Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Remembering you on this seventh anniversary of E.O.W. Reading the reflections posted here shows how many lives you touched while here with us. Thank you for your service to this great nation and citizens of Florida. You will never be forgotten. Rest easy Deputy Koester, we have the watch from here.

A big Thank You to your loving wife Ashley. You are a true inpiration to me. As a law enforcement officer myself, I leave for work each day not knowing what will happen, but knowing that making the community safe for my family and others I willingly serve. God Bless you Ashley and family!

D/S Andrew D. Roedel
Jackson County Sheriff's Department

February 9, 2012

Thinking about you and your family today. I hope all is well with you and wish you all the best as we face this anniversary together.

Denise Scarbrough
Surviving Spouse, Sgt. Michael A. Scarbrough EOW 2/9/05

February 9, 2012

My heart and prayers are with the Koester family, friends and coworkers today and always. May God continue to guide them through their journey in life. We will never forget the service, protection and dedication you gave for all of us. HEROES live forever, and you Deputy Koester are a hero. Continue to rest in peace sir. We will never forget....

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

February 9, 2012

It’s February 9, 2005 and I had just dropped the kids off at school. Not knowing, that in just a short time, our world and our lives would change forever! I wish I could go back to that time and change it somehow but I know that I cannot. Tomorrow will be your Seventh Birthday in Heaven. Seven years…..it may seem like a lifetime for some but for me, it still feels like yesterday! I have often thought about moving from here because everywhere I go, there’s a memory of something that reminds me of you. But the heartache is just what it is, heartache. It doesn’t matter where we are, you are missed and you are loved. People say time will make a difference… I have come to find out that they are very wrong! Time does not make it any easier. It does not make the heartache any less. It does not make missing you any different today than it did the year you were taken. The only thing time does is teach you how to deal with it and how to cover up the pain. I don’t know if it’s any different for others but for me and those closest to you, the pain of your loss is a reality we deal with every day, not just a holiday or the anniversary of your death, it’s every day. Not only do we have to deal with your loss, but we continue to deal with all the rest as well. If there was ever a chance for “time to heal all wounds”, it does not exist in our world. We attend the court hearings and then wait for the motions in the mail, then wait for the next court date to come up again. Then after that, it’s another appeal and another hearing. It’s never-ending! But, we keep moving forward. We keep putting one foot in front of the other. I will say that through it all, through all the heartache and pain of your loss, I still thank God that he brought you into our lives! Even knowing what I know today…knowing the outcome of what the future would bring, I would still do it all over again. We were and still are very blessed.

Amber and Ryan are doing well. I don’t see them but hear wonderful things about them. Amber had an adorable little boy and is living down south. Ryan started cheering this year and they won the State Championship...how awesome is that! Ryan’s graduating this year. So crazy! I remember picking him up in pre-k, he was so tiny and now, he’s just about grown. The girls are doing so wonderful. They have endured so much loss in their lives between you, family and friends but still always manage to see the beauty that life has to offer. Jamie is balancing work and college well. She is such an independent, responsible young adult. I am so very proud of her. She stays clear of all the bad influences and doesn’t just go with the flow as so many of the kids do today. She has such a caring spirit, always looking out for everyone else. But, she has been that way her entire life. Jordan is in 8th grade now, can you believe it. The 8th grade graduation is just around the corner and all that comes with it. The hair, nails and shopping for the perfect graduation dress, etc. I keep telling myself that I am not ready for my kids to grow up. I wish they would stay young forever! But they do and with each year, they grow up even more. Jordan has never lost her love for animals, though. She is in 4H and her pig (Dixie Grace) is the funniest thing ever. She has also followed in her big sisters footprints. Jamie won a National Art and Leadership award in 8th grade and now Jordan has won a National Mathematics Award. SO VERY PROUD! One thing that has changed is Jordan’s career choice. She informed me last year on that she wants to become a Deputy Sheriff. Needless to say, my heart dropped into my stomach. However, that is her choice and I have always told them that I will respect their decisions on whatever career path they chose, as long as they are happy and put their heart into it. One thing is for certain, those girls can shoot!

Happy Seventh Birthday in Heaven baby!!! As always, please keep that light shining down on all them babies. Watch over your brothers and sisters and keep them safe as they do the job they love to do! One special prayer before I go, there are a few close loved ones (family and friends) that are just beginning their battle or continue to battle some illnesses. They need a little extra special care right now. Keep watch over them and give them the strength and courage to continue the fight.

Your Loving Wife,
Ashley

February 8, 2012

I just met your daughter who waited on me at Tijuana Flatts in Lakeland. She was a complete joy to talk to. When she talked of you she was so proud to say that her Daddy was a Deputy and died doing what he loved. It is true one is never forgotten when they are loved so dearly.

Deputy Sheriff Reny Escheu
Polk County Sheriffs Office

December 30, 2011

Happy Birthday in Heaven to my darling husband! It’s going on seven years soon and you are still so missed each and every day by everyone here you left behind. Not a single day goes by that I don’t think of you and wish you were still here with us. Today would have been your 40th birthday. Oh how you would have taken it in stride and laughed when I would have brought you a black and white cake and all the trimmings! So very much has changed here except for the love we shared and will continue in my heart until we meet again! I miss you so very much baby! I love you!

Homesick by Mercy Me:
You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
'Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have

To see you again
To see you again
And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Your Loving Wife,
Ashley

November 29, 2011

To all who remember my brother thank you all for you comments and kind words about my brother Deputy Wayne J. Koester Please remember to pray for the first responders in a Emergancy still here and to to thank them for the job they do. I hope everyone remembers that most cops are just doing their jobs and are trying to improve the world which we ALL SHARE But that is no reason to kill any of them. To my family i love you and miss u all To wayne i will miss u till I meet you again in christ.
to all who wish to contact me you leave me a message Here.

James r. Koester
Brother

September 7, 2011

We miss you. Thinking of the family who has lost their loved one in Wisconsin today. Officer Craig Birkholz. He was an officer and also an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran. This really sent me back to that day we lost you. As I was watching the news sitting here in Germany, just hearing the sounds of the gun fire that this crazy man was firing on the armored vehicles as the police tried to save this woman- I thought of how you and your fellow officers were trying to save a woman and you were taken from us too soon. We will never forget. Today is also the 3rd anniversary of our dear friend SSG CHRISTOPHER HAKE. Killed in Iraq in the line of duty while fighting along side Russ. I hate going through the days having to think back to all that was lost when we lost you all.

Brandy Koester Currie

March 23, 2011

Dear Wayne:

I drive on SR44 almost everday, and each time I do, I see the sign in your memory. Though we have never met, I think of you and say a prayer for you. I have been in law enforcement for over 30 years, and each time I hear of one of us making the ultimate sacrifice, I am heartbroken. But I say to you, what my late Dad said to me the day I graduated the Police Academy: We do a job that most people can't or won't do...we risk our lives to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
We, answer the cry of the wolf at the door, so that the people we are sworn to protect, can enjoy the freedoms we Americans are guaranteed of by the Constitution. To live free, free from fear and the pursuit of happiness. And we, the Police, I am convinced, have our own special place in Heaven.
May Almighty God bless you, your family, and police officers everywhere. As you patrol the streets of Heaven, smile down at us, knowing you made this world a better place, and will NEVER be forgotten. The Thin Blue Line has gotten thinner, but the line has held, and will continue to do so. Rest in peace. Amen.

Officer Ron Tomassi
Lake Mary Police, Lake Mary, Florida

February 19, 2011

Wayne,

We know that you are walking undercover among us and watching our backs. Thanks brother!

Deputy Randy Bennett
Henry Co. Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

February 13, 2011

never had the pleasure of meeting you deputy Koester, but I thank you for your service and condelences to your family on this day.

Anonymous

February 9, 2011

My heart goes out to your family, especially your children, as another anniversary passes.

I hope they know we will not forget you.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 9, 2011

Ashley,
Amazing that 6 years have gone by. I hope all is well with you and the kids. Things here are good and when everything is good, I feel so blessed. I always think about you as this day approaches and hope the best for you all!

Denise Scarbrough, Surviving Spouse
Sgt. Michael A. Scarbrough EOW 2/9/05

February 9, 2011

On this, the 6th anniversary of your loss, I join with your fellow officers, your department and your community as we remember your extreme sacrifice. Thank you for your courage, dedication and conviction to the safety and security of the citizens of Lake County. May our Lord continue to bless and sustain your family, friends and co-workers as they try to find peace after going through the pain and confusion of your loss. The world is a better place thanks to your contribution...Your in my prayers...

Christopher M. Hess
Easton, PA Area School District Police/Security

February 9, 2011

To the Koester family, you are all in my prayers today as you face another EOW of your loved one, I know the pain in your hearts is as strong today as it was that terrible day in 2005. We will never forget your hero and the sacrifices he made as well as your entire family.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

February 9, 2011

You are never forgotten. I was blessed to know you here and am blessed to know you watch over us.

LEO

February 8, 2011

In just a couple hours, you will be celebrating your 6th Birthday in Heaven, sweetheart! Wow, six years! It just doesn’t seem like it. We miss you today just as much as we did the day you were taken from us. Time does not heal the hurt and pain of your passing, as people say it does. It just makes us miss you all the more. We can all say we’re fine and doing well but in reality, the hurt is and always will be there. I suspect that it will be like that forever but I can only hope that the sting will ease more with each year your gone, if not for me, then for the children.
Much has changed in the last few years. I quit the Sheriff’s office for the time being and started college. I am almost finished with my pre-req’s and will be going to nursing school in September. I plan to go back into law enforcement when it’s complete but this is yet another dream I want to fulfill. My two careers in life that I’ve always wanted, Nursing and becoming a Cop. I’m sure both careers will keep me very busy but how wonderful it will be to be able to help so many more people.
The children all seem to be happy but they all miss you so very much. Amber is about to have a little one of her own and I know she will be a good mama. It will be tough on her to not have you there for the birth of her little one but keep watch over her during delivery and keep them safe. Ryan is a senior in high school and still playing football. He looks so much like you, it’s uncanny! Jamie is in her second semester of college and seems to be adjusting to a life outside of high school. She is such a smart girl and will go far in life. She will make an awesome physical therapist when she gets through her six years of school. She has a long road ahead of her so keep a tight hold on her and help her stay focused. Jordan is in 7th grade now and such a beautiful child. I am not adjusting very well to her growing up (make-up and BOYS). I keep a close eye on her and don’t let her too far out of my sight.
Other than that, life is pretty much life. Changes are constant but you adjust and keep moving forward. We have our dark days mixed in with good ones. I don’t know if it would be like this if you passed away from some disease, heart attack or even a car accident. You would have the birthdays and holidays to remember your loved ones but yours just seems incredible hard. For years to come, we will always have a constant reminder of the way you were taken from us: the horrible days of the trial, hounding press, the never-ending line of court dates, appeals and hearings. With each one, I pray for the strength to get our family through it and keep going. Keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I have often thought about writing to him and letting him know how much destruction he did in one moment’s time. Not only to our family and friends, but too his own family as well. They too have to deal with his actions. Those children were not asked to become a part of it and don’t deserve the life that they have been dealt. I pray that they can find healing at some point during the years to come. However, I don’t think it would make a difference in how I feel. I know we are suppose to forgive our enemies but that just seems easier said than done. When I look into the eyes of the children and see the hurt looking back at me, my heart just breaks. How can you forgive someone for putting your child through so much pain and heartache? I will leave that question to God and hopefully he will send me the answer.
I love you baby! As always, keep a watchful eye over your brothers and sister, your strong hand as guidance over our precious children and always remember how much we love and miss you!

Your Loving Wife
Forever and Always

February 8, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving daddy.
we all miss you.

I love you.

Love your daughter, Amber and of course your grandson Brayden :)

Anonymous

November 25, 2010

Uncle Wayne,

Well...like I said before..your picture will follow me wherever life takes me and as of now it's sitting on the ledge of my home in Germany...right over top of a bakery.I can't believe it has been 5 years...I miss you so much...crazy how that feeling of loss never goes away. I miss being able to come and sit at your grave and just talk to you,knowing your listening. The kids are doing great...Jackson is almost a year old now..you would love his little personality. Your children are all beautiful...while I don't see them all very often I know that Jamie and Amber graduated and I am so proud of them and Ryan is YOU, all the way.. Jordan is a cutie.. I cannot believe she has gotten so big...they all seem to be growing like weeds. Anyways,just sitting here on a Friday night thinking of you and how much your missed.
Love Always,
Brandy

Brandy Koester Currie
niece

July 23, 2010

You and all of your family and friends are in my thoughts on this holiday which you helped protect and preserve. Hero’s like you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

July 4, 2010

Dear Wayne,
It's been a while since I've written, but you know how life is always rushed. Anyway, I know that you are always there watching over your family and friends. I would like for you to also, please, watch over your National Guard family. Right now two of my boys are over there along with our unit. I know that you understand their mission.
Forever a Hero...

LEO Wife and Mom

March 28, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day, Honey! Give Ciara, Clay and Cole big hugs and kisses from us here. The kids are missed dearly here as are you!!!

Your Loving Wife
Ashley

February 14, 2010

Each day I try to get on this site to read the stories of the officers who have been taken home on this date in history. I also try to read all the reflections left for the officers. I sit here in tears as I read all the messages written by your wife, daughters, and loved ones. Reading such personal messages from the people that loved you the most helps me feel like I knew you as well. Love and prayers to the family of Deputy Koester.

Sergeant Michelle Bradley
Cincinnati Police Department

February 9, 2010

Ashley,
Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes. I hope today finds you and your family well. So many changes since 2005...The kids and I are finding ourselves in a good place. I always think of you and your family on this day and continue to wish you all the best.

Denise Scarbrough
Surviving Spouse, Sgt. Michael A. Scarbrough EOW 2/9/05

February 9, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

February 9, 2010