Officer Down Memorial Page

I saw your dedication plaque at the visitor's center outside Rocky Mountain National Park on a recent trip. From what I read, you were singularly devoted to your profession and loved your job. May your sacrifice never be forgotten, and may your legacy of service be an inspiration to those who will follow in your footsteps. Rest in peace, brother.

TCN, Police Officer
Minnesota
December 14, 2011

As I often do, I find myself thinking of you today. You are still, and will always be, remembered and missed.

Nicole
August 24, 2010

You have not been forgotten my friend. Not now, not ever. Thank you for the times we have spent together.

FWS Special Agent
Friend
August 14, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifth 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. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Like your parents, I share the anquish of losing a beloved child which surely has to be lifes greatest sorrow.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 29, 2010

You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
July 29, 2010

Think of you often...can't believe it has been 5 years! We miss you!

Anonymous
July 29, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
July 29, 2009

To Ranger Jeffrey Chistensen, his family and his fellow officers with the United States Department of the Interior National Parks Serrvice:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Ranger Christensen’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Ranger Christensen and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff
July 29, 2009

Thinking of you today and honoring your sacrifice always.

Jennifer Mayo, sister of
Deputy Hilery A. Mayo Jr. STPSO La. E.O.W 6/9/07
July 29, 2008

I hadn't visited your site before and am sad that your life ended so suddenly and
prematurely. We also lost a young park ranger here in WA, Catherine Secore.
You touched the public while you were here and got to explore the beauty of
God's creation. I'm sure you never got tired of it and marveled every day at its
majesty. It's beauty even cradled you in death and you died living your dream.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous
July 29, 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

Ranger christensen,
Today marks the second anniversary of losing a dedicated park ranger. You will never be forgotten.

Pennsylvania citizen
July 29, 2007

Jeff, you taught me to love the outdoors and appreciate nature. I'm lucky to have known you. We sat on the Chester Bowl ski jump for hours at night talking about life, goals, and dreams. You pursued your dream and how fortunate for you to have the time you did in Colorado.

You are such an inspiring person. I think of you often as I am hiking and taking my little guy for walks along the lakeshore. I learned a lot from you. Thank you!

Just a Friend
April 13, 2007

With all the love possible for a human to muster, I hope you know how many lives you touched in such a fantastic way while you were with us. The world is certainly a better place having had you as such a positive addition to it's own life.
You live on in each of those who were lucky enough to come into contact with your spirited approach to life!
I will always love the fact that I got to be a small part of your life.
Rest well my friend.
Oh, say Hi to Sooz too!

Michael Jordan
Just a good friend
February 3, 2007

I can't believe that it has been over a year since you were taken from us...I have a photo of you in my office with the reflections of Mark on it. You still remind me to live my dream and persue it at all cost, but I am not sure I have the strength to do it...Well my friend till we meet again keep smileing that cheshire cat smile. Love you, miss you always.

Just a Friend
December 11, 2006

The loss of my sons father in March 2006 from a fall at work, led me to stories of Jeff and his love of RMNP. I read the reports and grieved for your loss. My older son wanted to get away and go to Colorado to heal, and since I lived there long ago, I returned. In the beauty of the mountains, I told my sons about Jeff and how he lived- sharing the love of RMNP through pictures and being a ranger. May you have peace and many blessed memories!

Gigie
August 2, 2006

Miss you bud, give Sooz a hug for me. Can't believe it's already been a year. Thanks for showing all of us that week what an amazing park that is.

Rest easy brother.

Russ
Winter Park buddy
July 26, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse
May 9, 2006

We arrived at the park on Friday the 29th, when we entered the Park on the 30th we saw the notices that Jeff was missing. Through out our week long stay we prayed and hoped for a successful rescue for Jeff.
My son was 6 yrs old at the time and very worried about the missing ranger. This was our second trip to RMNP with him. He worked hard and completed his Jr Ranger program and received his Jr Ranger badge at the Alpine Center at about the same time they found Jeff. The female ranger that was on duty did a great job presenting him for his achievement but we could tell she was troubled and there was bad news spreading through the park. We made a point to be at the news conference when the park made the official announcement and Michael noticed the black stripes across the ranger’s badges. He asked what they were for. After I explained that it was to honor the fallen ranger he requested that we put one on his Jr ranger badge.

Kurt, Colleen, and Michael
NSP
January 23, 2006

Rest In Peace...
Tracey Tousley
Daughter of David R DeLitta
Special Agent
EOW 11-28-88

tracey Tousley
December 27, 2005

We think of you and your family during these holidays, and offer thoughts and prayers as you celebrate without your loved one. Cherish the memories of the past and be open to new ones with your loved ones and friends. Your loved one will never be forgotten and always honored for their sacrifice.

Alissa Scott
Widow of Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-03

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network
www.survivorhelpnetwork.org

November 29, 2005

Dear Jeff's Family,
We would like to extend to you our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Jeff. It was almost a year ago that we lost our Suzi in a somewhat similar accident so we are fully aware of the hurt and feeling of loss you are now experiencing and we are still...and will forever.
It was through our Suzi that we got to know Jeff. He was part of a close circle of her friends who would stop by her condo, our campsites, and Grand Lake Lodge to share dinners, hot chocolate and some-mores. He was an engaging young man and will be missed so... It was our privilege to know him.
Know that you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
The Roberts' Family

Elaine and Jim Roberts
November 2, 2005

My family would like to extend our deepest heart felt sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow co-workers of Park Ranger Jeff Christensen. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We would like to let law enforcement officers everywhere know how much we appreciate them for putting their lives on the line everyday doing thier jobs to keep their communities safe. May God watch over and protect each & everyone of you!

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04
October 26, 2005

To the family and friends of Ranger Jeff Christensen and his fellow rangers with the National Park Service:

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Jeff was tragically killed. His valor and dedication will not be forgotten.

Our family grieves with you and for you. We share your agony as we lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept. when he was fatally shot during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers on April 23rd. I am so sorry that another family has to face this devastating trauma.

May you be comforted by the caring and support of your law enforcement community, and other police survivors. There will be many who will be with you each step of this awful journey.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Jeff gave to his community and to his country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 29, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05

October 11, 2005

I have to say that I was more used to seeing you in the WP ski patrol uniform than the park service uniform you are wearing in the picture. I think that the only time I would have seen you in park greens was a year ago... I know that you, like Sooz, died doing the work you loved, while surrounded by the environment and landscape that you wished to preserve and protect. Say hi to both Sooz and 26-3 from Iowa.

September 22, 2005