Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi. just wanted to give my condolences to the Dressel family and the friends and co-workers of Keith. I live in Bedford and even though i did'nt know the family personally my heart goes out to them. my thoughts and prayers are with them.

darlene appling
ciitizen

March 2, 2007

My Keith,
I am missing you so much. Sleeping at night is now difficult, because I do not feel safe anymore. I have always thought that you could be at my side anytime when I was afraid or needed you. You and I always had a special relationship and you were "My Keith". I remember when you were little and would give that "shi- eatin" grin. There was no-way I could be mad. Yes, you did get spankings when you were little, but sometimes you needed those. Maybe that is why you grew up to be such an upstanding man. We were always so proud of you. I remember how we couldn't get you outside to play. You read all of the time. We finally said get out there, play in that snow, and get some fresh air. We found you sitting on a cement block, reading a book, under the drier vent. Danielle told me she found you outside reading the paper under the drier vent. The Civil War was always your love. I bet you knew more about that war than anyone, just from reading.

I couldn't find the picture of you playing with your trucks and tractors in the big sandpile. There you were digging and Cider our Setter digging, and both of you had your rear ends up in the air.

The pictures of you riding the dirt bikes, go=karts, and golf cart around the place are also somewhere. I think that your "organization" skills came from me. Your friends told me about your desk.

At the funeral home I think about that picture where I was knocking on your vest. I thought that it would protect you. How wrong I was. When people would ask me if I was worried about you, I would say yes, but more so knowing that you didn't wear your vest while undercover. I also said that life cannot be lived with worry and that you loved what you did.

When I heard that you were shot, I thought in the leg or arm. There is no way anyone would hurt My Keith. I had no idea it was fatal. I din't understand what dad was telling me at first. Then I cried, "Not My Keith."

Your friends have been so wonderful to dad and me. We have lost a son, but have gained a new family.

You came to me Wed. night and told me to get up, put on dad's robe, get the prayer blanket that I received from church, and write a letter to the community. I did it and the words came. For days I have been thinking about it, procrastinating about it, but you came to me and guided me. There is no way I can thank your city for all that they have done.

Noah and Syd will be taken care of and loved. I told Danielle that she is ours and cannot ever leave this family. (Possibly Deer in the Headlights look.) We are here for her and love her. All is taken care of, so please rest in peace.
Mom

Larraine Dressel
mom

March 2, 2007

Rest in peace, you are a hero and godspeed

Ofc McCord
BPD NM

March 1, 2007

I hardly knew Keith, in fact I only had the pleasure of meeting him once at a wedding where we sat at the same table, but when my husband called and told me the news I was still in shock. First my mourning was for my husband and all Keith's fellow officers, then I could only imagine what pain Danielle and her two children would be dealing with in the coming days, months, years. Horrible. I cant even put in words how heavy my heart is for the whole Dressel family. It is only when I was weaping watching the funeral on t.v. wishing I could have been there for support, that I realized how important Keith was to so many. Some, like myself, who barely knew Keith still coming to show their support. In a world where you sometimes feel so alone, thousands of people came together. I pray that someday Danielle will understand how much she has inspired so many people. Keith inspired many by his loyalness to the Toledo Police Department, but Danielle's strength has shown so many people what faith can do in hard times. I want to thank you for letting all of us join you in one of your most private times, I hope you know how much it meant to all of us. You, Keith and the entire Dressel family will always be in my prayers.

Praying for you,

Jen

Jen Heffernan

March 1, 2007

I will always remember Keith as more than just a great cop. One day in particular stands out for me. It was right after his son Noah was born and Keith came down to the Safety Building with Danielle and the little bundle of joy. Keith must have spent the better part of an hour showing off the little guy. The pride and joy in his eyes spoke volumes as to what kind of man he was. Keith was a gentle giant who was always quick to help and never backed down. I never worked directly with Keith but he was the kind of guy that would always say "hi" and brighten your day with his positive and comical outlook on life. You will be sorely missed my friend. God Bless you and your family. You and your family will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Joe Heffernan
Toledo Police Department

March 1, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. There is nothing more tragic than losing a true hero.

Marion,Ohio

March 1, 2007

I THINK IN THE FUTURE A MOVIE NEEDS TO MADE ABOUT KEITH AND THE GREAT THINGS HE DID FOR OUR CITY. THE NAME OF THE MOVIE I THINK SHOULD BE FALLEN HERO. ALSO A BOOK NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT HIM ALSO. WHAT DOES EVERYBODY ELSE THINK ABOUT THIS.

BARB

March 1, 2007

Keith, it has now been 3 days since your funeral and I am still numb with grief, disbelief, shock, and sorrow. Having known you for years with you being one of the original 12 bars of x-mas members, and myself being a rookie officer with only a few months on the streets, this devastating tragedy has hit me like a sledghammer in the chest. This has proven the harsh reality of the dangers of being a police officer and the meaning of the "ultimate sacrifice." You will be greatly missed, yet always remembered and cherished. The coming together of the department and community since your passing has been unbelivable. I want you to rest in peace, in that I have seen overwhelming support for your family and that you will have all of us, your brothers in blue, to ensure that they are safe and they have all of us for support and a shoulder to lean on during the coming days, months, years! RIP brother and thank you for your dedication, passion, loyalty, and sacrifice! God Bless your soul.

Ptlm. S. Bailey
Toledo Police Officer & Friend

March 1, 2007

"Dear God, I miss my Daddy"
(Author Unknown)

Dear God, I miss my Daddy;
my daddy is a policeman, he wears a suit of blue;
He didn't come home from work last night,
mommy says he's in Heaven with you.

I'm worried about my daddy Lord,
He's never been away this long before;
Mommy cried when she told me that we wouldn't see daddy no more.
I don't know what it was that mommy was trying to say;
She said the police were after a bad man, and somehow my daddy was slain.

Now I don't know what that means Lord, all I know is we miss daddy a lot, because tomorrow is my birthday and I sure hope he hasn't forgot.
Lord if my daddy is up there in Heaven, please tell him as soon as he's free;
To hurry back home as fast as he can, because we miss him, mommy and me,

Thank you for your service Keith Dressel. I will pray for the men and women of TPD. I will pray for your family. Rest in peace brother.

March 1, 2007

Being a native Mud-Hen, it is with great sorrow I see this listing. You never know what to put down and it never gets easier. 15 years ago I left the area for college and career so I never had a chance to meet Det. Dressel in my pursuit of law enforcement. Even without that pleasure, I still feel privileged to have had him serve for T.P.D. and know he will be greatly missed. Sympathies and strength to his family from my family in this time of grief and know that there is support for them from all over the states. God speed to his family and the department.

Trooper D.J. Obarski
MI. State Police

February 28, 2007

It's been one week ago today that we lost you. I'm sitting here, house quiet, kids sleeping, and I just watched my husband - a police officer himself - drive away to work his night shift. I made him promise me that he'll come home - that I won't lose another piece of my heart again because I just don't think I could take it. I can see you two talking at Dressel Family Christmases & Easters - exchanging stories of the unbelievable stuff you guys deal with. And laughing - not only like two family members, but two brothers in blue. He misses you so much. And so do I. We will take good care of Danielle and the kids and hold them even closer now. Show up in a dream once in awhile, will ya - just to tell me a joke and let me know you are Ok and taking care of Cameron, the son we lost. I know he's in good hands now. Until I can hug both of you again -

All our love, the Pittsburgh Clan

Kim Dressel-Watson
Proud Cousin

February 28, 2007

May God Bless You and Your Family.. RIP...

Patrolman Richard Rutt #22
Fairview Park, Ohio PD

February 28, 2007

Keith,
What can anyone say or write at a time like this? Nothing seems appropriate.

Last week when I pulled into our city employee parking lot the first thing that came to my mind was that your car was still in the parking lot, where you left it at the beginning of your shift the night before. What a sad feeling I had. Then when I went out to grab something from my vehicle on my break I ran into one of your partners in the lot...I didn't have to ask but simply said "what are we looking for" I knew it was your car that he was in search of to take it home to your family. One less thing for your family to have to worry about. Your family in "blue" had it covered. This was only the beginning of how they will continue to take care of your family now and in the days to follow I'm sure.

I walked through the next few days in a sad haze. Numb with feelings and constantly on the bridge of tears. Watching people around me going through the same sad emotions. Overwhelming sadness for your wife & children... oh the children. So many times you would bring Noah in with you to wait for a Judge to have a warrant signed. He was the highlight of your life; you spoke with such pride about both of them. You didn't say many words but your actions spoke in volumes.

Your fellow officers now left without you. An empty spot on the "team". Your beautiful wife placed in the unfathonable position of a widow. Your children without a father. The days followed...each one bringing a new thing that Danielle must be going through...without you, but under the watchful eye of your partners. We can't imagine.

Then Danielle & your parents with your brother behind them, at the news conference thanking US for appreciating you as the hero that you were.

Going to the funeral home on Sunday, I truly didn't expect that I would get the PRIVILEDGE of actually meeting your parents & Neil. They thanked ME for coming. I was there to pay my respects to you and then thank THEM for sharing their private grief with us...the general public, strangers to them...at such a private time of their lives. (Danielle was there also but taking a much needed break when I passed through the line)

Then to see your fellow officers there. Supporting her and showing what we already knew about them and you...that they are what makes us proud to be part of this City. True heros. They have said they will take care of Danielle & your children...they will do it!!

The funeral has passed. Everyone has gone home, I hope you know we won't forget you. The flags are back up flying high. The officers are back at their jobs. But NO ONE is the same. You will not be back at work and it's with great loss that we say...we'll miss seeing your "dirty face" in our Court.

To Danielle, Noah & Sydney, Mr. & Mrs. Dressell & the rest of the Dressel family: We are so grateful to you for you allowing us to participate in your private grief. We only hope that you allow us to never forget and continue to lift YOU up in Prayer...as I told Mrs. Dressel at the funeral home...let God continue to put his Hedge of Protection around your family. We will continue to pray and carry you all in our thoughts.

Rest in peace...

A sad member of the Toledo Municipal Court

A sad TMC employee

February 28, 2007

To the Dressel family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Psalm 34:18

To our fellow officers, especially Keith's close friends,we share the same grief in this senseless death - My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Our anger can never make things right in God's sight. James 1:19-20

Det.Gary & Sgt. Gloria Burks
Toledo Police Department

February 28, 2007

God bless your loved ones, both your immediate family and Police family. Even though these are sad times for your friends, family and brothers in blue. Know that they are truly thankful for every day, hour, minute that you were in their lives. Know that they will continue to think of you every day. Weather it brings to them a smile of happiness from a fond memory, or a sorrowful tear.

Your watch will never end.

Thank you for choosing to serve and protect, and for putting your life on the line for the safety of others. Thank you to your extended police brothers and sisters whom continue to serve and protect.
Thank you for your service !!!
May you rest in Peace.

On Behalf of us all:
America’s 9/11 Foundation Inc.
www.americas911foundation.org
Supporting Fire Police and EMS

America's 9/11 Foundation Inc.

February 28, 2007

Detective Dressel has answered his last call but his spirit will live on and he will never be forgotten. I thank you for your dedicated service. My prayers go out to the Dressel family and the Toledo Police Dep.

Firefighter/EMT
Springfield Twp. Fire & Rescue

February 28, 2007

Keith,
I attended your funeral on Monday as the wife of a TPD officer. My husband worked with you on a few occasions and had fond memories of you that he shared with your mother and sister during our visit to the funeral home. I did not know you personally, however I was proud and privileged to meet your family and express my sincere condolences to them. You certainly are blessed with a wonderful family, friends, co-workers. May God bless your family and friends during this time and continue to bless them as they move forward through the grieving process. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Margret
Wife of TPD Officer

February 28, 2007

We lost a friend today
God came and took him away
It was not time for him to go
His work here was not done I know
His goals in life were not yet met
The people he touched shall never forget
He carried his badge with honor and pride
His compassion for people he never did hide
His love for his family grew with each day
His commitment to his community he would go out of his way
His duty as a police officer to protect and serve each day
Lead him to the time, when god came and rook him away.

Go rest high on the mountain brother

Ret. Deputy Stephen Levorchick
Wood Co Sheriff, B.G. Ohio

February 28, 2007

I am sitting here looking at the screen having no idea what to write. Emotions are running a muck and I am not sure I can express them properly. I will never forget that day. I was sleeping having the off from work, my husband was doing his normal morning rituals. At 0630hrs, our bedroom door flung open, before any words were spoken I bolted awake knowing something was horribly wrong. My husbands words were those I have never wanted to hear. An officer has been shot and killed in Toledo. There was no thought what I had to do next. I got up and went to be by his side as the name was revealed a short time later.

I never left the television set the rest of the day. My husband readied himself for work as if he was going big game hunting. Words were not spoken, but I knew from his body language he was dressing in the event he had to assist in hunting down the person responsible for taking Keith's life.

As I worried about my husband, family members got wind of the tragedy that struck our community. I received several calls from out of town family members, just as I did when the riot broke out in October.

This tragedy is senseless and mind blowing to me after discovering a 15 and 19 year old were armed with weapons. This is NOT TYPICAL TEENAGE MISCHIEF! The 15 year old was a ticking time bomb whose crimes were escalating.

Inclosing, my thoughts and prayers are with the Dressel family as well as all the emergency personell and their families whom were left behind.

Wife of A Toledo Police Officer

February 28, 2007

Keith will be missed by all of us, he was a classmate of mine and will always be a member of the 46th! I am a lot older than he was and never hung with him, but I will never forget his humor. All of us had to do a skit in the academy and I was humored by his, he did the history of a pen. I remember him with his partner Dave, seeing them together at L.C.J. and it seems like yesterday. In the past several years most of the time I would run into him at court and kidd him about his hair or that he needed a shave. Keith spent a lot of year in Vice and he did his job with excellence! Keith will be missed by all of us. Keith wife, children, family & friends will be in my prayers.

Patrolman Clifford G. Warstler #2114
T.P.D.

February 28, 2007

Several years ago, I lost my father and grandmother a few months apart. Although I was close to both of them and loved them both dearly, I took my father's death a lot harder. It wasn't so much the age difference or relationship I had with each one. I think the main reason was that my father passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. My grandmother was in failing health in a nursing home. I visited my grandmother one night and told her the hardest part of my father's passing was that I never had the chance to say goodbye, and that I loved him. I told my grandmother I was going to miss her when she was gone and that I loved her. We got called to the nursing home the following morning, and she was gone. Although I was sad, the fact that I didn't miss the opportunity to say goodbye and let her know how I felt helped me immensely. A month after my father passed I had a dream where the two of us were snowmobiling at our old house. After a while, we ended up at his new house, and the rest of my family was inside. As I walked up, I asked my father if he was coming in, and he said "No. I just wanted to tell you that I love you and I know you love me." I woke up feeling at peace for the first time since he passed away. I don't know if he spoke to me, or if my mind was telling me I was losing it, and this was a solution, but I prefer the former. Keith, you passed so suddenly and senselessly, we never had the chance to say goodbye. I'm taking this as the chance to say goodbye and let you know you were loved. I know you will speak to all of us, even if it's only through us using the things you taught us, we are in a situation that reminds us of you, or when your son gets the same mischievous look on his face that you got. My heart and prayers go out to your family and friends. Never be afraid to tell the ones you love that you do indeed love them.

Ptlmn Paul Cuningham
Toledo Police Department

February 28, 2007

The thin blue line is now thinner with you gone. You're sacrafice, your families' sacrafice, and the communities loss will not be forgotton.

Rest well, we'll take it from here.

E. Mark Hummer, Chief of Police
Lake Township Police Department

February 28, 2007

First i want say that my thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and toledo police department on their tragic lose. I'm currently trying to become a police officer myself and to hear of Det. Dressels death just makes me that more adiment about become a police officer I just hope that the others i graduate with and myself included can be as brave and as good of man as Det. Dressel. Thank you and God bless

Adam Hornsby

February 28, 2007

My condolences to your family and all members of the Toledo Police Dept. Rest in Peace Detective Keith Dressel.

Citizen of Fostoria

February 28, 2007

Thank you for your dedicated service. You will not be forgotten.

May you rest in peace. We'll take it from here brother.

Patrolman D. Tallman
Boardman, OH PD

February 28, 2007