Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My darling husband,

Words cannot describe the horror and shock of your tragic passing. You were my soul-mate and best friend. You died a hero but you were my hero long before this happened. Your patience and loving touch brought joy to myself and the children. How terribly you will be missed by everyone. No one knew as much as I how much you loved the job you were doing and if given another chance you would do the same job again. A cop’s wife always knows there’s a chance you will never come home. A fear that one day someone will come knocking on your door to give the spouse the news that their wife or husband was killed. How that day will forever haunt me, but knowing you are finally with your mother gives me comfort to know that you are not alone. The children and I will be alright. I know that you will see to it, to watch over us like you always did. I love you baby and will see you again.

To everyone who has written a reflection, to our friends, family, community and co-workers from all over I want to say thank you. Your thoughts and prayers have been a comfort to our family during this most difficult time. Your support has been overwhelming. May God bless all of you and keep you safe.

Your loving wife, Ashley

February 23, 2005

It's never easy to say good by to a brother in arms, to Deputy Koester and family thank for you selfless service god be with you in these trying times.
Master Deputy Darius Harper currently assigned to the 690th military Police company, afhganistan

Master Deputy Darius Harper
M.C.S.O.

February 22, 2005

GOD BLESS DEPUTY KOESTER AND HIS FAMILY.
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD.
REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

Police Officer
Tampa Police Department

February 21, 2005

MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY I DID NOT KNOW YOU BUT OUR LIVES CROSSED PATHS ON 2/9/2005 I LIVE A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE SCENE THAT OCCURRED ON THAT DAY YOU GAVE YOUR LIFE TO PROTECT US IN OUR SMALL TOWN MAY YOU REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS FORVER REST IN PEACE 1426

PAISLEY CITIZIN

February 21, 2005

A lot of good people miss you. I would have felt lucky to serve with you. Rest in peace Brother.

Officer P.T.
Dept. Of Veterans Affairs

February 21, 2005

Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Deputy Koester and to all the personnel of the Lake County Sheriff's Office who worked with him.

While it is no consolation for your loss, remember that we, and many others in this country, appreciate the sacrifice that he made in his effort to ensure the safety of the public.

God bless.

Southwest Central Dispatch
Palos Heights, IL

February 21, 2005

Wayne was a great Deputy and someone I enjoyed working with. Everytime I was on a traffic stop he will stop and check on me. Rest in Peace Brother.

Corporal Albert Pratts
Florida Highway Patrol

February 20, 2005

I attended the funeral. It was a very emotional yet impressive display of the closeness of Law Enforcement. Seeing officers and deputies from various agencies come together to mourn the loss of one of their own was very moving.

D/S Pastula
Polk County Sheriffs Office

February 20, 2005

Before I started at Umatilla PD, Wayne and I were already friends. In the time there he was my training officer, supervisor, and partner. I learned everything from him. I looked up to him as an officer and a friend. I could talk to him about anything and everything. Wayne was more then a friend to me, he became a big part of my family. I loved him as if he was my real brother. He never once treated me any different then his own.

In Ecclesiastes 3:4 it says, "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance." I will mourn only for a short time because Wayne is gone. I know my prayers were answered and I will one day see him again in Heaven with Christ Jesus our Savior. Every time I go back to see Wayne, I will remember Luke 24:5 which says, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?"

Wayne's Sergeant said it best, Wayne was a warrior.

Good bye for now Wayne, miss you and love you.

Sergeant David A. Seeley
Umatilla Police Department

February 19, 2005

To all of the Koester Family and friends of Wayne. We all feel different when we experience the loss of a friend and officer. I have reflected back to the day I took Wayne into the Umatilla Police nest. On that day, just after he was officially hired, I had him in a foot pursuit, I must add he didn't catch the suspect, but he did throw up shortly after the excitement subsided.

I got to see the raw cadet mature to an experienced Officer. He always was up to a new task. I loved his saying, "yeah, Buddy"!! I am good at hiding my feelings, but I swelled with pride as he was able spread his wings and leave the Umatilla nest for a larger Agency.

I was pleased to see him return occasionally to keep in contact, even if it was just to use the head. After he bought a motorcycle, we talked many times of riding. I even made him a United States flag so he could put it on his bike. I looked forward to riding with him and Ashley. We just ran out of time.

I will miss Wayne but I will always remember his smile and those dumbo ears. I hope my attempt to honor him with the large ribbons will reflect how the Umatilla Police Department felt. This is where Wayne began his service to citizens.

Please watch over us all and keep us safe until we meet on the other side.

Doug

Chief Douglas O. Foster
Umatilla Police Department

February 18, 2005

Wayne,
I miss you already Brother. We worked together on and off for a while when you were at Umatilla P.D. and we had some good times. You were always there for me if I needed someone to back me up. You always had a smile and a reassuring presence about you that would put me at ease. With you I knew my back was covered. I moved around the county and we lost contact for awhile, then you came to work for the S.O. Wayne, I was so happy for you because I knew how much it meant to you to be a Lake County Deputy. I wish that I had kept in touch with you more. We passed each other so many times in so many places and we would say hello and keep going. I feel sad for myself that I did not stop and catch up with you when I had the chance. If there is anything to come out of this that is to be considered "good" it is that it has brought this agency closer together. It has brought so many agencies, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, together. I know that you are with God and you are at peace. I cannot say goodbye to you, just as I could not say goodbye to Kody Snodgrass Tac 832 in 2001, because I know that you are with me always and I know that I will see you again. I am sure the two of you will watch over all of us down here. We all will do our best to serve with the loyalty, perseverence, dedication and honor that you have done. REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

Deputy Pete Brown
Lake County S.O.

February 18, 2005

Mrs. Koester and Children,
Our prayers are with you and your family. I pray for those that are there to support you too.
I pray that your love for one another will be strenghtened during this time.
I also pray that the memories you have
of your husband and your children's father will be encouragement to you each day.
I never understood what it was like to be part of a police family until my nephew died. It is like no other. May God's love flow in and through you during this time.

Tammy Ruis-Aunt /Joshua Blyler EOW 5-2-0

February 18, 2005

Dear Wayne,
I am home in Heaven, dear ones:
oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed:
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.
And he came Himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread:
And with Jesus' arm to lean on,
Could i have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For i love you, dear family, still:
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's will.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you, my family, home:
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!
May you rest in peace, Wayne, till we all meet again.
May the Good Lord keep you in the palm of his hand forever.

Patrick & Marie Aurigemma
Retired: Nassau Co. Police Dept. L.I.N.Y. & U.S. Postal Serv. NY

February 18, 2005

Wayne I knew you when Your Brother Vic went to the same school. We became friends. I just want you to know that you are sadly miss. And to your family and friends my prayers and thoughts are with them.

Yvonne Hall
Lake County Citizen

February 18, 2005

The tragedy that took place on February 09, 2005 will forever be in the hearts and minds of all Law Enforcement Officers. Lake County Deputy Sheriff Wayne Koester was a hero before this incident occurred and will be a hero long after we are gone. Believe that in the face of danger, he will be standing with us all. I believe that anyone who puts on a green, blue, brown or any other color uniform to Enforce Law and Order, is a Hero in life and in death. This incident has made the botherhood even stronger throughout Lake County Law Enforcement Community. I am proud to be a part of that community. Rest In Peace Brother!

Sergeant Robert Bell
Mount Dora Police Department

February 18, 2005

As a dispatcher for the Orlando Police Department my heart aches for Deputy Koester's wife and family. My prayers are with you each and every day. Also to the dispatchers at LCSO, God Bless you all...stay strong. To all officers/deputies, thank you for all you do. God Bless Deputy Koester. Rest in peace.

Orlando Police Dispatcher
Orlando Police Department

February 18, 2005

Wayne was a shining example of a Deputy and someone I enjoyed working with. He was someone I greatly respected. I remember a call with him and these kids there loved him. He let them play with his flashlight until it went dead and they hugged his legs. He was always upbeat, and I also remember the night at 27/48 when I stumbled upon Wayne and Todd on the side of the road. That is one of my most favorite memories regardless, but now it is a cherished memory.
My heart stopped when I saw CAD that morning. May God bless Wayne's family and friends. I will never forget.

Deputy Sheriff - Bravo Shift
Lake County Sheriff's Office

February 18, 2005

To Deputy Wayne Koester's Family:
My daughter works for the LCSO and when I heard the news I called her and asked her to tell me that he wasn't a nice guy. She said "Mom,I can't. He really was one of the good ones." My prayers are with his family and I will remember to pray for the safety of our Law Enforcement Officers. They are the true heroes of this world. May the family be consoled by the fact that Wayne achieved his dream of working for LCSO and that he died doing what he loved and that his life was not in vain. What a legacy! Rest in peace,Wayne!

Marty
Lady Lake Resident

February 17, 2005

daddy,
you were doing what you loved and you are a hero and you will always be remembered as one...you will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts!i love you and we all miss you!
love amber

your daughter

February 17, 2005

I ATTENED YOUR FUNERAL YESTERDAY AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO TOUCHED. I KNEW YOU FROM SCHOOL AND JUST BEING AROUND BUT WAS THERE MORE TO SHOW MY SUPPORT FOR YOUR FAMILY. WE IN LAKE COUNTY CAN NEVER THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR YOUR SACRAFICE.
TO THE FAMILY YOU SHOULD BE PROUD AND MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.
TO THE SHERRIFS DEPT. YOU DID A FANTASTIC JOB HONERING WAYNE. NOT ONE DETAIL WAS LEFT OUT IN THE SERVICE. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO PROUD TO LIVE IN LAKE COUNTY. NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF YOUR DEPARTMENT BUT ALSO TO HAVE LIVED IN THE SAME COUNTY AS A HERO LIKE WAYNE.
THANK YOU TO EVERY OFFICER THAT RISK THEIR LIFE EVERYDAY FOR PERFECT STRANGERS. I HONOR YOU TODAY AND EVERYDAY.

LAKE COUNTY CITIZEN

February 17, 2005

I attended the Memorial and Funeral Services for a true hero, Lake County Deputy Sheriff Wayne Koester, who gave his life for the citizens of Lake County. As a Lake County resident, I am grateful for his service and his ultimate sacrafice. As a member of the brotherhood, I am saddened by the loss of a family member, and wish there was more that I could do. I am proud to say that I have worked side by side with numerous members of the Lake County Sheriff's Office in many different situations. The Lake County Sheriff's Office has always been there when I or the Mount Dora Police Department needs anything. Please know that the small contribution of equipment and manpower that we provided in honor of Deputy Koester, made us feel even more a part of the Lake County Law Enforecement Community than ever before, and was a small token of our appreciation for all that Sheriff Daniels and the members of the Lake County Sheriff's Office has done for us. All members of the Lake County Law Enforcement Community should be proud of the honor and respect they paid to a True Hero of our brotherhood.

Sergeant Robert Bell
Mount Dora Police Department

February 17, 2005

Deputy Koester, I wish I had the privilege of meeting you. It is an honor working for a law enforcement agency in your county knowing the courage and bravery you had shown. Words cannot express my sorrow for your family. You are a true hero and you will never be forgotten.

Officer Keith Flanary
Mount Dora Police Dept.

February 17, 2005

On behalf of the men and women who serve for the City Of Lake Saint Louis Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Koester's family, friends and co-workers. Rest in peace brother.

Patrolman
Lake Saint Louis, Mo Police Department

February 16, 2005

WAYNE,

WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS THE PAIN THAT IS FELT BY YOUR LOSS. I ATTENDED YOUR FUNERAL TODAY AND WAS OVERWHELMED WITH THE LOVE AND BROTHERHOOD THAT WAS DISPLAYED. I SINCERELY WISH THAT I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET YOU. FORTUNATELY, A COUPLE OF FELLOW OFFICERS FROM LEESBURG HAVE WORKED WITH YOU IN UMATILLA AND HAVE FILLED ME IN A LITTLE BIT. I ALSO MUST SAY THAT YOU VERY APPARENTLY DID A GREAT JOB RAISING YOUR CHILDREN. THE STRENGTH THAT YOUR FAMILY SHOWED WAS UNBELIEVABLE. THEY MOST DEFINITELY ARE AWARE THAT YOU HAVE RETURNED HOME TO THE LORD AND ARE GAINING COMFORT FROM THAT. THE FOOTBALL LEFT ON YOUR CASKET FROM YOUR SON REALLY HIT ME HARD. AS I LOOKED OVER TOP OF THE FOOTBALL I SAW MY FATHER, SGT. JOHN THORNTON LCSO, STANDING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF YOUR CASKET. IT MADE ME REALIZE HOW FORTUNATE I AM THAT I NEVER LOST MY FATHER IN THIS MANNER.

WAYNE YOUR LOSS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I PRAY FOR COMFORT AND PEACE FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FELLOW BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. YOU TRULY WERE AND FOREVER WILL BE A HERO.

SR. OFC. IAN THORNTON
LEESBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

February 16, 2005

I am the wife of a Deputy at the LCSO and I can only imagine how the family feels today. It is always a fear that our loved one might not come home, but we all believe that this will never happen to our family. It is a rule in our house to tell each other you love them before you leave even if you are mad or disappointed with them, because you actually never know if you will see them again. My thoughts and prayers to the family, officers and friends.

God speed Wayne

Wife of LCSO Deputy

February 16, 2005