Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was a West Virginia resident on active duty stationed in Maryland. I remember this trooper because he pulled me and my friends over on evening for speeding and only gave me a warning. We became friends after that and I was furious after hearing this from my dad. The men responsible should have had the death penalty.

Bruce M Crow HM1/USN/Retired
Civilian

January 14, 2024

Rest in Peace, Phil, I was able to enjoy my career in the West Virginia State Police, unfortunately, you were taken too soon, but someday we’ll go fishing liked we talked about.

Sgt. C.R. Hupp
WV State Police

July 20, 2023

Rest in peace Trooper Kesner.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 4, 2019

Phil, was going through some things today and saw a picture of you. My heart broke the day I heard about your murder. I can't believe that it has been almost 40 years since you were taken away. I remember all the good times we had in the great town of Franklin, of course, me being from the other side of the county I heard a lot about being from round-town. I have never forgotten you and never will. Plese keep watch over me, because I know that you are patrolling the street of heaven.

B Porter
Friend

December 13, 2017

Philip, I thought about you all day today. Officer Brian Shaw was laid to rest today in Pennsylvania and as I watched the funeral, I was struck by the similarities between the two of you. He was only 25 years old. He was killed in the line of duty in November 17, 2017 - you November 7, 1979.
It has been almost 40 years since you were taken from our family,but it often seems as if it just happened only days ago when I hear another Police officer has been taken.
I cry for you and our family and also for the other families who know this pain. I cry for all that was taken from you and Connie. You are always just a thought away.

A Cousin

November 22, 2017

I met Phil kesner as what today's generation call a twener, we met at a Christian youth group. His best friend was dating my older sister's best friend and they allowed me to tag along to the youth group run by a fantastic man Rev Nolls. He would truck us up a mtn between Franklin and Petersburg. We I first saw Phillip I was about 13 and he wast around 17 and I fell head over heels in love and must have made an embarrassing nuisance of myself. He treated me with the utmost kindness and respect and never once made me feel embarrassed about my feelings for him. The day my sister called me to tell me of his death a part of my heart died that day. I remember that love and miss him everyday.

Kristy Lantz Morgan
friend

February 24, 2015

Trooper Kesner you are remembered on this day. Thank you for your service.

Probation Parole Officer III Aaron Linn
WV DOC Parole

July 25, 2014

Dear Phil, You were a dear friend at West Virginia Tech.A WV Pendelton County country boy with the strength of a horse and the heart of a lamb. One of the good guys. Strong character, someone that followed through. You wanted Phil on your side. We were young and carefree. I think of you often. Your youth , spirit, good naturedness. You served with a great of honor and courage . From us that knew you we will always miss you. Thank you and your family for the greatest sacrifice a trooper can give. We will see you again. Remembering you,

Carolyn
friend from college

July 7, 2012

Rest In Peace Brother Kesner. Your service and sacrifice is not forgotten. Thank you for your service to the citizens of West Virginia.

Sgt. Jarrod Wilson / K9 Officer
West Virginia Division Of Corrections

March 12, 2012

Thank you Trooper Kesner and the Kesner Family for your service.

Carol

December 8, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 122nd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

This was a horrific crime, and there is a special place in hell for the animal who took your life. You were so very young. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 7, 2010

"Krunch",

You'll always be remembered as my brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon and in the thin blue line.God Bless brother!

SGT Jeffrey Garten
Palm Beach County Sheriff's office

June 7, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 2, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
NH

November 3, 2007

To my partner, there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about that night. I still see the images clearly as if they just occured. Rest in peace. I continue the vigil, and the fight. I will see you in time.

John Gruzinskas, Sheriff
WVSP retired

June 25, 2007

Rest in peace, brother, we will continue to wear the green to carry on the tradition of a true Troop like yourself. God bless. 10-42

Corporal Branham
WVSP

November 25, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the West Virginia State Police. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Trooper Kesner deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Trooper Kesner is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

June 25, 2006

As a child I remember this wonderful 1st cousin and to me he was someone I looked up to as a child. Playing ball in the fields with my older brothers and carrying me across the roads to the fields to play ball. He was a very polite and great young man. Even now as I am 41 yrs old I still dont understand why someone like him had to be taken away from family and friends. Someday we might know- God needed him in heaven with him since he was so good. I know he is resting in peace for the person he was. May he know he is missed very much here on Gods Great Earth by family and Friends. Hopefully someday we shall meet again in heaven. May the angels in heaven be watching over you dear cousin.

A Family member of this wonderful Cousin

March 12, 2006

I attended WVU and was friends with this man's younger brother, and I will never forget the love and admiration expressed by my friend for his brother. My friend said his brother was the greatest person he ever knew -- I believe him.

K. D. Lawyer
Lawyer in WV

December 30, 2005

Rest in peace, my brother. You are a true hero for your sacrifice.

DE
St. Louis City Police

August 8, 2005

DAY IS DONE
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER, OR THE SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHTM,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL, SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY.
AS WE GO THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

It is said that EVIL flourishes when good men do nothing.

To the family of this brave officer who gave all so that others might live, I extend my deepest sympathy and gratitude for your continued sacrifice.

To those of us who were left behind who still wear the badge, the mission continues... tomorrow is another Tour Of Duty... May God comfort you with the knowledge that you DO make a differance.

Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force (Utah)

November 7, 2004

Trooper Kesner,

GOD BLESS YOU....Rest in Peace Brother...You will never be forgotten...

Officer
NC

August 12, 2004

You are gone but not forgotten. When I was a 10 yr old kid I heard about this and still remember it, it was this incident that inspired me to do what i do. Rest in Peace

sgt BH Ritchie
Parkersburg

April 5, 2004