Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Happy Halloween, baby!! We love and miss you so much!! Please watch over all the kiddies tonight!!!

I love you,
Ashley

October 31, 2008

Dear Wayne and Ashley,
Next week will be a tough week, but please know that we are all behind you and we support you. Even though we all can't be there with you Ashley, we will be thinking of you, Wayne, and the kids. God has the answers, we just have to have the patience and willingness to listen. Our prayers will be with you, please know that.
Stay strong Ashley. You are a truly remarkable person. Wayne would be so proud.

LEO Wife and Mom

October 2, 2008

Wayne,
My thoughts and prayers will be with your family next week. I know your wife won’t admit it but she is a very strong woman and someone I admire so much. After everything she has had to endure over the last few years, she still has the courage to stand strong and continue moving forward. I wish there were more people in this world with her strength and character. I read the reflection she left on Officer’s Kane’s memorial page and she is so very right. It takes someone very special to do “a job so few are brave enough or have the courage to do”. Ashley is that brave and courageous person, and I couldn’t have picked a better role model for my children than her. She is a gift from God himself. One of our earthly “Angels” sent to us from above. I haven’t told her I know this yet but she saved my friends life last week. My friend was very upset and was going home to commit suicide. Ashley saw how upset she was and asked her if everything was ok. Ashley spent most of her lunch hour talking to her and trying to give her some words of hope. My friend called me crying when she got home. I could tell she was upset and when I asked her what was wrong, she said "I was sent an Angel today and she saved my life. Everything is going to be Ok". She explained that she talked to Deputy Koester about her problems and that she was going to get some help. Little does Ashley know, that one simple gesture, that one simple act of kindness, saved my friend’s life. How blessed we all are to have someone like her among us.

Ashley always leaves poems or song lyrics on here for you, so I’m going to take after her. Wayne, this song is for her. I took it from your Myspace page because it reminded me of her. I hope she knows how special she is and how much she is loved.


“Angels Among Us”

I was walking home from school on a cold winter's day
Took a shortcut through the woods and I lost my way
It was getting late and I was scared and alone
Then a kind old man took my hand and led me home
Mama couldn't see him, but he was standing there
But I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love

When life dealt troubled times and had me down on my knees
There's always been someone there to come along and comfort me
A kind word from a stranger to lend a helping hand
A phone call from a friend just to say I understand
Ain't it kind of funny at the dark end of the road
Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love

They wear so many faces
Show up in the strangest places
Grace us with their mercy
In our time of need

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love

Much Love to you both,
Your Friend

September 30, 2008

Hello my love,

In just one week( October 7 ), we will be sitting in Tallahassee going through Wheeler's first Appeal's hearing in front of the Florida Supreme Court. Like I said before, I'm not sure what to expect. He is not supposed to be there, just the attorneys, to which I am so grateful for that. I hope all goes well and we don’t have to re-try the case. I wouldn’t want any of us to have to go through that all over again. I really don’t know how we did it the first time except that we stayed strong as a family. I know I relied so much on your strength then, as I do now, at times. Now, I just try to stay positive through all the ups and downs that come around. Some times it’s still tough but I listen to your voice in my heart and I know things will be ok. Just like you always told me it would.

I was doing security in one of the courtrooms the other day while they were going through Jury Selection on a murder trial (no names). I was watching the faces of the potential jurors, the defendant and the families of the victims and it brought so much back. I try to forget as much as I can about those awful days in the trial but some days it just comes back. As I was watching everyone, something inside me just wanted to pull both victims families aside and tell them that everything will be ok and that I understood what they were going through. I’ve walked in their shoes, through that dark tunnel and made it out on the other side. But, unfortunately, at that time, I just couldn’t. I wish I could have though, if only to give them a little hope. If only to let them know that someone cares.

The children all seem to be coming into their own. Jamie is doing so much better in school now that I’m home “every” night and not doing shift change. The transfer was, without a doubt, the right decision. Jordan is doing great as well. She is told all the time that she is my mini-me. Of course, she loves to hear that. Jordan is mommy’s baby girl and Jamie is her mama’s my angel. We enjoy the time we spend together. We go 4 wheeling just about every weekend or just hang out with friends. Jamie is excited that she got her braces off a few weeks ago. Tonight, she was jumping up and down because she could actually eat corn on the cob with me cutting it off the cob. I laughed so hard seeing her so excited. We’ve been looking for her a car, well, a 4x4 Jeep. She wants it with mud tires and a lift. Go figure, but, she is my child after all.

Well baby, I love you and miss you so much. The girls send you lots of hugs and kisses xoxoxoxoxo. Keep watch over all the kids and our fellow Leo’s.





For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love i found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through through it all

You were my strength when i was weak
You were my voice when i couldn't speak
You were my eyes when i couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when i couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything i am
Because you loved me

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand i could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and i stood tall
I had your love i had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe i don't know that much
But i know this much is true
I was blessed because i was loved by you

You were my strength when i was weak
You were my voice when i couldn't speak

You were my eyes when i couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when i couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything i am
Because you loved me

You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you

You were my strength when i was weak
You were my voice when i couldn't speak
You were my eyes when i couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when i couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything i am
Because you loved me

You were my strength when i was weak
You were my voice when i couldn't speak
You were my eyes when i couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when i couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything i am
Because you loved me

I'm everything i am
Because you loved me

Your loving wife,
Ashley

September 30, 2008

Judgment Day for a Policeman

The policeman stood and faced his God
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shiny,
Just as brightly as his brass.

“Step forward now, Policeman
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?”

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t,
Because those of us who carry badges
Can’t always be a saint.

I’ve had to work most Sunday’s
And at times my work was rough,
And sometimes I’ve been violent
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny
That wasn’t mine to keep,
I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.

I know I don’t deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you’ve a place for me here, Lord
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.”

There was silence all around the Throne
Where the Saints had often trod,
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

“Step forward now, policeman,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,

a friend

September 28, 2008

Hey Daddy.

It's been a while since I've written on here but the pain keeps reminding me on how much I miss you.
I'm growing up before everyones eyes and it scares me. I'm seventeen and a senior, I'm going to graduate and hopefully go to college. I wouldnt be here without your guidance though. You know I hear people tell me all the time that I'm lucky and I think "How, my dad isnt with me?" then I remember that I had a dad who loved me, my family, and his job more than anything else in the world. I hope that you will continue to be with me until I can see you again.

You are and will always be my guardian angel.
I love you daddy.

Amber Koester

September 24, 2008

Hey there Wayne!
Just wanted to drop a line and let you know we've been thinking about you lately. Our son is changing his MOS to MP soon. He really likes the NG. He makes us very proud.
Our daughter is still searching for an agency that will better serve her needs as a LEO. She is definitely a pro-active LEO. I think that is a lot like the kind of officer you have always been.
It sounds like Ashley and the kids are doing well. Ashley is a very special person, as you well know. The LEO family is very fortunated to have her as one of their own.
Keep a watchful eye out for everyone!
We'll be in touch!

LEO Wife and Mom

September 14, 2008

Wayne

I am a retired police officer from Iowa now living in Florida. Sir to me you are a true hero, protecting the woman from her crazed maniach husband, in fact all three of you were heros that day, the sad thing was that it was your EOW. Every Officer that came to assist in the search and capture of the man who said that he wasn't there to ambush you is a hero. I moved to Florda about one year after you EOW, and I remember reading about the trial and was so glad and proud when he got the ultimate sentence. In fact the I had a few drinks for you and had a headach the next day.
Sir you have a very special wife and four children, and they say they are strong but you can still hear the pain in their heart when they write. If you could just continue to give your wife the signs that she needs and maybe a happy dream to your children every so often to let them know.
Ashley, I cannot begin to understand what it's like to lose a loved one in the devistating way that you lost Wayne, but I know what it is like to lose a friend: In 2003 we lost a very dear friend and fellow officer to a homicide while he was off duty. There are not to many days that I don't picture his smile in my head or hear his laugh, and I don't think there ever will be. You are a very brave woman to get into a career that has put you in the place that you are today, but I believe that it has brought you and Wayne closer and stronger together spiritually, and helped you to become a better officer. You have been on both sides of the great wall, when you dispatched you sent officers on the calls waiting for the CODE FOUR (All clear), now you are the officer that the diaptcher is waiting to hear rhis from. I was like you a late starter in my career, but mine was due to low hiring. I spent the first ten years in Law enforcement as a Reserve Police Officer, and once I was called in by my Capt. and he said that I must be someone very well liked, and I asked for an explaination and he said because of the way everyone rised me, he said if the officers don't pick on you they don't care for you. By the way about three months after I got hired full time my nick name was MADDOG (Long Story). I can remeber the most scary moments of my career was the first night I climbed in behind the wheel of my patrol car and looked over and there was no FTO. But that was short lived as a few minutes later I got called to a domestic and the senior officers told me I was primary on the case, which made me feel proud and so I began my career. Please Take Care On The Streets, and stay safe for those four special children, and yourself.
Amber. From what I have read in the reflections you and your father were very close, and you can believe that your father has been on your shoulder on every decision that you have made. I can almost see him with that smile in his picture stand there saying that is my daughter growing up mind, body and soul. Remember that you father is always in your heart, so there may be times that you may feel the touch on your cheek, or the familiar scent, or even the sound of his voice reminding you that he is there for you always. You could never disappoint him.
Brandy, you uncle was a very special man, and from what I read maybe got you into you military career. You are a very special person for serving your country, and I'm sure your uncle Wayne is proud of you and was with you every step during Afganistan. When you completed the hill you uncle was probable standing there going maybe I will shine your shoes.
All of Waynes Family, you will always be in my prayers, and Wayne, you will never be forgotten. So when my time comes maybe we can 10-25(MEET TOGETHER)

Mark (Retired WPD)

September 11, 2008

I love you and miss you always uncle wayne.

Brandy Koester Currie

August 20, 2008

Hey baby,

I got a letter in the mail last week. Wheeler is set to go to his first appeal on this coming October 7. We are staying in Jacksonville the night before so we can go to the hearing in the morning. I’m told he won’t be there, which is a good thing. I’m not sure what to expect so I’m not even going to worry about it until the time comes.

Well, since I talked to Senator Baker’s office about naming a road after you, he sent a bill up and it was passed. The sign should be up soon. I spoke to them last week and they are getting with the sheriffs office to have a ceremony put together. I also have a school being named after you that is in the works. I want to do everything I can do keep your memory alive. You deserve so very much more than this but it’s a start.

Work has changed a lot over the past few months. I broke my wrist and has to go into the comm center for about 4 months. While I was there, I put in my transfer request for the courthouse so I can start college this fall. The hours are great for us. No nights, holidays or weekends. It’ll also give me more time to spend with the girls at night once school starts next week.

I have so much more to tell you but that will remain private between us. You watch over us everyday so I know you are aware of everything I want to talk about. Until then baby, I love you and miss you very much.

Your Loving Wife,
Ashley

August 13, 2008

Deputy Wayne J. Koester,

The circumstances of your death are among the most horrendous recorded. The fact that one of the citizens we serve would strike us down is reprehensible. But in your duty as a soldier of the law you accepted this possibility and marched forward without hesitation. When you faced the situation we all fear, you met it valiantly. You are a hero among heros. It is your selfless sacrifice that brings honor to our profession. You stand tall in the eyes of law officers everywhere. I am certain that you will be welcomed by the legion of law officers before you who gave their lives rather than swerve from the path of duty. You have obeyed, above all, our Creator's commandment to be service to others. And, this alone, I believe, is the key that will open the gate, for you, to Heaven.

As a retired Pennsylvania state trooper, and a retired member of the Lake County (FL) Sheriff's and a retired United States Army Reserve infantry/military police officer who served in Operation Desert Storm, you have my complete and full admiration. Wayne, you knew honor, valor, dedication and commitment to oath. You have my deepest and utmost respect as a fellow law officer. Well done, Deputy....well done.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

July 11, 2008

Hey there Wayne!
Just writing to let you know that we are thinking of you. Our oldest son decided to go in the National Guard, so he is now at basic. He makes us proud, just like I am sure you have made your family proud!
Please continue to watch over your family, your LEO family, and your military family. You are the hero that we all look up to!

Leo Mom and Wife

June 22, 2008

Happy Fathers Day in Heaven. Wish you could be here to spend it with your children. Rest.

June 15, 2008

Stopping by to say that you are never far from my thoughts . I miss and love you so very much.

Brandy Koester Currie
niece

June 8, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Cadets of the Basic Recruit Class 333 of Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy, Tallahassee, FL, thank you for your sacrifice.

Cadet Strzalkowski
Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy

May 23, 2008

I love you and miss you baby!!

All My Love,
Ashley

May 5, 2008

Happy Easter, Baby!
We love you and miss you very much. I am working today so the girls will be at Jonell's hiding lots of eggs. Take care of them today.

P/S Thank you for yesterday!

Your Loving Wife,
Ashley

March 23, 2008

Happy Anniversary baby! I love you and miss you very much. Jonell and I took the kids to dinner tonight at our favorite restaurant to celebrate. It was very hard not having you here but I know you were with us in our hearts. We were laughing and acting goofy, spending time with the kids. That's what life is all about. Our family. Sharing the good and the bad, the joy and the sorrow.

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Your loving Wife,
Ashley

March 5, 2008

John 15:13

February 15, 2008

John 15:13

February 15, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day, baby!!!! Sending you a BIG bag of reeses and a truck of mountain dew. I love you very much and miss you. xoxoxoxo

Your Loving Wife,
Ashley

February 14, 2008

Wayne, "You are a hero!!" ..And Ashley, "You are an inspiration to all!!" God bless you and your family!!

Sergeant
VCSO

February 10, 2008

Hello Wayne,
It's been three years and it still seems like yesterday that you were taken away from us down here. It's comforting to know, though, that we all have such an awesome warrior for God and for Justice. You will always be our hero. We will never forget you or the brave person that you are to all of us.
Keep a watchful eye on Ashley, your family, and your LEO family. We look up to you, now and always.
Ashley, you know we will always be here for you!

LEO wife and Mom

February 9, 2008

Ashley,
I'm just thinking of you and your family today, on this day that we share our loss. I know you know how much life has changed in these past 3 years but also how much remains...the love that we had for our husbands and that they had for us and our family...the wonderful memories that will never fade...and most especially their guidance and pride shining down on us from their place in heaven together. God Bless you and yours today. Take Care.

Denise Scarbrough, Surviving Spouse
Sgt. Michael A. Scarbrough, EOW 2/9/05

February 9, 2008

Hello My Love,

Happy 3rd Birthday in Heaven, sweetheart!! It’s so hard to believe that three years have past since you were called home to God. It seems like only yesterday when Chaplain Bob laid his gentle hands upon my shoulders, looked me in the eyes and told me you were gone. The pain was so unbearable. I couldn’t comprehend how in the world life was going to go on without you by my side. I remember the first day I came back to the house alone. I had just played your “I love you message” on the answering machine. I was sitting on the kitchen floor, screaming at the top of my lungs, for you to please come and get me. I didn’t want to be here without you. You were my rock and as you said a thousand times, my soul-mate and best friend. That’s when I laid down on the bed and saw the shadow of a cross on the bedroom curtain. At that moment, I was filled with an inner peace. I knew that you were with God and that my place was here with the girls for as long as God would allow me to be.

As I look back over the last three years, so much has changed in our lives. Yet, so much has stayed exactly the same way. The pain of losing you will always be there. That is something that will never change. However, with each passing day, we grow stronger. The more strength we build, the more strength we have to endure the tough days. As we put one more tough day behind us, we learn to put one more foot in front of the other. One thing is for certain in this world of uncertainties. You are and always will be all that I could have ever asked for in a husband. If I could have been given a few precious moments to say my last goodbyes, I would have told you this and more…

THANK YOU….

Thank you for sharing your life with me and the girls…Thank you for showing me how wonderful it is to love without question…Thank you for being my rock and my fearless knight in shining armor…Thank you for believing in me when I thought differently…Thank you for being a wonderful and devoted father…Thank you for being my teacher, my best friend and my confidant…Thank you for sharing the laughter and tears...Thank you for teaching me how to reach for the impossible…but most of all…Thank you for just loving me!!


I love you and miss you so very much baby! Keep our babies safe and continue to watch over our brothers and sisters. All my love forever.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Your Loving Wife,
Ashley

February 9, 2008