Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Uncle Jimmy Merry Christmas. We love and miss you more than words could ever say. You will never be forgotten 177.

Melissa
Niece

December 24, 2010

Patrolman Kerstetter,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the U.S. Army as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

December 21, 2010

Merry Christmas Sponge,we all miss you so very much.There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you,Emily is allways talking about you also.Rest in peace brother.Say hello to Dyke for me and tell him Merry Christmas also.

R.Kois Former Patrolman
Lagrange PD

December 20, 2010

As you celebrate this, your first Thanksgiving without your loved one, please be aware that his service and sacrifice where not in vain. Though these words are small comfort on a day such as this, his brothers and sisters in law enforcement shall ensure that he and you are never forgotten! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones, may GOD bless you and keep you on this and every day!

Deportation Officer
ICE

November 25, 2010

Jim:
First and foremost, please know you and your family are continuously in my thoughts and prayers. It is true that so many of us who once served with you at the 523rd MP Co. are deeply saddened by your loss. You were an outstanding MP and obviously, an extraordinary Patrolman. Elyria was fortunate to have you on their watch 177. From someone afar, all I can say is "God Bless" the Elyria community for the phenomenal support shown/given to the Kerstetter family during this difficult time. And to the Kerstetter family and friends, may the love of those around you bring comfort to help you through the days ahead. Please know Jim was loved/admired and will be missed by all. He will definitely live in our hearts forever. God Bless.

Anonymous

November 4, 2010

Jimmy - It has been 7 months since you passed but it still feels like yesterday that I got a phone call telling me what had happened. You are so deeply missed down here! You would be proud how this community pulled together in the days/weeks/months after this incident. You would be proud of your little girls and how they spoke of you and you would be proud of your fellow officers and how they were able to pull together and maintain. Your untimely death is so very tragic but I am proud to see how this city banded together afterwards. I actually felt proud to say that I was an Elyrian! Sponge, you are missed everyday and I know you are still watching over us.
We love you - god bless you!

Anonymous

October 14, 2010

I miss you everyday Sponge.I will never forget you,you were the greatest person that I had ever met.Love you like a brother.

Anonymous

September 29, 2010

RIP Jim. I was a former MP with Jim at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. Members of the 523rd MP Company are deeply saddened by the loss of Jim who will forever be in our hearts and prayers.

Lt. Joe VanSeeters
Harford County Sheriff's Dept.

August 7, 2010

Jim and I were in the Army together at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. My thoughts are with the family and the Agency.

Lt. Jack Meckley
Harford County Sheriff's Office, Maryland

August 6, 2010

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Every time I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Patrolman Kerstetter. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. (The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for James, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember James' life and the MAN that he was. Remember that James' life was about so much more than the way he died. James will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Patrolman Kerstetter, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been seven years and a half years but he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

July 12, 2010

The Dail family of Ocala, Florida sends our deepest condolences to you and sincerest love. We are praying for you and grieving with you. May the LORD carry you and protect and provide for you. Trust Him, rest in Him.

The Dail family, Ocala, FL
in-laws Ofc. Tony Zeppetella eow:6/13/03

July 2, 2010

To the family and friends of Patrolman James Kerstetter and his fellow officers:

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when James tragically died.

To James' family, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in the Bay Area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service James gave to his community and the citizens of Ohio, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 15, 2010.

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

Phyllis Loya

May 18, 2010

To the family, friends, and co-workers of Patrolman Kerstetter,

Please accept the most heartfelt condolences from the men and women of the United States Border Patrol, Douglas, AZ station.

We will not forget Patrolman Kerstetter, and will continue in his stead, fighting evil for a better world. When one of us falls, all of us stumble, but we carry on in honor and memory of the fallen.

James, all is Code-4. Rest in peace, sir. We have it from here.

Douglas, AZ Station
United States Border Patrol

May 4, 2010

you are so deeply missed. elyria just isn't the same without you. every place i look its a reminder of you.

Anonymous

April 21, 2010

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Elyria Police Department. May peace be with you during this tragic time. We grieve with you and know that your hero will never be forgotten. To Officer Kerstetter's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

CSPD Wives Association
Colorado Springs, CO

April 6, 2010

Rest In Peace, Patrolman Kerstetter.

Lt T Carr
NYPD

April 5, 2010

Officer Jimmy...
U are greatly missed today!! I went to the mall, you weren't there...I stopped by Marc's and you were not there...It is so lonely without your smile or the sense of security that you made us feel in the community as we went on about our daily routines without even thinking about it...
What ever will we do without You??
Gone, but NEVER EVER forgotten for YOU gave the Greatest Sacrifice of All for US...
GOD Bless YOU as you walk Beside the Lord Now...Officer Jimmy....

Jaye Cleveland Ohio
Citizen

April 2, 2010

Jimmy, your sudden departure from our ranks will not soon leave us. You made an impact on all of us that will be felt for the rest of our lives. I don't think you ever met anyone that did not become your friend. I can't count how many times I've looked over the Officer Down pages and read the reflections but now it somehow has become more real. I guess more personal. Your funeral was a great tribute to you and I think the out pouring of support was overwhelming for your family as well as to the rest of us. The community and businesses continue to support you and your family through donations. You can be proud of your daughters and how they spoke of their love for you and your love for them. Our department will be here for your family. Rest in Peace.

EPD Officer
Co-worker

March 31, 2010

I send my sincerest condolences to the family friends and coworkers of this fine man. RIP brother. We'll take it from here. Job well done. Go with G-d.

Cpl. Tim Zuniga
UC Berkeley Police Department

March 31, 2010

Officer Kerstetter Thank you for you courage,service. My thoughts and prayers go out to your fellow officers and family. You will never be forgotten. I salute you as a hero. May you rest in peace.

Scott Y.

March 30, 2010

A great loss for your family and friends, but you leave them wonderful memories. Watch over your buddies as you "Walk Golden Streets with God".
I send your family prayers for strength and peace.

Jill Michalak

March 27, 2010

As an Elyrian, I Salute you as a HERO. Your dedication and selfless service to the City of Elyria will not go unnoticed. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you and the Kerstetter family since day one. My wife and I will continue to keep you and your family in our daily prayers.

Federal Air Marshal
U.S. Air Marshal Service

March 27, 2010

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over. God please watch over, and tend to the loved ones left behind.......

Sgt. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia CO Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.

March 26, 2010

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Patrolman James Kerstetter,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Patrolman James. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Patrolman James Kerstetter is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous

March 25, 2010

Rest in Peace.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department

March 25, 2010