Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Brother, you will never be forgotten.

"The thin blue line keeps getting thinner"....

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. PD

February 25, 2007

To a friend, a former co-worker, and fellow "Cop" you will be sadly missed. I worked with Keith and Dave at Southwyck Mall. Kieth invited me to ride with them to complete some of my college internship hours, It was a great experience. Their compassion and energy for this job is and was admirable. May God Bless your family and all of the Officers of the Toledo Police Department.

Your Friend,
Officer Shane Gadoury
Tampa Police Department

Officer Shane Gadoury
Tampa Police Department

February 25, 2007

I never got to shake your hand or tell you "thanks" for all of your dedicated and courageous work. However, I want you and your family to know that this world is a much nicer world because you were a part of it. You are a hero in every sense of the word. You were that "one in a million" kind of person who definitely made a difference. You have made the supreme sacrifice and I now wish you peace and however belated it may be...I thank you sir for all the goodness that you brought into this world. God speed my friend. God speed.

Sandy Manuszak
retired corrections officer

February 25, 2007

I did not have the pleasure of meeting or knowing Officer Dressell but I have learned he was a fan of my music and more importantly a great cop and even better husband and father. I want to extend my family's thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow officers. He will be remembered as a true hero.

Kid Rock

Kid Rock

February 25, 2007

I think about your senseless death and anger flares my soul
I think about the family you left, the tears in your children’s eyes
I can still feel the loss emanating from the Officer’s standing side by side
Tears streaming down their cheeks, for once not held back
A senseless death, so much pain
Why does the murderer live and we carry you to your cold, dark grave?

I watch as they carry your flag draped coffin
Honor Guards lining the way
Standing in rows, beside and behind were men and women with badges and stars upon their chests
We all came to say goodbye and mourn the loss of our Brother
Does God need Police Officer’s in Heaven?

Some day, your family and friends will look upon your memory and smile
Though at first they could only cry
They will remember that wry sense of humor and your easy smile
You had such a great sense of pride in what you did
You wore your badge and uniform with honor and integrity,
Which still shows through those you have trained and your family and friends

Standing in rows beside and behind
Hands saluting your passing
Badges and Stars shining brightly on their chests
They stood proud and tall for you
Yet for once, their tears fell with the rest
Some were there to say goodbye to a Father, a Husband, a Brother and Friend

The bag pipes played "Amazing Grace"
The Thin Blue Line closed it’s ranks with one Officer less
All this happened as we escorted you to your final rest

Goodbye Hero, God Bless
All Officer’s, Order Arms
"Detective Keith Dressell February 21, 2007, Ending Tour of Duty."

patty
n/a

February 25, 2007

I met you a few times, and when I heard the news of what happened I was stunned. It is like the air was sucked out of me. You are a true hero to me, one who gave the ultimate sacrifice. You will NEVER be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and fellow officers. May you rest in peace brother.

Deputy Sheriff Michael Willinger
Lucas County Sheriff's Office

February 25, 2007

Keith,
your Desire, Dedication and Devotion will never be duplicated. Our Lord has cast a new walk for you and I know you'll do it well.

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, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint." I've had to work most Sundays and at times my talk is 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 too much, but if you don't...I'll understand" There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

(Author Unknown )

PTML Christopher A. Boudreaux Sr. "BULL"
Toledo Police Department/Friend

February 25, 2007

Keith (Aka The Orginal Bash Brother)

Tori
Forever Friend!

February 25, 2007

I'll remember when we worked the streets together. I'll remember the brief contacts that we have had over the years. I'll remember the morning that we lost you and I promise to never forget.

"Phil with an F"
Toledo Police

February 25, 2007

As the wife of a police officer who spent 2 years working with the vice unit and the mother to a daughter who is interested in criminal justice, I know the risks that are involved in the job. You are never quite prepared to receive the call that your loved one was "killed in the line of duty." I thought with the death of Detective Dressel that my daughter would change her mind and not continue with the path of criminal justice, however it has made her want to continue with the degree more than ever! My deepest sympathy to the family of Detective Dressel and the Toledo Police Department. Thank you to all who put their lives on the line each and everyday! May you all stay safe!

"Fallen but not forgotten,
These are the heroes that stand so tall,
And forever we will remember,
With honor and glory they gave their all"
Author unknown

Kelly
wife of a police officer

February 24, 2007

it saddens me to see such a good man taken down by our society. a man goes to work to provide for his family at meager wages and something like this has to happen. why cant we have better gun control laws? why is a 15 yr old on probation? why do drug deals go down on our streets? my father was taken away from us 16 yrs ago in stanford ky. he pulled over a drunk driver and was shot and killed. he was earning $6.oo an hour. the man who shot him was a persistent felony offender. he had just gotten out of a texas pen. for armed robbery. there was enough ammunition and firearms on his possession to open a pawn shop. he had drivers license. he had a $16.00 an hr job. he had children whom can visit him in prison. we have to go to a cemetary or website. it is just so unfair to detective dressel and his family. but until society, our laws, and our unjust court system changes, another family will have to go through this. my prayers go to the dressel family. it is a long hard road and there are no forks. you must go on and be proud of your hero. maybe someday a family man can go to wark to make an honest living and be able to come home and tuck his children in at night. be brave. be strong. be true.

kimberly kidwell
daughter of fallen ky officer

February 24, 2007

Rest in peace Officer Dressel. My thoughts & prayers go out to the Dressel family.

cindee craig
tpd-civilian 911 operator

February 24, 2007

I HAVE BEEN A REGULAR READER OF THIS SITE OVER TWO YEARS, AND HAVE READ EVERY REFLECTION LEFT FOR EVERY HERO WHO HAS DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY DURING THAT TIME. I HAVE NEVER SEEN SO MANY REFLECTIONS LEFT BY THE CITIZENS OF ANY CITY OR TOWN FOR A HERO AS I HAVE SEEN FOR THIS OFFICER. THIS SHOWS THE CALIBER OF THE CITIZENS OF TOLEDO. HOW REGULAR PEOPLE CAN SHOW SUCH AN OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FOR ONE OF THEIR OWN IS VERY HEARTWARMING.
I KNEW A GUY IN NEW JERSEY YEARS AGO WHO WAS FROM TOLEDO, AND HE ALWAYS TOLD ME WHAT A GREAT CITY IT IS. IT SURE SHOWS HERE. APPLAUSE TO THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF TOLEDO.

DETECTIVE DRESSEL, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

February 24, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and the bothers and sisters of the Toledo Police Department. Keith will always be remembered and never forgotten.

Chief Roger Schultze
Clay Township Police Department

February 24, 2007

Policeman's Prayer:

When I am called to duty, God
Wherever dangers may rage
Give me strength to save some life
whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
or save an older person from
The horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
and hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently
To clear the dangers out.
I want to fill my calling
And give the best in me
To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.
And if,according to Your will,
I have to lose my life
Please bless with Your protecting hand on my children and my wife.
-------------------------------

I want to share this appropriate poem with all who greave.
I learned of it while attending the funeral of a good friend, Chief Thomas E. Bartlett of Mount Vernon Ohio last year. I do not know the original author's name. God bless and protect Detective Dressel's family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely and Respectfully submitted,
Peter Gilman

Peter Gilman - citizen
Toledo citizen and previous Block Watch member

February 24, 2007

DRESSEL, YOU AND I NEVER DID GET ALONG BUT IN THE END WE ARE BROTHERS. I AM SO SORRY IT HAPPENED TO YOU. I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO A LONG CAREER OF DEALING WITH YOU . THE DRESSEL FAMILY WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL!

D/S JAYSON MCNETT
LUCAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

February 24, 2007

may god bless you and your family.you are a hero to all in law enforcement,rest in peace.

police officer Thomas Delorenzo
new york city police dept

February 24, 2007

My deepest condolences to the family. Detective Dressel was a protector of many. May he rest in peace. May his family find peace.

Deputy Mary Ann Robinson
Wood county Sheriff's Office

February 24, 2007

First let me say what a SAD day it is for the City of Toledo to lose a hero like Keith. I've known Keith for my entire career and enjoyed every momemt that we spent on the streets of Toledo. Keith was the kind of guy that the criminals disliked and his fellow officers loved. Keith knew all the bad guys and did his job with diligence and throughness. At the same time Keith could make the bad guys laugh and keep his fellow officers in sticthes.
This only makes me wonder how an Officer such as Keith; who loved his job so much, and made the streets a safer place, sacrifice so much in a society that cares so little about life.
Keith you will be missed so much and I hope that your in a better place where GOD has seen the utilmate sacrifice that you have paid to make this world a better place.
LOVE YA MAN !

Ptlm. Nick Estvanik
TPD

February 24, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother. May God bless you and your Family. You are a true Hero! Prayers also go out to the other two Detectives that were there with you that morning. God bless all of you and your Families.

Fellow officer from another Department

February 24, 2007

My heart goes out to the wife of Detective Keith Dressel, his children, family, friends and fellow officers. As the wife of a Toledo Police Officer I know the fear that we face every day, waiting for our husbands to return home safe to their families. Keith was doing a job he loved and we thank him for his service and dedication to keep the community safe. May God be with you and your family. Know that Keith and your family will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.

Gen
Wife of Toledo Police Officer

February 24, 2007

Keith, or as I have called you for so many years Briscoe.(The story goes like this. When I was in the Detective Section one night a guy walks in and he tells me he needed to talk to Det. Briscoe. I told this guy that we do not have a Det. Briscoe. The bad guy told me several more times he needed Det.Briscoe. One again I told him we do not have a Det. Briscoe.
The bad guy then went on to describe the Det.and right away I knew whom he was talking about. (No one could wear the vice look like you) Beside Dressel sounds like Briscoe anyway. Well Keith I think I called you Briscoe so much sometimes I forgot your real last name. However who could forget you. I saw you a few days before you passed. I was driving the Police car to the stagging area so that I could end my tour of duty. As I was driving up I noticed this guy leaning on the Police Cars. I said to myself who in the he$$ is this leaning on our Police cars. As I exited my car it was you BRISCOE (No one could wear the vice look like you). I said what up BRISCOE? You said nothing TC just waiting to be picked up to start my shift. I said BRISCOE take care. These were the last words that we said to each other.It has been said that We do not know the day, time or hour. I found this to be true.
Danielle and the entire Dressel Family my heart goes out to you for your loss. May God bless you and your entire Family
BRISCOE REST IN PEACE

Sgt. T.E. Campbell (TC)
Toledo Police Dept.

February 24, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dressel family and the entire Toledo Police Department.

Detective Sgt. James Mathias and family
Findlay P.D.

February 24, 2007

KEITH, YOU ARE A BROTHER IN ARMS, A FRIEND TO SOME, AND A HERO TO ALL. YOU WILL BE SORELY MISSED, BUT KNOW THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO OUR JOB AS YOU HAVE AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET THIS SAD TIME. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND WE WILL MAKE SURE AS YOUR BROTHERS YOUR FAMILY WILL BE PROTECTED AND CARED FOR.

LUCAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FIELD OPERATIONS

February 24, 2007

KEITH, WE HAVE ALL SERVED OUR TIME IN HELL, TAKING THE CALLS THAT LEAVE YOU SCRATCHING YOUR HEAD IN DISBELIEF, SEEING THE WORST IN PEOPLE AND THE BEST IN PEOPLE. YOU HAVE DONE YOUR JOB WELL AND LAYED YOUR LIFE DOWN AS A HERO TO ALL. WE WILL CONTINUE OUR JOBS AS YOU HAVE DONE AND WHEN IT IS MY TURN TO JOIN YOU IN HEAVEN I WILL GLADLY PATROL THE STREETS AS YOUR PARTNER. WHEN YOU START YOUR SHIFT TELL CINCINNATI POLICE OFFICER WILLIAM LOFTIN I AM STILL PATROLLING WITH HIS MEMORY AS A HERO JUST LIKE YOU ARE NOW.

SGT. EPHRON LINZY
LUCAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

February 24, 2007