Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Josh,
Your good name and reputation has again been restored, as we all knew it would be. You will be forever missed and never forgotten. I wish peace to your wife and children and of course, your father. You will always live through them, our hearts, and our memories.

GO BUCKS!!!!
#1 IN THE NATION!!!!

Family Friend

November 1, 2006

Josh,

It has been a very long month. At first we had to deal with the loss of two brothers and very dear friends. Then we had to deal with an accusation that was not supported by any sort of investigation. All of your brothers and sisters within the Ohio State Highway Patrol ranks knew the allegations were not true. Finally, the truth comes out.

We are sure you are very proud of how your family, co-workers, community and the Ohio State Troopers Association rushed to your defense. This is something that was not given to you, it is something you earned. Know that we will do whatever we can to support your family and educate people of the sacrifice you made.

The Gallipolis Post is thankful for the time we were able to spend with you and we look forward to seeing you again. Please watch over us.

Post 27
Gallipolis Post
Ohio State Highway Patrol

Gallipolis Post
Family

November 1, 2006

Josh-I wish to echo the exact same thing that Mike Bruce said.

God bless your family and friends.

Friend
Co-Worker

October 31, 2006

Now that everyone else knows the truth you can rest easy. We never doubted you. The kids will always know that their dad fought the good fight and is a hero.

Cory Canter
Brother-In-Law, Officer Columbus Police

October 31, 2006

God bless you, Josh. I was so relieved to find out that they finally found the proof to show what we already knew about you. That you were an honorable and responsible trooper who would not put others in harms way. My heart is a little more at peace with what happened to you and Dale now that you're names have been cleared. I never had any doubt! God bless you and your family. You and your family will never be forgotten!

Jessie
Firefighter

October 31, 2006

Brother Risner
Todays news is long overdue. You were and always will be a true hero and will never be forgotten. God bless you Sir and God bless you family.

Officer
Chillicothe PD

October 31, 2006

Vindication!
Today test results from the FAA cleared any doubt about what has been previously reported.
I am saddened by the actions of the Ohio State Highway Patrol quickly pointing the finger at one of their own. They not only made this time more difficult for your family but every road Trooper. They also tarnished Sgt. Holcomb's reputation by allowing people to think he would not have taken immediate supervisory action upon getting in the cruiser with you. The fact that he was in the car with you made me believe that there was no hint of truth to what they were saying.
Now the rest of Ohio knows what yours and Sgt. Holcomb's family already knew, that both of you are true Heroes.
I am very sorry for all three families that were affected by this terrible accident. Hopefully today's news will help heal the wounds of this tragedy.

Ofc. Michael Bruce #398
Columbus Division of Police
Classmate of Tpr. Robert Perez, EOW 5/15/00

Ofc. Michael Bruce #398
Columbus Division of Police

October 31, 2006

YOUR GOOD NAME AND HONOR HAS BEEN RESTORED AS I KNEW IT WOULD BE!!!! Below is from a story on the internet:

An analysis conducted on specimens taken to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Civil Aerospace Medical Institute in Oklahoma City has determined Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Josh Risner, did not consume any alcohol at least 16 hours prior to his death, effectively eliminating the possibility he could have ingested alcohol.

You may now rest brother!!!!

Officer Jim Gilbert
Columbus Division of Police

October 31, 2006

Stay the course, the truth is near. Josh was great cop and a good person. We all believe in him.

Alan Lewis, Investigator
ODRC

October 31, 2006

Thank God!! I knew that such a dedicated trooper and family man would not put themselves or others in harms way. I'm glad OSP stepped up and is making things as right as they can. I knew it would turn out ok, it was just a matter of time. God Bless your family and your co-workers. Rest in peace now, your name is clear! Let your fellow troopers carry on, just continue to watch over them and your family and keep them safe. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Ohio!

Ohio LEO Wife

October 31, 2006

As an SRO, I keep a list in my office of all officers during the school year who have given their lives in the line of duty. It saddens me to add two names from OSP. Having been trained at your academy, I have great respect for OSP. I will keep your family and fellow troopers in my prayers. Be at Peace!

Off. M.J. McRill #180
Sidney Police Department (Ohio)

October 28, 2006

I did not personally know Trooper Risner. I had worked with Sgt. Holcomb quite often when called onto a scene of a car accident or taking HazMat training. All I can say is if Dale considered Josh a friend and a good trooper then I could never argue otherwise. Dale and Josh died the same way they lived their lives...answering the call for help. We all need to remember that. They will both be missed in the public service community. God bless Trooper Risner, Sgt. Holcomb, and their families. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jessie
Firefighter/EMT

October 27, 2006

Dear Mrs. Risner ~

Another LEO widow emailed me a clip of a recent news article regarding your husband today and I had to come on and leave you a message. I can't imagine what a living nightmare you must be in right now - losing your wonderful husband and father of your children only to have his name and reputation questioned. Please be strong and know that many people are thinking of and praying for you and your children. I read that the dispatchers and fellow officers who knew your husband have all signed a letter in defense of his character - I am sure that in time all questions will be answered and Josh's name and reputation will be restored. Until that time try to hold you head high - hold on to your memories and hold on to your precious babies. Josh will always be with you.

Thank you, Trooper Risner, for your service and ultimate sacrifice. May God bless you and may you rest in eternal peace, forever safe in the arms of the angels.

Warmly ~
Carin E. Sollman, surviving spouse
Officer Jesse E. Sollman, EOW 3/25/05

October 27, 2006

Rest in peace, brother.

Trooper
Mass State Police

October 25, 2006

Josh,
Words cannot express the sadness and lonely feeling in my heart at this time. I feel I was cheated by not getting to say goodbye to you so I hope by writing you this letter it will somwhow give me a little piece. First of all I want to tell you that you were and still are the best daddy in the world. I look at pictures of you with Peyton and Paige and you are always smiling and are always so happy. Second of all you were not only my soul mate you were my best friend. I just want you to know that no matter where life takes us from here that I will always keep your memory alive for our children. I still think that when I wake up each morning that you will be walking through the door telling me to hurry up because as you know I am always late. Peyton is teaching me how to play football but he says I throw like a girl. Paige is still her same self always pressing things to see how far she can get without getting in trouble. Please save me a spot in heaven with you. I know you are there because you were so wonderful in everything you did. I will not rest until I have made all things right to honor you and your name. You know how stubborn and hardheaded I can be. I cannot pin down a favorite memory to share with everyone because all of my memories are my favorites right now. Just remember that I love you and always will. My heart will not ever be whole again. I hope you have a good time in heaven just being you. I will see you again someday.

PS : Tell Woody I said hello!
Go bucks!
Love always and forever,

Bridget (wife), Peyton (son), Paige (dtr)

BRIDGET RISNER
WIFE

October 25, 2006

Josh, you will always be remembered by the staff of Gallia County 911 as a caring helpful officer for the Ohio Highway Patrol. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Stephen L. Wilson, 911 Director
Gallia County 911 Center

October 24, 2006

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Trooper Joshua Risner as well as to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Rest in peace Trooper Risner, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

October 22, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

October 22, 2006

Josh was first and foremost a family man. He loved his wife and children. His relationship with his father, John, and stepmom Rita was a beautiful thing to behold. They truly had the perfect family with his brother Jason, and sister, Jodie. All of the grandkids were the light in my sisters life. I flew up from Florida for Jodies wedding and the love that this family had for each and everyone, of them was something fairy tales are made of. Joshs light will always shine in everyones hearts

Brenda/StepAunt

Brenda Patrick
Aunt

October 21, 2006

Josh, My favorite memory of you is when you put your arms around me at my wedding and told me you loved me and were happy for me. Although I never told you I love you too. Every time I see a Harley or Brutus Buckeye or hear a Rolling Stones song I think of you. I know you're in a better place now, but that doesn't help much when we are all hurting so bad. I do find comfort in knowing we will all be together again some day. Please watch over us and save some seats up there. Until then I'll remember I'm under your thumb.

Jodie Risner Canter
Little Sister

October 21, 2006

I know your honor and name will soon be restored!!! Many thoughts and prayers are with your family thru all of this.....

Officer Jim Gilbert
Columbus Division of Police

October 21, 2006

GODSPEED

LISA
Georgia Civilian

October 21, 2006

May your family be blessed with peace from the Lord. You will be missed and not forgotten. Rest with the Lord, Josh. You're in His Hands now.

Mel Brandau
Wife of patrol officer

October 21, 2006

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

shannon
Collins Fire Dept. (Mississippi)

October 21, 2006

Trooper Risner,
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. You and your family are in our prayers. Rest Easy Brother!

Dep. Paul Sperandeo, Ofc. Amy Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, Gretna Police Dept. LA

October 20, 2006