Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

May 17, 2004

Our Fallen Brother


As I held him close, I began to cry
Wondering and hoping our friend would never die
I could see the whites of his eyes, as he held me tight
The wind whisked through his hair, as we saw the light.

He cried no more as we fell to the ground
His one single tear, would never be found
Cry not my friend God will take you home
The Angels in Heaven will not be alone.

You're safe and well as a child to his mother
You will always be remembered as
OUR FALLEN BROTHER.

Captain Tony L. Griffin
West Monroe Marshal's Office

May 17, 2004

“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And the Lord said, Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands….No Way.”

“It’s not the hands that are causing me the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.”

That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, “May I see what’s in there sir?” (When they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work tomorrow.”

“I can’t,” said the Lord, “I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on civil service paycheck.”

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.

“You bet,” said the Lord, “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim’s family’ and then read in the daily paper how Law Enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“That’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

“What’s the tear for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

May 17, 2004

I did not know Trooper Knapp, but I do know someone that worked with him and they were friends.I cannot begin to imagine losing a husband so all I can offer to his family is that Trooper Knapp is now with God. WE all have a new guardian angle that will watch over us and speak to our hearts through the rememberance of Trooper Knapp. To is wife, all I can ask is that you be strong for your children and for yourself. May God bless you and your family always.

Sandra Galik

May 16, 2004

Kurt, even though I did not have the chance to know you very well, I know that you were a very caring person. Anyone who has ever talked to you could tell that. I had been looking forward to working with you in the future, and it saddens me that I will not have that opportunity.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, friends, and co-workers. Thank you for your service. You will be missed.

Cadet Class 2004-Alpha
AACOG Law Enforcement Academy

May 15, 2004

To the family and friends of Trooper Kurt David Knapp. I'm sorry. I hope God gives you the strength in the days to come.

God Bless Trooper Knapp.

wife of a trooper in Oklahoma

May 15, 2004

God bless the blue angels.
Those willing to go, everyday into the valley of the shadow.
and those who now find peaceful shelter on the other side.
You are forever in our hearts and prayers.

ACooper
Emt

May 14, 2004

Kurt, I will miss you dearly. Thanks for the memories, especially the memories at Northcliff CC! I know you are up there protecting all of us, as you did with DPS. You will be greatly missed by Jen, the kids, your family, friends and the state of Texas. Rest in peace partner, we will take care of Jen and the kids. You are the best example of what the Texas DPS is. I love you man!

Steve
Friend and SWT Alum

May 14, 2004

Thank you sir,for all your hard work.God bless your family.

POLICE OFFICER T. ROBINSON
PARKLAND HOSP POLICE DEPT.

May 14, 2004

May God Bless You Sir, and may he watch over you and your family and bless them with the greatest of all comfort. My prayers are with you and your family.

Deputy Constable LC Downing
Wharton Co. Texas Pct. 2

May 13, 2004

God bless you and yours.

Deputy Richard Zaborowski
Washington County Sherif's Office- Tx

May 13, 2004

Kurt's slow, easy smile was infectious. When Kurt was around, we couldn't help but smile/laugh with him, near him, and yes...even at him. We loved him here in Kerrville and know that he'll keep an eye on all of us. Kurt, we'll keep your family close, love them well, just like you would want us to do.
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Communications Supervisor, Elaine Capers
Texas Department of Public Safety

May 13, 2004

My husband trained Kurt when he came out of the Academey in Ozona. He was such a special, fun, energetic guy. He LOVED DPS, his family and friends and always had a wonderful smile for everyone. Todd (my husband)and I and all of the Highway Patrol will greatly miss this wonderful man! Our thoughts and prayers are with Jennifer, Makayla, Wyatt and all of Kurt's family!

Kris Ross

May 13, 2004

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

DAUGHTER OF A FALLEN OFFICER 1973- VERNON JARRELLE JR.-RICHMOND VA

JOANNE JONES

May 13, 2004

I'm sorry, Kurt. We will miss you.

May 13, 2004

I worked with Kurt in Ozona Texas, Also had the privilege of riding with him while he was on duty. He loved his job as well as his family. I miss you. see you in heaven. :)

Jailer/ Dispatcher Firefighter EMT Micha
Crockett County Sheriff/Fire/EMS

May 13, 2004

Bless you brother for your faithfulness & dedication to duty. You are blessed for now you see Him as He is. Rest in Peace & the knowledge that your loved ones are never alone. We are but a phone call away.

Bob Johnson VA-VI

Bob Johnson, U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police

May 12, 2004

I AM SOMEWHAT NEW TO THE HILL COUNTRY,I,VE BEEN HERE GOING ON 2 YEARS.BEEN A COP FOR ALOT LONGER THOUGH.I'VE BEEN TO WAY TO MANY FUNERALS.WISH I DID'NT HAVE TO GO TO THE ONE YESTERDAY FOR TROOPER KNAPP.YOU SEE I DID'NT REALLY KNOW KURT LIKE ALOT OF HIS L.E. BUDDIES IN THE HILL COUNTRY.BUT AFTER YOU CHAT WITH A FEW OTHER OFFICERS THAT HAVE BEEN HERE FOR SOMETIME,YOU LEARN THINGS ABOUT KURT.THESE THINGS WERE SHARED BY PEOPLE WHO DID KNOW HIM.IT WAS NOT UNCOMMON TO HEAR ABOUT KURT'S SMILE,OR SENSE OF HUMOR.YOU ALSO HEAR ABOUT KURT BEING A GREAT HUSBAND AND FATHER.YOU HEAR ABOUT MRS.KNAPP WHO ALSO SERVES BY BEING A SCHOOL TEACHER.SO EVEN THOUGH IT HURT TO HAVE TO GO TO ANOTHER FUNERAL OF A BROTHER,I LEFT THE CELEBRATION OF KURT'S LIFE FEELING AS THOUGH I HAD HIM AS A FRIEND,AND THAT I WOULD INDEED MISS HIM TOO.

DEPUTY VINCE ISLEY
KERR COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE,TEXAS

May 12, 2004

Rest in peace Brother Kurt, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

May 12, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.

Officer M Combs
Fort Worth PD

May 11, 2004

TO: The family;loved ones;friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER'S PRAYER:--- O,gentle Lord! Keep the day/night watch with me.As I begin my tour of duty, I ask your protection from all mental,physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work,endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think that no one realy cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence.Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers,and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance.Lord ,I ask that I may return safely,after my tour of duty,to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer;and after my tour of duty is over here on earth,may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well. AMEN ***REST IN PEACE*** Sent to you by the father of First Class Officer J.D.Koeppen,Capital City Raleigh NC and Trooper D.C.Koeppen,NJ State Police.

Chief (retired) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

May 11, 2004

I would like to extend my condolences to Trooper Knapp's family and friends, and to the men and women of the Texas Department of Public Safety. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of tragedy. Rest in peace Trooper Knapp, your duty here is done.

Deputy Sheriff
Butte County Sheriff's Office

May 11, 2004

My prayers go out to Trooper Knapp's family, friends and fellow Troopers. May you rest in peace with the Lord. Thank you for making our world a better place.

Trooper Kevin Adrian
Minnesota State Patrol

May 11, 2004

I pray that your friends and family find strength in the thoughts and prayers that are left on this reflection page. "Go rest high on the mountain", and rest in peace our brother!

D/Sgt. Vencent Woods
State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

May 11, 2004

Rest in peace Troop. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

Trooper
Delaware State Police

May 11, 2004