Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Happy Halloween, baby! It was very hard taking the kids out tonight without you. But, I know you were there with us.
Watching over us like always. We went around the neighborhood for a little while and we still were able to hand out candy as well. Can you imagine that? I dont think we've handed out candy for the last eight halloweens. We've always walked the kids feet off. Neighborhood after neighborhood until all they could do is pour themselves into bed. Gina came with us tonight so it was too bad. Jordan dressed us like Belle and Jamie was a Vampire. Man, did I mess up her make-up. We messed with it for over an hour and finally gave up. We had white black and red paint everywhere. We miss you terribly honey. You know how I fell right now. The girls send you lots of hugs and misses.
I love you very much. 136111136111

Your Wife Forever,
Ashley

October 31, 2005

Heeeeeeey baby! I would give anything to hear you walking in the door saying that again. I love and miss you terribly. Tommorrow is another officers funeral from UCF. As much as I want to be there to show support, I just cannot make myself go. Please go with Officer Jenkins and be there for him as he watches his family go through their worst nightmare imaginable. You have enough strength and love to share with us all. I love you baby.

Your Wife, Ashley

September 30, 2005

On 2/9/2005, the Lake County Sheriff's Office lost one of our Brothers. For most, it was not real. We kept saying that this did not happen, but it was and did. On the day of his Wayne's funeral, the reality of him being gone came true when one of our dispatchers gave Wayne his final 10-7. Wayne was an outstanding friend, and a great Law Enforcement Officer. He will truly be missed but NEVER forgotten. EOW 2/9/05

Corey Eldridge
Lake County Sheriff's Office

September 29, 2005

To the family and friends of Deputy Koester and his co-workers in the Lake County Sheriff's Office:
On behalf of our entire family, we extend our deepest condolences to you on the grievous loss you suffered when Deputy Koester was so brutally murdered. I am sure this was a devastating blow to the entire community as well. Please know that we grieve for you and with you. I am hopeful that there will be me justice rendered for this senseless and horrific crime.

Our family will keep Deputy Koester and his loved ones in our prayers...there is no distance between our hearts. We will also pray for the continued recovery of the two other injured officers in both their physical and emotional injuries.


Our family shares your anquish as we lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept. when he was fatally shot on April 23rd during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for Deputy Koester for the service he gave to his community and the citizens of Florida, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made in the line of duty.

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

September 1, 2005

It is so hard to beleive that it has been almost 9 months since you went home. We miss you so much. Your children are still so beautiful, and we promise to keep them first in all of this hardache. I know that our family still has a long road ahead, and I pray that we will make you proud as a family and get thru it together.
Football season will not be the same without you rooting for the Dolphins with us but hopefully we get get the kids to a couple of games.
You would be proud of Ashley. She seems to be doing really good in school. I know she will make an excellent officer like yourself.
Missing you and loving you more each day.
Until we come home,
Victor and Jonell
Brother and sister-in law

August 30, 2005

May God rest your soul. God bless your family.

recruit

August 22, 2005

Every morning, Monday thru Friday I go to class and see Ashley's smiling face. I wonder to myself how she does it, but I know now, it's because you are with her and will never leave her side. You gave the ultimate sacrifice and are a true hero. Ashley's doing something most people would never think of doing, I along with many other people look up to her for this. She's doing a wonderful job, I know you're proud of her and the kids Wayne. We love you and miss you!

recruit

August 21, 2005

May God Bless this fallen Brother And
His family , And blessed are the Peace
Keepers. Thanks'to deputy Wayne koester
And all our fallen brothers'who've
Made the ultimate sacrifice , so
All citzens can be Safe. "our Brothers'
Are Gone But Never Forgotten" . Mark Miller (P.I.) Former SGT. MCgriffs Security UofF Residential complex protection.

Mark Miller
Private Investigator

August 15, 2005

Lake County still misses you Wayne. I know as time goes on people sometimes tend to forget.I know Sheriff Daniels does all he can for your family. Know that there are multitudes of people who feel Feb 9th as if it were yesterday.I know you would be proud of Ashley. I know many of the guys from the nest miss you.I look foreward to seeing justice for your cowardly killer.Soon I will wear my badge and I swear to never forget you and your love for Lake County.

Bruce
Umatilla Resident

July 21, 2005

I love you and miss you so much ,I wish you were here to help me through some things Ive been going through I know you would if you were here.It seems that ever since you were killed life has been at a stand still ,I cant even still imagine life without you here for us,to think your next to God blows me away ,your are loved and missed by many and I pray you watch over me and protect me,I love you uncle wayne.

Brandy KOester

July 6, 2005

WAYNE,
I LOVE YOU BABY AND MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH.

YOUR WIFE,
ASHLEY

June 16, 2005

WAYNE,
I LOVE YOU, BABY

YOUR WIFE,

June 16, 2005

I never had the chance to meet you, but I can recall the morning this all happened. I had just finished my workout when a news flash had come on the TV talking about a massive manhunt for a man who had shot 3 officers. One of which, made the ultimate sacrifice for the people of his county. Rest In Peace my fellow officer, and to your family, I wish you the best of luck. Remember not to grieve over his death, but celebrate the bravery and heroism of Dep. Koester who gave his life to protect and serve.

Patrolman Brandon Roberts
Inglis Police Department, Florida

June 13, 2005

Wayne,
The world is a better place because of your service and sacrifice. We can't thank you enough.

Thank a police officer in honor of Deputy Sheriff Wayne Koester.

Special Agent Brian Koch
US Secret Service, NY (former Eustis PD)

June 6, 2005

Although I never met you, you are still my brother in law enforcement! You gave the ultimate sacrifice which will never be forgotten! To you and your family, I express my deepest condolences on behalf of the entire Pasco Sheriff's Office. You are a hero and deserve that status! You will be remembered as a hero forever!!! Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and to your fellow law enforcement officers at the Lake County Sheriff's Office! God Speed! May you rest in peace!

Sgt. C. " Bo " Cosimi
Pasco Sheriff's Office, Fl.

Sgt. C. "Bo" Cosimi
Pasco County S.O. Fl

June 6, 2005

I did not have the privilage of Knowing Deputy Koester but from what I have read he was a great man. I attened his funeral with my father who is a policeman with the Orlando Police Department. To the family I am truly sorry for you loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cadet sergent David Glidden
Civil Air PAtrol

June 5, 2005

we all love you and miss you!!!!

from the whole koester and vanduser fami

June 4, 2005

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what
they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his
community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Deputy Sheriff
Brevard County Sheriff's Office

May 16, 2005

I still remember the day you and I had a long conversation about how much you loved this job and most of all, how much you loved your family. I will never forget your devotion to what was the most important thing to any man, his family. My heart goes out to Ashley and the children. Your legacy will forever live in our hearts. Rest in peace brother.

Deputy Chris Wade
Lake County Sheriff's office

Deputy Chris Wade
Lake County Sheriff's Office

April 29, 2005

We love you and miss you .

Brandy and Amber K

April 21, 2005

A movie called the "Thornbirds" sums up a lot of our questions as to "why". Megan, in her sorrow & grief cries to the Lord & says, "Damn you! You always take the good ones for yourself first."
The "Best of the Best" are with the Lord above. Wayne, you are now a part of that elite group. You are in a better place. Rest in peace forever.
Ashley, since Denise & I had the opportunity to meet you, we know you will get thru these times. You have the great support of your family & all of us in Law Enforcement, especially those from Lake County. I lost my wife in '98 Line of Duty Death. I too am a survivor. I know the pain & sorry you are going thru. Be strong & don't ever give up. Wayne would never want to see you do that. God Bless you, Deputy Wayne Koester!

Det. Larry Trojanowski (Central Fla. COP
Pennsylvania State Constable's Office

April 20, 2005

Daddy,i miss you so much.it feels like a piece of my heart is missing...but every time i start to think what a great father you were... i tell myself "just think about all the great memories you and i have!"i know someday that i'll be running up to you when the lord calls me up. todays date is 4/8/05.i love you so much daddy and hope that you can sit on my shoulder until we are joined again...i will miss you deeply. love always your baby girl amber.

amber koester
wayne koesters daughter

April 8, 2005

One day in a small town in Central Florida the radio was quiet. There was little going on besides the sounds of general day to day activity. The silence was then broken with the call of an officer down. This small department with its small staff gathered around its radios and computers to see what was happening. The officers of this small department then notified all of it’s off duty personnel that a deputy had fallen. Two of our officers immediately responded to assist with the search along with all of the other law enforcement personnel of Central Florida.

The remaining officers of this agency responded to the police department, and wanted to help in some way. We can only describe this as a true call of duty to assist another officer.

We all felt a break in the “thin blue line.” There where expressions of anger……and suddenly it was over. The anger changed to tears……tears for a fallen deputy…….tears for a brother……known personally to some and only as a voice over the radio for other, but forever still a brother. Every Officer at this department felt pain that day…..an enduring pain.

The Officers at Howey in the Hills Police Department pay tribute to our fallen brother.

God bless you Ashley, dispatcher that we all have counted on, may God bring you peace and comfort. Please, call on us for anything you need.

And a special message to Wayne,

Brother you stood tall here on earth and may God raise you up to stand tall next to him in heaven, Keep watch over us dear brother.

Your brothers,

The thin blue line at Howey in the Hills Police Department

Ofc. Wesley Miller
Howey in the Hills Police Department

April 6, 2005

dept.wayne koster and family,it's been two months since your loving self has been taken away from us.we'reall still not able to come to the fact that we longer can call the lake p.d.and speak to you for all the help that you gave to us.you blessed so many people who knew you for just a few short days .we never had the chance to say thank you for all the time and help you spent on a case for us.(stolen care from apopka).we still feel the touch of your soft gentle hand as we were blessed to have that chance to shake your hand.our hearts and prayers are with you and your family daily.we all miss and love you so very much.thank you wayne for everything you done for the lake p.d.and the public.god bless you wayne and to all his family and friends ,dept.wayne will forever be in our hearts as he's in your's touch your heart and know he's there touching you back.god bless you all,sincerly lisa zosel apopka,plymouth,fl.john j.mccall sr.apopka,fl.

lisazosel
home use

April 4, 2005

God Bless Deputy Koester,his families and the Lake County Sheriff's Office!You will be missed by ALL and forgotten by NONE!My Thoughts and Prayers are with Deputy Koester,His families,and this Sheriff's Office!Thank you Brother for Service well done,Rest In Peace now as the rest of your Law Enforcement Brothers and Sisters will continue the fight on the Streets for You as You Patrol the streets of Heaven until we see you again !

Deputy Sheriff
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office , Louisville Kentucky

April 1, 2005