Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Warden Hurst. May God bless and defend your wife and daughter.

CAPTAIN ROBERT HIRSCHBOECK, Retired
U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, Div. of Refuge LE

May 25, 2024

I hope there is a special place in heaven for people like Justin. I just heard about this from a friend, retired Trooper who was there.

Cliff Davis
Friend of DPS

October 2, 2022

Never met Warden Hurst, but there is just something profoundly sad about loosing ones life for something so silly. That killer may have what? Received a ticket? But no, instead he chose to take another mans life. I pray for the comfort of this wardens family. So senseless.

Patrol Officer
Terrell Hills Police Department

December 15, 2021

Working in incident command and logistics during major emergencies in Wharton County, I had the privilege of having Justin on our rescue team. First to volunteer and last to stand down, and not many words in between, Justin was a true hero and savior, we should all use his life as an example to live our one!

Harry Priesmeyer EMC
Wharton County/City Emergency Management

March 18, 2021

Rest In Peace Hero.

Lt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage Police Department AK

January 5, 2021

This has to stop. Prayers for his family and for his friends

Maria
Facebook

March 18, 2018

Being a Retired 35+ year Natural Resources Police Office it seems like every time an Officer is lost I lose a piece of myself. Someone that hasn't walked the walk doesn't understand. God Bless his family.

Retired Sgt. Stephen D. Rexrode
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Section.

March 17, 2018

It is so hard to believe it was 11 years ago this evening that you were gunned down following a car chase. The years have made each day’s passing a little more bearable . However, there is nothing that will change the hole that remains in my heart from your passing. Dearest son, you are missed so much. Help God with all his ducks and geese up in heaven!

Pat Hurst
Mom

March 16, 2018

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

March 17, 2017

Just an update. The man James Freeman, the man who murdered the Warden, was executed this Wednesday 1/27/2016 at the Walls Unit in Huntsville Texas.

Emergency Medical Responder Jordan Bucha
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

January 29, 2016

Never met you Justin. RIP and keep shining for your Wife and Son.

MMyers
TPWD

January 28, 2016

I just had to search the picture of the hero rather than the information presented by the media today. I pray that God will continue to bless Amanda, Kyle, and all those who grieve this tragedy. We honor you Justin, and the sacrifice you made, by the way we live with exactness the rules and laws that you stood for.

John Frank
Silent Majority

January 28, 2016

Justin, I never knew you, but I wish I had. I joined the TPWD family rather recently and I've heard much about you. Today, the day of your killers death, you are remembered and honored. You are loved. Please rest in peace brother.

L.R.
TPWD Family

January 28, 2016

I'm reminded of Justin today because the person who murdered him paid for his crime and was just executed.

I knew Justin from doing work animal on his parent's place. I knew then that Justin's dream was to become a game warden. Justin also took a course with me working with wildlife at Texas A&M University and I got to know him better. He was such a kind, gentle, respectful and smart young man with a stellar work ethic. His parents should be proud to have raised such an wonderful son. I know their loss is beyond words and that they'll miss him forever. He leaves behind a legacy for which they should be proud.

Alice Blue-McLendon, DVM
Texas A&M University

January 28, 2016

Justin,

Your killer was executed in Huntsville, TX at 6pm today. He now will face final and eternal judgment by the Lord thy God.

Ret. Lt. Darryl Darnell
TX Alcoholic Beverage Commission - Wharton, Texas

January 28, 2016

How terribly sad for both young men. What would Justin want for his killer? No one probably knows. What a waste of youth. One leaves a lifetime legacy that would make any family proud. One leaves a life of shame for a few hours of pure stupidity. As a mother who knew neither, I want to cry for both.

Sally M. Bates
none

January 27, 2016

Justin
Soon your killer will face execution...none too soon. My father was a Texas Game Warden and I always feared that this would happen to him. Both of you are gone now, but both of you are in my prayers

A Texas Game Wardens Son
TPWD Family

November 17, 2015

best guy to work with. loving family,I was glad to be apart of the wharton community when i was working for wharton county sheriffs office.

Civil Deputy Paul Resendez
Fort bend county counstables office pct 4

September 3, 2015

I used to work as a hunting guide in Wharton County and knew Justin that way. He was such an awesome person and game warden. When he would check us, he would always make us smile, share stories with us, and, if birds were coming, he would lie down in the spread with us so as not to disturb the hunt. I remember him as a person who was genuinely interested in others and did his job with a supreme level of dignity, honor, and respect. Warm blessings to family and friends as the spirit of such a fine human being continues to live on in our hearts.

Chris Lively

March 17, 2015

Happy birthday JP

Anonymous

March 17, 2015

MY REFLECTION: Years ago, I watched Justin walk up to my clinic and my son, Chancellor, was just a baby, was outside with one of my assistants because he was crying. Justin was smiling, and he cradled my son, I was amazed. I was proud. Of Justin. Justin and I talked about the birds and how to spot them, what species, and long range rifle shooting, which we planned to meet at the rifle range one day to shoot. That day never came. I have the .410 lever action that was in one of Justin's raffles, I bought it off the top so I could have it for my son in Justin's rememberance. The hammer has bloodied my son's eye twice now, and every time we get that gun out I tell my boys about Game Warden Justin Hurst, "one of daddy's favorite patients" I remind my boys that they may very well be a game warden one day. Anytime I explain something about what is right and wrong n the country, I think "what would Justin say or do" . I really do, because I know that he was a straight shooter. Whenever I see a single black-bellied whistler, I can't help but think of old Justin, and his family. Well, I wish Justin was here, to help us all still, but his loss has made us all stronger, more loveable, and respectful of life, thanks to God, Jesus, our Savior. I am very proud when I tell folks, "yep, Justin is the first Game Warden Chancellor ever met". Heck, Chancellor was nothing but about a year old. Now he's seven about to be eight. As for me and my three sons, we won't forget Justin. May God continue to provide blessings to his family and friends.

Dr. Ross Wyatt Anderson DDS FAGD

May 20, 2014

Never knew you but thank you for your service. I am glad the man was sentenced to death.

DB
Florida Fish and Wildlife

April 2, 2014

Justin was not just a great Warden, Conservationalist, Friend, Husband, Father, Son but a great man who is missed by many. Thank you for all you did for everyone you touched. Happy Birthday and may your star always shine brightly upon us.

Connie Herman
Friend

March 17, 2014

Heroes live forever, Game Warden Hurst, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

March 17, 2013

I did not work for WCSO when you were taken six years ago, but your legacy lives on at the agency, and in the hearts of your fellow officers. I have learned what an outstanding man you are, and am here tonight to let you know that you are never forgotten.

911 Dispatcher
Wharton County Sheriff Office

March 16, 2013