Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Tomorrow is your son's 3rd birthday!! He's quite a handsome fellow, and absolutely loves the outdoors! We did the annual Hunts for Heroes last weekend- and we all reminisced about the first one when I was 1 week away from my due date, and we all spent the weekend with our wounded veterans. Gosh, you are missed so much. I got out of the truck the other night and heard some wigeon fly over. It totally made me laugh, thinking you were looking for me at the store! I will always wonder what life would've been like, and how much you would enjoy Kyle now! I love you always...

Amanda Hurst, widow

November 20, 2009

Every time the 17th roles around, it catches me by surprise and takes my breath away. There are so many daily reminders that make me think of you and all the good times we had. The noisy geese flying south away from the snow and headed to Texas. The owl that watches me on my night time walks with Tess. The snake that decided to make my window well his home. The kids laughing and playing without worry. I miss you brother.

Greg Hurst
Brother

November 17, 2009

Wow Justin! You would be so proud of her and the accomplishments she has made! She went down to Laredo to watch Rick Perry sign the bill for Healthcare Survivors! Kyle is a good looking boy and she is doing a great job bringing him up in this world! We were in the pool about a month ago and I asked her "I wonder what Justin would be doing with Kyle right now?" She said "I think about that all the time." We miss you!!

Amy Cruson
Sister Inlaw

October 4, 2009

Check out Sept 09 Outdoor Life Magazine --Justin Hurst article.
Howdy Amanda, Kyle hope all is well

Ray Canales
Game Warden

August 24, 2009

I think about Justin every day, and I hope and pray I never have a day that I don't remember him and his legacy.

Bill Magee, Game Warden Captain, Retired
Tx. Parks and Wildlife

July 1, 2009

I miss you. I miss me- the person I was with you. Two years and two months later and everything is finally over. Now what? No more memorials, speaking engagements, no more legislative session... everything has ended. And I don't know where to start. I have been spending a lot more time with Kyle. He is so yummy, and looks more and more like you all the time. He is also a stinker at 2 1/2. I want to move forward like you told me to, but I'm having a difficult time letting go of the forever we were supposed to spend together. I have learned a lot since you've been gone, and I have hurt a lot. It frustrates me that others can't learn thru my loss and treasure their loved ones. People find pity in themselves instead of treasuring the life that has been laid in front of them. Life is a tangled mess for me right now, but I'm sure God will show me the way. "I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me." I just hope that strength comes soon! I promise to raise Kyle to be the best man he can be- with honor, humbleness, and dignity- the same way his daddy was. I miss you!

Amanda Hurst
widow

June 15, 2009

Hey bud, I know we havent talked this way before, and its normally when Im riding in the truck, working at night or need some advise. I come here often to read all the reflections, but have never been able to write anything. I got to use the excuse that trial wasnt over yet and I wasnt allowed to, but I cant use that anymore. I guess I never knew what to say.
Its hard to believe that its been over two years since we went out that night. I would give anything to get it back, and I know I cant, but its hard to not play the what if game.
I try to check in on Amanda and Kyle and your parents, to see how they are doing, I dont do it near as much as I should. I guess Im scared that I might be to much of a reminder of what happened. I know that they would disagree with me, but you know how I can get. Your boy is so cute, which is hard for me to say since he looks just like you. Everytime I see him it looks like he has grown over a foot.

Chris is doing great, he works almost as much as you did. He has been a great partner and Im lucky to have gotten him. It is very obvious that he rode with you before he got into the academy, you left a lasting impression on him. I hope one day I get back to normal and can be a better partner for him, I think sometimes he thinks he is the only one stationed here and I cant blame him. Well, I better let you go, going to go jump on the river while we still have some water in it.

Justin, thank you for saving my life, and giving me a second chance on this roller coaster we call life! I miss you so much. I will never forget you!! Talk to you soon.

Your Partner

April 23, 2009

Happy Easter Justin. Thinking of you.

Jamie and Matt

Jamie Nelson
Friend

April 12, 2009

I was in the office today and the many photo's of you from the biologist memory board stared back at me. Matt was at the Hurst this week, doing vegetation transects. It seems so strange to call it that. It is little things like that that make me think of you often and of course Amanda and Kyle. I try to check on them as often as I can, try to be a good friend to Amanda, be there for her if she needs me. She is such an amazing woman and mother. I know you are proud of her. Kyle is beautiful and precious. Amanda will always have you with her...he is a spitting image. We miss you Justin! Amanda, Kyle, we are always here for you! Jamie (and Matt)

Jamie Taylor Nelson
Friend

April 9, 2009

Justin,
We saw it! I can't imagine, but I hear your urging to plan for it! It doesn't make it easier.....but know you are thought of often (like every traffic stop) by people you never met!
Your family is in our prayers as well. Your sacrifice is their sacrifice as well! We never forget that!
Rest easy! Your murderers day will come......and he can never answer for this crime! And if there is any doubt, there is video!

Miller
CPPD

March 24, 2009

I told Kyle it was your birthday on Tuesday, and he sang happy birthday to daddy! I didn't even know he knew the words! Two years have passed, and I can still feel you and hear you, and see your little grin. I miss the life we had, and the life we'll never know. I heard someone say in church the other day that God still comes back to earth when something needs to change. If you could see how much has changed since you've been gone. I have met some truly amazing people. I know I've changed. I never knew how strong I could be, or how weak and hurt. Still seems like yesterday. I take one step forward and 2 back. But at least I'm moving! I love you always.

Amanda Hurst
widow

March 19, 2009

Happy Birthday!! We miss you.
Kevin and Laci Kriegel

Anonymous

March 17, 2009

To Warden Hurst, his wife Amanda and son Kyle, and his other loved ones:

It has been 2 years since your tragic death. Please know that your memory is honored and revered today.
My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

From reading the reflections about you, it is obvious you were well-loved and well-respected. This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Justin. I am humbled by your valor and your dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Justin gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 17, 2007.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 17, 2009

Happy Birthday Justin!

It's 9:12 am and since you are a morning person I'm sure you've been up since at least 4:00 am. We think about you often and have your picture up in the office - it's one of you on a boat surrounded by crab traps during a crab trap clean-up; you have that little smirk on your face. Customers come in the office, see the picture and say what a great person you were and that you touched so many lives - many then go on to comment on how strong and amazing Amanda and your parents are. Of course we agree! You are around us everywhere and in our thoughts and prayers.

P.S. I still have the Easter Duck you gave me sitting on my shelf in the office.

Miss you.

Rachael Harryman
TPWD

March 17, 2009

Thinking of you on this 2nd anniversary of your sacrifice. Keep watch over the rest of us as we protect our nations natural resources. Rest in peace brother.

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden

March 17, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 17, 2009

I was not aware of this crime until I received jury duty.
But my luck I was picked and pride to do my part. You have a very STRONG and BRAVE wife and family.. they were so supportive to each other. This was a sinceless crime for both parties. You will be in my heart and prayers forever!!!!You also have some wnderful friends. I know it's been 2 yrs. and I feel very HORONRED to have heard and know about you..
God Bless all OFFICERS that protect us in one way or another.
Rest In Peace....

Anonymous

March 16, 2009

RIP.You will always be remembered by those that knew and loved you.You left a legacy behind and alot of good memories.

Anonymous

March 6, 2009

Well justin its been nearly 2 years. Amanda and Kyle are doing good.Kyle still looks at the picture of us in Rockport and some of the other pictures he looks so puzzled when he looks at it.He still looks so much like you.Amanda has taken on a big responsibility not just trying to be mom and dad but trying to get this bill passed for the survivors.She has really been strong.jeanie

jeanie wilcox
mother-in-law

March 6, 2009

What a traget and senceless death. My best wishes to the family.

Herbert Nixon
Citizen

February 28, 2009

We have started making some grounds with our healthcare issues! Yesterday, we were issued our bill numbers:
The Senate Bill is SB 872 by Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. (D-Brownsville)

The House Bill is HB 1303 by Rep. Jose Menendez (D-San Antonio)

I know you can't believe I'm involved in something political, but something had to be done! I promise to make you proud, and to fight tough and honorably- just as you did!

Kyle has been a little stinker! He is so amazing, and so cute, but he knows how to push Mommy's buttons. And cute! He is darling! You would be so proud! I will update on the bills as I learn this process! Kyle and I pray every night and send you kisses! He loves to hold my hands and close his eyes, and then he says "A-MEN!" What a little man! I miss you!

Amanda Hurst
widow

February 17, 2009

Amanda , I am a wife ,mother and a Deputy sheriff.! I didn't know your husband , but I think of him often . We all take the oath to do whatever it takes ! Justin is proof that we take the oath seriously !! I pray for you and kyle everyday .The day Justin passed all I could think about was you and Kyle. I can't imagine the pain you are feeling .It takes such a strong person to get through this . I pray that you find closure oneday and know that Justin passed with great Honor!! He is the Brave Hero !! Being a Deputy could take me from my family and it scares me to leave them with the pain that you feel ! I want you to know that we (police officers) think about when will it be our time to fall and we find piece with it !! I told my husband and my three kids since Justin passed that if I don't come home tonight know that I'm with God and will always be here for them in some way !!! Amanda , I know Justin is with you everywhere you go !! Justin passed in honor and know you live with that same Honor !! You are know the Brave Hero !! If you ever want to talk , please E-mail me anytime !!! Take of yourself and your beautiful little boy !! You will forever be in my prayers!!

Deputy Sheriiff
texas

January 6, 2009

We miss you terribly Justin.

Jamie Taylor Nelson
Friend

January 5, 2009

May God be with your family. May he watch over and protect them. God Bless.

Officer Mike Boaz
Paris Police Department

January 5, 2009

I did not know Game Warden Justin Hurst, but we all know that police officers are members of the greatest extended family in existence. I started my career years ago as a game warden, and I know fully the dangers of that side of the law enforcement profession. There are long hours, sometimes no backup, and your patrol area takes you off-road into vast wilderness areas. And usually, everyone you deal with is armed.
I recently became aware of the loss of Warden Hurst. The supervisor of the traffic section in my department sent me a link to Justin's in-dash camera footage. That video will now be used as an instructional tool so that other officers in my department might learn from this senseless tragedy.
Warden Hurst was a brave man who did not back away from his responsibility as a law enforcement officer, engaging that felon to the point where he lost his life. He truly is the embodiment of the oath of office we all take when we are first commissioned in the career field. I am saddened to learn of his passing, although this happened quite some time ago. The passage of time is immaterial when one speaks of the loss of a treasured life.
I hope that his family, friends and fellow officers can find solace in the fact that Justin continues to be an inspiration to others.

Major Charles F. Ruggiero Jr.
Aberdeen Proving Ground Police Dept, MD

December 29, 2008