Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today is the 12 anniversary of your death. It’s hard to believe it’s been this long Jeff, as your lieutenant at the Kansas State Department corrections I remember you very well. You were a very dependable and dedicated young man who put 100% effort in your duties. There were several times that you prevented what it could’ve been impossible disturbance. I always have a lot of trust and confidence in you. I hope you’re in heaven looking down and smiling with that mischievous grin. Love you, my friend and brother. Mike Gainey , former lieutenant and US Army retired for Sergeant.

1SG (R) MICHAEL GAINEY
Retired army, and retired from Kansas Department of Corrections

December 15, 2024

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

December 16, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Atherly.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 16, 2020

Your picture to this still brings tears to my eyes. You were an amazing friend and coworker. Days at the prison were always brighter and more interesting with you. The goofiness and your smile made the day better. I cherish the years I got to work with you there. You will always be in my heart. Miss you my dear friend.

Nicole Vennell
Topeka Correctional Facility

December 3, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 17, 2018

We will always miss u u died in the line of duty the dude would not had killed u that guy died the swat team shot him

Corpal Jamie green
Felow officer

April 9, 2015

Jeff, two years and the day still pains me. Until we meet again, brother, my house will always honor you.

Patrolman Shane Quigley
Kickapoo Tribal Police

December 16, 2014

Thank you.. you will be remembered

self
aquantance

May 2, 2014

Rest in Peace, Officer Atherly. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 4, 2014

Rest with the Angels Officer Atherly. Your devotion, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten. Prayers for your family during this time in their lives.

Retired Police Officer Bob Lester
Midland Texas Police Department

December 17, 2013

Jeff-

It's been 5 months, and I'm still at a loss for words... I'll never ever forget that December night when I heard the news... everyday I get up to go to work and put on my uniform, I think of you and David. I still wear your memorial band with pride. I miss seeing you around town, or bringing people into the jail... Topeka lost not just two of it's finest officers ever with you and David, but also a great person, brother in blue... and friend. Miss ya bro :( R.I.P.

C/O H. Warders #846
Shawnee County Dept. of Corrections

May 4, 2013

You were and will always be one of my best friends. Not a day passes that I don't think about you. Forever greatful for the years I knew you. Never forgotten.

Deputy J. Winkleman
Pottawatomie County Sheriffs Department

April 26, 2013

Dumnezeu sa odihneasca sufletul lui in pace!!!!un adevarat erou!!!!

buciuman gheoreghe

January 20, 2013

Rest in Peace my brother for you are a true hero. May God wrap his arms around your family and fellow Officers in this sad time. Thank You for your service.

Trooper Scott Wernecke #958
Washington State Patrol

January 7, 2013

Rest in peace brother; thank you for serving our beautiful Country as well as your community. God bless your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Brother, you died bravely and with dignity while striving to keep your community safe. My prayers are with you and the family you left behind. Again, thank you for your service. We will continue the watch from here.

Officer Luis Sarmiento
El Paso Police Department

January 6, 2013

Thank you for remembering my Son. While not an officer myself, I've become quite close to some of Jeff's brothers in blue. Jeff was extremely proud to be an officer. This was a long time dream of his since he was small. Everyone please be careful.
Steve Atherly

Steve Atherly
Dad

January 5, 2013

As we start a new year(2013), your service and sacrifice will always be remembered.
Rest in Peace my Brother.

To my active duty Brothers and Sisters, PLEASE STAY SAFE!

Master Senior Investigator Cardell L. Dobbins #188 (Ret.)
Illinois Secretary of State Department of Police District 01, Region 01

January 1, 2013

Officer Atherly, In God's presence you will rest well.

To Your Family,
Feel His presence as God answers the prayers of many who have fallen to their knees on your behalf. Since the day of my son's death, I have carried every law enforcement officer and their family in my heart.

Every morning I go to my knees. During that time I pray, “Lord, Be with all law enforcement officers. Keep them safe and free from harm. They are your soldiers on the front line of the battle against evil. If one should fall this day - wrap their family in your loving arms. Surround them with loving, caring people to comfort them. Ease their pain. Help them to mourn well. In Jesus' name, Amen”

I have lifted you and your family to God every morning for 22 months. Feel those prayers. God is with you, He knows and will ease your pain.

Pamela Hotsinpiller
Mother of
Deputy United States Marshal
Derek W. Hotsinpiller
EOW 2-16-2011

December 30, 2012

The National Police Wives Association would like to extend their heartfelt prayers to the family of Officer Jeff Atherly and the Topeka Police Department during this time. Thank you, Officer Atherly, for your service.

National Police Wives Association
Staff

December 30, 2012

For Officer Jeff Atherly and Corporal David Gogian:

The law-officer on patrol is always at risk of encountering those who will strike out in a sudden and deadly manner, with little regard for the consequences. We regret that Jeff and Dave would be the next law-officers to be slain by the standard coward who usually murders others and then chooses death rather than facing justice as prescribed by our laws.
We are grateful to those law-officers who responded and pursued Jeff's and Dave's killer to the end - we always will. Forever.
We pray for Jeff's and Dave's families, friends, co-workers and all who care about them. May they be ready to reach-out to one another in the days ahead.
We are proud to render Officer Jeff Atherly and Corporal David Gogian, soldiers-of-the-law, a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

December 30, 2012

Officer Atherly,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Officer for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Topeka. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 30, 2012

May God grant your family and friends the strength to get through these difficult times. Heroes will never be forgotted and you, Police Officer Jeff Atherly, are a hero. I salute you Sir. R.I.P. Brother.

Detective Senior Sergeant (Retired)
Victoria Police Australia

December 26, 2012

Other than the immediate family (and I'm only guessing there), no one will nor should mourn the animal who killed you. YOU however are mourned by many, many who didn't even know you. Thank you for your service, you are a hero.

God Bless and may you forever Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

December 26, 2012

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (N.I.V.) Romans 13:2 consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
“A HERO IS”
One Who Never Hesitates To Tackle The Most Difficult Problems..
One Who Is Always By Your Side..
One Who Knows Right From Wrong..
One Who Acts With Pride..
A Hero Touches Every One Of Us,
Whether It Be Word Or Deed..
Always Tending To Those Who Find Themselves In Need..
When A Hero Leaves This Earth, Yes, It's Sad, But True..
All Too Many Times, The Hero Is Dressed In Blue.
Written by: Eric DeRenzis

My prayers and condolences are with the family and friends of this fallen hero.

Chief John C. Nicholson (Retired)
Hendersonville PD, North Carolina

December 26, 2012

Rest in peace and thank you for your service

John Latour

December 26, 2012