Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

To the Ponder family, fellow officers, and all who call Joseph beloved, 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 our 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. I hope that your family knows that a nation mourned for you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Trooper Ponder gave to his community and the citizens of Kentucky , and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 13, 2015.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD

November 9, 2015

Rest easy brother.. Go stand high on that mountain, you deserve it.

Police officer Derek Snead
Union point police

October 13, 2015

RIP Brother. May you be with GOD and may GOD be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD

October 3, 2015

Dear Officer Ponder, Thank you for your selfless service. My thoughts & prayers go out to the sweet parents, who raised such a fine,brave young man and to all who loved you. Thank you for serving & protecting and for making the ultimate sacrifice. I know you are resting peacefully with God and I pray that he is cradling your parents, family, friends & your family in Blue, in His loving embrace. Thank you for making a difference in this broken world. You will never be forgotten.

Melissa Vittetoe
Citizen of the State of Kentucky

September 29, 2015

So saddened to hear the news.

May you rest in peace after having served those around you. My thoughts are with you, your family, fellow officers and friends.

Reserve Officer G. Krystof
Los Angeles Police Department

September 25, 2015

To the family of Trooper Joseph Ponder, friends, Commissioner Rodney Brewer and the Kentucky State Police.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort and hold you close now and always. Thank you for your service to our Nation and Kentucky.

Patrolman A.S. Batson
Cherry \ O' Berry Police Department Goldsboro, NC

September 25, 2015

Rest in Peace my Brother in Blue.

I hope in time your family and agency find Peace. Evil will never prosper as long as Brave men such as yourself stand for good.

"Blessed are the Peacemakers for they Shall be Called Sons of God." Matthew 5:9

FTO D. Vaquero
San Diego Police Department

September 25, 2015

Thank you Sir, for your bravery, courage, service and for making the ultimate sacrifice. You are a true Hero.

And to the family of Trooper Ponder: Thank you for raising such a tough, bright and brave young American. I sincerely hope you can find peace as you move forward.

Sgt. T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police Dept. (CA.)

September 22, 2015

Rest easy brother. Godspeed.

PO Olasokan
NYS University Police

September 21, 2015

Rest In Peace Brother

Captain Steve Yancey
Forest Hill Police Department, TX

September 21, 2015

You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.

To the world, you were "just a trooper", to someone, though, you were their world.

Thoughts and prayers to the KSP and Kentucky law enforcement community - you are missed.

EMT J. Haworth
Northern Bay Ambulance (MI)

September 21, 2015

"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown

Sergeant Chad Miner
Powell PD

September 21, 2015

Thank you brother for your service. Job well done.

RIP Trooper Ponder


“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”

~ Chief Tecumseh

Sr. Trooper U/772
Kentucky State Police

September 20, 2015

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 Your angels, loving family, friends, neighbors and caring people to comfort them. Ease their pain. Help them to mourn well. In Jesus' name and for Your Glory, Amen.”

I have lifted you and your family to God every morning for over four years. Feel those prayers. God is with you; He knows and will ease your pain.

Our faith helps us to see beyond the grave.

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

September 20, 2015

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. As you join our brothers and sisters in the hall of heroes, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Vires et Honorem

Ptlm Frank Kapusta
Mohawk PD

September 20, 2015

Our prayers are with our LE brother and his family. We always hope to go home safe but unfortunately sometimes we pay the ultimate price for others. Our LE brother has answered his last call and is at peace and will never be forgotten

Chief of Police Wayne Glass
Botkins Police Department

September 18, 2015

may he rest with the Great Spirit and enjoy the peace he deserves,a long swim underwater ,the breeze on his face, sun on his shoulders, proud and erect, a hero for serving the Nation and its People, not to be forgotten by those who speak of him fondly.

navy vet,mm2ssdv & 35 yr police officer
new york state police officer,USS HALIBUT 587

September 18, 2015

You paid the ultimate price. Rest in Peace Brother. Prayers of peace and blessings to your family, friends and co-workers. Continue to watch our for us from above.

Investigator Paul Kinkade
KY-OAG

September 18, 2015

Rest in eternal peace, Trooper Ponder, for we have the watch now. Your family and your brothers and sisters in uniform, our brothers and sisters, too, are in our thoughts and prayers. May they find comfort in remembrances of your dedication and service.

Deputy Warden Patricia Powers
Philadelphia Prison System

September 18, 2015

You paid the ultimate price. Rest in Peace, Brother. Watch over us from above. Prayers and blessings to your family and friends.

Investigator Paul Kinkade
KY-OAG

September 18, 2015

Thank you for your service sir. May you rest in peace.

T. Burgan Tammy Burgan (Harrison)
Granddaughter of a Fallen Officer

September 18, 2015

You are NOT forgotten brother, godspeed to you and thoughts and prayers to your family. Now its time to guard the guardians at the gates as we pass.

Patrol officer B Burfield
State of Ohio

September 18, 2015

Rest well brother we got your six.

Deputy Philip Oden
Williamson county sheriff office

September 18, 2015

Cameron, you were my husbands best friend. You have helped shape him into the man he is today. You touched the lives of so many around you. You paid the ultimate price, you sacrificed your life to get bad guys off the streets. Your service & your selflessness should be rewarded. It has been rewarded... Through your best friend, his children, his wife, your family, your community & your fellow men in blue. Your a shining example & we are ALL united & better citizens because of a person like you. Thank you for all you have done for my family. Zink will see you again on the other side brother. May you rest in Paradise Cam.

Wife of LEO
United States Border Patrol

September 17, 2015

Another brave person's life ended far too soon. RIP Sailor. Too many guns in the hands of too many fools.

Qual LS UW/SD
Royal Australian Navy. Diver-Demolitions-ASW Tech Ret.

September 17, 2015