Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Keith,
When I close my eyes I see your face. Your head is cocked back and tilted a little to the side with a wry smile. Then the inevitable spit and a wise-crack. That's the friend I remember. You were so funny and so good at what you did. Throughout the past few days I have watched as those who were closest to you struggled to deal with their loss and I have been profoundly moved by their love for you. We will never be who we were before that shot on a foggy morning.

Officer Beth Cooley
Toledo Police Department

February 27, 2007

" Final Call "
An Angel in the sky must leave his place of rest,
Gently tucking his wings beneath his armored vest.
For duty has called, There is much work to do
Little did he know, This one is dressed in Blue.

Arriving on the scene, He knows just what to say,
"Follow Me, Fallen Brother, I'll show you the way"
"Your duty has ended, Your work is now Through."
"Come hang your hat beside Mine, I'm a Cop, Too"
Unknown

Rest In peace Brother

Detective Rick Spargos
American Intelligence

February 27, 2007

While I never knew Keith, I do know many of the "boys in blue", I was truly saddened to hear of his death. Many in the community do not know what it is like to know what it is all about to "lay it on the line" everyday. For all of you that have posted here I hope the Dressel family can understand the deep reaching grief we all feel as a region and can garner some strength knowing Keith stood for more than a badge and a gun. Rest in Peace. My heart goes out to EVERY TPD officer out there.

Josh Drouard EMS Dispatcher
Lucas Co EMS

February 27, 2007

This was posted on another officers page and I thought I would share it.
Rest in peace Keith! I know you're family will be well taken care of. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
I had the sad misfortune of going to Deputy Brandy Winfield's funeral. I do not know Deputy Winfield or his family, yet we have a strong connection. I am a police officer's wife. Everyday, I kiss my husband goodbye and hope it's not the last. Everyday, my small children give their daddy five kisses on the cheek and one on the forehead.
I don't know if they know all of the dangers of daddy's job, but they know the importance of their goodbye ritual. I have received phone calls about my husband being involved in an injury accident and incidents where he has been injured. I have received phone calls from friends whose husbands have been seriously injured or involved in a shooting. I have exchanged phone calls with other "cop" wives because we "just didn't have a good feeling" and our anxiety and fear is high. I have sat and filled out the critical incident book with my husband to plan his funeral. What songs, where, who would be pall bearers?
I have made my husband dinner at eleven o'clock at night because he spent his dinner money on a hungry child who has been removed from their home. I have stayed up until 4 am because he was so distraught over a violent murder or the fact that he was with someone who died completely alone and was discovered three weeks later. I have gone to many functions alone because he serves his community proudly. We have spent holidays and special occasions without him. This is the life of a law enforcement officer's family. We accept it as part of the calling of our spouses and part of our lives. We proudly support our husbands. We take care of them and let them know how much we love them.
But I wonder, does our community support our officers? I pick up the paper or watch the news and it seems they are quick to point out how many officers have had complaints made on them, investigations that are occurring for misconduct, excessive force and you name it. Yet, it is never published how many compliments that officer has had, or how many of those issues have been unfounded. I am asking you to think about when was the last time you thanked a law enforcement officer? That officer is a person. They are a daddy, mommy, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, or friend. Someone deeply loves that person. Everyday they put their uniform on and proudly walk out the door to protect and serve their community without thought to the risk they may be taking.
Before you criticize a police officer, think about what they are doing to keep you safe. Think about the ultimate duty they are doing for the community you live in. And most of all, when you see an officer, say "thank you!".

February 27, 2007

First let me say thank you, Keith. You are a true hero, and even though I did not have the pleasure of knowing you, you will not be forgotten.
My deepest symathies go out to the Dressel family, all of the TPD officers, and especially the officers in Keith's unit.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Ofc. Monica Gottfried
Perrysburg Township PD

February 27, 2007

There is no way to thank all of the departments that came to our aid. I fear that I would leave out somebody or hurt their feelings so rest assured that you are appreciated. There were a few that I thought deserved some special recognition. The fire fighters that worked their butts off so that we did not have to worry about setting up anything. The Monroe County Sheriffs that I am told were heroes behind the scenes. The Cleveland department that sent the pipe and drums, mounted and many officers. Everybody that showed know that you are very much appreciated by us at TPD. You made Keith's farewell what he deserved and we are forever grateful.

TPD

February 27, 2007

We police officers know that this could happen to any of us on any given day at any given time. We take this job knowing the risks and we accept those risks. The only part that we are not prepared for is how it will effect our families. If I was to lose my life doing my duty my only wish is that my family is taken care of. Keith, you can rest assured that we will take care of your family. As I am sure you seen, the police brotherhood showed up in force. Go in peace knowing that your wife and children are taken care of. We will not forget them nor will we forget you.

TPD detective

February 27, 2007

My thought and prays go out to the family and friends of Keith Dressel. It is hard to lose someone you love but remember that he will be with you always in your heart. May the Lord help you get through this now and forever.I am sure that he will be there to watch over them. My heart aches for his family.
My God be with them now and forever
I hope that everyone does not forget his family they will need friends now more than ever.

roxane boyer

February 27, 2007

I am sorry for the tradgic loss of a wonderful person, a innocent man only doing his job. Although it has been years since in seen Keith I have a empty feeling inside. I remember him always joking and smiling. The world will not be the same without him. He was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Keith

Taria Dusseau
Albert (Bud)Van Voorhies Granddaughter

February 27, 2007

To the family of Detective Keith Dressel I send My heart felt condolences, and hope that you know you are not alone. May god bless each of you, and help you through the hard days and long nights. To Keith, I say to you "Thank you Brother". You gave your all, and most can never say they have or even say they came close. Rest in peace my brother, and when my day comes I will see you there.

Detective Brian Jackson
Pooler Police Department

February 27, 2007

Time to Learn

The hand is cold
that once held mine.
I can't believe you've really left this world behind,
I can't wait,
I can't hope,
I'll get over this in time.

"It takes time to learn
when someone's gone for good,
their not coming back
like you wish they would.
In the empty hours,
when you miss them so,
then it's time to learn
to let them go."

Your last hours
we never knew,
we never had the chance
to say goodbye to you,
Words unsaid and things undone,
we just begun
and now we'll never see them through.

I heard these words sung on a cd - no one can really comprehend what loved ones and feel during these painful times, May God give you great comfort and may you receive it in the ways it is sent to you. I am still learning to let go.

February 27, 2007

I wish to express sincere sympathy to the Dressel family and friends and to the Toledo Police Department. Detective Dressel's tragic and untimely death saddens us all. Words will in no way patch the hole torn in your lives, rather this forum allows the community to come together and support the heroes left in the wake. Mrs. Dressel, Sydney, Noah and the rest of the Dressel family are now the heroes. We look up to you in your time of grief. The strength and honor you have shown is truly amazing. Should we ever face a similar tragedy in our own lives we can reflect on the grand precedent you have set for us. We support you and thank you.
To the community at large may I say that in these times when 15 year olds carry guns and sell drugs and don't hesitate to pull the trigger at a police officer we must be vigilant. We must support our law enforcement officers in all they do that is right and just. If we do no more than say "thank you" or if we see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road we should slow down and get over. We may spare other young children from the agony of not growing up with their hero.
God bless the Dressel Family and the TPD

James Garber, RN
St. Vincent/ UTMC/ St. Rita's Life Flight & Mobile Life

February 27, 2007

Keith,
My partner My Friend My Brother. YOu have left me with the greatest gift of all your family. I vow to Honor your Final Wishes. To take care of Danielle,Noah,and Sydney. You know Tori and i have been trying to start our own family, but it's been difficult. I now have a new outlook on life and family. Tori and I will serve you proudly. Rest well and i will be seeing you soon.

Your Partner
Dave #2126
322w/412 Relief

Dave
TPD Officer #2127

February 27, 2007

Keith, Aka....O.B.B
I've tried to sit down a 100 times the last 5 day's and write this but it just wouldn't come out! But today i'm going to make sure i can finish this! I know the last couple day's you were looking down on us in Awwwww and you never realized how many friends you had! My hope is that you know now that you were so respected and loved! As i walked with your family yesterday to the church thru the line of the thousands of officers following you I couldn't think of anyone that deserved that honor as much as you! I cannot begin to tell you in words the sadness in our Hearts that we feel because we lost you! We sit and laugh and cry about all the silly Keith and Dave story's and you have to know we will never stop laughing and remembering. And Bubba alway's know that we promise to take care and love Danielle and the Kids! And they will never be alone! And Dave was honored to know that you chose him to help your family thru this terrible time and in chosing him bet you never realized you were stuck with me to! And thank you for the endless memories and for giving me Dave! We love you till we meet again my Friend!
Tori

Tori
Forever Friend!

February 27, 2007

I am very sorry for your loss Toledo Police Deptartment. I know how it feels to lose a loved one especially one on a police/fire dept. I am setting up a memorial fund here at my school Anthony Wayne High School. I want to give all this money to Mr. Dressel. Even though I didn't know Detective Keith Dressel he will always be missed. I hope that no other police officer will be slain in the line of duty ever again. Be Safe and sorry for your loss again he will never be forgotten.

Justin

Justin Bretzloff
son of Providence Fire Chief

February 27, 2007

To the family of Keith Dressel and to the Toledo Police Department you are in my heart and prayers. Keith was a true hero. The world needs more people like Keith. God Bless you all.

Nancy Hurst

Deputy Dispatcher Nancy L.Hurst
Wood County Sheriff

February 27, 2007

Rest in Peace, Sir, and we thank you for your Service.

Sr. Trooper Trey Pellizzari
Texas Dept of Public Safety/Commercial Vehicle Enforcement--Rockwall

February 27, 2007

My condolences to your family and all members of the Toledo Police Dept. Rest in Peace, well take it from here brother.

Deputy Marc Mays
Wyandot County Sheriffs Office

February 27, 2007

As a wife of a Toledo Police officer I sat glued to the TV to watch the funeral service. It was a moving, emotional experience. All I wanted to do was hold my husband and I'm sure all the other wives felt the same way. Words cannot express the sadness I fell for Keith and his family. You will always be in our prayers, keep his memory alive.

A wife of a Toledo Police officer

February 27, 2007

I run a small production studio in toledo and I remember one day havin words outside with a couple patrons when Detective Dressel came upon us. HE asked what was going on ....I told him and he said whats more important to you, a few lost dollars, or the safety of your establishment.... At that point I told the irate patron that I would redo his order even though it was not my fault the count was under. Detective Dressel was always a peace-maker. I will miss his presence in the neighborhood!
My condolences go out to his family....And to the force..... He will always be remembered in our community

Kymani Hunter
RvR Records

February 27, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. Detective Dressel sounds like he was an amazing person who loved his family, friends, and profession very much. Although I did not know him my father had the privelage to work with him on the Toledo Police Department. My father told me what a wonderful man Keith Dressel was and how his loss will be remembered by the department and community forever. Keith Dressel is a hero who's life will never be forgotten.

Dispatcher/Firefighter Michelle King
Springfield Township Fire Department. Dad is a Toledo Police Sergeant

February 27, 2007

Today, I was proud to share in the salute to Detective Dressels service. The thread that weaves us all together as cops was strong. We shared our tears for his family, for his Brothers/Sisters of the Toledo Police Department and simply for us. We seldom allow ourselves to think how fragile life is and those tears, I believe, are a manifestation of the life we chose to lead.

Tonight, as I put on my vest, I was drawn back to the funeral home, where I offered my condolences to Detective Dressel's wife Danielle. Her parting words were simple "make sure you wear your vest" as she hugged me. Little did she know, she left a lasting reminder with me which will always bring to mind her families sacrifice each and every time I suit up.

Thank you Detective Dressel for your courageous service, and Thank you Danielle for that constant reminder.

I pray that the thread that weaves us together will offer you and your children the strength to carry on as well.

Sergeant Brian Gregg
Perrysburg Police Division

February 27, 2007

Det. Dressel your name will be engraved in the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washinton DC. This is where hero's are never forgotten.. Rest easy bro

Court Deputy R.L. Clements
King County Sheriff's Office Wa.

February 27, 2007

KEITH, YOU HAVE TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES DURING YOUR 35 SHORT YEARS. YOUR SPIRIT AND MEMORY WILL LIVE FOREVER IN THE MINDS AND HEARTS OF ALL FELLOW OFFICERS. TPD HAS BEEN TOUCHED AND AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGEDY SO INTENSELY AND WE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. THIS HAS ROCKED MY WORLD AND MY SENSE OF SECURITY. I NEVER BELIEVED IT COULD HAPPEN TO US! SO MANY OF US ARE STILL WALKING AROUND IN SHOCK AND DISBELIEF. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

officer Brenda Sarahman
TOLEDO POLICE

February 26, 2007

Words cannot describe the sadness in our hearts with the passing of Detective Dressel. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow police officers. Thank you sir for the protection and care you gave to so many. You will not be forgotten.

Teresa Vestal and Family
Former Mayor of Weston, Ohio

February 26, 2007