Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Walter Slusarczyk

Gresham Police Department, Oregon

End of Watch Wednesday, September 8, 1999

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Reflections for Officer Walter Slusarczyk

23 years today. You would think I would know what to say by now, but I don’t. “I miss you” doesn’t cover it. I love you so much Dad.

Sara
Daughter

September 8, 2022

Wow I can’t believe that it has been so many years that you have been gone. There are so many things that remind me of you and I tell stories about you and your giving spirit, sense of humor, and supportive way still to this day. I remember a conversation that we had just a few days before you passed and as I am sure you know I kept my promise.

11 days ago we lost a deputy here where I live now and as I watched the funeral procession and services it took me right back to the day we lost you. As they talked about the hurt and comfort of others in the days since he passed I knew exactly what they were feeling. I felt myself right back there in that same place. When I heard the bag pipes and honor guard I closed my eyes and I was right back in that day again. It hit me a lot harder than I thought it would.

I came back here and read all of the posts and cried and laughed and put myself back into all of those happy memories with you. I remembered the thanksgiving you were working and couldn’t go home for dinner so you came over to our house and ate and I found out your middle name and teased you relentlessly about it and how you teased me right back. I remembered the time my parents were out of town and in true fashion you randomly stopped by to make sure I was where I was supposed to be but I missed your knocking on the door because I was in the shower so you called over and over and over until I answered. When I finally answered you chewed me out for making you worry. I remembered the time you happened to see me roll through a stop sign and you called me to ask me what the ____ I was thinking.

You always watched out for me, helped me and encouraged me. I miss you so much. I miss you laugh and you hugs. I know I will see you again some day and I expect the big grin and a huge hug!

August 3, 2021

April Hegewald
Friend

August 4, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 8, 2020

Wally there are no words to describe how much you are missed and how much I looked up to you as a teenager. I first met wally in December of 1994 on the Ticket To Ride project restoration of the 1956 Oldsmobile for the Gresham Police Department.

There is not a day that goes by without a thought or memory of every interaction I have had with you. You forever changed my views of law enforcement officers as a teenager and I proudly share those experiences 25 years later as much as I can.

The last time we spoke you had pulled me over just to see how I was doing. It made me feel pretty special that you took time out of your busy day just to check in on me. Back then I didn't know how to express my feelings very well or express my appreciation for the service to our community that you provided.

I wish you were here today so I could express my feelings in how you changed my life. I miss you very much wally.

God bless and watch over our LEO's

Brian Schacher
Friend

September 7, 2019

to my brother missing you all the time it still hurts been 20 years I know you would have done amazing things if you were still with us
had alot of great times special thanks for all of the people that may havent met you that leave inspirational wishes it's a great brotherhood you inspire. still today

Tim slusarczyk
bro

August 30, 2019

Sup Homes?

Just thinking about the best friend I’ve had in this life so far. I miss you and can’t wait to see you again.
I just hope you know how much of a positive impact you made in my life.
Love you, my brother.

Jon Lee
Friend

September 4, 2018

Happy Birthday Dad.....I miss you more than words can express. I wish you could be here to share these amazing life experiences with me in person. I love you and know you're watching over me.

Mike Slusarczyk
Son

August 29, 2018

Wow, Today marks 18 years since you passed. I miss you as much now as I did the, maybe even more. I miss our dinners on Wednesday nights and when you would sneak in my house and blow your whistle because I was sleeping. There was a lot of good memories we had together, I raise my tequila sunrise in your honor. See you when I get called home.

Randy Soria
Brother from another Mother

September 8, 2017

Wally,
Though I was only a small child when you passed, I still have warm memories of the things our families did together. I saw your plaque in the GPD yesterday, and just wanted to come here to let you know that it is hanging right there in the front entrance with your smiling picture in it. You will never be forgotten there, Wally. You are missed by many.

Daniel Gerkman

January 12, 2013

Wally, it is coming up on the holidays again, and I have been thinking about you and how you loved to wear your Santa hat and red suspenders with your uniform the week of Christmas. I so miss going on ride alongs with you.... you amazed me at times, scared the hell out of me at times, and made me laugh the rest of the time...the last New Year's eve we rode together and you had a code 3...I was holding two really hot coffee's that we had just got, going to the call they spilled all over my lap, you stopped the car jumped out, and when the call was over you looked at me straight faced and said "oh yeah, next time just throw the hot coffee out the window and hold on to your panties." Then you cracked up laughing.... I do miss you, more than you will ever know. The kids miss you, especially during the holidays, you would be so proud of all three of them. I saw Joe the other day, he still is as lovable and sweet as always, he misses you too.

Your witchy always....

Laura Ledgett
X-wife

November 15, 2010

It has been a long ten years without you my love. I miss you daily! The day I met you was one of the best days of my life. I love and miss you sooooo much!

Kimi Slusarczyk
Wife

September 8, 2009

It takes a special kind of person to be who and what you are
And in our lives, you’re a bright shining star
You were not just a police officer, but you are also our dad
We understand all the things for which you stand
We will never forget you
It’s been ten years today
We pay tribute to your memory
On this truly sad day

We know you can see us
And all that we do
We hope you are pleased
That our dreams are coming true

Your memory lives on
In our hearts and our souls
The love that we have for you
Shall never grow cold

We go on with our lives
And we take it day by day
Sara, Tim & I
Can’t wait to see you someday

September 8th, 1999 – September 8th, 2009
R.I.P. Dad

Anonymous

September 8, 2009

To the family and loved ones of Officer Walter Slusarczyk and most especially to Wally:

On this the tenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that you are honored and revered today and everyday.

From all the loving reflections left about you, I can see that you were an amazing man and what a grievous loss your loved ones have endured.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire. You are loved and missed by so many, and I am sure you are proud that your family is continuing your legacy of protecting and serving.

Rest in Peace. A body is but for a lifetime, but spirits and souls are for eternity and yours is forever part of those who call you beloved.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of distinquished service Wally gave to his community and the citizens of Oregon, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 8, 1999.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Dept. eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

September 8, 2009

Merry Christmas Dad....you will be happy to know that all of us are still working hard to make you proud. Sara is engaged, Tim has graduated high school, and I am working on my career in law enforcement as promised. We all miss you so much and wish you were here to share the holiday with us, but we know you're with us everyday in our hearts. I love you bud.

Your Son,
Mike D. Slusarczyk

Mike Slusarczyk
Son

December 25, 2008

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, P.O. Slusarczyk.

Slusarczyk family: I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, spending time with friends and loved ones- remembering those that are not with you.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Department

November 23, 2008

You have not been forgotten by those that love you and those who are close to you. Keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol guarding over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero.

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

September 8, 2008

Mom tells me all the time how much like you I am getting to be, and every time I hear that I cant help but wonder what it would be like if you were still here. I know your up there somewhere laughing at me half of the time with that deep belly laugh of yours just watching me grow up and trying to learn from my mistakes. I'm told that I have your weird sense of humor, and thats something I take pride in. Even though you've been gone for a long time now, I still feel like your right there beside me helping me become a man and as long as I think about that I can get through anything and I have you to thank for that. I love you and miss ya dad. cant wait until the day we can sit down and have a few laughs together.

Tim
Son

January 17, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

January 14, 2008

Dad, not a day goes by that I don't think about you and wish that you were still with us. The holiday season just isn't the same without you. Sara, Timmy and I always talk about the good times we had and the memories that never seem to lose their effect. We've all been doing our best to keep making you proud of us and nothing will ever change that. Thanks for watching over us each day, we love you!

Your Son,
Michael

Mike Slusarczyk
Son

November 20, 2007

I miss you so much Wally. Every minute you are in my heart and always in my thoughts. You were always there for myself, the kids and others. You always put yourself first and that shows by how much you were loved by everyone. I still have a very hard time visiting you. I don't think that pain will ever go away. I do have comfort in knowing that someday I will be with you again.
My love forever sweets,
Kimi Slusarczyk

Kimi Slusarczyk Wife

September 21, 2007

Wally,

I cannot believe it has been 8 years. We love you as much today as we did 8 years ago. Our pain of losing you is reminded each time we pass by your home (which we can't avoid!! Thanks Wally!) It makes me feel uneasy training recruits without your influence. Sept 8 is one of the saddest days of my life.....Do you remember talking in the hall 30 minutes before you passed? I was the happiest man ever and you were sharing it with me. I hope you took that conversation with you when the Lord welcomed you into His Kingdom.

We all miss and love you.

Jim, Michelle, Nikki, and Katherine

Sgt. James Peninger & Family
Gresham PD - Friends

September 11, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this 8th anniversary. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and guide them as they continue on lifes journey. You are a true hero.

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

September 8, 2007

Well Wally, it has been 7 years, 1 month, and 10 days since God took you. I know you are watching, but you have missed oh so much. The kids miss you terribly, they still each have a uniform shirt hanging in your closet, and you duty belt is proudly displayed in our den. Even after all this time I can still hear your laugh, that evil laugh after you would scream at the top of your lungs when the kids fell asleep in the car...it always cracked you up...they still remember that! I think of you often and wish things could have turned out differently and you were still with us today...always in my heart...Laura

Laura Slusarczyk
x wife

October 18, 2006

In loving memory of officer wally:

The Absent One

As we gather at the table
And watch each smiling face
The heart fills with emotion
To see this vacant place.
We may strive to hide our longings
In the midst of mirth and fun
But we're thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved-the absent one.

When we gather 'round the fireside
With merry laughter and jest
How we wish the absent dear one
Was here with all the rest.
Still we join in all the frolic
But we wish the day was done
For we're thinking, thinking, thinking
of the loved-the absent one.

Yet when the day is over
And they all have gone to rest
We feel the Heavenly Father
Does all things for the best.
So we cheer our drooping spirits
With the rising of the sun
But we can't help thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved-the absent one. author unknown

You touched alot of lives and they will never be the same.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

September 8, 2006

Seven years have passed since your tour of duty ended and I know your loved ones and close friends think of you each and ever day. You have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still on patrol.

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

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

September 7, 2006

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