Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Justin,

The last thing I think of when I go to sleep at night, and the first thing that comes to my mind when I wake up is you, Amanda and Kyle. My heart truly aches at the loss of you. You were a wonderful man. You were the most honest, genuine and dedicated person I have ever met. I will always treasure the times we all spent together. I wish Jake, Dylan and Ashley had gotten the chance to know you better. You were the perfect role model and I can only hope that they can become half of the person that you were. You were, and still are, truly an inspiration. I hope that you are looking down on the entire CCWEP, knowing what you meant to all of them and their wives (me, of course, included). We all weep at the loss of a true hero. Amanda, Greg and your parents are amazingly strong. I guess when it is said that "God only gives us what we can handle" is true. Matt and I, as well as all your CCWEP co-workers will be there to make sure they are okay.

Rest in peace Justin. We love you and you will truly be missed!

Jamie Taylor Nelson
Wife of Matt Nelson
Biologist for Mad Island WMA
TPWD, Region IV, CCWEP

CCWEP Wife & Friend
Friend & Wife of Matt Nelson, TPWD, CCWEP, Region IV

March 24, 2007

District 1 misses you. I know you are looking down from heaven watching us.

To the Hurst's Family: Continue to look to God for all of your strength. If you need anything I am only two counties away.

M.Chambers
Tpwd-Game Warden

March 24, 2007

My prayers go out to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Earden Hurst. Today, we lost another officer in our law enforcement family. I empathize because I am a fellow law enforcement officer and my grandfather was murdered in the line of duty. While our soldiers fight the wars overseas, we fight the never-ending war here on our homeland against crime. May God watch over us and bless officer. You served well…we will continue the fight.

Grandson of Tommy Fox
Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, SC
EOW: 08/22/1970

MPO. Jeremy Benjamin
Easley Police Department, SC

March 24, 2007

thank you for your services.god bless and r.i.p.

deputy
fairfield county s-o lancaster,ohio

March 24, 2007

Warden Hurst may you rest in peace brother. You have given the ulitmate sacrafice you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers

Deputy Sheriff Jason Schneider
Lucas County Sheriffs Office Toledo Ohio

March 24, 2007

Justin,

It has been a week now since you were taken from us. I miss hearing you on the radio and having you help me look for the elusive underage pasture party or me helping you look for night hunters in Wharton County. I will tell you that your wife, Amanda, is one STRONG lady. I sat down at the office Tuesday and wrote a letter to her and your son Kyle. I told Kyle that you were so proud of him and that you loved him and his mother very much. I also told him that his dad was an outstanding law enforcement officer and that you possessed all the traits, you were kind, gentle, courteous and professional. I told him that you had integrity, courage and honor and that you were the model that all men should be.

Justin, it was an honor and privilege to not only work with you but to also be able to say I was your friend. You will be missed but not forgotten.

Darryl Darnell, Agent V - Enforcement
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission - Wharton Outpost

March 24, 2007

Justin...Thank you for your service to the State of Texas. You will be missed and you will not be forgotten in Wharton County.

Amanda...Although I do not know you, I am amazed at your strength during this time. I was moved and encouraged by your comments at the funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kyle, and your family. Justin could not have been the person he was without someone like you supporting him. Thank you for that.

Sgt. Justin Moran
Wharton Police Department

March 23, 2007

Justin Hurst Likely Saved Lives of His Fellow Officers


Late Friday night, March 16, 2007...

A Texas Game Warden is staking out an area where there have been many reports of poaching.

He hears rifle shots, and speeds toward the area where he sees a man jump into his truck and then speeds off.

The warden starts the chase and then calls for back up.

Fellow Game Warden Justin Hurst responds and joins the chase which lasts nearly an hour down back roads at speeds up to 100 mph.

Sheriff's Deputies and State Troopers monitoring the radio traffic join the chance and a nail strip is placed up ahead near the town of Lissie.

The fugitive, James Freeman, drives over the nail strip and loses control of his truck long enough for officers to catch up and cut him off.

Unbeknownst to the officers, James Freeman is a long time wildlife poacher who, when a neighbor told him he should stop his outlaw activities, said if it came to a fight with a game warden, he would “take the officer with him”.

Freeman rolled out of his truck with his handgun blazing and then switched to an assault-type rifle.

One Sheriff’s Department car was riddled with 11 bullet holes, while a Department of Public Safety cruiser was hit 6 times and other cars were hit as well blowing out windows and forcing officers to seek cover.

Seeing his fellow officers pinned down by heavy gunfire, Justin Hurst left his pickup and maneuvered to out flank the shooter.

Freeman turned and opened up on the game warden with rifle fire while Hurst managed to shoot underneath the poacher’s truck hitting Freeman in the ankle.

That allowed the other officers to move out of a defensive posture and to move in and overwhelm the suspect.

Just Past Midnight, Saturday, March 17, 2007...

Justin Hurst turned 34 years old at Midnight.

Later in the day there would have been a birthday party for him. But now his wife Amanda, and his four month old son, Kyle Hunter are sleeping obvious to what has happened.

Justin Hurst lays mortally wounded.

One of the officers, who previously had been a paramedic, starts CPR and an IV. Life Flight is called in, but it is too late.

Law enforcement officers involved in the firefight agree that Game Warden Justin Hurst’s actions likely saved the lives of his fellow officers.

Ralph Robbins
AvianQuest Ecosystems

March 23, 2007

Justin Hurst Likely Saved Lives of His Fellow Officers


Late Friday night, March 16, 2007...

A Texas Game Warden is staking out an area where there have been many reports of poaching.

He hears rifle shots, and speeds toward the area where he sees a man jump into his truck and then speeds off.

The warden starts the chase and then calls for back up.

Fellow Game Warden Justin Hurst responds and joins the chase which lasts nearly an hour down back roads at speeds up to 100 mph.

Sheriff's Deputies and State Troopers monitoring the radio traffic join the chance and a nail strip is placed up ahead near the town of Lissie.

The fugitive, James Freeman, drives over the nail strip and loses control of his truck long enough for officers to catch up and cut him off.

Unbeknownst to the officers, James Freeman is a long time wildlife poacher who, when a neighbor told him he should stop his outlaw activities, said if it came to a fight with a game warden, he would “take the officer with him”.

Freeman rolled out of his truck with his handgun blazing and then switched to an assault-type rifle.

One Sheriff’s Department car was riddled with 11 bullet holes, while a Department of Public Safety cruiser was hit 6 times and other cars were hit as well blowing out windows and forcing officers to seek cover.

Seeing his fellow officers pinned down by heavy gunfire, Justin Hurst left his pickup and maneuvered to out flank the shooter.

Freeman turned and opened up on the game warden with rifle fire while Hurst managed to shoot underneath the poacher’s truck hitting Freeman in the ankle.

That allowed the other officers to move out of a defensive posture and to move in and overwhelm the suspect.

Just Past Midnight, Saturday, March 17, 2007...

Justin Hurst turned 34 years old at Midnight.

Later in the day there would have been a birthday party for him. But now his wife Amanda, and his four month old son, Kyle Hunter are sleeping oblivious to what has happened.

Justin Hurst lays mortally wounded.

One of the officers, who previously had been a paramedic, starts CPR and an IV. Life Flight is called in, but it is too late.

Law enforcement officers involved in the firefight agree that Game Warden Justin Hurst’s actions likely saved the lives of his fellow officers.

Ralph Robbins
AvianQuest Ecosystems

March 23, 2007

God Bless you and may he keep a watchful eye over your family.. Rest in peace brother.

Ofcr Donna Eldridge #2363
Fort Worth PD

March 23, 2007

God bless you and your sweet little family. Our hearts break for such a tragedy. It is my prayer that justice will be done for you. Thank you for your dedicated service. May you rest in peace.

HPD Wife
Houston Police Dept

March 23, 2007

Thany you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

March 23, 2007

May you rest in peace...

East Texas Sheriffs Office

March 23, 2007

God bless the blue angels.
Those willing to go, everyday into the valley of the shadow.
and those who now find peaceful shelter on the other side.
You are forever in our hearts and prayers.

dolly
emt

March 23, 2007

Thanks for the time you spent in Wharton County, however it was not long enough. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and everyone that was close to you. I will do my best to keep your memory alive. Rest in peace Justin.

Deputy Constable Jimmy Gardner
Wharton Co. Constable, Pct. 4

March 22, 2007

Brother rest in peace...

PTL/SRO/GC
Sister

March 22, 2007

To Justin-- Goodbye Sweet Boy!! You will always be in my heart. I treasure the times we had together and I will never forget you.

To Amanda-- Girl, you are one of the strongest woman I have ever met, and I know how much Justin loved you. I also know how extremely proud he was of you. After hearing you at the service yesterday I know why. Hang in there girl.

To Kyle-- Your daddy was a hero and a great guy who loved the outdoors and cared about people and the wildlife. Your mother is a strong,caring and giving lady who also loves the outdoors. With all the fine qualities from your parents, I know you will grow up to be a fine man just like you daddy.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hurst-- You two are awesome parents to have raised a son like Justin. He was an outstanding human being and he will be truly missed by everyone that knew him.

Justin, all of your friends and co-workers at Central Coast Wetland Ecosystem Project (Peach Point WMA) will never forget you. Your family will always be in our prayers, and I know the guys can't wait for Kyle to get big enough to go hunting or fishing with them.

Love you Sweet boy!
Pam
Wildlife Region IV

Pam Yeamans
Friend and Co-Worker

March 22, 2007

May God bring peace to the family of this fine man and officer

Deputy Ronny Snow
Henderson County TX Sheriffs Dept

March 22, 2007

Amanda you have been very strong through this and I feel comforted that you and Justin had so many wonderful friends. Remember your strength comes from God(prayers), family and friends. I know you will keep Justin's memory alive and Kyle will grow up knowing his dad. I found this quote from one of the many books I have read and wanted to share this with you.

You will never again be the person you once were. You will have lost, but in addition to the losing-because of the losing-you will have gained. You will be yourself,and you will be more than yourself. Something new will have happened. Somwthing original willhave come to life. Something unexpected will have been born.

I found this comforting. You and Kyle are in my prayers. Keep God close! I Love You!

Elena Wagstaff-Kelley
Game Warden Wesley W. Wagstaff
EOW 8-5-03

March 22, 2007

The courage of Warden Justin Hurst provides comfort and solace
to all in Law Enforcement knowing that the phrase "above and
beyond the call of duty" is what our Texas Game Wardens are all about.
Bill Stannard
Chief of Police

Chief Bill Stannard
Balcones Heights Police Department

March 22, 2007

Rest in peace my brother Game Warden. I will carry on our commitment to protect the natural resources and the citizens of our great state.

Game Warden Ray Spears
TPWD Region 1/District 3

March 22, 2007

RIP

anonymous
anonymous

March 22, 2007

Officer Hurst,

While we didn't know you personally, you're courage and honor touches us deeply. You will forever live in our minds. We dedicate our careers and our service to your memory. We'll cover it from here...

-77th New Mexico Game Warden Class

NMDGF Warden Trainee Class
New Mexico Department of Game & Fish

March 22, 2007

Thank you for your service. May God bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

March 22, 2007

You are not a hero because you died you ARE a HERO because of how you LIVED.

These words are on the wall in Washington D.C. YOU TRULY ARE A HERO MY BROTHER. REST IN PEACE WE'LL TAKE IT FROM HERE.

Survivor: Thomas Allen Hodges, Jr. EOW 04-01-1976

Detective Christopher Hodges
Miami-Dade Police Department

March 22, 2007