Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Wes, I saw a big ol Crane the other day. I chuckled and thought about the time we wrestled that one out of that net. I never thought a bird could bite so hard. Sorry bout that. See you bro.

Jim Blackwell
Fannin County Sheriff Department

June 19, 2008

I met your wife this past week and she was the sweetest thing. She was a great support and had wonderful things to say to our family during our grief from the 1st year of our loss. You must have been a wonderful husband and a great father.
I hear that you would be so proud of your son. She was just in awe of the man that he has turned out to be. Keep your head held high while walking the streets of gold, and tell Andy "Hi" from us when you see him. You guys could talk a lot about hunting and fishing...I'm sure you both have many stories to tell.

Haylee Esparza
Sister-in-law to Andrew Esparza, Irving P.D. EOW 4-13-2007

May 17, 2008

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. Keep watch over the rest of us as we protect our natural resources.

nc game warden

May 12, 2008

Wesley,
I can't help but have hard days when I know the fish are biting and you and Kyle aren't here together laughing and seeing who can catch the biggest. I hope your up there with your dad catching big ones. We have raised a fine son that I know will carry on that tradition. I miss you dearly and can't wait to see you again.
Thanks to all of those who continue to write reflections and that continue us your prayers. God is the only way we can survive such a tragedy.
Matt: 5:9

Elena Wagstaff Kelley
Spouse

EOW 8-5-03

April 19, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 5, 2008

I cant belive its been four years now this is the first time i have acctuly sat down and read all the comments and wont to say thank you to those who left comments and he was a great man and a even greater DAD and i miss him alot LOVE YOU DAD
E.O.W. 8/5/03

Kyle Wagstaff
dad

February 6, 2008

Game Warden Wagstaff,
Today is the fourth anniversary of your EOW. We are thinking of your loved ones and friends as they remember you today and always. You will never be forgotten.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 5, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol guarding the Thin Blue Line.

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

August 5, 2007

I ate dinner with Wesley several times in my 3 years with Kountze PD in Hardin County. He stopped by several times when I was on traffic stops to make sure all was well. He had a good sense of humor and a genuine caring for his fellow officer. You'll be missed brother.

Christopher Watson
Stagecoach PD Montgomery County TX

July 31, 2007

i was thinking about you today Wes...and the rest of our crew..Wes you and Mike take care of Adam, David and Justin please..Game Warden brothers

i miss you guys

Game Warden VI Ray Canales

March 24, 2007

You have not been forgotten and are a true hero. My thoughts are with your loved ones as the 3rd anniversary arrives. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

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

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

August 2, 2006

It's hard to believe you left us a year ago today. We miss you and thank you for leaving us in good hands. You were always there to give us encouragement and strength. You were truly our inspiration. God will continue to guide our way.

Elena & Kyle

August 6, 2004

You were one in a million Wes. The stories you would tell us as we worked together on occasions will be greatly missed. To your family, I can only express my deepest sorrow in your loss and keep each of you in my prayers. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. God Bless and Thank You for allowing me to know you.

Officer J. A. Tippit
La Porte Texas Police Department

May 18, 2004

Wesley,

I think about you all the time; they just don't come any better.

Anonymous

February 25, 2004

I miss you Wes! We shared many laughs throughout the Academy and the ten years that followed. You were everything a Game Warden is supposed to be. Lena and Kyle, we love you and will support you every step of the way.

Captain Greg Williford
Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept.

February 24, 2004

God had a special reason to take you so soon Wesley. He must have really needed you. Loved by your Family and friends, respected by everyone who knew you. You touched many lives and made a difference. You are a champion.

Lieutenant Game Warden
Texas Parks and Wildlife

January 9, 2004

As I sit here today 09/04/2003 I could not help but notice the support that you leave on other reflections. Mrs. Wagstaff, thank you for showing your support to other family members of falling HEROS. I can't imagine the pain that you and your son must be going through. I pray that the Lord will bless you and your son and give you guidance and understanding. To your son, your father is a HERO and will always be with you. As I read reflections daily I get a true understanding that life is no promise, and you must let everyone know that you love them. So each day before I leave for patrol, I hold my family and tell them I LOVE THEM! Thank you and God be with you.

K-9 SGT C. Scott Baggett
Harpersville Police Department, Al.

September 4, 2003

You will not be forgotten - "Una Stamus" "We stand as one".

Eric Bruss #2181 - Police Officer
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Police
Houston, TX

OFC. Eric Bruss
V.A. Campus Police - Houston

August 31, 2003

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Game Warden Wagstaff.

While I did not the privilege to have known you, I am sure you have earned your place in heaven. Rest in Peace my friend, those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

Anonymous

August 25, 2003

My deepest sympathy is extended to the family, friends, and co-workers of Warden Wagstaff. I pray that all of you will feel the comfort of God's arms around you as you endure this tragedy. May God bless you all!

In memory of Sgt. Jerry Mundy
Mt. Juliet Police Dept.
Mt. Juliet, TN
EOW 7-9-03

Anonymous

August 22, 2003

Rest in Peace, brother.

August 20, 2003

We are truly saddened at Wesley's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) PD

August 20, 2003

My thoughts and prayers go out to Game Warden Wagstaff's family, friends and co-workers. May you be comforted in the knowledge that he served his community so well. His dedication will not be forgotten.

Anonymous
Honolulu Police Dept.

I have friends and family in Kountze area, and have met several officers, from various dept.s, in that area. Although I never met, Wesley, but from what I have read, he was a "VERY", well Liked man..... I want to expess my sincerce condolences, to all of the family and friends of Wesley, I just hope , family and friends, "Know", alot of people are thinking about you at this time..........and Better Days, are ahead............May God Bless You.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob L. Clark
HPD family survivor

Another brother lost, but an angel gained. Rest in peace brother. Condolences to the family, friends, and fellow officers.

Officer Doug Cruz
Florida Park Patrol (DEP POLICE)