Officer Down Memorial Page

I knew Joe Kolodski many years ago when he worked at Valley Forge National park. I knew him to be a hardworking, kind person. I heard from Joe a couple times after he left the area, but eventually we lost touch.
I heard about the event that took his life years after it happened and was shocked. I was saddened that such a young, enthusiasitic ranger could be taken from the job he loved so much and his family so suddenly. I remember Joe well even though I hadn't seen him in years. I remember him as being kind, concientious and a caring family man. MY heart goes out to his family and may his children always remember what a fine person he was personally and professionally. Anyone who had the privelege of knowing joe, knows he will always be missed.

m morgan Park Visitor
Visitor to park
August 21, 2011

My husband and I were at the SMNP visitor center on the anniversary this year and we were able to participate in the moment of silence for Joe. It brought tears to my eyes and I wanted to come home and follow up on this tragic event. We had just completed the Blue Ridge Parkway and were so amazed by its beauty and then so saddened by this event. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and those that knew and loved him. Thanks to all officers for what they do.

Timi and Harry Tullis
visitor to Blue Ridge
July 13, 2011

I attended the Law Enforcement Park Ranger Academy at Southwestern CC (Franklin, NC) in 1994. Joe was one of the adjunct instructors in the program and one of my favorites. Now 17 years since I last saw him and 13 years since his passing, I still remember his great sense of humor and sarcastic wit. I remember hearing the news that a ranger at GSMNP had been killed and then I went on the internet and was stunned that it was someone I knew that I highly respected and admired. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and co-workers.

Jeremy Kulm
Former NPS Ranger
June 23, 2011

I've just read about Joe Kolodski's passing in 1998 after visiting the 1983 SRUP yearbook now electronically available online from the Bailey Library at SRUP.

I am very saddened by the tragic news of his passing as Joe was a college classmate and a friend who was extremely kind to me as an international student from Kenya. We lost touch soon after our graduation in 1983. We both attended SRUP (1980-83), took several classes together and the late Joe Kolodski lived in an opposite room to mine in one of the college dormitories. He was extremely kind and focused in his studies and future career in Parks & Recreation. He was also a proud member of the ROTC. My condolences to his family.

May He RIP.

Chris Githiora
Former College mate at SRUP
June 22, 2011

Joe, it is nearly the anniversary that someone took actions to take you away from family,loved ones and community forever. I learned of your passing years later than many, as we had lost touch with one another. Even though years passed, your memory is clear, as are the examples of the many times you proved yourself to be a kind, caring individual. I have no idea what has happened to your family in the years that have passed, but hope they have faired well under the guidance and memory of a father/husband who was devoted to their well-being during his short life. Peace be with you and your family.

Anonymous
June 18, 2010

I will be graduating from Slippery Rock University in 3 weeks. I am in the Park Ranger program here. We talk about Officer Kolodski often, as he sat in our seats at one point in time. SRU will always remember him, and we always raise money every year to support his family.
I will be working LE at Delaware Water Gap NRA as a seasonal starting in May. I just wanted to say thanks to Joe for his service, and thanks to all other officers here for theirs as well.
God Bless
In the name of our duty...be safe
Thanks

Rick
NPS
April 13, 2010

Joe, thinking of you over this Thanksgiving Holiday and giving thanks I had the opportunity to be acquainted with such a fine person. Your presence if felt in everything that is good, honest and kind. Your physical being may be gone, but your spirit certainly live on in all who knew you and everything you gave your attention to. It was an honor to know you.

Anonymous
November 28, 2009

I had the good fortune to get to know Ranger Kolodski when he worked in the National Park service in Pennsylvania. I was impressed at the time of his professionalism and kind manner. I have just learned of his death all these years later and am shocked to hear he is gone. However, I am not surprised the he died in the line of duty protecting others. He was a top park ranger who put the safety of others first. In the short time that I knew him, he also proved himself to be a fine and honest person. My heart felt condolences go out to his wife and children. We have all lost someone wonderful who was an asset to the park service and all those he came in contact with.

M Morgan
October 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I can see by the reflections left that you are loved and missed by many. Your family is in my heart's embrace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
June 21, 2009

Just remembering you 10 years and 1 day after your sacrifice, I remember like it was yesterday.
Rest in Peace sir.

Michael Roberts
June 22, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 27, 2008

Just thinking of you on this Fathers Day. I remember the day you were killed and think about your children every year on Fathers Day.

NC Game Warden
June 17, 2007

Joe,

I think of what a top-notch law enforcement officer you were each day that I strap on my body armor and head out the door, I'd like to think that your professionalism has rubbed off on me and that I'm a better ranger for that. When I teach at a seasonal academy I make sure the kids hear your story. I remember you each and every Father's Day and I always give my kids an extra hug to remember the hugs you are missing from Rachael, Sarah, and Samuel. In my office I keep the quote you had posted over your desk "Your reputation is that which people think you are; your character is that which you are". Well, YOUR reputation is secure, your character is honored, you're never forgotten.

US Park Ranger
National Park Service (Coworker)
December 21, 2006

Joe I never knew you but I remember the day you were shot. I remember this because my dad was one of the officers who responded when the call came in that you had been shot. I was only 8 years old when this happened and I remember when my dad came home that night. You did what you had to do and you made the ultimate sacrifice. I'm thankful for heros like you and all the officers who risk their lives daily.

NC LEO son
November 17, 2006

Joe,

Words can not express how your life and your death affected so many. I am a ranger and I think of you often when I patrol the Smokys. I know you are in heaven with God and I look forward to seeing you there. Until then I will go and protect the visitors, and the resource and I too will give my life just as you did if God so wills it.

God Bless your family everyday!

January 23, 2005

Your memory lives on in your wife and children. You would be proud of Florie in the way she is raising Rachel, Sarah, and Samuel. And you would be proud of who your children are becoming. You are greatly missed.

Lynda Doucette, Park Ranger
National Park Service
December 2, 2004

“If by chance you wish to remember me, do it with a kind word or deed to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.” - Robert N. Test

Five years ... you're not forgotten ... thanks for making a difference.
June 21, 2003

Anonymous

I never met this fine Ranger, but I felt the loss. I was first stationed in that area, Bryson City, when I was a young trooper. People in that area that I know, officers and citizens all thought so highly of Joe.

US Park Rangers do such a great job in our national park lands. The work is a very difficult and obviously dangerous job, with low pay and often need more personnel and equipment. They do a great job.

Such a tragic loss. I pray for Joe, his family and the Park Service. We all share in the loss. He now patrols the streets of Heaven with St. Michael.

His loving family asked the US Attorney not to seek the death penalty on the usspect, who may have had a diabetic episode at the time of the shooting. How kind.

God Bless and be safe.

Chief JA Millan

Chief JA Millan
NC Public Schools Law Enforcement, Avery Dist.

Another member of the green n gray has had their time cut short. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Ranger Kolodski. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA

Joe,
it was father's day, Sunday (June 28, 1998). Like every other day you strapped on your vest, your badge and your Sig. When you heard the call "Man with a gun," you did not hesitate...you went. You found the bad guy and he fled into the thick forest, although not a supervisor, you wisely started placing backup at the likely points of egress. You were protecting the many visitors on the Blue Ridge that day. To protect yourself, you could have easily said, "come to me." But you didnt, you sent your back up as a barrier to protect the public at Big Witch Gap a few hundred yards away. Inexplicably the bad guy returned and like the coward he was, shot you from behind a tree, you fell because you were doing what you swore to do, protect park visitors...and that makes you a hero. Two years later, the honors have all been rendered, your name is carved in stone at Justice Square in DC and at FLETC. And on this web site...so rest in peace, we won't forget.

Anonymous

Joe,
Although we never met, I was a LE Ranger at the time you gave your life for others. Your memory lives on as a constant reminder of how fragile life is and how important family is.

Michael

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

Dear Joe: I am the widow of Steve Renard Makuakane-Jarrell who was murdered 18 months after your tragic murder. Although I never met you, your wonderful wife Florie has become my friend. Through her, I have learn about your wonderful qualities. The kind, gentle, and loving husband and father you were to Florie, Rachael, Sarah, and Samuel. The committed and dedicated ranger you were as was the case on June 21, when you arrived to work early as usual and became the first on the scene. I want to thank you for your ultimate sacrifice and for your wonderful Florie who has helped me through my loss of Steve. Love, JM

Park Ranger Joni Mae Makuakane-Jarrell
National Park Service