Montgomery Police Department, Alabama
End of Watch Saturday, September 30, 2006
Reflections for Officer Keith Edwin Houts
On this Fourth of July holiday...just wanted to reflect on Keith and his life and his sacrifices for our country and community. What an example of a true hero. I am comforted knowing that he was a man of God, and that though his body has fallen, his soul is today and forevermore until we join him, in the hand of our Creator and Father God. What a blessed hope for our family and for everyone who knows the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Until I recognize you in the Holy City cousin...my race continues...may I endure in the same spirit you did.
Much love and admiration
Holly
Cousin
July 5, 2007
My sweetest friend,
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Tears spring instantly to my eyes. You were such a wonderful, caring and sweet man; and so very gentle, kind, patient and generous. I'll always remember our long walks and talks. I'll never forget you and your charming sense of humor. Thank you so much for being a friend to me. I was so very blessed to have you in my life. I love you and miss you.
Jennifer Hardison
Friend
June 28, 2007
"In The Line of Duty"
What is the meaning of "In The Line Of Duty"
It means that an officer made the Ultimate sacrifice.
It means that someone took an officer's life.
A hero has fallen.
Officers who gave their all
To protect and serve
Have been killed by someone whom they swore
To protect and serve.
It means that their badge will no longer be on their chest
And they will join
"The Best Of The Best"
It means that family and friends are left behind
To deal with the lost of a loved one.
Only having the memories of that loved one
Close to their hearts.
Something no one can ever take away.
It means that family members will stand at the officers grave
And wonder why ...
Why would someone take an officer's life
And leave them there to die?
If we only knew.
Today an officer will place their badge on their chest
To fulfill the dreams of heroes killed
"In The Line Of Duty"
We love you and miss you Keith.
Geneva Houts
Cousin
June 21, 2007
Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in law, your watch on earth is over...
SGT. John L. Gulledge Retired
Escambia CO FL SO
June 12, 2007
Dear Houts Family-
I recently met you at the Memorial Service...I am the Officer that carried Mr. Houts bracelet during the ride from Virginia Beach. I just wanted to again say it was truly an Honor to ride for keith and even more thrilling to be able to meet all of you. I would like to keep in touch with you and ride for Keith again next year. Please contact me at the listed email address.
Thank You again!!!
Ofc. Dave Northway
Ofc. David Northway
Tallahassee Police Department
May 17, 2007
Our son, Dennis, was Keith's best friend and they graduated from the academy together. Dennis' life changed when Keith was shot. But, we have had numerous times when we all remember Keith and his brilliant smile and personality. Dennis has had times when he has felt Keith's presence watching over him, especially on the job.
On Friday, May 18, 2007, Dennis and Renee will be married, with Keith's widow Ashley at their side. I know Keith will be standing there proud in spirit right next to them.
May his soul and the souls of all other fallen officers rest in peace.
Michael and Barbara Savoie
Friends
May 15, 2007
YOU ARE REMEMBERED.
Jessica Buce
Wife of MPD Officer
May 7, 2007
Keith,
I'll never forget that day. September 30, 2006. You had just left my call just minutes before to check and make sure I was ok. The next thing I remeber was keying up my radio to call "00". It seems like yesterday. I hate that the only time we ever really got to spend any time together was at a Biscuits game, but that was enough. You have truly shown me what it means to be a part of the Thin Blue Line. You are my Hero and always will be. You protected me here and a far and my family and I thank you for it. Alot of people never really understand what we do what we do or why, but you are a shining example. We will never forget you and if anyone ever questions what happened that day, I will be sure to let them know you were saving their life they just didn't know it yet. I wish everyday that I could have been there to have your back just like you had done for me just minutes before. Just like many of our brothers before me have said, I will see you at roll call bud, I know you got my back....
April 15, 2007
There are three defining persons that have willingly died for you. Jesus Christ, the US Soldier and the Law Enforcement Officer. Jesus died for your eternal security. The Soldier died for your national security. The LEO died for your personal security. As Jesus now lives, so, too, shall these two other saviours. Rest In Peace Officer Tuvera.
Written by an FBI agent
April 13, 2007
I was watching MPD tonight and was brought back to that day we all care not to relive and would love to forget but it will never be possible to do so. I have left more the one reflection and you just never feel you have left enough to let you (Keith) know how much lose we feel. You will always be remembered and apprieciated for that great sacrifice. Please watch over and protect your brothers/sisters here at MPD. ALL GIVE SOME AND SOME GIVE ALL. Always loved and rememebered forever!!
Spouse of fellow Officer
March 31, 2007
I just wanted to let you know that we will soon be traveling to Washington DC to the ceremony for your name being placed on the Fallen Officer's Memorial. I think about you every day. God Bless You and your family brother. Rest Easy.
fellow 3rd Shift MPD Officer
Montgomery Police Department
March 4, 2007
Keith,
I miss you bunches! You were a great person and a loving cousin that tried to help my mom in many ways! I appreciate all of your effort. I love you and I will see you again one day! -Love You- COURTNEY***
Courtney J
Cousin
March 2, 2007
I think about you everyday and what a wonderful person you were. I Love and Miss you! My heart is with your mom and dad, as I know their pain of living without you. I know that you and Chance are looking after each other. Love, Vicki (cousin)
Vicki
Cousin
March 2, 2007
I wish I could have had the chance to meet You. Not a day goes by that Your not thought about. To Your family-Call anyone of us if You EVER need anything.
C.A. Allen #1226
MPD 2ND Motors
February 2, 2007
In honor of many memories of Keith (and Lori):
My heart is full of pride...
for the wonderful, honorable young man that Keith became...
a soldier...an officer...both at which he did a great job.
I'm glad he achieved his goals, being able to work at what he loved and gave 100% to this calling, always willing to go above and beyond expectations.
Barbara and Eddie succeeded well with the Gift that God entrusted to them.
Keith also achieved the MOST important goal for all of us: to love God and be ready when He calls us home---For this I am the most grateful and find some comfort. This is my hope for all of my loved ones. I will miss Keith and continue to love him. To Barbara, Eddie and Lori: I LOVE YOU.
I KNOW you trust in the Lord...always continue.
Love, Rhonda
Rhonda
Cousin
January 20, 2007
Keith, not a day goes by I don't think about you. We at the department still miss you and we will never forget you.
My heart goes out to your family. I hope one day I'll get to see you again BROTHER.
Detective R.D. Carson #1529
M.P.D.
January 17, 2007
--"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." -- Maya Angelou
--"God's finger touched him, and he slept."--Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Aloha Officer Keith E. Houts,
Thank you for your service and dedication to your community and your country. You served as a veteran of the War on Terrorism and as a Police Officer with the Montgomery Police Department. I honor you as a hero today. You and all officers that continue to lay your lives on the line and pay the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities and country safe, will NEVER be forgotten.
I personally pledge, (after one of Hawaii's own, Honolulu Police Officer Steve Favela, lost his life in the line of duty protecting our Commander in Chief, President George W. Bush), to become a continuum of the ODMP light. That light is in the form of an ODMP tribute. People from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, religion, profession, education, and geographical location can share here. That "LIGHT" comes from within the heart and soul of every person who cares to share a word or two on behalf of each and every fallen officer. Every fallen officer is an hero. The ODMP; Officer Down Memorial Page gives us a place to come together and share our feelings as one family. May we find comfort as we give comfort to the families who have lost a loved one.
As we say in Hawaii, “We are`Ohana.” We are family. God Bless this fallen hero. May we embrace him as one of our own family member; our `Ohana. No one will ever be able to replace you for you were unique and very special. No one; not in this lifetime. May God allow you to rest in His Divine peace.
Officer Keith E. Houts, I wish you, your loved ones, your fellow officers, and friends, peace and love beyond all understanding.
--- May this Hawaiian prayer give all those who read it comfort. ---
THE PEACE OF " I "
KA MALUHIA O KA "I"
Peace be with you, All My Peace,
O ka Maluhia no me oe, Ku'u Maluhia a pau loa,
The Peace that is " I ", the Peace that is "I am".
Ka Maluhia o ka "I", owau no ka Maluhia,
The Peace for always, now and forever and evermore.
Ka Maluhia no na wa a pau, no ke'ia wa a mau a mau loa aku.
My Peace " I " give to you, My Peace " I " leave with you,
Ha'awi aku wau I ku'u Maluhia ia oe, waiho aku wau I ku'u Maluhia me oe,
Not the world's Peace, but, only My Peace,
The Peace of " I ".
A'ole ka Maluhia o ke ao aka, ka'u Maluhia wale no,
Ka Maluhia o ka "I".
Moana V.C. Molale (Private Citizen)
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
January 9, 2007
Keith, hello brother I know you are fairing well you made it into the pearly gates of heaven now. I did not know you personally; however I did get a chance to visit and pray with you while in the hospital. Brother I want you to know you've given this department, your family and the citizens of Montgomery the ultimate sacrifice. Well done brother well done. You will forever be remembered.
Cpl. Corey Cooper
Montgomery P.D.
January 4, 2007
To the Houts family, Keith was a great guy and he will never be forgotten by the Montgomery Police Department. Keep god first and you will make it through this hard time.
Cpl M.D. Gordon
Montgomery Police Department
January 3, 2007
Keith, just thinking about you and wanting to wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year.Not a day goes by that i don't think of you.
fellow officer
montgomery pd
January 2, 2007
Merry Christmas brother
3rd shift
MPD
December 27, 2006
Merry Christmas Officer Houts. Enjoy your 1st Christmas with God! Please keep watch over those left behind. God bless us, everyone!
December 22, 2006
Merry Christmas Brother. My thoughts this Christmas season are of you and the other hero's that have given all to serve us.
Sgt. Joe O'Toole
Louisville Metro Police
December 20, 2006
I continue to come to this page at least once a week to see what new reflections are there..I dont know why..I guess to make my feelings better to see that no one ever forgets what an officers call of duty may come to one day..I never knew you Keith but that still doesnt matter..Your picture is still on my frig and an ornament marks the top of my Christmas tree in your memory and will for the rest of my life..You are truely missed and in my heart and everyone elses at this department...We continue to Love, Honor, and Remeber you officer Keith Houts..
Ashley Moyer
Montgomery P.D. Wife
December 18, 2006
To the Family of Officer Keith Houst:
Although I never met Keith, I heard great things about him. I know my Husband thought highly of him and enjoyed working with Keith. He was not just a fellow officer but a brother. People don't understand the the Brotherhood these guys share, its not just within a department but throughout the Country (as you can see by this website). I just want to let you know you are still and will always be in our prayers. He will never be forgotten.
Wife of a MPD Officer
Daughter & Granddaugher of former MPD Officer
December 14, 2006
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