Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Kristina,

My car partner knew you and trained with you. He said you were instrumanetal in instituing the K-9 for the US Forest Service. You even trained with him.

We may have bumped into each other at some time but I never knew you. I thinkI would have been enrichened even more tohave met you.

God Speed and God Bless.

JR

October 3, 2008

I met Kris while I was working on the Soleduck Ranger District during the Fall of 1987. She was a seasonal ranger with the National Park Service and impressed me with her extreme professionalism in the law enforcement community. May God bless her family and friends during this time of sadness.

Deputy Chief, Fire Management- Bob Eaton
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Southeast Region

October 2, 2008

Kris,
I didn't know you. But you and your family have been on my heart ever since I heard the news of the trajedy on the day of its occurence. You would have been someone I would have loved to have met. And I appreciate your looking out for the security and our safety when we visited the Olympics.
Your family is in my prayers. God will watch over and take good care of them. Your duty and journey here is over. Rest in peace in the arms of our loving Lord. Your race is over and you have earned rest. You will be missed but those that knew you are stronger for it. God Bless your family and your memory.
Radar will miss you also but he will be well taken care of.
With love
B. Brewer - Olympic Peninsula resident and Olymnpic National Forest visitor.

B. Brewer
Olympic Peninsula resident and Olympic National Park visitor

October 1, 2008

I worked with Kris for seven years on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Together we chased, investigated, and apprehended all types of crimes pertaining to the Olympic and surrounding National Forests. Kris was an incredible woman, friend, and officer. She was the best K9 Officer that I have ever worked with. I will always remember her and the effects she had on my life and my career. Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed, but not forgotten...

Officer Jason Haberberger
US Forest Service

October 1, 2008

Kris lived her beliefs. We lost a beloved co-worker, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, community member, animal lover, teacher, handler and protector of many. Though she is greatly missed, we know Kris is with the God she loved having left a wonderful legacy of service to others. She will not be forgotten.

I'll miss hearing her squeaky voice, seeing her latest sweaters (and hair color), hearing another bizarre "bad guy" story and so many other things. We all were touched by her in different ways, but they were ALL good! Please comfort Brian, Whitney and those closest to her. Let us honor Kris by cherishing our memories of her and giving to others...

the other Chris
USDA Forest Service Law Enforcement

October 1, 2008

Hi Kris, I went to your memorial and it was beautiful. The funny stories and your compassion for your community and the land you protected was incredible. I'm going to find that huge cedar tree that they were talking about that you protected. I will leave my business card there for you with a prayer that you rest in peace sister. I met your k9 partner Radar. He misses you, but he will be loved and cared for, so don't you worry.
God Bless your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time.

Deputy Beth Lavin
King County Sheriff's Office

October 1, 2008

I DID NOT KNOW KRISTINE PERSONALLY. BUT I DO KNOW SHE WAS A HERO,FOR THE WORK SHE DID.MAY HER FAMILY HAVE COMFORT FROM GOD.

FIREMOM
FREIND

September 30, 2008

I never met Officer Fairbanks, but as someone who spends a week or so every year camping in an ONF campground (Klahowya, between Lake Crescent and Forks) I'm sure I've benefitted from her service as well as that of all other LEOs and rangers of the area. I just wanted to say 'thank you' to all for that service, with special thoughts for she who made the ultimate sacrifice. Best wishes to the Fairbanks family, friends and peers, and her partner Radar.

Neil
Olympic Peninsula & Olympic National Forest Visitor

September 30, 2008

RIP Kristine.

Q132
LEO

September 30, 2008

Our deepest,most heartfelt syphathies go to Brian and his dauhter..We have had several occasions to have contact with you folks and we know of no two officers as caring and compassionate.Our hearts will be heavy for many years to come because of your terrible loss..
Mack and Karen Pitts
Upper Sol Duc river
Sappho Wa.

Mack and Karen Pitts
Local citizens

September 30, 2008

Olympic
This Olympic place,
The gentle branches of eternal trees touch me and heal me.
The mountain breezes give me their energy and inflate my soul.
The powerful rivers and wondrous meadows instill in me a passion and excitement I cannot shake.
When I am in this place, I know no fear or anger.
My mind is set free from the puppet strings of society.
Here I can be a human being.
Here I am close to creation, my person is whole, complete.
Deep in these forests, I feel only goodness and am compelled to be good.
For myself, this place is Olympic.
~~Anonymous~~

May your spirit reside in the majesty of our Olympic Mountains Kristine.

Port Angeles resident

September 30, 2008

Kris,
I met you just once, but I have never forgotten your calm professionalism and the pride and commitment you seemed to feel in your work. I left our meeting thinking, now that is a happy woman. Thank you, Kris, for your example and your sacrifice.

West End resident

September 30, 2008

My deepest regards to all that have been exposed to the loss of Officer K. Fairbanks. An unexpected loss as this nature is devasting. I trust all when heal in due time.

To the dispatcher who worked this shift and responded too Officer Fairbanks radio transmission(s). My heart goes out to you. I truly hope you achieve a quick and solid recovery from the incident.

To all those who have had the opportunity to meet, know and share precious and difficult times with Officer Fairbanks, I wish you well in your recovery from such a deep loss.

Sincerely,
V

Anonymous

September 29, 2008

I have so many fond memories working as a seasonal Ranger at Olympic National Park in the 1990s. I was fortunate enough to have worked with both Kris and Brain. I remember Kris picking me up to assist with a stake out one night of the Forks USFS/NPS Offices during the Spotted Owl controversy. The recent burning of a entrance station and other vandalism put us all on edge but Kris was enthusiastic. Sitting up with her most of the night watching the building wasn't a chore but and educational and entertaining part of our job! "You think this car?" she'd say as an old beater pulled into the parking lot around 2 am. We'd watch as the couple talked then pulled out a minute later. False alarms like that kept our interest up but it was Kris who ran us through possibilities, how we would approach, where backup maybe coming from and what to watch for. As a seasonal without much experience under my belt Kris's confidence and professionalism made an impression. I have bounced around and find myself in a distant place but Kris will always bring back fond memories of a great person making a wonderful life for herself , her family, friends, and the place she called home!
My thoughts are with you always.

Dan Abbe; National Park Service Ranger
National Park Service; Yosemite National Park

September 29, 2008

I had the pleasure of working with Kris in Olympic NP during the summer of '88, where we also shared Park Service housing. Kris was one of those special people who although having entered into your life for a relatively short period of time, leave a life-long impression - for all the right reasons. Although having not spoken to Kris for what must be a decade and a half, I can still recall as though it were yesterday the good times we shared, both on and off the job. I've never been able to eat a watermelon since that summer, without remembering how Kris had me believing for a period of several weeks that the seeds would germinate in my stomach if swallowed. Oh how she laughed at my expense. You'll be missed by all who knew you Kris. God bless - Nemo me impune lacessit.

Anon.
Former co-worker

September 29, 2008

KRIS
though I never met you, you will forever be in my heart and your family in my prayers, you will forever be a hero that surved in the community that I grew up in and was proud to call home, becuase of people like you.
GOD SPEED and Rest in peace.

SHAWNA

September 29, 2008

May the Lord and St. Michael......Bless, Guard, Comfort, and Protect your family. I salute your service. May God Bless You.

Richard Morse
Former Law Enforcement Officer

September 29, 2008

I would like to wish the family well in this trying time. It will take a long time to get over such a senseless loss. I would hope too, that the dog who worked with her would be retired. He will have a hard time too dealing with her gone, and it isn't fair to put him through more handlers when he was used to her. He lost his partner as all of her comrades have.

Port Angeles Resident

September 29, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your friends, family members and K-9 partner, Radar, who must endure this tragic loss. I thank you for your dedication and service, Officer Fairbanks. Your brothers and sisters will now continue your watch and never forget your sacrifice...rest in peace.

FLETC Instructor
USFS

September 29, 2008

I first meet Kris when she was a teenager in high school. At the time, I was a student of her father's at Peninsula College. Kris was experiencing some difficulties with her high school math courses, and her father employed me to tutor her in math. At the time, I never would have guessed that my future and hers were destined to serve in the field of law enforcement.

It was 25 years later (1996) that our paths crossed again. Kris and her canine partner, Ruger, were part of the multi-agency law enforcement team addressing the protest response to an old growth timber harvest in the Rocky Brook region of Jefferson County. Kris and Ruger were instrumental in retrieving several protesters who had fled into the forest to avoid arrest after violating a closure zone. I was impressed and will never forget her enthusiastic and professional approach to her law enforcement responsibilities. It was an absolute honor to have had the opportunity to serve alongside Kris.

Kris,

You fought the good fight. Blessed are the peacekeepers, for they shall be called the children of God.(Matthew 5:9) Kris not only put her life in harms way, she surrendered her life for the safety of others. I do not know, nor would I question, why God called Kris home at this time, but I do believe she now stands eternally with God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Rest in peace my friend, and know that you touched so many people and your life on earth continues through your inspiration and memories.

Undersheriff Ken Sukert (Retired)
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

September 29, 2008

I first meet Kris when she was a teenager in high school. At the time, I was a student of her father's at Peninsula College. Kris was experiencing some difficulties with her high school math courses, and her father employed me to tutor her in math. At the time, I never would have guessed that my future and hers were destined to serve in the field of law enforcement.

It was 25 years later (1996) that our paths crossed again. Kris and her canine partner, Ruger, were part of the multi-agency law enforcement team addressing the protest response to an old growth timber harvest in the Rocky Brook region of Jefferson County. Kris and Ruger were instrumental in retrieving several protesters who had fled into the forest to avoid arrest after violating a closure zone. I was impressed and will never forget her enthusiastic and professional approach to her law enforcement responsibilities. It was an absolute honor to have had the opportunity to serve alongside Kris.

Kris,

You fought the good fight. Blessed are the peacekeepers, for they shall be called the children of God.(Matthew 5:9) Kris not only put her life in harms way, she surrendered her life for the safety of others. I do not know, nor would I question, why God called Kris home at this time, but I do believe she now stands eternally with God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Rest in peace my friend, and know that you touched so many people and your life on earth continues through your inspiration and memories.

Undersheriff Ken Sukert (Retired)
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

September 29, 2008

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS/CO-WORKERS..YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED..OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PRAYERS BE WITH YOU ALL

Emily Quilt
wife of QIN police officer/Ronald Quilt

September 29, 2008

We send our deepest sorrow for the loss of Kris Fairbanks. Our prayers are with Brian & Whitney during this time of grief. We hope knowing that so many cared will help you through this difficult time & we also want you to know that if you need anything we are here to help.
Take Care & God Bless!
The Hurley's

Jessi, Titus, & Steven Hurley
Forks Community Members

September 29, 2008

Chris was a special friend of mine in our early years of high school. We ran many miles for conditioning in track, spent many hours sharing our teen age lives full of laughter and fun. Chris will always hold a special place in my heart and I will never forget her. She was and will continue to be an inspiration to the many lives she touched in her short time on this earth.

Most sincerely,

Debbie Rubens Thomsen
Scottsdale, Arizona

Anonymous

September 29, 2008

Father,
you know our hearts and share our sorrows.
We are hurt by our parting from Kristine Fairbanks whom we loved:
when we are angry at the loss we have sustained,
when we long for words of comfort,
yet find them hard to hear,
turn our grief to truer living,
our affliction to firmer hope
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

I did not have to opportunity to meet her but my dad and my younger brother did when they were elk hunting and had nothing but kind words to say about her. My dad said that they must have talked for an hour or so. My families thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and co-workers. We are so sorry!

Christina Maher
Citizen of Quilcene, WA

September 29, 2008