Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family and friends of Trooper Kurt Knapp and my friends at the Texas Department of Public Safety, you have my deepest sympathy for your loss.

We should all feel some measure of comfort in the knowledge that Kurt is resting easy and that he is in the good company of our other fallen brothers.

I am certain that they are all up there looking down after all of us who continue on with Kurt's work.

ATSAIC Peter J. Damos
U.S. Secret Service - San Antonio

April 29, 2005

Kurt~
Thank You! The way in which you lived has impacted me eternally. I only knew you for a short while, and like many others took that time for granted. You were always there to answer a question or just shoot the breeze. You had the charm and personality of no other, one that I will always miss.

I was booking a drunk driver in jail when I heard “one of OUR Troopers had an accident on the Interstate.” I immediately said a prayer and hoped for the best. Unfortunately that was not enough. The rest of that shift was unbearable, a feeling I never want to experience again.

The reason I want to thank you is this: Until that night my whole life was law enforcement. There was nothing I wanted more than to just do a great job. However, when I saw the hundreds of pictures of you I realized that you were more than just a great police officer. You lived life to the fullest. I’m not sure if there’s a photograph in this world in which you are not smiling. I looked at one photo after another. Your prom pictures, pictures with your friends, your wedding pictures, a picture of you riding a horse, fishing pictures, hunting pictures, golfing pictures, pictures with your wife, pictures with your kids, even pictures with your dog. As I looked at every photograph and watched your family deal with such an imaginable pain I started to get mad. “Why!!!”, I thought. Why couldn’t God have taken me instead? Why must a man who was needed leave this earth before a man who has no wife or kids? To this day I still do not understand, but your death has taught me to LIVE more. Since you’ve gone I met the girl of my dreams, I’ve purchased my first home, become closer to my church, and dedicated my life to much more than just police work. I owe you for showing me how to really live (Thank You!).

I think about you often and will always keep your family in my prayers. You will never be forgotten.

Patrol Officer Trey Schnelle
Fredericksburg TX Police Department

April 18, 2005

Kurt, it has been almost a year now since you were taken from your family and friends and it has taken me this long to write this, for that I am sorry.

I constantly think about you and the impact that you made in Gillespie County. It was such a blessing to work with you the nights that we were on the same shift together. I will always remember how you were willing to back me up on the calls that were in the County, even though you didn’t know the back roads very well. You were ALWAYS there when I needed another officer as backup.

I have worked law enforcement for about 15 years now and I have met very few officers like you. You were always a team player and a leader. I will always refer to you as “a cops best friend”. You helped keep everyone safe, no matter what uniform we wore.

I cannot forget the night of your accident. I got the call at home from Mike. He called me and told me that you were in an accident on I-10. My stomach dropped. I asked him if you were okay, he didn’t know. While talking to him, I heard the words; those words “he didn’t make it” come over Mike’s radio. I fell to my knees.

I consider you one of my best friends. I never got the chance to have you and your family over to the house for a BBQ like we had talked about days before. I never got the chance to meet your wife and kids. I am sorry for that, we all tend to take tomorrow for granted. For weeks after the accident, I would go to work expecting to hear your voice on the radio. When I heard you on the radio, I knew that I could count on you to assist me on ANY call, if needed. I never heard your voice again; it was like a bad dream. I would hope that I would awake and find out that it was just a bad dream.

You are missed, but not forgotten at the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Department, Kurt. I have to pause every time I pick up the radio to call a Trooper for a question or assistance, I want to call for your call sign, “6281”. My prayers are with you and your family always.

I know that you are in Heaven now looking down on all of us and keeping us on our toes. Remember the coin I gave you, the September 11th one, like the one that I always carried in my left breast pocket? Well I don’t carry it any more. I carry a different one now. It is in memory of you and other officers that have given the ultimate sacrifice to keep us all safe. This one is “Call to Duty”. I see it every day when I take it out at the end of shift and then replace it at the beginning of the next shift. The back of it reads, “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes. It is how they lived.”

Thank you Kurt, for being there for me and the citizen of Gillespie County and the State of Texas. You made a difference in the lives of EVERYONE that lives or has traveled through here.

Jennifer, Wyatt and Makayla be proud of Kurt, he was a humbly brave man that loved his fellow man and country enough that he was willing to risk his life every day to help “Protect and Serve” others. Remember Kurt IS a TRUE HERO for how he lived.

Kurt buddy, you are missed

Deputy Ron Long
Friend and co-worker
Gillespie County Sheriff’s Department

Deputy Ron Long
Gillespie County Sheriff's Department

April 13, 2005

Kurt it has taken me a long time to post this reflection, and I apologize for that. I view your page on a regular basis and can never find the right words.
I remember the first time I ever met you when you first got to Ozona. You and T.R. were always there for me when I needed an assist on the interstate. Kurt it never mattered to you that I was wearing the tan uniform of the sheriff's office and you of the highway patrol.
You always were so kind and ready to help with anyting. Kurt I am sorry we never stayed in touch after I left Ozona. If I knew then what I know now I would of stayed in contact. Kurt you are missed so much.
As for Jenn, Makayla, and Wyatt God Bless ya'll. It was a pleasure for me to know Kurt, and if ya'll ever need anything please do not hesitate to call.

Sgt. Tyler Roy
Sansom Park P.D.

February 23, 2005

To the family of Trooper Knapp, I am very sorry for your loss and the pain that you have felt with the seperation from your loved one. I am participating in the Police Unity Tour bicycle ride from our city to Washington D.C. (a 250 mile journey) I am honored to have received your husband's name and that I will dedicate my ride in his memory. He will not be forgotten, nor will the kind words of his family, friends, and fellow brothers and sisters that have been expressed.
To Trooper Knapp, every mile that I pedal will be for you, and the dedication that you expressed in every thing that you did in your job and your family life. Guide me on my journey to honor you and your deads. Rest in peace my fellow Brother.

Officer Andrew Booden
Norfolk Police Department

Officer Andrew Booden
Norfolk Police Department (Va.)

February 1, 2005

Jennifer, I have been thinking about you and your family a lot lately, especially the Holidays and I just wanted you to know that Rocky and I are here for you in any way you need. I know you have so much on your mind these days, but don't forget you have so many people that love you and your children that you will never be alone. I hope we get to become really great friends.
God bless you, Makayla and Wyatt!!

Love Tracy

Tracy L Rhodes

December 27, 2004

I look at this page often, and just want to let people know how much it means to me and my family to go back and read these reflections. I've even printed them out for our son, Wyatt, and daughter, Makayla, to read some day. Kurt loved his job and was totally dedicated to the department. To read reflections from our friends and complete strangers puts a smile on my face as I know it does to many people. I am a strong Christian and know that Kurt is up in Heaven watching over us. My gratitude and appreciation go out to everyone who is praying for us and thinking about us. The holidays are tough - just all of the traditions that we had. This is my first Christmas in 15 years without Kurt...God bless you all for your thoughts and prayers. May you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...

Love,
Jennifer

Jennifer Knapp - wife of Kurt

December 14, 2004

I look at this website regularly. I never expected to see a really close friend to be on this site. It has taken me until now to post this.

Jen my thoughts and prayers go out to you. If you ever need anything, let me know. You had an amazing husband.

Kurt and I was the BIGGEST Grover fan one could possible be. We both had the same stuffed Grover. Kurt was one to joke around, but still had a serious side to him, when need be. He loved his work! He leaves behind a very loving, caring, wonderful wife and 2 adorable, sweet children.

Kurt was THE BEST! He was an AWESEOME friend and should serve as an inspiration to others. I have a lot of things I would have liked to tell him. He was one of my best friends. I’ll miss him a lot. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and co-workers. Thank you for your service and friendship Trooper Knapp. Something I'll charish forever. Rest In Peace! See you in Heaven!

Stephanie
Best Friend

August 30, 2004

When the Lord was creating state troopers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."

And the Lord said, "Have you read the spec on this order? A state trooper has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle his uniform.

"He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

"He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands... no way."

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord, "it's the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, "May I see what's in there, sir?" (When he already knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting job.) "Another pair here in the side of his head for his partners' safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, 'You'll be all right ma'am, when he knows it isn't so."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve, "rest and work on this tomorrow."

"I can't," said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."

The angel circled the model of the state trooper very slowly, "Can it think?" she asked.

"You bet," said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred crimes; recite Miranda warnings in its sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop... and still it keeps its sense of humor.

This trooper also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim's family, and then read in the daily paper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the state trooper. "There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model."

"That's not a leak," said the lord, "it's a tear."

"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.

"It's for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, for justice."

"You're a genius," said the angel.

The Lord looked somber. "I didn't put it there," he said.


Brother, I did not know you, but I thank you for all that you have done for the great State of Texas. Rest now brother, for you have earned it.

A1C Emery
US Air Force

August 17, 2004

Hello Cousin,
I heard this morning from my father of your accident, the news was delayed. Reading all the great things that people who knew you had written about you, I realized how much greater is the the loss that I never made it out to Texas to meet you, as well as the rest of my family in your father's branch. I had thought about visiting and arranging to get pulled over by you, and offering my licence with a big grin, but I put it off and now will never have the chance. So you liked to joke around a bit but took your work seriously. Me, too. I think we would have gotten along. And I think we will meet, in some way in some time.
To my relatives in Texas and colleagues and friends of Kurt, my heart is with you.

Christopher Knapp
a cousin in Japan

July 28, 2004

As I sat next to you at dinner that night, I did not know I would be trying to save your life 2 hours later. I did not know that would be our last supper togather. If I did there would be volumes of things we would have talked about. I tried Kurt, I tried, I am so sorry I was not able to help you in your time of need. I failed you and I am sorry. Kurt, I will always remember your smile and your sense humor. You will be missed greatly.

Trooper I Charlie B. Howell, Sr.
TX DPS/THP

July 21, 2004

I remember the first day I met Kurt. He and Jen were looking for a house in Fredericksburg. After meeting him, I immediately knew that he and I would be friends. I enjoyed playing golf with him and just sitting in the squad room visiting. He loved to joke and I think we could spend all day giving each other a hard time.

As a law enforcement officer, he loved being a Trooper. He would always be there to help if you needed it no matter what color uniform you wore. He was a true symbol of brotherhood and without a doubt, he was DPS's finest Kurt, you will be missed.

For Jen, Makayla and Wyatt, we will always be there for you if you need us. You are in our thoughts and prayers and will always be a part of our family.

God Bless

Sgt. B. Roemer
Fredericksburg P.D.

July 5, 2004

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, WE AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT FAMILY MOST DEFINITELY FEEL THE GREAT LOSS OF ANOTHER TROOPER. TO YOUR FAMILY, FLORIDA'S TROOPERS SEND THEIR CONDOLENCES.....RIP BROTHER!

TROOPER
FLORIDA HWY PATROL

June 30, 2004

A message for the son and daughter of Trooper Kurt Knapp,

Dear Wyatt and Makayla,

I have always been told that what happens, happens for a reason. I am still looking for the reason why a person like Kurt, a loving husband, a dedicated father, a devoted son, and a once in a lifetime friend, could be taken from us all so quickly. Looking back at the time spent with Kurt, I can no doubt say that he loved his job, the people he worked with, he loved your mom, and he loved you both.
I will always hold what Kurt means to me close to my heart, and will never forget him. When I see you both, I see your Dad. You should forever be so proud of your Dad and what he meant to the people in his life. Know that, more important than all of this, is that you mean the world to him.

Respectfully Kurt's partner,
Trooper James Salaz
Texas DPS/THP Fredericksburg

Trooper R. James Salaz
Texas Department of Public Safety

June 30, 2004

Kurt,

I didn't know you personally, but that really doesn't matter. You were one of us, and that's all that counts.

To this noble man's family, take comfort in knowing God will bless you and keep watch on you. And always remember, "Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God."

Sr. Trooper Trey Pellizzari
TXDPS/Commercial Vehicle Enforcement

June 12, 2004

We are truly saddened at Kurt'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) P.D.

June 11, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Kurt did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Kurt be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Trooper Knapp's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Kurt is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Kurt was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Trooper Knapp for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry, Davis Co. Iowa - EOW (

June 6, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Trooper Knapp for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

June 6, 2004

TO TRP. KNAPP'S FAMILY, FRIENDS AND ALL MEMBERS OF THE TEXAS DEPT. PUBLIC SAFETY. MAY GOD SPEED YOUR SORROW INTO SMILES AND LAUGHTER AS YOU RECALL YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES OF YOUR LOVED ONE. MY PARTNER TRP NIK GREEN WAS KILLED THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS AND I CAN HONESTLY SAY I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL. PLEASE SUPPORT EACH OTHER AND NEVER FORGET TRP KNAPP'S FAMILY. TO KURT: REST IN PEACE AND WATCH OVER US FROM ABOVE,,,,WE GOT IT FROM HERE.

TRP GARY SANDERS
OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY PATROL

June 4, 2004

Trooper Knapp was a fine example of a Texas State Trooper. I pray for his family every day and I am very sorry that we lost such a positive contribution to law enforcement. God Bless his wife Jennifer and two children. 3B cares and will not forget.

Trooper Robert Matthews
Texas DPS

June 3, 2004

I went to school with Kurt in Prescott, AZ and heard of his death through the obituary and wanted to say I am so sorry for his families loss and that he was a fun person and I am glad to have shared a moment in his life and only wish I had known him as an adult and an officer. Take care.

Amy Perez (Tyree)

June 1, 2004

I am sorry for the loss of another officer. No one knows what Police Officers risk every day they go to work. I am sad to say that we do.
I am the widow of Capt. Scott Monier. My husband gave his life protecting others on April 24, 2002. I have two girls that miss their daddy, and I miss my soalmate and best friend.
For the wife of Trooper Knapp. I beleive that it takes a strong person to be the wife of an officer. You can and will survive this. It takes a long time to learn how to cope with the pain, but it is possible. Look for the signs, he is still with you. It will bring a smile to your face when you feel his presence-promise.
Take care and lean on others.
Vicki Monier
Widow
Captain Scott Monier
4-24-02

Vicki Monier

May 26, 2004

I am the wife of a Texas Trooper, and I know the dangers that troopers deal with on a day to day basis. God Bless them for it. Trooper Knapp will be horribly missed by many. His family will be in my prayers. You will NEVER be forgotten!

Emergency Dispatcher Melissa Bowen
Atascosa County Sheriffs Department

May 24, 2004

Rest in Peace Brother...

Trooper
Maine State Police

May 22, 2004

Kurt,
Brother I will miss you more than you can ever imagine! I will keep close to my heart all of the time we spent together in San Marcos...all the dreams we shared about law enforcement, and the promise we made to always to be one anothers best friend! I promise to look after Jenn and the kids, and I wll look after "Mom" as often as I can. Keep an eye on me from Heaven and someday I will see you there. Until then, your best friend misses you!
Ricky

Det. Cpl. Ricky D. Sluder
UT Southwestern Police Dept.

May 21, 2004