Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thankyou for your serice and sacrifice. You are not forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

March 5, 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 3, 2008

I knew Kurt years ago in junior high and high school. He was actually my very first boyfriend. I was just looking up old friends and found this notice...my heart stopped for a moment. He was a great kid, even when he was young, always a gentleman. When he moved away, I knew he was going to do well in life. The fact that he chose to serve his fellow human kind by serving as a trooper shows just what type of man he turned out to be...the best. Well done Kurt, well done.

Kristine Woodman
childhood friend

November 12, 2007

Dear Mrs. Knapp and family,

I had the honor of visiting your beloved Kurt's name at the wall in Washington D.C. during Police Week (May 07). Someone kindly showed me Kurt's name.

I share with you the sadness and grief of losing such a loved one. My husband, Officer James F. Knapp, died in a fatal car crash on duty as well (EOW 01-04-06). This was the 1st time I attended Police Week as Jim's name was being insatlled on the wall. I also have two step sons. It's ironic the similarities. But most similar to us is the profound absence in our lives of the dearest one gone before us in such a tragic way.

I have been praying for your family since I was introduced to Kurt's place on the wall. God bless and keep you all until you are reunited with him.

Sincerely,

Grace Knapp, Survivor 2006

Lt. Grace M. Knapp - Retired
Cook County Sheriff, Illinois

May 23, 2007

May your sleep be sweet and may Our Lord ever bless your loved ones.

May 8, 2007

Kurt and family,

Another year has gone by and your fellow Troopers will again ride in remembrance of you in the Police Unity Tour whose motto is: "We ride for those who died." We hope to see your family at the wall again this year. Three Brothers will be added to the roster with you this year, please watch over them. Love to you and your family. Rest easy Brother, we have the watch.

A fellow Trooper
Texas Highway Patrol

May 4, 2007

Jennifer, I just came across this website and I can't believe it has been almost 3 years since Kurt went to walk the streets of heaven. I know he is looking down on us with that beautiful smile of his. He was such a delight to work with and talking to him was so uplifting. He truly loved you and his kids. He loved his job and sometimes it was hard to keep him in the office to do paperwork because he wanted to be on the road doing what he loved most. What a glorious day in heaven when he arrived at those pearly gates! I will never forget his friendship and the way he treated and respected his friends and co-workers. Truly a remarkable man that I will always remember.

TJ Beaver
Former DPS Secretary - Fredericksburg

May 1, 2007

I have just learned of Trooper Knapp's loss from a friend. Nonetheless my heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. May Trooper Knapp rest in peace.

Officer P. Stanton 3271
Royal Oak Police Department, Michigan

October 8, 2006

I have only recently found this website to honor my fallen brethren. Kurt, I was on duty the day of your accident and found out later that you had passed. Just know that you are always remembered and we will always know that you are watching down on us, your DPS family and your family at home. Rest easy in heaven brother cause i know from talking to your co-workers and how they spoke of you as a man and as a Trooper, that's where you are.

Trooper II Damon Allen
Texas Highway Patrol

July 20, 2006

Kurt,

I remember in 2005 at the Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (at the capitol), before the candlelight vigil, I was looking at all the names on the wall, and commented to myself "I'm glad I do not know anyone on this wall." I tuned my bagpipes, and as I was standing there waiting for my cue to begin playing Amazing Grace, I hear you name called. I was taken aback. I flashbacked to those days in the training academy, and the physical and mental pain we both suffered. Although I was'nt allowed to graduate, I remember feeling pride for Kurt for not giving up and graduating.

When it came time for me to play, it was made extra special. Although I had played this blessed tune for many fallen heroes, this was the most difficult. It was the first time I played for someone I knew. After I played, I got emotional (again for the first time). I composed myself and again felt that same pride in Kurt I did at graduation. It was an honor to play for Kurt.

God speed my friend,

David Crowder Jr.
Piper, Austin Police Pipe & Drum Corps

Sr. Patrol Officer David Crowder
Austin Police Department & B-98 classmate

July 3, 2006

To My Best Friend

I thought I had more time,
To share in your success.
But I failed to share these words,
Before you were laid to rest.

Now I play back all the memories,
In the cinema of my mind.
I sit alone in the first row,
Laughing about old times.

As I look back on yester-year,
I have but one regret.
I never told you Thank You,
For being the best friend I have ever met!

I did fulfill the promise,
You once asked of me.
I never found a better friend,
Than the friend I found in thee!

As the curtain closes and the credits roll,
Dear friend you will be missed.
Trooper Knapp, God has called you
To serve in Heaven’s DPS.


Ricky D. Sluder
May 22, 2004

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friend.”

Inv. Ricky Sluder
Best Friend

May 22, 2006

Holding you and your family in prayer as the second anniversary of your tragic death passes. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

May 9, 2006

To Trooper Kurt David Knapp, his loved ones and his fellow officers:

On this the second anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is revered and honored.

May your family continue be to comforted by the warm embrace of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with them. My heart is with your family. I hope to meet them sometime.

Reading all the loving reflections left by those who cared for you gives us an understanding of what a good and honorable man you were and of the high esteem with which you are held.

Kurt, as a peace officer you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Trooper Knapp. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Kurt gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on May 8, 2004.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 8, 2006

It has been 2 years since your tour of duty ended and I know for your loved ones it feels longer than that as they face each day without you physically here but you are and always will be in their hearts. Keep watch over them and protect them from harm. wrap your wings around them to help ease their broken hearts. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

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

Bob Gordon

May 8, 2006

You touched lives in a positive way.May you Rest in Peace.

May 8, 2006

I was in Iraq when I found the news out. B-98 will always remember you buddy. I remember when I was stationed in El Paso. Every time I drove home to Harlingen, I would always look around in Ozona to see if you were working. I guess it was just coincidence, but you were always out there at the time. I can't tell you how happy I was to see you. We never spoke long. Just a how are things or how is your family. I'm glad I had the chance to see you just a few times out of our recruit school. You were always a positive person and great to be around. I pray that your family is doing well. I know you look down on them and all of us. God bless your family. We miss and love you buddy!

Trooper II Jose Izeta
Texas DPS-Brownsville

May 5, 2006

It's almost going to be two years. I woke up the other night remembering the last time we saw each other, sitting on that big block in the Gym talking about beind stationed in West Texas. College was a blast and there is hardly a memory about it that does not have you. I remember how much you talked about HP. I was not sure yet and still undecided. I'm sure you know, but Trampas and I stayed with you all night at the hospital until the late that morning. We did not want to leave you alone. Miss you bro.. "blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be seated at the right hand of God".

Gonz
THP

April 14, 2006

Kurt,
As I am sitting here writing to you, IT is very hard for me to imagine what has happened. I left DPS in late 99 and have been out of touch with many of my DPS friends since then. Kurt, until today, I had no idea that you had left us to go be with the Lord. I am sitting here astonished, and trying to grasp the concept that one of my best friends from the DPS academy is gone. Kurt, you were the best. You were one of the ONLY people from DPS that talked to me after my resignation from DPS. Kurt, I am so sorry for just now finding out. I wish I could have been there for you brother, just like you were for me.

God Bless you Kurt and God Bless your Family.

Chad Stone ExDPS Abilene
TxDPS

February 28, 2006

I miss you every day. Sometimes I wonder, Why hasn't Kurt called me??? And Justin sounds so much like you on the phone that when he calls me & says, Hey, what's up? I have to stop & make my heart slow down, remind myself it isn't you.

We had so much fun at work. Remember when you'd key the mic up & play 'Bad Boys, Bad Boys' over the Camaro's CD system? And when DM forgot to put the brake on the firetruck & you called in laughing so hard I couldn't understand you & wanted to know if there was a ten code for a flying fire truck? And that New Year's, Y2K, when we all went to FB's house~~ & the way you'd get sparklers from me & Morgan & then go across the overpass with them out the windows at midnight on New Years? We always had so much fun.

We keep your picture by the console. Me & Kim think about you every day. I miss you so much Kurt. I'll never forget that time you & Kevin pulled me over for a tail light & I was upset about an argument with someone & you told me, "Talk to me, you know, we're not out here to just write tickets & harass people; I'm doing this because I want to HELP people." & you were so earnest & sincere & genuine.

I miss you. Every day.

PCO IV Glenda Capps
TX DPS OZ

January 23, 2006

Trooper Knapp,
I just want to say thank you for your service. I don't know why but I feel a certin kinship to you, and I often go to your page just to get my own life back in order. You touched a lot of folks lives and you still are today. I am a better husband and father because of you and I never met you. When my job on earth is done and the Lord calls me home I hope to shake your hand. I don't know what else to say other than, thank you.
I will pray for your family often, this is my promise to you.

For His glory,

Caleb A. Williams
Gulfport Police Dept.
Gulfport, Ms

Officer Caleb Williams
Gulfport Police Department, Gulfport, Ms

November 17, 2005

I myself Pray to god that one day i can become part of such a proud tradition as trooper knapp was, i did not know him personnaly but as a brother of the badge myself i realize the pain of losing an officer of the law. I pray for the well-being of his survivors and hope they will take comfort in the un-doubted fact that trooper Knapp is patroling the higways of heaven with a big smile on his face never forgetting the one's he is survived by. God Bless you and your family trooper knapp, you may be fallen but you will never be forgotten. rest now brother knowing that people such as yourself will remain a part of the thin blue line, officer knapp, brother , you will be missed...

F.T.O matt
Texas Crime Management (security)

August 10, 2005

I recently attended the Police Memorial in Austin and the National Memorial in Washington and they both were beautiful and moving. I just wanted to say Thank you, again, for serving and protecting. Rest in peace, Sir.

Shirley Roberts- La.
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-3-14-04

June 11, 2005

To Jennifer, children, family, and Trooper James Salaz-partner and friend:

On May the 8th, 2004 myself and 4 other Texas Highway Patrol Troopers received news of Kurt's passing. We had just arrived in Perth Amboy, NJ. The purpose of our trip was to ride in the Police Unity Tour. We and other officers across the nation ride together on bicycles beginning at ground zero in New York and ending in Washington D.C. at the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial. We ride in remembrance of the fallen officers. The motto of the Police Unity Tour is "We ride for those who died." Over 500 officers rode last year and collectively contributed over $600,000.00 to the memorial. With us was Trooper Eric Gray who graduated in Kurt's academy class. Eric's sense of loss was tremendous, as was the other's even though we never knew Kurt. We rode in his memory, hosted an impromptu memorial with all the other riders, and on the final day Texas led the column of riders into the memorial in Washington D.C. at the request of all the officer's present. This was done in honor of Kurt. On May the 9th, 2005, we will return to New York and ride again in memory of Kurt. His name will be added to the wall this year. Jennifer, you and your family do not know us, but we want you to know we are riding for you and your family too. Kurt was one of us and he will never be forgotten. We don't know if you plan to attend the memorial services in Washington D.C. this year, but if you do, we will be waiting for you. Just look for the uniform. May God bless you and your family.

Respectfully,
Fellow Troopers, Texas Dept. of Public Safety

Trooper Bo Speed
Texas Dept. of Public Safety

May 8, 2005

To the family and friends of Trooper Kurt Knapp and my friends at the Texas Department of Public Safety, you have my deepest sympathy for your loss.

We should all feel some measure of comfort in the knowledge that Kurt is resting easy and that he is in the good company of our other fallen brothers.

I am certain that they are all up there looking down after all of us who continue on with Kurt's work.

ATSAIC Peter J. Damos
U.S. Secret Service - San Antonio

April 29, 2005

Kurt~
Thank You! The way in which you lived has impacted me eternally. I only knew you for a short while, and like many others took that time for granted. You were always there to answer a question or just shoot the breeze. You had the charm and personality of no other, one that I will always miss.

I was booking a drunk driver in jail when I heard “one of OUR Troopers had an accident on the Interstate.” I immediately said a prayer and hoped for the best. Unfortunately that was not enough. The rest of that shift was unbearable, a feeling I never want to experience again.

The reason I want to thank you is this: Until that night my whole life was law enforcement. There was nothing I wanted more than to just do a great job. However, when I saw the hundreds of pictures of you I realized that you were more than just a great police officer. You lived life to the fullest. I’m not sure if there’s a photograph in this world in which you are not smiling. I looked at one photo after another. Your prom pictures, pictures with your friends, your wedding pictures, a picture of you riding a horse, fishing pictures, hunting pictures, golfing pictures, pictures with your wife, pictures with your kids, even pictures with your dog. As I looked at every photograph and watched your family deal with such an imaginable pain I started to get mad. “Why!!!”, I thought. Why couldn’t God have taken me instead? Why must a man who was needed leave this earth before a man who has no wife or kids? To this day I still do not understand, but your death has taught me to LIVE more. Since you’ve gone I met the girl of my dreams, I’ve purchased my first home, become closer to my church, and dedicated my life to much more than just police work. I owe you for showing me how to really live (Thank You!).

I think about you often and will always keep your family in my prayers. You will never be forgotten.

Patrol Officer Trey Schnelle
Fredericksburg TX Police Department

April 18, 2005