Officer Down Memorial Page

Friend, you are not forgotten....

Captain Garry Collins
TPWD
August 5, 2011

Rest in peace Game Warden Wagstaff. You are not forgotten.

Cheryl Railsback, President
Greater Houston Concerns of Police Survivors
August 5, 2011

You will not be forgotten, Brother.

NLC, Special Agent
DHS/ICE/HSI (Texas)
March 14, 2011

You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
August 5, 2010

Seven years seems like a life time. Miss you Wes....

Garry Collins Captain
TPWD
August 4, 2010

Thought about you this weekend as Elena, Karie, and I had a girls weekend. How you used to tell us we sounded like a bunch of hens cackling when we all got together. Not a family gathering goes by that someone doesn't tell a story about you. You are so much more than a brother-in-law to me and so much more than an uncle to my girl's. You'd be so proud of Kyle, he's like you in so many ways. We miss you everyday, but we will see you again.

April
Sister
July 30, 2010

Wes I think of you often, I sure miss those talks we used to have about squirrel hunting. You were and still are a great friend. It is hard to believe that is has been six years since I saw you last. There are many things that keep you close at hand. When I see a green truck, another warden, are just a walk in the woods. I know you are close at hand watching over us. God Bless you Wes.

Officer Coy Collins
Port of Beaumont Port Authority Police
August 19, 2009

Another year has passed without you by my side. I would expect each year to be easier, but they aren't. I miss you dearly everyday. I think I am going fishing soon so send me a big one. It will be the first time in 6 years won't be the same without you!!

Elena
August 4, 2009

Hey Wes,

It's hard to believe it had been 5 years. Seems like just yesterday we were chasing shrimpers on Galveston Bay, fishing with Kyle and Elena, frying fish with Garry and Robert in one of our garages, and picking blueberries together.

It was an honor training you and having you as a partner. Just wanted to let you know I think about you every day and that you will always be remembered. Take Care...Dale

Dale K. Moses Game Warden V
TX Parks & Wildlife Dept.- partner
August 7, 2008

Happy anniversary. Sure miss ya!

Elena
July 30, 2008

Wes, I saw a big ol Crane the other day. I chuckled and thought about the time we wrestled that one out of that net. I never thought a bird could bite so hard. Sorry bout that. See you bro.

Jim Blackwell
Fannin County Sheriff Department
June 19, 2008

I met your wife this past week and she was the sweetest thing. She was a great support and had wonderful things to say to our family during our grief from the 1st year of our loss. You must have been a wonderful husband and a great father.
I hear that you would be so proud of your son. She was just in awe of the man that he has turned out to be. Keep your head held high while walking the streets of gold, and tell Andy "Hi" from us when you see him. You guys could talk a lot about hunting and fishing...I'm sure you both have many stories to tell.

Haylee Esparza
Sister-in-law to Andrew Esparza, Irving P.D. EOW 4-13-2007
May 17, 2008

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. Keep watch over the rest of us as we protect our natural resources.

nc game warden
May 12, 2008

Wesley,
I can't help but have hard days when I know the fish are biting and you and Kyle aren't here together laughing and seeing who can catch the biggest. I hope your up there with your dad catching big ones. We have raised a fine son that I know will carry on that tradition. I miss you dearly and can't wait to see you again.
Thanks to all of those who continue to write reflections and that continue us your prayers. God is the only way we can survive such a tragedy.
Matt: 5:9

Elena Wagstaff Kelley
Spouse

EOW 8-5-03

April 19, 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 5, 2008

I cant belive its been four years now this is the first time i have acctuly sat down and read all the comments and wont to say thank you to those who left comments and he was a great man and a even greater DAD and i miss him alot LOVE YOU DAD
E.O.W. 8/5/03

Kyle Wagstaff
dad
February 6, 2008

Game Warden Wagstaff,
Today is the fourth anniversary of your EOW. We are thinking of your loved ones and friends as they remember you today and always. You will never be forgotten.

Pennsylvania citizen
August 5, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol guarding the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
August 5, 2007

I ate dinner with Wesley several times in my 3 years with Kountze PD in Hardin County. He stopped by several times when I was on traffic stops to make sure all was well. He had a good sense of humor and a genuine caring for his fellow officer. You'll be missed brother.

Christopher Watson
Stagecoach PD Montgomery County TX
July 31, 2007

i was thinking about you today Wes...and the rest of our crew..Wes you and Mike take care of Adam, David and Justin please..Game Warden brothers

i miss you guys

Game Warden VI Ray Canales
March 24, 2007

You have not been forgotten and are a true hero. My thoughts are with your loved ones as the 3rd anniversary arrives. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father
August 2, 2006

It's hard to believe you left us a year ago today. We miss you and thank you for leaving us in good hands. You were always there to give us encouragement and strength. You were truly our inspiration. God will continue to guide our way.

Elena & Kyle

August 6, 2004

You were one in a million Wes. The stories you would tell us as we worked together on occasions will be greatly missed. To your family, I can only express my deepest sorrow in your loss and keep each of you in my prayers. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. God Bless and Thank You for allowing me to know you.

Officer J. A. Tippit
La Porte Texas Police Department
May 18, 2004

Wesley,

I think about you all the time; they just don't come any better.

Anonymous
February 25, 2004

I miss you Wes! We shared many laughs throughout the Academy and the ten years that followed. You were everything a Game Warden is supposed to be. Lena and Kyle, we love you and will support you every step of the way.

Captain Greg Williford
Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept.
February 24, 2004