Deputy Sheriff Kevin S. Easter Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office Kansas Monday, January 8, 1996  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

God bless you Deputy Easter.

anonymouse
former sgso
2009-10-31

IN THE SIMPLE PERFORMANCE OF DUTY
Dedicated to the memory of Deputy Kevin Easter

In the simple performance of duty,
he pinned on a badge,
checked his gear with a practiced eye
and kissed his loved ones goodbye.

In the simple performance of duty,
he reported for work,
joked with his buddies at roll call
and made his last trip down the squadroom hall.

In the simple performance of duty,
he headed for his beat,
doing his job protecting his home from crime,
he stopped cars and checked buildings for the last time.

In the simple performance of duty,
he answered the call,
to help the helpless, to find the lost,
no matter the danger or how great the cost.

In the simple performance of duty,
he lay down his life,
for those in peril, he tried to save,
our brave friend went to his grave.

In the simple performance of duty,
as we carry him to rest,
in a flag draped casket,
long after the world has forgotten,

we shall never forget,

never judge or regret,
what he did,

In the simple performance of duty.

Sgt. Oscar R. Thomasson
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office
2009-10-16

The murder of Deputy Etheridge in Sedgwick County on 9/28/09 has stirred up so many emotions. I remember so clearly the call coming in that Kevin was down and the night sky being lit up by the red and blues responding to his aide. Days later at the service, I remember his brother Jeff walking to the front of the church, overcome with grief, possibly the most painful image I have seen. To be followed by a truly awe inspiring image of funeral procession of red, blue, white and orange lights stretching for literally miles down those flat Kansas roads with citizens standing alongside their vehicles on the road. Life does go on, but the pain and sadness never truly goes away. I am sure that Kevin was waiting with that oh so engaging smile for Brian's arrival. I am also sure that Kevin will never be forgotten.

A the time, just a friend

2009-09-30

Kevin,

I was working in the ER the night they brought you in. I had seen you a few weeks earlier on another case and we spoke briefly, but in that short conversation I got a real feel for the kind of great guy you were. After working so hard on you that night, the news of your passing affected me worse than any other trauma I had ever worked before, and have ever worked since. It still tears me up when I think about it. SCSO lost a true angel that night, and I lost a large part of my heart when you went.

God bless you and keep you, my friend.

Anon.
ER Medic
2008-05-13

Thinking of you.

Shala

2008-05-12

Kevin- Just thinking about you makes me smile. How could someone take such a wonderful person from this world. God must have really needed you up there for some reason. Always a smile on your face or a joke to crack. There are not words that can describe you as a person. I miss checking your ID. That never got old. Your brother is an amazing person his feelings for you are overwhelming. Thinking of you and your family always.

Anonymous
Past co-worker
2008-05-01

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2008-01-02

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
2007-10-25

Kev,

I'll never forget the help you gave. God keep you.

Officer

2007-09-07

I was very sad to read of Kevin's "End of Watch" at the time it all happened, only a few short months after my marriage. I was thinking of various relatives I have who are also officers - one is a Butler County sheriff, one is a Constable for Katy TX (Houston metro), and another cousin who is a long retired member of Wichita's finest and one of the original Motorcycle Force (1940's?). I am sad when I read of any "Officer Down" situation - but for some reason, I privately mourned Kevin's death harder then most situations, as if he was family.

Imagine my surprise at opening up a quarterly newsletter for the Rucker Historical Society about six months later, and discovering that Officer Easter was related to the Rucker family (my maiden name)! So the grief of losing "family" was real - and now when I read of Officer Jeff Easter, I think of him as "cousin" and pray harder for his safety as well!

J. Rucker
Distant Family, A Mom,
2007-05-16

I will never forget waking up on that cold Monday morning and hearing the news. I knew in my heart it was you before they ever revealed your name and I was devestated. I cry writing this, just seeing your face and remembering what an incredible friend and good person you were. Your smile was contagious and it still inspires everyone who knew you. You were truly special, Kevin. The good news is that you've only been relocated...I know your address and I'll be seeing you again.

Suzanne Chance
Friend/Classmate
2007-01-17

Eleven years have passed and you have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case. Your loved ones will keep your memory alive as will the Blue Family. Continue to watch over all of them. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer; Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2007-01-08

G-d Bless.

2007-01-08

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this holiday season. I am lucky that my husband "Deputy Easter" survived his brush with death and was able to return to full service after 6 months. I hope it brings comfort to the family to know there is another "Deputy Easter" fighting crime.
Melissa Easter, wife of Deputy Mark Easter

Melissa Easter

2006-11-28

I miss him so much he was my best friend and best uncle.

Melissa Easter niece
beloved uncle
2006-09-26

I miss him so much he was my best friend and best uncle.

Melissa Easter niece
beloved uncle
2006-09-26

Rest in peace Kevin.....we will continue the fight

2006-03-22

Hey son, the kid Deputy... always friendly, always smiling, always friendly. I watched you grow up, being at Colwich, the wrestler. Driving Ricks old silver Blazer. I remember training you, and our talks. It's taken me this long to type a remembrance, but I see you all the time. I figure the Creator needed you elsewhere, for a special purpose. But.. your in damn good company. Chris, Terry, and Kenny. That's a group to draw too.... They will keep you smiling for sure, but watch em.
I miss you, and smelling Taco Tico everynight when I'd come in from shift....
see ya ..

Det Brad McCaffree
Sedgwick County Sheriff Office
2006-03-22

Kevin,

I think of you often, usually as I talk with Jeff. I know that he misses you, as only a brother can. May God Bless You and He has blessed us with memories of you.

Det. Loren Johnson #1420
Wichita Police Department
2005-10-28

Dear kevin, may you rest in peace. God Bless You.

Michael Birzer - 18 year sheriff's Deputy - retired.

Dr. Michael Birzer
Wichita State University
2005-07-16

Kevin, we have not forgotten, and we never will.

Detective Jason Gill
Sedgwick County Sheriff
2005-04-24

Kevin, I wished we would have had a longer conversation that night. If only I would have followed you, or even asked you to follow me, I believe you'd still be here. I sorry I didn't get there soon enough to stop what happened. I tears me up inside that I was the last one to have a open ended conversation with you that night. Forgive me. Your gone, but never forgotten.

Deputy Michael Garrett (Retired)
Sedgwick County Sheriff Dept
2005-03-30

A fine young man who was always acted in a professional and caring manner. I observed him several times, while he was booking in a prisoner that he had arrested. He always had a pleasant smile on his face and treated all with courtesy and respect. As a memeber of the Sedgwick county Sheriffs Department I was very proud of Kevin.
He was a " Good Cop " Rest In Peace !

LT David K Breedlove Retired
Sedgwick County Sheriff
2005-01-15

Kevin, I never knew you, but I think about what happened to you all the time. You were #5 and so am I. Everyone that knew you speaks very highly of you. I will never forget when your brother spoke to my academy class 3 years ago. There was not a dry eye in the classroom. I was, still am, and always will be proud to wear the same badge you did. God bless you and your family,

Deputy Jon Gill
Sedgwick County Sheriffs Office
2004-11-01

I can honestly say that in my entire career Kevin is the only law enforcement officer I met that ALWAYS had a smile on his face. His positive, upbeat attitude impacted everyone around him. Kevin, you are truly missed and this profession needs more officers the way you were.

Major Danny Bardezbain
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office
2004-10-01