Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rusty I often reflect back to your first day in the field during field training. It was my job as one of your Field Training Officers to ensure you gained the knowledge and know how of police work. I was really impressed with your attention to detail and how well you retained tasked you were taught. On the night of your graduation from the Academy when I met your parents, I was proud to tell them that they had a sharp young man on thier hands. Your mother had a look on her face that I have seen from many mothers, the look of worry. I told your mother that you would be fine.

I remember how proud you were when you got your motorcycle license when you were assigned to the Auburn Avenue precicnt. I remember you calling when you had a question concerning the job, I told you to call anytime you needed a question answered and you did. (Smile). The day I will never forget (And it still brings tears to my eyes even now.) Is March 31, 1999. You had been transferred to the mobile precinct and we worked together and had fun competing with one another on how long it took us to complete an accident report. I would tell you I'm the teacher and you are the student, you will never beat me, and you didn't(smile). One thing you did that I told you in field training was always get to you brothers side when they needed help, and that's what you did that night. That night changed my life forever. I saw you going places within the department. I have not said it before, but will say it now: It was a pleasure working with you. A lot of folk don't realize that your first day and last day on the street was with me. Thank you for getting to your brothers side. Patrol your beat in heaven and I will partner up with you later.

Tony

Sergeant J. A. Price, Sr.
Atlanta Police Department

June 19, 2006

Hey Rusty,
I only knew you a short while but long enough to know what a great person you are. It is terrible that good people like you fall. We miss you buddy.

Steve T.
Burkhart's Pub

June 17, 2006

Ascension

And if I go
while you are still here...
Kbow that I live on,
vibrationg to a different measure
- behind a veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me
so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
-both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest.
And when you need me, Just whisper my name in your heart
.......I will be there.

May 26, 2006

For Linda Stalnaker

What Makes A Mother?

I thought of you and closed my eyes,
And prayed to God today.
Asked what makes a mother and I know I heard Him say, A mother has a child. This we know is true. But God, can you be a mother, when your child's not with you?

Yes, you can. He replied with confidence in His voice. I give many women children. When they leave is not their choice. Some I send for a lifetime, and others for a day. And some I send to fill your womb but there's no need to stay.

I just don't understand this, God, I want my child here. I took a breath and cleared my throat and then I cried a tear. I wish I could show you what your child is doing today. If you could see your child smile with other children and say,"

"I went to earth to learn a lesson of life and love and fear. My Mommy loved me, oh so much, I got to come straight here. I feel so lucky to have a mom who had so much love for me. I learned my lesson very quickly. My Mommy set me free."

I miss my Mommy, oh so much, but I visit her each day. And when she goes to sleep at night, on her pillow is where I lay. I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek and whisper in her ear, 'Mommy, don't be sad today, I'm your baby and I am here.' "

So you see, my dear sweet one, your child is okay. Your child is here in My Home and this is where he'll stay. He'll wait for you with Me until your lesson is through. And on that day that you come Home, he'll be waiting at the gates for you.

So now you see what makes a Mother... It's the feeling in your heart. It's the love you had so much of, Right from the very start.

Though some on earth may not realize you are a Mother, Until their time is done. They'll be up here with Me one day, And know you're the best one.

Meredith

May 16, 2006

Rusty,
My partner, who was there that day you gave your life, showed me the where you fell. It hit me in the chest like a hammer. Why do I desreve to wear the same uniform and badge you wore? You give me me a purpose and the heart to put that uniform on every night. You are a hero sir! To the family of OFC. Stalnaker, Rusty is still remembered to even the "new guys," I make it a point to tell officers, who dont already know, what happened that day on pine st. Because I was a new guy who was shown. I will never forget your sacrifice.

M.A. Olson Z1
Atlanta Police Department

May 2, 2006

To Officer Russell Stalnaker and his loved ones:

On this the seventh anniversary week of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
Reading the loving reflections about your beloved Rusty gives us some understanding of what a kind and honorable young man he was.

Rusty, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Stalnaker. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication. I am so sorry your life was taken from you at such a young age when you had a lifetime ahead of you. How your parents and loved ones must miss you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Rusty gave to his community and the citizens of Georgia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 31, 1999.

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

April 4, 2006

I just found out about this page a couple of days ago. I just want you to know that you influenced my life more than you knew. You, Joey, and Adam were all like brothers to me. I love you and your family and I just want you to know how much I miss you. I think about and pray for your family every day. I know that one day we will meet again.

Hope Golden

April 2, 2006

Seven years...I can hardly believe how they have passed...both slowly and quickly at the same time. I wish I could visit your gravesite today and sit for a few minutes in the quiet by your side. I would thank you for loving me, believing in me, and teaching me a great deal about life. I would share happy news with you too! Because distance keeps that from happening, I am using this website and a few minutes of silence and a few tears to feel the loss that still pricks a soft place in my heart. You are on my mind today...

Dana

March 31, 2006

Every year on my way to work I pass a new wreath lovingly placed on Pine Street. I had to find out who was this young man still held so dear in the hearts of those who knew him. He must have truely been an exceptional person. Knowing about his sacrifice allows me to care too.

Jennifer Flock, RN

March 30, 2006

I can hear your voice and laughter and feel your spirit in my heart

I love you

Lisa

January 18, 2006

Although we've never met, I feel like I know so much about you. Your family has the best stories to tell about you. They miss and still love you so much. My heart goes out to Larry, Linda, Joey, and Adam -I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Anonymous

December 15, 2005

Thinking of you today. Love you and miss you...

Cathy

December 8, 2005

Happy Birthday! May your memory be young and vibrant forever.

Dana

December 8, 2005

I wish to acknowledge the distinquished service Officer Rusty Stalnaker gave to his community and the citizens of Georgia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 31, 1999. Officer Stalnaker, you are a true hero and your valor and dedication will always be remembered.

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

October 14, 2005

For Rusty,
You've been on my mind...and in my heart. It's the time of year you enjoyed country music and long drives. It's the time of year we fell in love. You are not forgotten. As long as I have breath, you are loved and remembered.

Dana

August 30, 2005

I can't believe it's been six years. It seems like only yesterday when I shed so many tears.

Allison Roberts

March 31, 2005

Rusty you are gone but not forgotten. You are thought of everyday.God Bless you.

S.Bullock
wife of former officer
Douglasville, GA

March 12, 2005

Everytime I hear of an officer down, I think about you and Dana. You gave so many people so much joy in school. My heart hurt so bad for Dana and your family, I can't imagine the pain they had to deal with. I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with them, still today.

Maia Noles

February 25, 2005

We had such a good time growing up together. I felt particuarly close to you and Dana since we all went through school together. I didn't believe you when you told me you were an Atlanta policeofficer. I remember you had to whip out your badge and show me to prove it. Your death was very devastating and everytime I think about it, it still brings me to tears. I know you are missed by a lot of people. I will never forget you because your birthday was the day before mine; thus, every year I reflect on your death and say to myself how old you "would have been" if you were still here. I am so sad that you are gone, but I am so proud of the man that you became in such a short time. Your courage was admirable and even through death it lives on in the hearts of every officer out there. Thank you.

Trina

December 28, 2004

At the rising of the sun and at its going down,
We remember you.

At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter,
We remember you.

At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring,
We remember you.

At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer,
We remember you.

At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn,
We remember you.

At the beginning of the year and when it ends, and especially on your birthday,
We remember you.

As long as we live, you too will live;
for you are now a part of us, as we remember you.


When those who loved and relied on you are weary and in need of strength,
They remember you.

When they are lost and sick at heart,
They remember you.

When they have joys they yearn to share,
They remember you.

When they have decisions that are difficult to make,
They remember you

When they have achievements that are based on yours,
They remember you.

As long as they live, you too shall live,
for you are a part of them, as we all remember you.

(Adapted from the Gates of Repentance
New Union Prayer Book)

Dianne Prager

December 13, 2004

Rusty,

Tonight you and Dana should be celebrating your birthday by doing something special and eating birthday cake together. Father God had plans for your future birthdays. I know he needed you there in heaven at the biggest celebration of all. You truly blessed my life during your short stay here. You were a special person to many people. You are greatly loved and forever remembered by many.

Your mother in law,

Diane

Diane Askew

December 8, 2004

Rusty,
We miss you so much. We should be out celebrating your birthday with you tonight, but I know what you are experiencing in heaven is a celebration beyond what any of us can imagine. I wish you could have stood with us at our wedding, but I know you were there in spirit. Our memories of you are so dear. Know that tonight we are thinking of you, remembering you, and looking forward to one day seeing your wonderful smile again. We love you!

Cathy & Robby

December 8, 2004

I can't believe that it has been almost six years since I celebrated your birthday with you. In six more days this would have been your 30th! Life is so different for me without you. I have moved on, but there's a part of me that misses you more than these words can express. And the season of your birthday always brings my memories of you into sharp focus. I'm so glad God allowed us to be married for a short time...it was a wonderful part of my life. You were such a gift. I hope you are having the biggest and best birthday party ever in Heaven. I miss you, my Funny Bird. May Heaven be full of all the white icing you could ever want! Happy Birthday, dear Russ...

Dana

December 2, 2004

HERO!

September 7, 2004

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

June 15, 2004