Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

I have sat and read every reflection on this page trying to think of the perfect words to say to the family; but there is nothing to say to possibly take away this pain. All I can tell you is that I have a picture of Keith from the candle light visual on my refrigerateur and every night I leave to go to work I look at that picture and know no matter what I will have a partner guiding me thru the night. To Keith's wife I want you to know there is not a night that goes by that Keith is not missed in roll call. We all have stories that we share about all the stops or arrests that we all shared with Keith. I want the entire family to know no matter how much time has passed Keith will never be forgotten in the hearts of us on 3rd shift. We love and think of you often.

Fellow Officer
3rd Shift Patrol Montgomery P.D.

December 12, 2006

I logged onto this site just now and I broke down like every time I get on this site. I just want you to know that I think about you every day on the way to work and when I see the stickers in your memory on the back of my truck or a patrol car I remember all over again why I do this job. I just wanted to tell you that even though it's been a few months nobody has foregotten your legacy. Rest Easy Brother.

J. W. Waldroff #1744
MPD

November 27, 2006

Gone but not forgotten.....We will always miss you brother but it is our task to stay here and continue your work. Rest in peace my friend and keep the streets of Heaven occupied until the rest of us arrive. I will always wonder if I could have done more my brother. Hated to let you go but you are much better now. My love to the family and know the Keith WILL NEVER be forgotten.....See you in roll call...

Detective Corporal B.F. Harrison
Montgomery Police Department

November 9, 2006

TO THE FAMILY OF OFFICER HOUTS ,BOTH PHYSICAL AND THE ONE WHO WEAR THE BLUE,THANK YOU FOR SHARING HIM WITH US . IT IS NOT OFTEN THAT AN OFFICER WANTS TO COME TO THIS WEB SITE SO PLEASE FORGIVE ME , FOR WAITING SO LONG . KEITH INDEED WAS MY BROTHER FOR WHEN AN OFFICER SWEARS TO THAT OATH HE HAS A MUCH LARGER FAMILY AND KEITH WILL BE MISSED . I KNOW THERE IS NO COMFORT RIGHT NOW BECAUSE IT IS ALWAYS A SENSELESS ACT WHEN ANOTHERS LIFE IS TAKEN IN THE LINE OF DUTY . HOUTS FAMILY LEAN ON YOUR FAMILY IN BLUE TO HELP YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME , OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU . YOUR LOSS IS OUR LOSS AND AMERICA'S LOSS . REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER .

OFFICER VAL PICKENS
birmingham police dept./B'HAM,ALA

October 31, 2006

Rest in Peace, Officer Houts. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 30, 2006

Rest in peace my brother, the one who sent you to heaven will surely face the devil for GOD will seat you next to him to patrol the streets of heaven. You did your time in hell, now rest in peace my brother and start your new watch patrolling the streets of heaven.

Detective Brian Jackson
Pooler Police Department-Pooler Georgia

October 29, 2006

Rest in Peace! Thanks for the Great Service.
May God Bless You and Your Family.
You may be Gone but I promise Never Forgotten.

Officer Powrzanas
Birmingham Police Dept.

October 27, 2006

Although I never met you or any of the officers who have come before me,you will be a role model for myself when I graduate the academy in 2 weeks. I hope that I can be a fine officer like you, and my prayers and those of my classmates go out to your family and city.

Officer Kelly White
Sylacauga PD

October 26, 2006

See You at Roll Call

James Bush (Buddy)
Former MPD 1969-1977

October 26, 2006

Rest in peace brother in blue.
The watch is ours now.

God bless your family and your department.
Thanks for your dedication and service.

On behalf of the Pell City Police Department, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Officer Houts. God Bless.

Officer Patrick Bishop Sr.
Pell City Police Department (Alabama)

October 25, 2006

Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice given to keep your residents safe. You are a true heroe. My heart and sympathy goes out to your Family for their loss. May God keep your Brother and Sister Officers safe and may you rest in peace.

Lieutenant Jon Clark
Horsham Township Police Department (Pennsylvania)

October 25, 2006

The Final Inspection

The Policeman stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining. 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 Sundays, and at times my talk 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....
Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got to 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 to 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 Judgement of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman. You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets. You've done your time in Hell."

wife of fellow officer

October 24, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Houts family as they face the coming days, weeks, and months. The service and dedication of Keith will always be remembered. He will never be forgotten.

May God comfort and keep you all.

Major D.W. Warren
Montgomery P.D.

October 24, 2006

Although I never got the opportunity to meet you in person, I feel as if I know you just from dispatching you to calls on the radio. You made us all very proud of you.You were a perfect example of Montgomerys Finest. You protected us in every aspect of the word.We will miss you and never forget....

cindi hicks ,dispatcher
mpd

October 23, 2006

May God Bless you and your family. Rest in peace.

Special Agent Ivan Vikin
U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division

October 23, 2006

Keith, you will be greatly missed by your loved ones and fellow officers.

GODSPEED BROTHER

Sergeant Shawn Welsh #19
Gainesville Police Department

October 23, 2006

To Keith, it was a pleasure and an honor to work with you my brother. One thing I remember most about you, was your dedication and commitment to your fellow officers and to the citizens of Montgomery. To the Houts family it was a pleasure and an honor for you all to have shared Keith with us. Words could never express my deepest sympathy I have for your family. These times have been very hard, but if Keith was here, he would want us to carry on and go out and fight the good fight. Keith you will be greatly miss and the memories I have of you will last forever.

cpl.t.d.james#1170
montgomery police department

October 21, 2006

It is often said " If I see 2 hands, 10 fingers im going home " Well we don't always get that option and it's hard knowing another brother lost his life protecting the citizens we serve. Not a night goes by that I don't think of you as I put on my vest and prepare for the unknown. You are a true hero twice over, once for serving our country and twice for serving the citizens of montgomery. Brother in Blue.....

Tallassee Police Dept. (AL.)

October 20, 2006

On behalf of the members of the Collinsville Police Department, I send to you, our heartfelt condolences and prayers in your time of sadness. May your fallen officer’s legacy live on in the memories of his friends and family. Rest now brother, after a job well done. We’ll take it from here.

Officer Rex Leath
Collinsville Police Department

October 19, 2006

Keith was proud to serve his country and his community by joining first the military and then the Montgomery Police Department. He was constantly trying to learn more to be a better officer for MPD and was about to submit his paperwork to become an officer with his Army Reserve unit.

Keith was not only a good citizen and American hero, he was a true gentleman. We could not have asked for a better husband for our daughter. He is truly missed and has left a big hole in all our lives.

Thank you to everyone who has kept Keith, his Family and Friends in their thoughts and prayers. The outpouring of support and kindness has been tremendous and is deeply appreciated. It is sad that something like this happens to anyone but it is comforting to know there are so many people who are touched enough to let us know you care.

We are thankful that the Montgomery Police Department has made the use of video recording a priority. It didn't stop this from happening to Keith but it did make it possible for them to identify the shooter and then capture him.

Words cannot express our gratitude to all those who have helped us get through this sad time. And, for all those who wished they could have done something to help, please be kind to your law enforcement people. They are just trying to do a difficult job and a lot of times don't even get a very good salary to do it.

To all of Keith's fellow law enforcement officers and fellow soldiers, be careful and stay safe! WE APPRECIATE YOU!!

Mark and Lorry Ebeling
Keith's In-Laws (Wife's Parents)

October 19, 2006

Rest in peace Keith.

Ofc. Andy Arena
Delray Beach (FL) Police Department

October 19, 2006

Rest in peace brother. We've got your watch. May God be with your family, friends, and co-workers.

Police Officer Brian Koehn
Archie Mo Police Dept.

October 19, 2006

Our deepest sympathy to the Houts family, may God bless you all. RIP brother in Blue. You gave the greatest sacrafice of all, and for that you are a true hero.

Offc. Randall
Snead PD (AL)

October 18, 2006

ALL GAVE SOME. SOME GAVE ALL. You gave the ultimate my brother. Your memory will last forever in evry officer that puts on the uniform. God Speed. A fellow Vet.

Deputy Taylor
Fayette County Sheriff's Dept.

October 17, 2006