Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The loss of my sons father in March 2006 from a fall at work, led me to stories of Jeff and his love of RMNP. I read the reports and grieved for your loss. My older son wanted to get away and go to Colorado to heal, and since I lived there long ago, I returned. In the beauty of the mountains, I told my sons about Jeff and how he lived- sharing the love of RMNP through pictures and being a ranger. May you have peace and many blessed memories!

Gigie

August 2, 2006

Miss you bud, give Sooz a hug for me. Can't believe it's already been a year. Thanks for showing all of us that week what an amazing park that is.

Rest easy brother.

Russ
Winter Park buddy

July 26, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 9, 2006

We arrived at the park on Friday the 29th, when we entered the Park on the 30th we saw the notices that Jeff was missing. Through out our week long stay we prayed and hoped for a successful rescue for Jeff.
My son was 6 yrs old at the time and very worried about the missing ranger. This was our second trip to RMNP with him. He worked hard and completed his Jr Ranger program and received his Jr Ranger badge at the Alpine Center at about the same time they found Jeff. The female ranger that was on duty did a great job presenting him for his achievement but we could tell she was troubled and there was bad news spreading through the park. We made a point to be at the news conference when the park made the official announcement and Michael noticed the black stripes across the ranger’s badges. He asked what they were for. After I explained that it was to honor the fallen ranger he requested that we put one on his Jr ranger badge.

Kurt, Colleen, and Michael
NSP

January 23, 2006

Rest In Peace...
Tracey Tousley
Daughter of David R DeLitta
Special Agent
EOW 11-28-88

tracey Tousley

December 27, 2005

We think of you and your family during these holidays, and offer thoughts and prayers as you celebrate without your loved one. Cherish the memories of the past and be open to new ones with your loved ones and friends. Your loved one will never be forgotten and always honored for their sacrifice.

Alissa Scott
Widow of Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-03

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network
www.survivorhelpnetwork.org

November 29, 2005

Dear Jeff's Family,
We would like to extend to you our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Jeff. It was almost a year ago that we lost our Suzi in a somewhat similar accident so we are fully aware of the hurt and feeling of loss you are now experiencing and we are still...and will forever.
It was through our Suzi that we got to know Jeff. He was part of a close circle of her friends who would stop by her condo, our campsites, and Grand Lake Lodge to share dinners, hot chocolate and some-mores. He was an engaging young man and will be missed so... It was our privilege to know him.
Know that you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
The Roberts' Family

Elaine and Jim Roberts

November 2, 2005

My family would like to extend our deepest heart felt sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow co-workers of Park Ranger Jeff Christensen. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We would like to let law enforcement officers everywhere know how much we appreciate them for putting their lives on the line everyday doing thier jobs to keep their communities safe. May God watch over and protect each & everyone of you!

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04

October 26, 2005

To the family and friends of Ranger Jeff Christensen and his fellow rangers with the National Park Service:

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Jeff was tragically killed. His valor and dedication will not be forgotten.

Our family grieves with you and for you. We share your agony as we lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept. when he was fatally shot during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers on April 23rd. I am so sorry that another family has to face this devastating trauma.

May you be comforted by the caring and support of your law enforcement community, and other police survivors. There will be many who will be with you each step of this awful journey.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Jeff gave to his community and to his country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 29, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05

October 11, 2005

I have to say that I was more used to seeing you in the WP ski patrol uniform than the park service uniform you are wearing in the picture. I think that the only time I would have seen you in park greens was a year ago... I know that you, like Sooz, died doing the work you loved, while surrounded by the environment and landscape that you wished to preserve and protect. Say hi to both Sooz and 26-3 from Iowa.

September 22, 2005

While it is no consolation for your loss, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Ranger Christensen.

While no member of our agency had the privilege to have known him personally, we are certain that he has found a place in heaven through his selfless service to those he swore to protect.

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

Medicine Lodge Police Department
Medicine Lodge, KS

September 7, 2005

I lost a friend in Bishop Ford High School in a similar fashion. These patrol areas demand bravery.
May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. May God hold you in a special place and watch over your family forever....................AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

September 5, 2005

I understand how Jeff lost his footing on that trail... amazed by the scenery that is ROMO and Mounts Chapin, Chiquita, and Ypsilon. Many dream of being a ranger. May there be some peace in knowing that he died doing what he loved in a place he loved.

Colleen
NPS

August 24, 2005

I was in the RMNP climbing the week Jeff was missing. My thoughts were with him and I prayed for a positive outcome. Over the years, while climbing, I have run into rangers in remote areas doing their jobs. Surely Jeff was doing what he loved. Peace be with you, brother.

Craig Blankenship

August 24, 2005

I miss you so much my brother in grey, but I know that you are now among the stars and the moon, and you are smiling that big smile of yours down on us all who were left behind. I do have to thank you though, it was because of you that I decided to persue my dream of becoming a full time park ranger. You see I've been to Denver too, And man I don't want to go back.
Till we meet again
Godspeed and Rest in Peace.

Just A Friend
ROMO

August 20, 2005

May Ranger Christensen's service to his country never be forgotten!

Anonymous in Montana, August 20. 2005

August 20, 2005

The men and women of the Mahomet Police Department extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Ranger Christensen.

Thank you for your service. God bless you.

Rest in peace Sir!

Mahomet, IL POlice Dept.

August 19, 2005

To Jeff's parents, siblings, friends and co-workers: I am on the estes-online group, and though many of us didn't know Jeff and we are spread out through the country, we found ourselves getting to know him, caring deeply, and wanting to know every day how the search was going. I personally send my deepest condolences at your loss and pain. I have three grown sons of my own.

Janie
near Canon City, Colorado

August 14, 2005

Thank you for your service. To your family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest In Peace Jeff.

Colorado Firefighter/EMT

August 14, 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 SE Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Jeff did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Jeff be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Park Ranger Christensen's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all. 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 these tough times, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you and that you are not alone in your "journey". Should you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. (Dennis' department will also always know how to reach me.)

As a fallen officer "survivor" and a friend, please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and the McElderry family. I never got the opportunity to know Jeff but, I am certain he was well respected and well loved. Jeff will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all lucky to have had him be a part of your lives, even for a short time. I pray that Jeff will continue to watch over us all as only he can.

Thank you Park Ranger Christensen 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 and all those who loved you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

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

August 14, 2005

My partners and I attended your funeral in Minnesota today... Rest easy brother, we'll take it from here.

Officer L.Beardsley
Wyoming, MN Police Department

August 12, 2005

As a hiker and fellow outdoorsman, I can only say;

Brother Christensen, you have served your watch, others will now take up the charge and and carry the torch for you, but your service and dedication will not be forgotten. Those of us tread the lonely places you so carefully looked after will miss your footsteps coming along behind us to keep us safe. Sleep well, my friend

ADK Hyker
Monroe County Medical Examiner

August 12, 2005

My prayers are with the family. To often we are reminded of the "Ultimate" sacrafice our Law Enforcement professionals put on the line every day, protecting our Public Lands.

Special Agent Ron Lewis
DOI-OLES/BLM

August 12, 2005

Rest in Peace and God Bless

SSA John Kmetz
Dept of the Interior - OLES

August 12, 2005

Jeff:

We miss you dearly, but take comfort in knowing you're on the ultimate "patrol" now... RANGERS RANGE. Take care brother. Thanks so much for you dedication and devotion to the National Parks. Your spirit lives.

Saguaro National Park Rangers
National Park Service

August 11, 2005