Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Josh,

Wow it has been a long time. I do aploogize for not keeping in closer touch with you, as you are a good man, officer and friend. I only worked with for just a short time, but in that time we became friends and watched out for eachother. You are one of the best officer I knew. My heart and prayers go out to and your family. Rest in peace, you were loved and respected by many.

Deputy Gary Campbell
Lander County Sheriff's Office

August 28, 2011

To Officer Joshua Yazzie, his family and his fellow officers with the United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs - Division of Law Enforcement :

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Yazzie’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Yazzie and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

June 7, 2011

Officer Joshua Yazzie,
I just returned from Police Week in Washington DC. As part of the Police Unity Tour, each year we ride bicycles from Portsmouth VA to our nations capital to pay tribute to and honor the memories of fellow law enforcement officers, like yourself, that were taken from this earth in the performance of their duties. During the bike ride I wore a bracelet inscribed with your name and your information. I presented it to your wife at the Candlelight Vigil. There I met your son; your daughter was sleeping peacefully in her mommas arms. I also met your Mom and Dad and other family members. I was grateful to be able to shake their hands and express my condolences.
I have read all the reflections that your friends left on this forum. You were loved by many and obviously made a lasting impression on all who knew you. I dont know why you had to leave this earth at such a young age but I know you will be missed by many. Rest in Peace, my brother. Your son and daughter will know that their dad was a hero; not for the way he died but for the way he lived.
You will not be forgotten, Josh.

Tim Stellhorn

Federal Agent Tim Stellhorn
CBP Office of Air and Marine

May 20, 2011

Well brother, its been 11 months since you left us. Life's been hard, for all of us. Yesterday was Mother's day and it sure didn't fell like it. We didn't have kids running everywhere, and your family there. Had your memorial in Salt Lake last week, was simple amazing!! I knew you were there with us all. Jax and MaCee are getting big, I can see you in both of them. We all miss you, there are times when I pick my phone up to call you, or think you'll be home soon! Its just like your on vacation, a really long vacation. I know you wouldn't have left us unless you had too. I drive by where you wrecked every morning on my way to work, sometimes I can feel you there with me. If I could Josh, I would trade places with you in an instant. The day you left this world was by far the hardest day in my life. I continue to look for you driving by in your cop car, even waive a few times then I realize it ain't you when they don't waive back. Josh, you are missed and loved by some many people from different backgrounds!! You touched so many lives, and those people are grateful for having a Officer to look up too. We won't let your memory die, Ill carry you with me where ever I go. I love you my big brother. See you soon...

Camille Yazzie
Little Sister

May 9, 2011

To the Family of Officer Yazzie,
I am so sorry for the loss of Joshua. I learned of his accident tonight, when my husband returned home from his Police Unity Tour meeting. He showed me the bracelets he will be wearing engraved with Joshua's name when he rides his bicycle from NJ to Washington DC in a few weeks. He rides along with hundreds of other police officers in the memory of those who lost their lives this past year in the line of duty. After they arrive at the memorial, one of the bracelets is given to a family member or department member who is attending the services. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers as he prepares for his ride, and as I travel with our two children to Washington to pay our respects and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Lynne Clark
wife of Ret. Chief Joseph Clark, North Caldwell Police Dept, NJ

April 20, 2011

Officer Yazzie,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

March 15, 2011

MAY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO OFFICER YAZZIE FAMILY. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE TO PROTECT AND SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY.
I PRAY THAT THE FOUR WINDS GENTLY CARRY OFFICER YAZZIE ON HIS JOURNEY AND THAT GRANDFATHER GUIDE HIS WAY.

DISTRICT COMMANDER RET, BENNY JEANNOTTE
US BIA LAW ENFORCEMENT

March 8, 2011

To Family of Officer Joshua Yazzie:

I want to say that I only found out about Joshua's passing a few months ago.We were in the same class at FLETC. Josh always gave his best in whatever he did and was a help to others who needed it. I remember every Sunday,he was dressed for church in a suit and tie.He gave everything he had and even spoke to the class one time about doing your best and learning from mistakes.Wish I could've known him better but he was one of my fellow students who stood out.My heart goes out to you-He will be greatly missed.

Anonymous

January 21, 2011

MY PROTECTOR MY HERO MY BIG BROTHER

The day you left this world, was the hardest day of my life! The void that is left is sometimes unbearable. I know it was hard for you to go, but a higher power called your name and you had to go. I bet you had a great reunion with everyone that has gone before us. We have had faith that you are in a far better place than we can imagine. I sometimes sit and wait for you to pull in the drive way, or to call me in the middle of the night to ask what I was doing or what new tattoo we were going to get. I will cherish those little moment. Thanks for checking in on mom and dad, it has given them faith and strength to face tomorrow. Keep watching over Jax & Big Mac, they know when you’re around. Everyday is one more day closer to the day I see you again. You are missed everyday in everyway by everyone. You are a great role model, not only for your children but for the whole community. You wouldn’t imagine all the support we have received from all across the country. It’s simply AMAZING!! Josh, my big brother, you did your duty now is your time to rest. Don’t worry about Jax & Big Mac, you know Aunt Mill will take care of them. I miss you everyday! Look in on us from time to time.

Love your little sister...
SHAG

"Perhaps they are not stars, but openings in the Heaven Where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." - Author Unknown

Camille Yazzie aka SHAG
LITTLE SISTER

September 15, 2010

If tears could build a stairway,
And memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to Heaven
And bring you home again.
~Author Unknown~
You are in a better place, but things are not the same without you. No more late night calls,quizzes on where to buy new cars, trips to Olive Garden, and so much more. We are so proud of who you became in your life and all you did. You did everything you could to help others and gave and taught so many people so much. I learned so much from you and looked up to you as a brother.
The memories we have, we will cherish until the time when we can all make new again.
Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again!
~Author Unknown

Stacie & Vince Gillespie
Cousins

September 9, 2010

To those of you who don't know this young man, he was one of a kind! He was a close friend of mine, and he will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Our dear friend, Joshua Yazzie paid the ultimate sacrifice on June 7, 2010 in Fort Duchesne, Utah.

I personally knewn Josh, and watched him grow as a man and as a law enforcement officer. We lost a great friend and a huge asset to our community when he passed away. Josh was the type of person and officer you wished filled your whole department. He had the ability to ease the tension between other officer's and the public when things were going south. The children here loved Josh and would flock to his patrol unit when he was in the neighborhood, or at events held in our community. He was a respected father, husband, son, brother, friend, and fellow officer.

He never judged anyone, nor did he treat people with disrespect or ignorance. He never stopped giving, and he was always the first person to lend a helping hand. In our area, there are not many people to look up to or admire, but Josh was definately a role model for all who knew him.

My dear friend, the sacrifice you made for us and our community will never be forgotten. You are deeply missed everyday and I thank God, I had the opportunity to have you in my life. You helped me so much when times were tough and I will never forget what you have done for me and my family! May God bless you and take care of your family, always!

Erik LaRose
Friend

September 8, 2010

As we watched you grow from a scrawny little kid to the fine young man you became little did we know what an impact you would have on our family and the community you chose to serve and protect. You are our hero! We will never forget you! You served well! So long, until we meet again. Rest in peace, Officer Josh Yazzie.

Auntie Pearl & Uncle Chuck
Aunt & Uncle

August 28, 2010

To the family and friends of Officer Joshua Yazzie and his fellow officers:

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

To Officer Yazzie's 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 Joshua gave to his community and all the citizens of our country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on June 7, 2010.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 24, 2010

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Police Officer Joshua Yazzie,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Police Officer Joshua Yazzie. 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. Police Officer Joshua Yazzie 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

July 22, 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

Thank you Officer Yazzie for your service. You are remembered.

Jennifer Mayo
Sister of fallen Deputy Hilery Mayo Jr. EOW 6/9/07

June 25, 2010

I had the honor of meeting Josh on our first day at FLETC. He was one of the first people to talk to me and actually made a joke about how short I was standing next to him. He was a good, caring person and always had a way to brighten your day. Always joking, laughing, and sporting a huge grin. You may be gone, but never forgotten! I will always have fond memories of you!

To Josh's family and friends-
You have my prayers, may he be on eagle's wings today!

Misty Keller
MT DPS

June 21, 2010

Yazzie,

I met you at FLETC (BPOTP 112)... we became quick friends. You were always so funny and cracking jokes. I vividly remember your laugh & smile... it always seemed to light up a room. You were always a great listener and heard my struggles come from being far away from my family and you were always there for me. You were like the older brother I never had. You told me of your wife and children and shared my anguish of missing home.

I know we both took the pledge to protect and serve. You did your part. All I can say is heaven must have been needing a hero like you. Your wife and children are in my prayers. I miss you.

Officer Anita Sanchez Dilllon
Puyallup Tribal Police Department

June 16, 2010

Joshua,

I attended your funeral and graveside service this past Friday, 6-11-10. I spent many hours driving that day to be there and show my support and pay my respects to you, even though I didn't know you. I felt an obligation to be there, though, and I am glad I made the effort to attend.

I witnessed and experienced many new things that I did not know about the Native American culture that day. The casket which contained your body did not make the journey to the Ft. Duchesne cemetery via a hearse, but rather, in the bed of a pickup truck, surrounded by your pallbearers. It was a humble tribute to your background of growing up in humble circumstances.

At the cemetery, 2 lanes of US-40 were shut down so all of the law enforcement vehicles in the procession could have a place to park. There were many who traveled far and wide to be there with you that day. I saw LEO's from Washington, Montana, Idaho, Arizona, and a strong showing from Utah, all of whom came to pay their repsects.

While observing the Honor Guard folding the U.S. flag above your casket, I noticed people looking and pointing skyward. A sundog had formed around the sun, and there was an eagle or hawk circling in the air above. You were watching from above, weren't you?

A Tribal elder befriended me at the cemetery and after speaking I was prepared to head for home. Suddenly, I heard drumming and singing coming from the area of your grave. I mentioned to the man that I had never before witnessed a Native American burial ceremony. He grabbed my arm and said I needed to stay, so I did. We walked back to the circle around your grave. He told me about the 4 songs the drummers and singers sung for you. He insisted that I come with him to sprinkle a handful of soil 4 times atop your casket. He said that since I was your brother in law enforcement, I was part of your family. I was honored to take part in this. This kind man also introduced me to your fellow BIA Officers, and even a Tribal Councilmember.

Law enforcement truly is family, a brotherhood, a bond which helps create the "Thin Blue Line". Thank you for your service to our great State of Utah, our beloved Country, and to your fellow men.

"Great Spirit, Maker of All Life. A warrior goes to you swift and straight as an arrow shot into the sun. Welcome him and let him take his place at the council fire of his people. He is Joshua Yazzie, Thy son, and our brother. Bless him and his family."

Anonymous

June 15, 2010

To the Yazzie family, thank you for your sacrifice. Please continue with strength and pride in the hero you all shared with the rest of your community. You are in our prayers. Peace be with you.

Officer N.A. Ezzell
West Point Police Dept. VA

June 14, 2010

God Bless Police Offiver Yazzie, and those he has left behind. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

LEO Wife
NJ

June 14, 2010

On behalf of the 6,183 members of the American Association of State Troopers (AAST), we extend our sincere condolences to Officer Yazzie’s family as well as the members of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Law Enforcement. AAST members throughout the United States know first hand what all of you are going through right now. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken Howes, Executive Director
American Association of State Troopers

June 14, 2010

Rest in Peace, Brother. Thank you for your service.

Detective Kevin Kratz
Buena Vista Twp Police Department (Michigan)

June 14, 2010

Officer Yazzie was a great officer and a great friend. He will be truly missed and will never be forgotten. rest n peace my friend...
God Bless all you ladies and gentlemen for your courage and bravery of being a police officer, may god protect you all...

Police Dispather
Navajo Nation Police- A friend

June 13, 2010

Rest in Peace, Brother.

OFC B. Grajek

June 13, 2010