Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Ralph:

It has been a month since that terrible day in April. I will never forget the date because it was my 35th anniversary with the police department.

I hope you are doing okay. I know that Nick is taking care of you. Your precious wife Debra and your three beautiful children miss you and love you very much. Your parents, Mary Ann and Ralph are trying as hard as they can to cope with each day. Talk to them and let them know that everything will be okay.

Your entire family will be able to get through the toughest fight of their lives. They are strong people and they will succeed. Your parents are very proud of how you developed into a perfect son, husband and father.

My family will continue to help as much as we can. We love your family, and if they need anything, we will help them get it.

Give Nick a kiss and hug for me....

Father of Officer Nick Sloan
E.O.W. January 30, 2004

Sergeant Terrence Sloan
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

May 21, 2005

Thought I could finaly come on here and read all the nice things that everyone had to say without breaking down, I guess I was wrong. My heart still breaks when ever I think about Deb and the kids, especailly Max. Its just not fair that he has to grow up and not get know his daddy the way that we all did. You will always be in my heart and thoughts. Rest Easy, and save us a place at the table.

Mark

May 19, 2005

Ralph, It's almost been a month since your death. It still seems like yesterday we spoke at mom and dad's flower shop and left each other with a "Be careful, I Love You goodbye.

I miss you and I'll continue to help out Debra, Mom, Dad, as well as Samantha, Ralphie, and Max the best way I can.

Rest in peace dear friend and enjoy the company of the angels in heaven.

Lt. Joseph Beffa
St. Louis Police Department

May 19, 2005

Ralph may you rest in peace and may your family have the syrngth to carry on.Little Ralphie is just now starting to realize that you aren't coming back. My mom has been living at Deborah's for awhile now, she was supposed to come home yesterday but little Ralph started crying and didn't want her to leave. I think living at Deborah's is getting harder and harder for my mom because every now and then she calls my dad crying.I have cried every night for you Ralph. I can't stop thinking about how I had just saw you a couple weeks ago sitting your chair, eating pizza and watching Rocky I. You were my brother-in-law but you will always be a brother to me.
Your sis,
HeavenLee

Heaven Durbala

May 15, 2005

Rest easy Troop, Rest easy. We will take it from here. I did not know you, but I know that you are a true Hero. May god bless your family and may your Troops have the srtength to carry on. God-Speed...

TROOPER
Maryland State Police

May 15, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tatoian family in this time of loss. Ralph was a friend to each of us! His beaming smile and laughter will remain forever in our minds and in our hearts.

C Squad
Bridgeton Police Department

May 9, 2005

Rest in peace brother. Your watch here was cut short but you have a grand assignment now. From your OHP family our thoughts and prayers are with your family and the MSHP.

Trooper Steve Nabors #586
Oklahoma Highway Patrol

May 5, 2005

Thanks for you service and sacrafice. May you rest in peace and May peace be with your family. You will always be remembered and loved by all of those who have worn Blue.

Officer Kieffer
Littleton CO PD

May 4, 2005

It is with HONOR and RESPECT we ask for God's grace and peace in your time of adversity. Your loved one served with pride and it is with pride and gratitude we salute him. God Bless.

Cpl. Lisa Brown, Douglas CO SO, Kansas
wife of Lt. Steve Brown, Douglas Co SO

May 3, 2005

Ralph,
My heart aches for your wife, children, parents and sister. I could not believe when we heard the news that you had died. I called your mom and dad immediately. I did not know what to do for them. Your mom has been my friend since we were in grade school and your dad has known my husband since they were very young. How could we both lose our sons in the line of duty? Your parents had made the flowers for Nick's funeral. You had been assigned to work the day of Nick's funeral as the last car to leave the cathedal. I spoke to your Mom shortly after Nick's funeral and she told me that she watched the funeral in the flower shop and cried for us. It is definitely a parents worst nightmare. I promise you that I will always do whatever I can to help Deborah, your beautiful children, your parents, and your sister. I am sure when you look down from heaven, that your heart breaks for your whole family and you wish you could take their pain away.
Since your death on the 4/20/05, the U.S. has lost six officers in a nine day period. On average, the U.S. loses an officer every 2 to 3 days. As police week begins, I wish there would be more respect for the women and men who put their lives on the line everyday, and their families. Please watch over us all.

Chris Sloan
Mother of Nick Sloan E.O.W. 01-30-04

Chris Sloan

May 3, 2005

Ralph was a great husband to my sister and he treated me like his little brother and I love him for that. I can't say anything thing that would bring him back but he will live on through me and I will tell his kids about how great their dad was. Ralph I love you brother and I will always remember everything you taught me.
Your little brother,
Michael

Michael Durbala
none

May 3, 2005

GOD BLESS YOU. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTEN.

PO DUNN
CHESTERFIELD MO.

April 30, 2005

On behalf of all of the LEO families in the State of Kansas, we weep with our Missouri brothers and sisters in blue.
Mrs Tatoian, wishing you better days ahead, all of us who send our husbands out each day will pray and keep you close to our hearts.
With much respect,
An Officers Wife

An Officer's Wife

April 30, 2005

To the family and friends of Trooper Ralph Tatoian and my friends at the Missouri State Highway Patrol, you have my deepest sympathy for your loss.

We have lost another brother but we should take comfort in the belief that he is in the good company of our other fallen brothers and that they are all watching over the rest of us who carry on Ralph's work.

Peter Damos
St. Lous County Police (1975 - 1981)
U.S. Secret Service

ATSAIC Peter J. Damos
U.S. Secret Service - San Antonio

April 29, 2005

Family & Friends of Trooper Tatoian,
My sincere condolences to you all.

To Ralph Tatoain's Wife,
My deepest sympathies to you. I know that there are no words that can take away your pain. I lost the love of my life, my precious Josh, alomost a year ago, May 2. I love him and miss him more and more as each day passes. My heart aches for you, for I know and understand the pain of losing someone you love so deeply. Know that I am lifting you up in my prayers. Reflect on all of the wonderful memories you have of Ralph and the love that you shared. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,
Kelly Gillain
"Josh's Kelly"

Kelly Gillain
Sig. Other to Deputy Sheriff Joshua E. Blyler EOW 5.2.04

April 29, 2005

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Trooper Ralph C. Tatoian and the Missouri State Highway Patrol...our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Ralph... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vinman & Pooky - Site Owner
beyond-the-blue

April 28, 2005

While it is no consolation for your loss, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Trooper Tatoian.

While I did not have the privilege to have known him personally, I am certain that he has found a place in heaven through his selfless service to those he swore to protect.

Rest in peace my friend; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

Anonymous

April 28, 2005

While it is no consolation for your loss, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Trooper Tatoian.

While I did not have the privilege to have known him personally, I am certain that he has found a place in heaven through his selfless service to those he swore to protect.

Rest in peace my friend; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

Anonymous

April 28, 2005

Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Trooper Tatoian and to all the personnel of the Missouri State Highway Patrol 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

April 28, 2005

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

April 27, 2005

MRS. TATOIAN,
I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND I THESE WORDS CAN MAKE IT BETTER, THE LOVE AND JOY YOU BROUGHT IN THIS WORLD TOGETHER WILL BE IN YOUR HEARTS FOREVER.

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR KID'S
KIM B.

KIM B.
WIFE OF A BEL-RIDGE MISSOURI COP

April 27, 2005

My thoughts and prayer goes out to the family,friends, and co-workers of Trooper Tatoian.

Trooper C.E. Johnson Jr.
Virginia State Police

April 27, 2005

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in southeast Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Ralph did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Ralph be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Trooper Tatoian's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you. If you ever need anything please do not hesistate to contact me. Dennis' department will always know how to reach me.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Ralph is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Ralph was well respected and well loved. You were blessed to have had him in your life, even for a short time.

Thank you Trooper Tatoian for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiancé Dennis for me.

Wishing you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

April 27, 2005

I seems like yesterday i was talkin to you at the gas station and the repair shop about you fixin your car, sharing stories and pickin each other brain. Brother when I found out it was you that passed away I had a hard time beliving it. Rest In Peace and I will pray for you and your family. Godbless and i will see you soon. Kevin

Kevin Wheeler
Jennings PD

April 27, 2005

Again we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Trooper Tatoian. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.

Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA

April 26, 2005