Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To those that pledge to uphold it, freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know.

I did not know Kristin but I know many like her - excellent cops, wonderful human beings. Her life and death was spent serving others.

Almost 5 years have passed. To her family, I can imagine that sometimes it feels like just yesterday that you saw her and other times feels like forever since you heard her voice. Rest assured you are in my prayers.

Wife of an MCPD, Maryland Officer

May 1, 2007

Its a beautiful day, the sun is shining and the trees are blowing in the wind. I cant help but think you have something to do with the beauty of it all. Its hard to believe its going to be 5 years. That night will forever be my worst nightmare. Nothing can ever take away that infectious smile and your love of the job and your fellow officers.
To those Officers, I think of you often. Stay safe. Our Angel in Blue looks out for us all.

Mom

April 30, 2007

Kristin,
My thoughts were with you and your family yesterday as we said goodbye to another young officer.
God Speed

April 29, 2007

It's hard to believe it's been 5 years. With all that has happened this week it seems like it was yestarday. And what I remember most is still your smile and cackle and how fat you thought we all looked in our uniforms. We miss you.

m. eaton

April 28, 2007

Well Kristin. We are coming up on that time of year again. Each year police week approaches, the memory of that fatal day resurfaces. It's still hard. Every year our hearts hurt. And every year, Kari and I stand by your name at the wall during the vigil and cry together. You will never be forgotten.
To the Pataki family....know that you are always in our hearts and prayers. Know that we are here for you always.

PO3 Law, S.
MCPD

April 15, 2007

Thinking of you today. Continue to watch over us and be there in spirit for your mom and sister.

Officer
Maryland

March 27, 2007

I met up with an old friend from high school recently. While reminiscing I asked what happened to you, and she told me. I couldn't believe it. Its been more than 13 years since we've spoken, and to hear this, I'm still shaken by it. You were a great friend, a great person, and will be missed.

Love,
An old friend

A old friend

January 28, 2007

I see the countless Christmas trees
around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,
reflecting on the snow

The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away,
We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift,
from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory
of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious
than pure gold.
It was always most important
in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love
he has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and
wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.


Merry Christmas to the Pataki Family

Shift 5
M-NCPP

December 22, 2006

I remember your last Christmas, you were on duty and couldnt make it back home. We missed you so, but your new family embraced you and opened up their homes and for that we were grateful. The only thing that gets me thru this time of year, is the thought that you are with an even "greater" family, with those brothers and sisters that have gone before you.
Merry Christmas my Angel in Blue

Mom

December 17, 2006

I think of you all the time. Alot of things have changed, but not me missing you. I love you.

December 12, 2006

Kristin-
You are still in our hearts.

December 12, 2006

Know that you will never be forgotten for your sacrifice and may you always watch over your family and fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement from above. Rest in peace and God Bless your family!

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

November 16, 2006

Thank you for all the reflections. This website has been a source of comfort to me. I am sorry for those of you who have lost a loved one, I know the pain you feel everyday. Although the pain may change overtime it never goes away, especially when you have lost a child, its a part of your heart, your being that never heals. I have not only lost a daughter but a husband to this tradgedy. Kristin wanted to do so much, education, awareness and so much more. I do not understand God's plan, and maybe never will,
all I kmow is that she loved being a peace office and was proud to wear the shield. Her Dad was so proud of her too, but his heart was broken when she made the ultimate sacrafice.
I pray for those who serve and their families everyday.

Kristin's Family

October 18, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Officer Kristin Marie Pataki and her fellow officers with the Maryland National Capital Park Police:

I wanted to honor and remember Kristin today. Her professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will her valor and courage.

In reading the loving reflections left by her family, friends and co-workers I can see that she was very loved, well respected and is sorely missed. I hope that God is holding her in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

No doubt that Heaven has another hero in Kristin, but I am so sorry you had to lose your beloved. To her mother, I too share your anquish of having lost a cherished child in a line of duty death. May you all continue to be comforted by your faith and your law enforcement family and other police survivors.

I am so sorry that Kristin was robbed of her life so young and so tragically, but through her heroism and the profound sense of duty with which she lived her life, she made an immeasurable difference. May her spirit continue to soar and may her memory continue to inspire.

Her glorious smile shows the beautiful and joyful way she faced the world. Looking at her picture I can feel the passion she had for life.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Kristin gave to her community and the citizens of Maryland, and for the supreme sacrifice she and her family made on May 4, 2002.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 31, 2006

It has been 4 years since your tour of duty ended and I know your loved ones think of you every single day and will never let you be forgotten. I know your parents would change places with you in a heart beat so that you could be here still persuing your life long dream, law enforcement. I'm sure being a cop was a dream of yours for many years and as parents we can not keep our children from fulfilling their dreams. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Poem by Richard Fife:

No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.


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

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 24, 2006

I miss u and I love you

MOM

August 24, 2006

I wanted you, your mom and sister to know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

August 3, 2006

I think of you often. You bring such a light to everyone who knew you and who thinks of you still.

P.O. IV Lauryn McNeill

June 21, 2006

We were in DC for Police Week. I stood at the wall and looked at your name for awhile. Know that you are NOT forgotten Kristin.

May 16, 2006

Just came home from the candlelight vigil. I miss you, and love you. Watch over us.

May 13, 2006

My Angel in Blue,
it seems like you've been gone for an eternity, and yet the pain feels like yesterday. I miss you so.
Its Mother Day this Sunday, and I know you'll be with me.

Thank you all for the reflections and prayers. Kristin's love of life, sense of humor, and genuine kindness will be with us always. No one could ever forget that smile.

May 11, 2006

Hey.

Still think of you and find myself shaking my head. We went by the spot where you had your accident the other day. The memories of that evening came back. You answering up for the call. Alice finding you and doing all she could to help. Me going 95 mph up I-270 to get there to help, telling myself to slow down before I got in a wreck, but ignoring my thoughts. I just wanted to get there to help. Arriving on scene and hearing the real bad news. I am really glad we got to know each other in the short time you were with us. Thanks for talking me into going to dinner with you the night of your first arrest. "Bench Warrant for Failure To Appear on a fishing without a license citation". Hey they all count. We were able to spend just a little more time together that night, and for that I am thankful. You dont know how much you are missed and how much you help us. I hope you are at peace.

Thanks

May 8, 2006

It's been four years and today still feels the same. I wish I would have been with you and I could have taken your place. I wish I could have been there today and given you another lily. I've moved to Oregon like I told you before and things are going well. I miss you everyday. "What if's" will never leave my mind.

I love you and you still change my life everyday I see the sun.

Lauren M.

May 5, 2006

I miss you everyday

May 4, 2006

I will always love you! Thank you.

May 4, 2006