Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Vazquez,

As I sit and read the reflections left here over the years I can't help but tear up. This is my nightmare as well. I have eight of the most beautiful children, and fear that someday I may never see them again. Yet I also need the feeling of helping others in their time of need and saving lives. That's why I chose this profession. My prayers go out to your family and friends. I was working at Tri-County Regional Jail in the control room when the call came over our scanner. All we could do was pray that you would make it. Then the call came over the scanner that you had passed away from the injuries that you had suffered. There wasn't a dry eye in the jail as I announced it over our radios for some of our officers and you had crossed paths. I too feel the pain that your family has endured. I have lost loved ones at very young ages as well, yet not in such a tragic way. I lost my mother to cancer at the age of 35, and I lost my younger brother to suicide at the age of 22. Again my heart and prayers go out to your friends and family...God Bless you all!

Patrolman Rusty L. Stewart
South Vienna Police Department, OH

September 27, 2005

I can't believe it's been almost 4 years since we lost you. I was thinking the other day about how we used to ride our bikes from my mom's house to the new house while it was being built. You made me ride in front of you so you could keep your eye on me. It was so cool, riding our bikes in the middle of the night.....like we were the only people in the world. And we'd sit in our new living room against the wall and look around in awe at what was ours. You worked so hard to give us that. I kick myself all the time for being so stupid and young and not realizing how hard you worked. I really should have been a better wife, but I guess those are the lessons one learns. I mean no one's perfect, not even you were! Of course the flaws we have fade away in the memories. Really, I only remember the love you had for me. It really goes to show how love is so much more strong than anything....you were so funny. The best dancer I ever knew...you and your backflips. I loved dancing with you and at the same time I felt so inadequate because you were so awesome. I remember you prank calling people. Pizza Hut....you said that Leona the pizza delivery girl threw a pizza at you and they believed you. You used a middle eastern accent and I had tears of laughter streaming down my face. You were the best pranker. I remember one time at my mom's I was getting the newspaper and you jumped out at me and I threw it at you. And you taking me out for my birthday and we stopped for a coffee on campus. Again, late at night. We walked around the oval and it began pouring down rain.....we were running in the rain, laughing. Those are the memories that stay with me. Those moments in time that were just pure and happy. It's something that I try to remember in my day to day life but it's hard. I've gotta learn to not sweat the small stuff. I just know how you used to look at our kids with such love and joy. The little songs you would make up. You used to make up new words to the songs on the radio. Another thing that would drive me batty because I would be listening to the song but wow...now I think...how talented was he? So creative and I can't even put it into words. Words can't even begin to express the person you were. Maybe that's why I don't talk about you as much as I should, because when I know that those stories are so 2 dimensional, when you were so very 3 dimensional. Words are inadequate to describe you, Frank. It seems like everyone that didn't know you thinks you were this stuffy guy and you so weren't. Maybe its this serious trooper picture they see posted everywhere. I mean you gave your job your all but you were so much fun. And maybe it's because when I say you didn't drink, but anyone that knows you knows you didn't need to drink to be the life of the party. We really were two crazy kids.

Ok, onto what's going on here. Today (25th) was Christian's 9th birthday. He's growing up so fast, our little guy. He had a great day. I got him a game and a movie and some clothes. Of course the clothes, he had no interest in. Kyra and I shopped for his gifts. She's so beautiful and smart. Noah is the wild boy. Christian's the one that likes his shirt buttoned up all the way and his hair nice and neat....where Noah likes camaflogue pants and wants a mohawk. I don't know how much of that is Todd's influence, ha ha.....They are all so loving, though, such good, good kids. Christian is so intelligent and so kind hearted. School is going great so far. Camp was a great experience, in many ways. I did realize that counseling would be a good idea for them, because it seemed very healing for them to talk. The counselor that worked with them did tell me that she was impressed with how I interacted with the kids. That meant a lot to me, because there's no handbook in parenting and especially in this situation...so I just try to guide myself by my love for them and hope it leads me in the right direction. Making them happy really is my life. I mean I do take time for myself, but it makes me happy and that makes me a better mom. I worry about them a lot. I might be a little overprotective. Hopefully it doesn't make them too weird! But I can't help it.

As you know, Uncle Gary joined you last week. Another amazing person's life cut short way too early. He was surrounded by so much love. He told us all at the hospice that he saw a blue light. It was a heavy moment. Of course when I hear blue light I think of law enforcement so I was wondering if you had anything to do with that? You really loved Uncle Gary, Aunt Nancy, Gary and Tim, so much. You had so many good memories of when you lived with them during college. Uncle Gary had such a positive personality, such a good man. I know you'll take good care of him. He's dearly missed.

I didn't attend spouses retreat because the dates conflicted with the funeral and I wouldn't miss the funeral. It was a beautiful service. Its heartbreaking to see Nancy, little Gary, and Tim suffer such a loss. I remember that feeling, it's almost like it's a dead weight that sits on your heart, even now. Because once you've felt that devastation, you never go back to your old self again.


Sometimes I sit and contemplate life, on nights like tonight. I am so happy and things are going so great, but will I always have this underlying sadness? I am a completely different person than I was, yet it's like I will always have this scared little 24 year old in my heart. It affects me in a lot of ways because I took my life for granted before. Now I know not to do that, but I feel scared because life changes so quickly. I feel really lucky to have Todd. Which seems weird to tell you but you know what I mean. He's so amazing, I mean, who knew how lucky I would be for a second time in my life. He's such a wonderful part of mine and the kids lives. Let me give you an example. We were talking about if we were gonna have kids. I said, if we were, then we should do it soon because of the age gap. But he said, "I want to make sure our 3 are ok before we bring another kid into the family." He doesn't feel the need to have a kid "of his own" because he looks at Christian, Kyra, and Noah to be his, he loves them like that. And he's the one that hung your pictures in their rooms. He wants you to always be a part of our lives. He's not intimidated by you. I mean, wow. You will always be their daddy. Always....but you sent someone to us that would love them like a father and that is such a gift. I guess it might have been hard for some to see me get married, but once they meet Todd they fall in love with him, too. And they understand. It seems the people with the most negative opinions are the ones who really aren't involved in my life anyhow. They don't call or visit but they think it's ok to judge. I don't get it? I haven't heard anything negative, to be honest. Well, not in a long time.....sometimes its great to be old news! :)

I really wish I could talk to you. I'm so curious as to what you're up to and what's going on up there. Kyra said you were an officer up there....she has an invisible phone that can talk to the dead, by the way. She told me that you and Uncle Gary were having ice cream. I guess I'll find out soon enough. Your dad and my mom were over tonight. She got him an iPod for his birthday. He loves gadgets as much as I do. He's such a great man....the kids just love him so much.

Now that I have totally rambled on (but you know I've always done that!)I'm gonna go to bed.

....Somewhere out there...

Krissy

September 26, 2005

Hey there,

Monday, Christian, Kyra, and I leave for COPS kids camp. They are really excited. I am too, I just hope it's not too hot. The kids and I just went on a major cleaning frenzy in their rooms. It's amazing that when you give kids a job to do, it makes them feel important and proud.

Sometimes I think about my life and I can't wrap my head around it. How did I get here? It's like that Talking Heads song "Once in a Lifetime." You know I've talked about this with my friends many times who have been through similar situations. You try to figure out some meaning behind it all. I know we were meant to bring these beautiful children into the world. Now that I have known you, I have such high standards for the people I want to be in my life. You taught me how to treat people that I love and to appreciate being healthy, honest, and that a sense of humor goes a long way. You taught me how to be treated. That I won't settle. And not to take people for granted. That's a big one.

Your death seemed so pointless...a stupid drunk driver with no regard for the safety or lives of anyone. I imagine his own pain created his addiction, but I cannot feel too sorry for him because I have felt a lot of pain too, and I don't do that. There's really no excuse for it at all. I don't care who you are. If you drink and drive and have no care that you might kill someone then you have no use for me.

You died, but I think you saved a lot of lives. I'd like to think your death opened the eyes to some people that thought they would be ok driving drunk. Maybe they stopped because they realized...I hope so, anyhow.

I'm at a point now where I can remember you and it doesn't hurt. I will think of a funny incident and laugh. Today Christian said he remembers us going to the Y and playing basketball. That kids has an amazing memory, and I am so glad for his sake.

I still cry when I talk about you but I think its because I held a lot of things in for a long time. You can't hold things in, they will always surface, even though it has been almost 4 years.

Watch over the kids. As much anxiety as I have, being a mom, it helps to know you are always with them. I know you, and you will never leave their sides.

I'll be seeing you......

Krissy

July 30, 2005

Trooper Vazquez,

As I read your memorial and the Reflection that was left about the growth success of your children, it seems to affect me greatly. As I read the reflection my eyes fill with tears as I read of your children and how strong your wife must be to deal with such a great loss.

A special sentence catches me; you had your priorities in hand at such a young age. I feel a common factor between us because I too matured very quickly and have always had my priorities in hand. I became a Police Officer at the young age of 18, it has been a dream to wear the "Flying Tire" since my youngest memories. Your age that the Lord opened his pearl gate and welcomed you in has a common relation with me also, I am only 21 years old and am now in the application process with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.(You know how long that process takes.)Your heroism is trully an inspiration to me. You gave the ultimate to the people of the this Great State and you will never be forgotten nor the pain your family endured through this tragedy.

I know you are watching over and always with your wife and children and smiling as they grow. I will pray for strength for your children and family as I know you do too.

I Honor You- Anthony

Sergeant Anthony R. Day
Peebles Police Adams County, Ohio

July 16, 2005

Happy Birthday! We love you so very much and miss you more every day.

We're all going to have cheesecake for your birthday today and go to the cemetary. I can't believe you would have been 30. It's hard enough to believe that, at 28, I am 2 years older than you got to be. You always seemed so mature and had your *you know what* together at such a young age. WOW.

Todd is going to make a memorial to put by the cross on 270. Trooper Gross has a really nice one and Todd thinks you should, too.

The kids are doing great, as you know! I take them to Wyandot Lake all of the time. Noah is such a daredevil, he wanted to go on the blue slide that goes straight down...but he's too short. Kyra went! Christian is much more cautious so he waited at the bottom....cheering them on as they went down the big slides. They make me so happy.

I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you. Happy Birthday. Love, Krissy

Krissy

July 2, 2005

May you forever rest in peace and always look over your collegues.

Greater Manchester Police, UK

June 25, 2005

Krissy,

Of course I remember you how could I forget such a beatiful lady, I am very glad to hear from you, life has been difficult these past few weeks but we are getting by. I am so glad to hear that you have found a wonderful person to be in your life. I hope your children are also doing wonderful, my baby is not a baby anymore, I'm sure you know that feeling! I plan to be at kids camp hopefully you decide to be there I would love to catch up.

Take care of yourself always and thank you for remembering us. God Bless your family.

Erika Mitchell

May 19, 2005

Dear Daddy, Hello. Can you take me to Animal Kingdom to see Dinoland to see all the characters and see Bugs Life. I will be good at school tomorrow. Why did you die? And what are you doing? I was little. And why are you staying really dead forever? I miss you. And I love you. Bye bye. I wish you were alive again. Love Noah

Noah

May 17, 2005

Hi. Remember me? Kyra! I love you! I wish you were here because I had a great day today. But with you I would have a greater day. Is Grandma Vazquez ok? I miss you a lot. Are you having fun in heaven? If you were here when I was 13 I would drive you to work every day. Our mom misses you too. Do you miss us? When you died our mom cried a lot. We felt bad. We went to Disney last week. I wish you were here so you could see all the characters. I wish you were still alive. I miss you! I wish you could write me back. Love Kyra

Kyra

May 17, 2005

Hello! It is me Christian! How are you today? Are you walking Bailey? I'm in second grade now. We're going to see Because of Winn-Dixie on Thursday. It is going to be fun. I feel very sad and I miss you. I wish you were back alive so you could take us to the zoo and take us to Disney World. It would be fun. I remember the time you came to my school. I like spending time with you. I hope I see you again! Love Christian

Christian

May 17, 2005

No farewells were spoken
There was no time for goodbyes
You were gone before we knew it
Only God knows why

If tears could build a stairway
And hearts could build a lane
We would walk away to heaven
To bring you back again.

Friends may think we have forgotten
When at times they see us smile
Little do they know the heartache
Our smiles hide all the while.
To some you may be forgotten
To others a part of the past.

But to those who loved and lost you
Your memory will always last.





Hey Q-Ball. Just got back from Police Week yesterday. It was amazing, as always. I hope you liked the candles Todd made for you and the pictures I left. We took the kids to Disney a couple of weeks ago and it was awesome....they had a blast. They are at the perfect age. You would have loved it.

I'm so proud of the kids. Kyra and Christian get 100% on their spelling tests EVERY time. Noah is doing great, too, you'd never know he had a speech delay! They miss you, of course. Their "Angel Daddy." Christian and Kyra still remember the song you made up while pushing them on the swings. Noah is sitting with me right now and just said "I want him to come back alive." We all snuggled on the couch yesterday and watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

The kids are here now and they want to each write you a message. Thanks for being there for me. Love Krissy

Krissy

May 17, 2005

RIP in brother. You will not be forgotten.

Officer
Put-in-Bay Police

May 1, 2005

Not a day goes by where you are not remembered. Your smile, your humor, your morals, your love. I'm older, stronger and different than I was over 3 years ago. I know you've been there, supporting me, when I was alone. You were there. I felt you there. Now I am remarried. He is someone you would have been friends with, someone with a big heart like you. Lets face it, I know you sent him to us. He honors you and respects you as well. He goes with me to all of the COPS functions and has passed all of the "tests" your friends have put him through. You had to leave us early, but you live on. You live on through Kyra, who has your smile. Christian, who has your dance moves, and Noah, who has your ability to make friends with everyone. I feel so blessed to have had all of the support that I did. The highway patrol is top notch and they took good care of me. Other people aren't so lucky, and I feel so blessed. Your dad married my mom. How cool is that? They love taking the kids and having fun with them. You live on in your dad too. He's happy and he makes mom happy. Through all of the hard times, when I felt judged and alone (especially in the beginning when I didn't know what the hell I was doing!) I felt you lifting me up, sending friends my way. I see other people going through the same things and its hard. It brings back a lot of memories.

That song "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World would always play when I was having a bad day.

"hey, dont write your self off yet
its only in your head you feel left out
or looked down on
just try your best
try everything you can
and dont you worry what they tell themselves
when your away

it just takes some time
little girl your in the middle
of the ride
everything will be just fine
everything will be alright

hey, you know they're all the same.
you know you're doing better on your own, so don't buy in.
live right now.
yeah, just be yourself.
it doesn't matter if its good enough, for someone else.

It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride
everything will be just fine,
everything will be alright "

I always felt as though that song was just for me,from you. And you were right, everything is all right and I am ok. Can't think about the kids not knowing their dad, because that makes me cry. But I know you are with them and protecting them. Thank you for being Frank and for being in my life. I know you are right here with me now as I write this. Everytime Goonies or Ghostbusters is on, I think about you. And I'm still trying to drink water and work out 5 days a week, like you. If you could help me out in that dept. I would be grateful. You had such drive and strength. Thinking about you...2005 Love Krissy

February 7, 2005

Frank,
Thank you for your sacrifice. You would be so proud of Krissy. She has offered me a lot of support and love. She is here for those that are suffering after her. You have an amazing family. We will never forget and will always honor all of you.

Sara Winfield
Wife of Brandy EOW 10/14/04

January 13, 2005

Frank,

You are not forgotten,it was great working with you. Keep looking down on us. Thinking of you often, and missing you alot.

January 13, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace.

December 29, 2004

Frank-Although I did not know you personally, my heart broke when I heard about your untimely death.You did not die in vain - Troopers work hard every day to remove .19's from the roads. That is one aspect I miss about not being a Troop. Every drunk I removed from the road meant the roadways were that much safer that day(or night).Rest in Peace Frankie.

Former Trooper
OSP

December 25, 2004

Trooper Vazquez,

I have the utmost respect for you and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers. Many of which assist our department in covering special duty assignments during football, basketball and dances at the university. You will be sadly missed. Every drunk driver I arrest will be a tribute to you. Thank you for your service and I am glad to be able to say that I had know you. God bless your family and friends. Rest in Peace Frank.

Officer Doug Cunningham # 306
The Ohio State University Police Department

February 9, 2004

I have a picture of Trp. Vazquez on my desk. This Picture says on it Killed by a drunk driver. I encourge my officers to remeber Trp Vazquez and others taken from loved ones because of the senseless act they chose to take by driving after having had "a few beers". God Bless Trp. Vazquez, his family, the OSHP and police officers every where.

Lt. Anthony Pfeifer
Clinton Township PD, Columbus, OH

October 28, 2003

Troopers and Officers all across this country must be strong together and hold a special bond for each other. As such, I salute you Trooper Vazquez for your professionalism and sacrifice which makes us all proud to be who we are. May the memory of your bravery, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. AC

Trooper - Troop M
Pennsylvania State Police

October 23, 2003

On angels ...
"The wings ain't anything but a uniform that's all. When they are in the field so to speak, they always wear them."
Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Hi Frank ...
I passed your sign on the highway the other day. Hubby and I, along with two of our friends, passed through Columbus on our way to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Actually, we passed your sign twice, once going to Indiana (10-4-03) and once returning to our home in North Carolina (10-10-03). I felt a tug at my heart telling me I needed to come to this website to see who you were, see if I could find out about what kind of person you were. I didn't see anything by anyone you knew personally, but I know in my heart you were a Great person and you're still missed by many. I don't know what else to say. God bless the family you left behind and God bless the friends and fellow officers that carry on the work for you.

Sincerely,
Laura Gillespie
Clayton, NC

October 13, 2003

It is because of you and other officers like you that I enjoy arresting drivers under the influence.

Rest In Peace, My Brother

September 29, 2003

FRANK YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN... I MEMORIALIZE YOUR LIFE WITH EVERY DUI I LOCK UP!

POLICE OFFICER JIM GILBERT
COLUMBUS POLICE

September 21, 2003

We don't understand why but we know God has a reason. I hope you are watching over all of us and I hope to meat you someday in the Kingdom and tell you how proud I am to call myself a brother officer.

Patrol Officer
Hebron Police Department

I was there when they laid you to rest and I still feel the loss of yet another brother killed. God bless you Frank and your family, friends, and co-workers at the West Jefferson Post. We will continue the good fight to remove impaired drivers from the road so that you were not killed in vain.

Sgt. J. A. Gebhart
Ohio State Highway Patrol