Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My thoughts and prayers go to Deputy Koester's family. Your loss is felt deeply within my heart.

LEO Wife
Volusia County, FL

February 11, 2005

WHAT IS A COP?

Cops are human ( believe it or not) just like the rest of us. They come in both sexes but mostly male. They also come in various sizes. This sometimes depends on whether you are looking for one or trying to hide something. However, they are mostly big.

Cops are found everywhere-on land, on the sea, in the air, on horses, in cars, sometimes in your hair. In spite of the fact that "you can't find one when you want one", they are usually there when it counts most. The best way to get one is to pick up the phone.

Cops deliver lectures, babies, and bad news. They are required to have the wisdom of Solomon, the disposition of a lamb and muscles of steel and are often accused of having a heart to match. He's the one who rings the door-bell, swallows hard and announces the passing of a loved one; then spends the rest of the day wondering why he ever took such a "crummy" job.

On TV, a cop is an oaf who couldn't find a bull fiddle in a telephone booth. In real life he's expected to find a little blond boy "about so high" in a crowd of a half million people. In fiction, he gets help from private eyes, reporters, and who-dun-it fans." In real life, mostly all he gets from the public is "I didn't see nuttin'."

When he serves a summons, he's a monster. If he lets you go, he's a doll. To little kids, he's either a friend or a bogeyman, depending on how the parents feel about it. He works "around the clock", split shifts, Sundays and holidays, and it always kills him when a joker says. "Hey tomorrow is Election Day, I'm off, let's go fishing" (that's the day he works 20 hours).

A cop is like the little girl, who, when she was good, was very, very good, but, when she was bad, was horrid. When a cop is good, "he's getting paid for it." When he makes a mistake, "he's a grafter, and that goes for the rest of them too." When he shoots a stick-up man he's a hero, except when the stick-up man is "only a kid, anybody coulda seen that."

Lots of them have homes, some of them covered with ivy, but most of them covered with mortgages. If he drives a big car, he's a chiseler; a little car, "who's he kidding?" His credit is good; this is very helpful, because his salary isn't. Cops raise lots of kids; most of them belong to other people.

A cop sees more misery, bloodshed, trouble, and sunrises than the average person. Like the postman, cops must also be out in all kinds of weather. His uniform changes with the climate, but his outlook on life remains about the same: mostly a blank, but hoping for a better world.

Cops like days off, vacations, and coffee. They don't like auto horns, family fights, and anonymous letter writers. They have unions, but they can't strike. They must be impartial, courteous, and always remember the slogan "At your service." This is sometimes hard, especially when a character reminds him, "I'm a taxpayer, I pay your salary."

Cops get medals for saving lives, stopping runaway horses, and shooting it out with the bandits (once in a while his widow gets the medal). But sometimes, the most rewarding moment comes when, after some small kindness to an older person, he feels the warm hand clasp, looks into grateful eyes and hears, "Thank you and God bless you, son."

Officer David Carroll
Choctaw Oklahoma

February 11, 2005

TO THE FAMILY OF WAYNE GOD BLESS YOU THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT TIME IN YOUR LIFE WE WENT THROUGHT THIS 16 MONTHS AGO OUR SON DOUGLAS WAS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY IN RICHMOND VA. LEAN ON GOD HE WILL HELP YOU THROUGH. REST IN PEACE WAYNE. MARILYN WENDEL MOTHER

PARENT OF FALLEN OFFICER

February 11, 2005

Deputy Koester, know that you did everything you could that fateful day. The citizens of Florida and especially the surrounding community are forever grateful for your sacrifice. Your brother and sisters got the bad guy, his life is over, nothing but down hill from here. Godspeed!

Trooper Mark Holthaus
Washington State Patrol

February 11, 2005

Wayne, how do we say goodbye to you when it seems like we just met. You died a hero and you will not be forgotten. God blessed peacemakers as his his own Wayne so we know where to find you. See you again brother.

Deputy Jim Vachon
Lake County Sheriff

February 10, 2005

On behalf of the men and women at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, we give our greatest condolences to Deputy Wayne Koester’s family, friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in Law enforcement. Deputy Koester you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. It’s our greatest honor to have had such a brave and courageous man wearing the green uniform representing the State of Florida. You’re truly our hero, may God be with you.

Honor Guard Deputy T. Sellitto
Manatee County Sheriff's Office

February 10, 2005

Our prayers are with you and your family, my God give you strength.

"With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity."

LEO J.Andrews
US Forest Service Law Enforcement & Investigations

February 10, 2005

I would like to extend my condolences to Deputy Koester's family and friends, and to the men and women of the Lake County Sheriff's Office. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of tragedy. Rest in peace Deputy Koester, your duty here is done.

Deputy Sheriff
Butte County Sheriff's Office

February 10, 2005

To the family of Wayne, I grieve with your family and hold his memory dear. He is a hero here in our county and he will never be forgotten. He protected us and kept us safe.
We lost our nephew to a gunshot wound on May 28, 2003 in VA and it is still fresh in our minds today. The pain is deep for the loved ones he leaves behind. The last bible verse my nephew read was this: "there is no greater gift than this, to lay down ones life for ones friends." John 15:13. This is what Wayne has done for all of us here in Lake County. He has given us the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. Please know that we greive deeply with you and pray for your strenght and spiritual support to get you through this time. You are not alone.
Wayne rest now, your brothers in blue will take your watch. Please watch over them. We pray for them every night.

Teri Whitney
Aunt of Officer Ryan E Cappelletty
EOW May 28, 2003

February 10, 2005

I would like everyone to know what comes to mind when I think of Wayne. That sneaky smile and his sense of humor. His drive to be the best Law Enforcement Officer he could be. I know how long and hard he fought to become a Lake County Deputy Sheriff. You did it brother, You lived your dream. A true HERO. May God bless you,
Rest in Peace. Now we have to find some of your determination and continue on, To Serve and Protect.

To your wife, children and family. May God Bless and Protect you all in this most trying time. Always remember you are the Wife, Children and Family of a TRUE HERO.

Patrolman T. Collier #291
Eustis Police Dept.

February 10, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Koester's Family, Friends and Office at this difficult time.
May God bless Deputy Koester and welcome him to the streets of Heaven.
Please watch over your brother's and sister's as we carry on with our duties.

DEPUTY SHERIFF
VIRGINIA

February 10, 2005

Deputy Koester, you are a true Hero. May God watch over your family and help comfort them. I hope your brothers and sisters in Blue also come to the aid of your family.

Robert Gordon, father of Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL

February 10, 2005

may god be with you through these trying times. trust in the lord with all your heart.

dec. moses
detroit police department

February 10, 2005

No words can comfort your family, however, thank you for your sacrafice. Our hearts and prayers go out to your wife, children and fellow officers. Another hero has fallen at the hand of a coward. May justice be served.

Wife of a LEO

February 10, 2005

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Raleigh, NC Police Department

February 10, 2005

My prayers are with you and your family...

Deputy Dan Marquith
Osceola County Sheriff's Office

February 10, 2005

Deputy Koester you are a true warrior, and the citizens of Lake County are better because of you and your actions. I pray that your family will find comfort and that god will grant them peace in the days to come.

To the D.A's in Lake County, I pray that justice will be executed in this case!!!

"The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion..........."

PSO K-9 Robert Caudill
Bristol TN Police Dept

February 10, 2005

To the family and friends of the late Deputy Wayne Koester: he is gone but never will be forgotten. He served his community well. He will be missed by us all. May he rest peacefully. He is now safe in God's hands. May God bless.

DETENTION DEPUTY K. BENN
LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

February 10, 2005

When we lost Officer Peter Lavery to a similar senseless act in December the outpouring of support was what helped us get through it. Deputy Koester, his family, and the entire Lake County Sheriff's Office are in out thought and prayers.

Officer Mark DiChiara
Newington CT Police Dept

Officer DiChiara
Newington Police Dept.

February 10, 2005

Your courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten by those who wage the battle between good and evil. God bess Wayne Koester, his family, and the staff of Lake CO Sheriff's Office.

CBP Officer
USCBP/DHS

February 10, 2005

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called Sons of God. Rest in eternal peace my brother...

Officer
Florida DEP Police

February 10, 2005

Rest easy Brother. The watch is our now.

Deputy
Indiana

February 10, 2005

I would like to send my prayers and sympathy to the family of Deputy Wayner Koester and the Lake County Sheriff's Department. May God hold you close during these times.

As a wife of a LEO and a survivor of a fallen officer, I know first hand the pain that you are going through. Just know that you are not alone.

To all our LEO's it is my nightly prayer that you all stay safe.

A California Officer's wife and COPS sur

February 10, 2005

To the family, friends, and co-workers of Deputy Wayne Koester, may God comfort and strengthen you all.

Jen/Secretary
GPD, Gallup, NM

February 10, 2005

I grew up in Fl and my parent's now live in Lake Co. My heart hurts for you and your family. Thank you for your devoted service. Your family is in our prayers. JC

Cpl. J. Casey
Maryland State Police

February 10, 2005