem on another's site and wanted to share it.

We may never understand it,
the risks these brave ones take,
but occasionally we see a bit
of the difference their lives make.
Some do it for the action,
others find it a callin'.
All find the satisfaction,
and few become the fallen.
Being an officer is what he loved,
To him as good as it gets.
Law was what he dreamed of,
He would have no regrets.
And though it saddens all of us
to lose him in this way
He knew how an officer must
Live life to the fullest everyday.

You are in my thoughts. If only I could erase your pain...You are missed by your family and friends.

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, Washington

September 23, 2004

I thank you for your service and salute you for your sacrifice.

A grateful citizen.

September 23, 2004

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, September 23, 2004 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Investigator Bret Tepe who died in the line of duty on this date one year ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Investigator Tepe's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

September 23, 2004

Bret
I had chance of getting to be around you and the other guys at the Sheriffs office when I was younger. You guys are a huge part of my life and you will always be remembered. You guys are the big reason I am wanting to be in law enforcement. Your time has come to know watch from about and doing so I ask you to watch over my father who you know all so well. I ask you to watch over the rest of us as well. I will miss you. Rest in peace Bret.

Brandon Mitchell
criminal justice student

July 16, 2004

On Thursday, May 13, 2004, in Washington D.C., I had the privilege of being in the company of the most beautiful people I have ever known. My husband (a PA State Trooper) and I-accompanied by two other brother Troopers and thier wives-went to Washington D.C. in rememberance of PA State Tpr. Brian Patterson (who was killed in the Line of Duty 2-14-03), in support of his wife and children.

During the candlelight vigil we were seated behind the family of Bret Tepe and were immediately drawn to them. In a wave of 20,000+ people in attendance this weekend, we were touched by them. Their faces stood out in every crowd to us and unknowingly were found in photos when we returned home. As we walked the wall several times during the weekend, Investigator Tepe's name appeared clearly to us among the many names forever etched there. His family, their names, faces, and story will be forever etched in our lives.

I could write forever here, but what I'd like to say to his family, if and when they come here for comfort or to catch another glipse of the man we are gratiful to for his sacrifice, is that you have forever touched our hearts, minds, and souls and I will think of y and pray for God's strength for you everyday. We found comfort in the touch of your children's hands and I hope they find some comfort in knowing that they are loved by people they may never know or meet again. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being in your presence and touching my life so deeply.

Kasey Latshaw, Wife of PA State Trooper

May 17, 2004

Dear Mrs. Tepe
I had the honor of seeing and speaking with you and your family at the candlelight vigil in DC this past week. I sat behind you with my husband and another couple who were there in remembrence of Trooper Brian A. Patterson killed in the line of duty on 02-14-03. You and your family touched our hearts so much, your three beautiful daughters were so lovely and so well behaved during the entire service. I am the lady who gave them the bandaides for their wax burns. We then saw you and your family at the memorial service and we said "that family will be in our hearts forever, something about them has touched us". Then on Sunday before we were leaving, I saw you sitting alone at the memorial wall and wanted to come and speak to you in person but did not want to disturb your time there alone. I just want you to know that we are all thinking about you and your beautiful family and we will be praying for you. God bless you all and a special thank you to your husband for his service and sacrifice that only an officer can know.

Eva L. Katavitch wife of Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

May 16, 2004

My thoughts and prayers go out to Investigator Tepe's loved ones. Investigator Bret Tepe, I am riding with the Police Unity Tour in May 2004 to honor your service as a Law Enforcement Officer. I will ride with your bracelet on my wrist and remember the reflections that so many of your loved ones have left for you. Your service has meant so much to so many people. As a Law Enforcement officer, father and Navy veteran myself, I know we could have shared some similar experiences had we met. Again, my thoughts and prayers go out to your loved ones and I will remember you and your service as I ride to Washington D.C. Thank you!

Sgt. William T. McMichael III
James City County Police Department, Williamsburg, VA

April 8, 2004

My heart goes out to Bret's beautiful family, friends, and co-workers. Not a day goes by without you in their hearts and thoughts. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks so much for your service and sacrifices to your community.

Marilyn Goodheart - 1995 Survivor
Kansas Concerns of Police Survivors

January 4, 2004

Thank you Investigator Tepe for your service and all you stood for. You and your family are in my prayers. God bless.

Officer
Rhodhiss Police Dept., NC

December 23, 2003

How proud I am of you Bret. Thank you for always believing in me, for showing me the way, for your infinite wisdom you bestowed on me and the girls. Thank you for teaching me how to handle the finances I would be lost now if it weren't for you. Thank you for being such a good daddy, strong in dicipline-long on love, our girls will rise up and call you blessed over and over. Thank you for being my best friend, how I miss talking to you.

I Love you Bret because you make me laugh and cry........sometimes at the same time.
I love you Bret because you know me like you know yourself.
I love you Bret because I know there is nothing you wouldn;t do for me and our family.
I love you Bret when I see you smile.
I love you Bret when I hear others talk about how great you are.
I love you Bret because you are so much fun.
I love you Bret because you have always been my hero.
I love you Bret for the way you make me feel when we are together.
I love you Bret for your wisdom and insight.
I love you Bret for providing for my needs.
I love you Bret because there is never a time you won't listen.
I love you Bret when you get angry at me.
I love you Bret for working hard to keep up with our family.
I love you Bret for being so COOL.
I love you Bret because you always forgave me even when I've been a jerk.
I love you Bret for never giving up on me even when you really wanted to.
I love you Bret because you have shown me what love really is.
I love you Bret and I believe in you and the man you are yet to be.
I love you Bret and am so proud to call you my HUSBAND.

written in his birthday card in 2002.

I miss you and its been hell without you.

wife to Bret

November 5, 2003

We are truly saddened at Bret's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) PD

October 15, 2003

God Bless Ofc. Tebe and his family. Our prayers are with you.

Cadet Schafer
Kansas City Kansas

October 13, 2003

Rest in peace my brother—You will not be forgotten. You have done your duty.

You, your family, and all those that have been affected by your passing are in my family’s prayers.

See you some day my brother.

CPL Jodie L. Warren
Prince George County Police Department, Virginia

October 9, 2003

My heart goes out to your family. Be strong, you can always find strength, comfort and peace in Jesus Christ. God Bless

Deputy D.N. Harper, B712
Wake County Sheriff Office

October 9, 2003