Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I would like to offer my most heart felt condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers of Deputy Wayne Koester. We, here in Columbus, Ohio, can feel your pain. We lost two officers, killed in the line of duty, in less than one month. Rest easy in the fact that Deputy Koester is sitting next to God and watching over us all right now. He died a hero, doing something he loved to do. He gave his life defending the people he swore to protect. I would like to share a poem that was left on one of our officer's refections.

"A Part of America Died"

Somebody killed a policeman today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect that shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battle field too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call, of himself gave his all,
and a part of America died.
-Unknown

Deputy Koester-
I will see you at my FINAL ROLL CALL. Rest easy my brother, we have it from here.

God Bless You All.

Officer Jody Grube
Columbus, Ohio Police Department

February 11, 2005

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE
OFFICERS WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH
DEPUTY KOESTER, HIS FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE - BUFFALO, NEW YORK

February 11, 2005

i offer my prayers to the family of dep. koester. we are so proud of him. it takes a very special person to do his job. we thank him for his service and thank you for sharing him with the community.

shannon

February 11, 2005

Our thoughts and Prayers go out to Deputy Wayne Koester's Wife, Children and Family. We had the pleasure to meet and work with officer Wayne on a few occasions and he was what any citizen or Sheriff's Dept. of Lake County or any other agency would want to see in all of there officers, Kind, courteous, Professional and proud to wear the uniform and badge. Our prayers are also with the LCSO we know that you are and will be grieving as well. Being an LEO puts you in a very extended family of Fellow Sisters and Brothers. Being the wife of a past law enforcment officer and having Family and many friends at the LCSO and other local agencies I know all to well the risk that you and each one of your fellow officers face each day you put that uniform on and walk out the door but it's a job you all take to heart to protect and serve. Please accept our most sincere condolences and Officer Koester know that you will be forever missed among the community that you so PROUDLY served and protected and please rest in peace knowing that your fellow officers will take it from here on out. Also Deputy McKane and Crotty our prayers are with you and yours for a speedy recovery.

Billy & Sherry S
Former LEO and Owners
of Saltsdale Muddhole

February 11, 2005

Wayne died in the line of duty saving Bill and Toms lives. He is a true hero! People have said you didn't make it home that day, but you did. Your home now is with God!

Mark and Family

Sergeant M. Chappell
LCSO

February 11, 2005

Deputy Koester- Thank you for your dedication and service. Our prayers go out to you and your family. John 15:13.
Officer
Winter Park P.D.

Officer
Winter Park P.D.

February 11, 2005

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Deputy Koester. God bless you Deputy and God bless your family. John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Thankyou!

Pastor Michael Watkins
Lighthouse Baptist Church

February 11, 2005

You worked with the finest on Earth, now you walk with the finest in Heaven. Please watch over us from above while we continue to serve in your honor.

I will pray for you and your family. REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

Stephen C. Barnes, Deputy U.S. Marshal
United States Marshals Service

February 11, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Lake County S.O.

Fallen but never forgotten!

Bryan Laurie son of Fallen officer
Nathan Laurie E.O.W. 7-29-04

February 11, 2005

You crawled,you walked, you ran
We called you Joey.
You grew into a fine young man
You wanted to be called Wayne
Then just as planned
Honorable,loveable teddy bear Wayne
Was called Deputy Koester
Now you've been called into the
Sweet arms and presence of Jesus
Enjoy your fellowship with
Grandpa and Your mom.
We will see you soon!
Love you always! Love, Aunt Lauren

Family

February 11, 2005

To the family of Deputy Koester, we at Spring Creek mourn your loss with you. Know that we in the Lake County community know and deeply appreciate the sacrifice Wayne made for us and our protection. He will never be forgotten

To the law enforcement officers involved in the insueing manhunt, we thank you for your service. The show of support for you fellow officers on this fateful day was heart wrenching. You were all so committed and professional in your actions in our community and we deeply appreciate all you do to keep us safe.

Wayne, may you rest in peace. Your service to your fellow man will never be forgotten.

Wesley Locke
Teacher, Spring Creek Elementary School

February 11, 2005

Deputy Wayne Koester will always be in our thoughts. The loss that this agency suffered was great and I do not think anything would ever be the same for us.

When we first heard the news, it hit us hard. For some of us that was out on a different calls, I know it was hard to try and hold back the tears when we first heard the news. I guess at that time it really did not matter who was around looking at us expressing our sorrows. The fact remained that we lost one our BROTHERS.

We would like to express our deepest Sympathy to the family. We are here for the family if and when they need us. Wayne was a great guy and a great Deputy, we will always remember him.

Detective (SIU)
Lake County Sheriff's Office

February 11, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and the fellow officers you left behind, as well as the dispatchers on your shift.

Rest in peace, Deputy Koester.

Kathy S.
Former LCSO dispatcher

February 11, 2005

Words can not express the sorrow that is felt by your brothers and sisters in law enforcement. We will always remember that fateful day. May God be with your family during this time of grieving.

Officer Brian Watson
Winter Park Police Department

February 11, 2005

Thank you for your service. GOD bless your family.

Detective Lionel Garrett
Inglewood Police Dept. Ca.

February 11, 2005

i KNOW SOME OF THE LAKE COUNTY DEPUTIES AND MY HEAR GOES OUT TO ALL OF YOU. ITS REALLY HARD TO LOSE ONE OF OUR OWN. MY WIFE JUST SITS AND CRYS FOR YOUR DEPUTY AND ALL OF US WHO DO THE JOB. YOU ARE ALL IN MY PRAYERS

D/S FROM ORANGE COUNTY
OCSO

February 11, 2005

Those who die fighting on the side of goodness and right must never be forgotten. We will remember Deputy Koester.

Lieutenant T.J.B.
Cherokee County Georgia S.O.

February 11, 2005

We now have another hero watching over us with the angels. God bless you Wayne, we miss you.

Deputy Charles Pendergrass
Lake County Sheriffs Office

February 11, 2005

DEPUTY KOESTER YOU WERE A TRUE HERO AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DEPUTY KOESTER MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.

DEP. J. KROENING

DEPUTY
MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

February 11, 2005

God bless you. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. You will never be forgotten.

Sergeant
Jacksonville Beach Police Dept.

February 11, 2005

My deepest sympathy to family and friends.
Rest easy, brother, we have the watch.

Sergeant Scott Cain
Fort Myers P.D.

February 11, 2005

My prayers are with you and your family at this time of tragedy. You didnt have to go out like this, may you rest in peace with the lord above.

February 11, 2005

God speed, sweet dreams....

Officer Gowans
Williston Police, Williston Vt

February 11, 2005

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR AGENCY...YOU ARE A HERO!!!

POLICE OFFICER JIM GILBERT
COLUMBUS DIV OF POLICE OHIO

February 11, 2005

God bless the family,co-workers and friends of Deputy Wayne Koester.
He is a true Hero to us all.

Bessemer Police Department
Bessemer, Alabama

Detective Edwards
Bessemer Police Department

February 11, 2005