Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

1 year ago you were taken from your family and community. One year later, your family and community still stands strong proud!

Grace and Rest In Peace

Chandra
Lake Mary, Florida

Chandra

February 9, 2006

I just wanted to send you my thoughts and prayers today. I lost my husband on the same day as you did and wanted to let you know how often I have come here to read your husband's reflections when I've looked at Michael's. He sounds like he was a wonderful husband, father and friend. I pray for peace and continued strength and healing for you and your family.

Denise Scarbrough wife of
Sgt. Michael Scarbrough EOW 2/9/05

February 9, 2006

On this, the one year anniversary of your arrival in Heaven, please know that your sacifice has not been forgotten. You and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

February 9, 2006

D/S Koester
I met you when you were doing your teaching internship (right term?) at the Bragg Center. You taught a segment of class # 15-04-224-01. I was impressed at how patient you were with all our questions and by the fact that you offered your own time to help those who were interested in bettering themselves in firearms.
I also remember driving home through Umatilla and being 10-50'd by you for the rear lights being out on my car. we stood on the side of the road for about 20 minuets shooting the breeze. You were a really good man, and unfortuanately the first LEO funeral I went to. I took my son who was then 10yrs. old to show him how important the job that you did was and how by doing it with the professionalism that you did, affected those you came in contact with. I explained to him the circumstances surrounding what happened and that you had been saving someones life.
Wayne you left an indelible mark on me and the way I view the job that we do. I will never forget you D/S Koester, nor forget the example you set forth.

Former Recruit now D/S
LCSO

February 9, 2006

You are a true hero and we will never forget you. God bless you and your family.

DE
St. Louis City Police

February 9, 2006

I didnt know Deputy Koester but my son Lance Rivera knew him from the Police Academy in Lake County..Our prayers have always been with the family...Lance is now interviewing for a job as Police Officer and I know he will be looked over by one of the best..Know that Deputy Koester is still watching over his fellow officers and one day over my son ...to his family..hes never far away hes with you every day in everything you do ...god bless his family and friends..

Paula Rivera

February 9, 2006

Wayne, I got this web site from the Orlando Sentinel so I figured that I would write something to you. I wanted to tell you that I saw your wife Tuesday I wanted to ask her how she was doing, but I didn't know how she would take it; therefore, I didn't say anything. She looks really good, so I know you are proud of that.
Well you are truly missed and loved.
Kandie

Kandie Penley

February 9, 2006

Hey Baby,
One year ago today, the world stopped for us. We were never given the chance to say good-bye. Never able to tell you how much we love you. Never able to call you back for just one more kiss as we so often did or one more big bear hug. Although your earthly body is no longer here, we know your love for us will remain with us always. Your love for your family, friends and your brothers and sister leo's. Your dedication to your job to make sure that our little part of the world safe for everyone. So many laughs, so many memories, so many special moments. All of these you left us, so we can go through each day without you.
We talked so often about me going into law enforcement. I always knew I had your support to make whatever decision I needed to make. You were there with me during the academy and during the state exam. Your presence is always with us. Through the times when we were angry to the times when all we seemed to want to do is cry. Each day is a new step, a step that turns into two and two to four. Each one is not any easier but each one is a step we have to make. I've been asked so many times where I get my strength from to be able to get through this last year. How in the world did I make it through 5 month of school, and I have to tell them its from you. You are with us in our hearts forever. The children have your strength too. All the values and morals we have instilled in them. The love for our family and friends. Hardwork, dedication and self- respect. They will grow up without you but will ok because they had you for a father. Mrs Barker spoke in your last reflection about how she calls it her sons birthday in heaven, it is a wonderful way to look at this day. I know for myself, a "death anniversary" is so hard to say. But like that, its a different way to look at it. Today will be hard on all of us. Many tears will be shed , many more stories to share. We know you will be watching over us with your mom by your side. We love you and miss you. Until we are togther again.

Your Loving Wife,
Ashley

February 8, 2006

Just wanted you and your family to know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Some days are just harder than others, sometimes I think they all run together. I hated using the words anniversary for Clint, since anniversary are suppose to be a fun and exciting time. I decided to say that it was Clint's first and second Birthday in Heaven. So on that note I hope you don't mind me wishing Deputy Koester a Happy First Birthday in Heaven. I will never forget you, you are a Hero.

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

February 8, 2006

Hey Daddy,
How are you? im doin good its juss hard without you here!
but i know that one day we will . but its almost been a year and i cant believe its been that long! oh and i also got a job ...i know you would be proud of me! well i have to go and take a shower ... love you always!
Your baby gurl,
♥Amber♥

February 7, 2006

Hey daddy i miss you lotz!! love you!
love alwayz ur baby gurl , ♥ amber

January 4, 2006

HAPPY NEW YEARS daddy!!! i miss You so much and i kno you are celebratin the new year with the lord!well i kno that you will be here with us....i love you with all my heart! i love you and hope that you will sit on my shoulder and will guide me for the future. i love you and will talk to later love your only baby gurl ♥ amber ♥

December 31, 2005

merry christmas daddy! its a lil late but... i miss you, you are all i can ever think about! i know that you are with us and alwayz will be but still there is a place empty in my heart that i cannot fill. i love you more than anything.oh and please watch over and protect howard and brandy they need your help.i love you so much! this christmas was so hard w/out you. i hope you had a great day sitting wiht the lord!
love you lotz ur only baby gurl,♥ amber

December 28, 2005

merry christmas!

December 25, 2005

Merry Christmas, baby. As your favorite picture of us together sits by the tree, I try to find comfort knowing your spirit is here with us in our hearts. Watching us as we open gifts, my soon to be battle scars of holiday cooking I get every year. The bruised cheek I got last night putting a gift together. Yes, I know, I'm sure you didn't miss getting a laugh out of that one. David sure Did. All he could say was "You want some Advil?" It wasnt funny at the time though thats for sure. Well, we always try to find a new ornament every year, well, this year you were not here for us to pick our special new ornament together so I found a silver dove to hang on the tree. I remember the Sheriffs Office calling all over Florida that first week so we could have white doves to release at your funeral. I thought the dove would be a nice addition. Honey, I know you will be here watching all our beautiful children enjoy this special day. I know you will give us the strength we need to get through this day. I love you baby. Watch over your family and watch over Brandy and Howard in afghanistan and guide them safely home. We all miss you so much.

Your Wife, Ashley

December 25, 2005

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

If they knew it was the last time
that you would walk out the door
They would have given you a hug and a kiss and called you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
Id hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would have taped 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 sharea day with you,WellIm sure you will have so many more,so I can just let this one slip away.

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

There will always be another day to say "I love you"

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

Our love stretches from this world into the next ,You were ours,our very best. We Love you

Brandy Koester

December 16, 2005

Uncle Wayne,
Well here I am sitting on night shift at a clinic in Afganistan thinking about you as always-missing you.I cant help but feeling grief just like you left us yesterday.I wish you would be there when I come home,I know you are watching over me ,with danger at every soldiers back door,we need your presence watching over us.I try to make light of this situation but the truth is ,death is all around us ,the end could be tomorrow,never known until it creeps up on us ,and then we are in the presence of God.I sent you a Mtdew str8 from kabul afganistan,much love! I cant wait to see you one day ,until then I will be comforted by the presence God has in my life and you on my shoulder as i make my way through this tour in another country,a foreign place, You would love it! Imagine having mountains on your back porch ,thats where I am . Miss you ,
Brandy

Brandy Koester

December 15, 2005

hey daddy! guess wat im halfway through 9th grade and i wouldnt be here w/out you!we miss you and love you...love ur only baby girl ♥amber♥

December 12, 2005

Dear Family, Friends, and Loved Ones of Deputy Wayne Koester---

My deepest sympathy to you all for the loss of a great man. Know that you all will be in my thoughts and prayers during this holiday season. Holidays are the hardest without the ones we love. Reflect on all the wonderful memories you shared with Wayne.

To Wayne's wife, Ashley---
My heart breaks for you. When I read your reflections, I fought back tears. I know what it is like to lose the person you love most in this world. I was engaged to Deputy Sheriff Joshua Blyler (EOW: 5.2.04), who died last year. My life will never be the same now that the love of my life is gone from this world. I know and understand your pain. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, especially during the holiday season. Take comfort in the memories you and Wayne shared together. A part of him will always live on in you and in the hearts of those he loved. Take care, Ashley.

Sincerely,
Kelly

Kelly Gillain
OfficerDownSignificantOthers

December 7, 2005

HOLIDAY:

We think of you and your family during these holidays, and offer thoughts and prayers as you celebrate without your loved one. Cherish the memories of the past and be open to new ones with your loved ones and friends. Your loved one will never be forgotten and always honored for their sacrifice.

Alissa Scott
Widow of Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-03

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network
www.survivorhelpnetwork.org

November 29, 2005

HAPPY 34TH BIRTHDAY, BABY! You were born 34 years ago today and today is your day to celebrate it with your mother. She's waited 20 years long years to celebrate a birthday with you. We will have our own special celebration for you here, but I know you will be with us here as well. You never leave our sides. We love you, honey. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Your Wife,
Ashley

November 28, 2005

Happy Thanksgiving, baby! We love and miss you very much!!

Your Wife,
Ashley

November 24, 2005

daddy i love you and will never forget any of the memories we had! I will always carry on ur ways as always ...today is 11-18-05 and this will be my first thanksgiving without you!I'm turning 15 in 7 months and im gonna be so upset and your b-day is in 11 days!I'm gonna throw you a b-day...well i kno that you are sitting on my shoulder and will watch me grow everyday that i walk without you here by my side. I LOVE YOU and always will !♥amber koester♥ ur baby gurl

November 18, 2005

Hey baby! I know you have a grin on you face a mile wide right now. What a wonderful tribute the Miami Dolphins gave you this past Sunday. All those 72,000 fans yelling and clapping as they watched your family take the 50 yard line. How amazing it was to see your picture on that gigantic screen. It was a truly special memory our family and friends will have forever. And as much as I hate crying in front of anyone, I did shed some tears. It couldn’t be avoided. I was very touched. The children were so excited and proud to see how loved and respected their daddy is.
We’ve talked so many times about the qualities our children have and what life has in store for them. Each one is different and special in their own ways:

Amber ( my brat ),
Your are a beautiful young lady now. Your bubbly personality and infectious laugh will have people eating out of the palm of your hand and your sweet and loving nature will keep them there. You are dedicated and very hardworking at any task you come across to make sure everything is done just right and that will take you far in life. You get that quality from daddy. Always remember how much you are loved by our family.

Jamie ( my punk ),

Since the first day you were born, you and I have been in separable. Where I went, you went. You have a smile that can melt even the hardest of hearts. Although quiet and reserved at times, your loving and gentle nature shines through. Although you’re a teenager now, you have a maturity that surpasses your young years and it shows every time anyone is in need of comfort. You love to care for and comfort all of us. Your honesty and integrity is one of the many things Daddy loved about you and those qualities will be admired in any career you choose. I love you, sweetie.

Ryan ( my pest ),

You my son, are truly an exact replica of your father. His likes, were your likes. Right down to those gross steaks that mooed when they came off the grill. You have a personality all your own with just enough of daddy’s mixed in! OH LORD HELP US!! Don’t ever change!! Its completely irresistible. Your personality, charm and loving nature are who you are. You have a strength that would be admired by any grown man, as many of daddy’s friends have said. You get that quality from daddy. Always remember how much we love you.

Jordan ( my pig ),

You, my youngest child, have the heart of pure gold. Since the day you were born, you had a way to draw people to you. Your eyes were full of wonder and amazement at everything you encountered. Such a quiet baby, you never cried. You were always patient and always loving. You have a soft gentle way about you that just melts everyone you meet. Your laughter is contagious. Daddy would tickle you forever just so he could hear that laugh of yours. Now, your turning eight and you’ve never lost your charms. I love you munchkin!

Your Wife,
Ashley

November 16, 2005

Hey you,Im going to afganistan ,Imiss you ,I love you ,I hate that you arent here to either go or be here when I leave ....Love,Brandy

Brandy Koester

November 10, 2005