Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Kristin
The news of your passing has only just reached me and I'm still in shock. Though we never met, and lived so far apart, we became friends in a short time because of the mutual interest we shared.
You will missed forever and thought of always. My memories of you are committed to my heart.
Love
Lyn

I'll miss our discussions on the internet. All the girls on the group are stunned, we didn't know what happened and just found out. Thanks for being a good friend, even if we never met execpt over the pc. I will miss you.

Special Agent Mary McGaughy Neely
Tennessee Highway Patrol

I never had the privilege of knowing Kristin, except through the stories she wrote, which always touched me in some way. Reading all the thoughts and memories of her leaves me mourning not only a wonderful writer, but a wonderful person. My prayers and condolences to her friends, family and fellow officers. Thank you for letting me have a chance to know her a little bit.

BethB

Kristin,

I want to pick up the phone and call you, just to see if you'll answer. I have so much I want to talk to you about. Before I met you in January I didn't know I was missing such a good friend, now I have no idea what to do about the emptiness I am feeling. I know that I can never replace the friend you became. You were one of a kind. I miss you and hope someday we can pick up where our friendship left off. We have so much more to do together.

Love
Kim

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

I miss you, and love you with all my heart.

Anonymous

Kristin,
I miss you so much.

Love Dad

On behalf of the National Drug Interdiction Association, I would like to express my deepest regards and sympathy to the family, friends and fellow officers of Officer Kristin M. Pataki. Nobody can ever be prepared for the unthinkable. We will all miss you fallen hero. Rest in peace brother, rest in peace.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

Douglas R. Wright / Board of Directors
National Drug Interdiction Association

I miss the look of surrender in your eyes
The way your soft brown hair would fall
I miss the power of your kiss when we made love
But baby most of all

I miss my friend
The one my heart and soul confided in
The one I felt the safest with
The one who knew just what to say to make me laugh again
And let the light back in
I miss my friend

I miss the colors that you brought into my life
Your golden smile, those blue-green eyes
I miss your gentle voice in lonely times like now
Saying it'll be alright

I miss those times
I even miss the silly fights
The making up
The morning talks
And those late afternoon walks

I miss my friend
The one my heart and soul confided in
The one I felt the safest with

Love you

Kristin,

Dont know really what to say. My hands are shaking while I try to type this reflection. There is such sorrow in my heart and I just got to know you. I cant imagine the depth of sorrow your parents, sister and family feel. There hasnt been a day that I havent thought about you. You always made me feel so good about myself. Always complimenting. I enjoyed our meal at Burger King, and I wish we lifted weights more often. Man I remember you wanted to make a lock up so bad you could taste it! And then you got the 10-60 guy. Thanks for the munchkins.

You balanced out our team with your overflowing joy and happiness. Didnt know how much we needed you till you arrived. How much more we need you now that you are gone. Wish you were still here. I wish we had more time. I miss you. When I get to heaven, I want to be on your squad...so hook me up. I hope heaven has email and you get this.

"Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, The Lord will be my light." Micah 7:8b

Peace
POIII Shibu Philipose
Shift 5

PO III Shibu Philipose
Maryland-National Capital Park Police - Montgmery Coutny Division

Dear Kristin,
When I was a kid at the age of 7, I always watched "CHiPs" and other police shows and I always wanted to become a police officer and 14 yrs later I am heading that direction. I really want to be a police officer is that you have the chance to interact with others around you, protect others from harm, saving others from being hurt and perhaps change citizens lives. I will be attending a near by academy and like 8 months from now I will be serving a community near by. Police officers like you are really what I really consider as a hero, top of cops and an officer that really love doing her job. I know that you're in a better peaceful world now. My deepest sympathies to your family and friends. GOD bless you! GOD bless ur family and friends!

BN
Criminal Justice Recruit

Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the Children of God. Matthew 5:9
Always hurts the most when a member of our greater DC area family leaves us. May you have blue skies and soft landings Angel, watch over us...

FTO C.E. Wyble
Pentagon Police (DPS)

My prayers are with your family. I am quite certain Montgomery County has lost a great individual. May you rest in peace.

V Chan
Montgomery County Police, MD

My thoughts are with the members of Kristin's patrol.

MP Damien Bower
Naval Police

TEAMMATES

Kristin,

This is the only consistent thought that comes to my mind when I think about you. It is been very hard to place words here for you. In doing so I hope that the healing part of missing you will work. You are a truely special individual. You came to the Agency looking to work hard and do a good job. You have surpassed your own expectations. I am honored that I was able to have dinner with you on the last night. You always were asking questions and wanted to improve. In doing so you improved everyone around you. Truely what TEAMMATES are about. A couple of nights a ago I had the honor of attending dinner with others who know and understand what TEAMMATES are about. Your Parents, Jason, your FTO's, your close friends and classmates, and your fellow TEAMMATES. As usual we all shared good times, with you being there. You will always continue to be there and be in my thoughts. As the OIC that night you taught me some very valuable lessons. I want you to know that they will never be forgotten and I hope that I can pass them along. I have read what others have written and said about you and the tears always come, just as they are now. So, in rememberance of you, a tradition -- a shot of JACK, a bottle of BUD, and a toast -- to those of us still on watch, to those who watch over us, and to Kristin TEAMMATES FOREVER!
Thank you for sharing your life with us, you will live forever in us.


TEAMMATES!
HOOYAH

POIV Stephen V. Grace
Maryland National Capital Park Police (Mont. Co. Div.)

I find that I am unable to adequately express the condolances I wish to leave for those whose eloquent words appear above. We are young, we are invincible, we love our new jobs, we are the police... and this is not supposed to happen to us. But it does happen to us all too often, and we are left to cope and to find meaning. So, to the family whose loss is inconsolable, to the coworkers whose loss is incomprehensible, and to the fiance whose loss is unfathomable: it is with sad eyes and a heavy heart that I offer with deepest humility my love and my prayers to all those left behind. Respectfully,

C.J. Rusk, Deputy Sheriff
Dare County Sheriff's Office, Beach District Patrol Division (NC)

Today marks one month since that sad tragic day. A wonderful officer and person was taken from the Park Police family as well as her own family. Our department will never be the same. This was something we had never experienced. A loss so large that it brought everyone together searching for an answer. As I stood outside of the funeral home and looked at all of our fine officers, I could not help but feel great sadness for them. But I also felt great pride. Pride for their dedication and professionalism-and for their love for their fellow officer, Kristin. She reminded us we have a wonderful job and that special comraderie unique to law enforcement. Your message to us is to be there for each other just as you were that night. To your family: Time is the greatest healer-we think of you and Kristin everyday and hope each day brings you more peace.

Lt. Laura Sheldon
Maryland National Capital Park Police

Thank you Ofc.Pataki for the sacrifice that you have made. My Prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace my sister in blue.

Anonymous

Dearest Kristin,
When I met you the first time, I was taken by how friendly you were and how easy it was to have fun with you. It would be a while until I would see you again,at a party with your fiance. You were telling us goodby. How ironic. Again, you had me laughing the whole time. My heart sank when I got the news and for some reason, I haven't been able to think of you without crying. Maybe because you were such a good person, maybe because you were so happy and it showed, maybe because you made me realize it could all be gone in a second. And that we should make every second count. In your memory, I will take nothing for granted and be thankful for each day I wake up, and for what I have. Please find a way to make J's pain a bit easier. It's so hard to hear about his loneliness and sadness. He loved you more than life iself. I will pray that you find a way to help ease this. I know you are watching over him, but he needs more. God bless you Kristin. You will always be in my prayers.

Anonymous

I've been a Police Officer for 24 yrs, and with the Honor Guard for 10, and I thought I was hardened to this kind of thing. Not so. I can't remember anyone touching so many people so quickly as Kristin did. Every time I talked to her, I liked her more and more. She was one of the most impressive young officers I have ever seen. So much so, that I was going to recommend that she take my place as the next K-9 handler, when I retire. I had dinner with Kristin two nights before her accident, along with two other officers. When the bill came, she snatched it up. "That's ridiculous", I said. "Let us put some money in." "Nah," she said, "I got it. You get it next time." There never was a next time on this earth. But, if I follow her example, I will hopefully get a chance to repay that debt in Heaven someday.
To Kristin's family and fiance: I am sorry for your loss. Our loss.
To Kristin's mother: If I may, Ma'am, if you're looking for a sign from Kristin, look no further than the reflections above. Is that not Kristin speaking to us? Her memory will live forever. Thank you for sharing her with us.

Ofc. D. Lewis & K-9
Maryland Park Police

Krissy,
Tonight is four weeks since you left us.Your Mom, Meredith, Brooky and I are hurting more then I could have ever dreamed possible. We hope you are at peace but we just dont understand how that could possible, Please send a sign to your Mom that your OK.
Love Dad

dad

Kristin,
I'm sorry I never had the privilege of meeting you. When I got to work that Saturday night and heard about the accident, all I wanted to do was cry. We lost a member of the Montgomery County law enforcement family that night.
Please watch over all Montgomery County officers from up in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and all who love you.

Anonymous
Montgomery County Police Communications

Hey Baby,

Who would of thought
that one cold January night,
one beautiful night
I would turn around
there you would be
wanting to dance with me.

The feelings were instant
I knew right then and there
that we would spend
the rest of our lives together
never again to feel any despair
You were (and still are)
the sexiest woman
I ever laid my eyes on
and from that moment on
I never wanted to leave
the loving embrace of your arms.

The more we touched
the more we danced
I wanted you
I wanted to know all I could
possibly know about you

In those few short hours that
wonderful night
I felt like I knew you
my entire life

Nothing about us
could ever be wrong
Why?
Simply because our love would
still not be going so strong.

The hours went by too fast
The time has come
We must say our "good-byes"
But I know
this was only the beginning
of the rest of our life
me and you
forever true.

The time is approaching
our time together
where we can relax
and fully enjoy one another.

So until then, my love
remember this
so far away in miles
yet so close in heart
We will forever be
because this is our destiny!

Its been 26 days since my world stopped turning. It doesnt get easier at all. I still wait to hear you call and say its me. I miss you so, so, so much. I love you baby.

Love
me

Anonymous

Dear Kristin,

I know that we have been out of touch for the past few years and that I will probably never forgive myself for that stupid argument we had, because I cannot make it up to you now. I remember meeting you in eighth grade, and hanging out with you and Laura and Kelly and Dustin. Could it really be ten years ago? And Hillsborough High School...how did we ever get through it? I remember when you threatened to knock out Rich Rozycki in history class for making that comment about Jews, because you knew it was wrong and upset me, but I was too scared to do anything about it. You were always sticking up for people. You truly have the courage of your convictions, Kristin, and I always admired that about you.

I got the address of this site from your Mom, who is still a sweet, wonderful woman. I remember the big bone-crushing hugs you'd give her, and how you were always kissy-face with your dogs, Jake and Ditto. I remember birthday parties, high school graduation, nights at the diner, that night in your living room when we talked til the sun came up about life and relationships...

I really miss you. I wish you had more time.

Love,
Rache

Rachel Dunst

Kristin,

I’ve been sitting at the computer for weeks now trying to write a reflection. 3 weeks ago I received the phone call that devastated my life. Two and a half weeks ago I carried and stood watch over your casket. A week ago I finally framed your picture and hung it on my wall. Three nights ago I cried myself to sleep.
Up until now, I kept stopping and turning the computer off as I found it too tough to try and put my emotions down as written words.
The time we were co-workers and friends seems both as an eternity and as a fleeting instant. Eternity because of all the treasured memories I will have forever. Fleeting given that your time with us seems so brief.
Who would have known we would have become the best of friends when you came to my shift for your last phase of field training? What started out as colleagues quickly led to a valued friendship. If I didn’t get a phone call or a visit from you at least once a day, I knew something was wrong.
Your smile warmed everyone’s heart; your spirit tightened bonds within our department. Your enthusiasm for the job as a police officer knew no limits. You responded to calls and backed up fellow officers without question.
There is a saying that everything happens for a reason. While I cannot see it through the hurt, I know I must realize that when the pain has diminished the reason for all of this will make itself known. Then it will be clear that your love for all of us knows no boundaries.

As I begin another tour of duty tomorrow, I will fasten on my gun belt and snap your gun into my holster. I know I’ll be making you proud carrying on exactly as you’d want me to; and as you would do in my shoes...

Being the best police officer we are capable of being, doing the job we love to do. Protecting and serving as we have sworn to do. And I know you will always be keeping watch over my shoulder.

I love you, miss you, and will cherish your memory until God has us together again.

PO3 Gregory S. Worsey
Maryland National Capital Park Police - Montgomery County

Hey Kristen,

I thought long and hard about what I would say to you...and for the first time in my life, I am almost speechless. You remember when you were on fto and I told you not to touch my heat or my am/fm radio and the rest of the car was yours? I will never forget that look on your face. Then you started singing that stupid "Percurlator" song. That's when I knew how fun you truly are.

I think about you daily. I cry and laugh a lot when I do. I wanted to let you know that I sent you a horse to ride around up there. He jumps really nicely, so hop a few clouds for me. His name is Whisper and he'll be looking for you. Big, fat, grey thing with huge wings.....you know the one....I know he will keep you safe.

To your family and friends, I would like to express my deepest sympathy. I will miss you Kritin but I realize that Heaven needs many angels and you are just the girl for the job.

POIV Sandy Sellman
Maryland National Capital Park Police-Montgomery Co.