Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Ralph, I wrote to you on the 3rd, but it never showed up. I guess it`s "lost in space". Wyatt and I went to the cemetery on your birthday. I had to carry him up the hill because the grass was wet and he wouldn`t walk. He brought a red carnation with a blue bow on it. The first thing he did was touch your stone. Somehow, like he knew he should. I took a picture, it was so cute. Then he looked around and thought "this is a really big yard. I think I`ll run around", so our visit was short lived. You were my first thought that day, just like you were 36 years ago. I will be forever greatful for the time I was allowed to have with you. You were my gift, and I thank God every day for you. Happy Birthday sweetheart, I love you, Mom

Mary Ann Tatoian
Mom

July 8, 2008

Ralph-
Happy Birthday! I am sure you, Nick and the rest of the guys celebrated up there. We were at the lake this weekend celebrating Heather's birthday (the same day as yours) and we went to Owensville for a picnic they had. It reminded me of the last time that I saw you with your son, Ralphie.

I also wanted to let your family know that we were thinking of them this weekend also. Hope everything is ok

Kelly Sloan-Brown

July 6, 2008

Happy Fathers Day. As usual we miss you so much. Wonderful memories of the spectacular Dad that you were, will always be fresh in our minds and deep in our hearts. I Know you are watching over us. Rest easy knowing we carry you in our hearts everywhere we go. Help send comfort and strength to those new families so fresh in their grief. We will miss you always.

June 15, 2008

Ralph,

she is doing well. I'm very proud her.

June 14, 2008

We ran your old route today, I run it all the time but I didn't feel you there this time. I couldn't even remember your voice today. I wonder where you went. Stay close.

June 3, 2008

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God." Kathy, Bill's sister

May 15, 2008

Your legacy lives on "Brother of the Badge". You would be amazed what is going on at Police Week. Your dedication and ultimate sacrifice lives on. The principle you lived by of helping others and serving others has been established. The many families of Missouri which have suffered a tragic loss such as your family has have been well attended to, as they pay tribute to their fallen. You would be so proud. Mo Cops is amazing and has done wonders for your family. Your kids are leaning on you she made sure of that. I am not yet strong enough to see your name as it is transcribed. Love you brother.

As the days go on I wonder what it would have been and all that I thought it should be. I trust in god and his plan and I accept it. You are gone and never shall be forgotten. Their is a missing piece everyday, but there is a new found joy just the same. Rest in piece "Brother of the Badge" and friend for life. My prayers are with your family and all that knew you and those that missed the opportunity. I raise my glass to your memory and the legacy you left behind. EOW 04/20/05 Legacy to be continued!

Trooper Tony Webster

May 15, 2008

I just wanted to tell you how much you are missed. I know that you know how special you are to me since you were taken on my graduation day from the academy and I have never forgotten that you are my gaurdian angel since then. I wish that you were still here to help teach me more. You always believed in me and was so supportive and I will never forget that. I miss you.

offr briscuso
edmunson pd

May 11, 2008

Ralph,

You are always on our minds; not the painful hurt of the first days but good memories. I don't know why God chose you but I know that he has a plan and I'm sure you are sitting on his right side. Deborah and your children are awesome. You would be so proud as you always were. We miss you and will never forget. Rest in peace and watch over us.

A good friend and co-worker

May 3, 2008

You are gone but will never be forgotten. It gets easier to know you are gone everyday, because time does heal all wounds. I miss you just the same as the April 20, 2005 phone call at 0517. I put on the uniform of the day each and everyday with the thought of you on my mind. Not a thought of loss but a thought of pride. Proud in the fact that I had and have the opportunity to know you and your family, and somewhere in there we developed a life long friendship. Three years has passed since the day you said good bye and I no longer mourn you departure. Instead I celebrate and memorize your life with the thoughts of the many people you have impacted with myself included. As I hear about your children growing and your wife holding her head a little higher it pains me that you are not here, but I rest assured someone is watching over us all.

I still display the Patrol News with your picture in my office and I know you still got my back "Buddy". I never tire of having people ask me who you are and after 20 minutes or so they know we are best friends and "BROTHERS OF THE BADGE." I know you are resting in peace "SEE YOU LATER BUDDY."

Jean Pierre

April 29, 2008

Well buddy it's been 3 years and seems like yesterday. I say a prayer for you everytime I pass the memorial highway. We'll be moving to Arkansas soon however I'll never forget you. Youchose law enforcement for a reason and you did it well. Rest in Peace. I Love You Ralph.

Lt. Beffa (Retired)
Great Friend

April 28, 2008

They made it through another year, Ralph. I can not say everyday gets better, but I can say that everyday they adjust better. There are more good days now than there were 3 years ago or even 1 years ago for that matter.

She is really trying to be positive. I believe she learned that from you. She stops to "smell the roses" as the saying goes, and the kids, it never ceases to amaze me how great they are. Three different kids, but all so much like their father. I can't tell you how much I enjoy being a part of all their lives.

I owe you for all you have given me and for all your family has given me. When I talk to her, I know that my day will be better, just ask anyone who knows us.

Thinking of you always

April 28, 2008

I just heard about what happened and I want to send the family my condolences and prayers. This is a great loss. I played softball with Sandy for many years. The closeness of this family was seen by all who witnessed them together. I remember being 10 or 11 years old and watching for Sandy to show up for practice to see if Ralph was with her. We all had a crush on Ralph. It is mentioned he was a great father and I don't doubt that. Even back in the mid 80's he had patience with all us girls at practice when he helped. Again, I am very sorry for your loss.

Amanda Loche (Hunt)

April 22, 2008

Never a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts. That beautiful smile, and infectious personality will be in my heart forever. I can hardly believe three years have past. Seems like it was just yesterday, and hurts just the same. I know you were there when your son got his first turkey.Your dad and Nick were as proud as anyone could be, yet, you should have been there. Your nephew is growing by the day, your sister is a great mom, and Ray a great dad, He reminds me of you with the love in his eyes for his son. You were a great dad. Your kids are living proof. We had a record turn out at trivia night. The guys are doing great things for other organizations that need their help. They are doing it all in your name and in your memory. You would be so proud of them all. I am. With the help of many special people, I am doing o.k. Tried to keep busy yesterday in the country, I know that was where you would want us to be. Remember I love you and miss you more every day. Until next time sweetie, I love you, Mom

Mom

April 21, 2008

It was a beautiful day Ralph. The boys rode their bikes for a while. I taught Ralphie to ride over Easter break and he is doing quite well. He grilled brats and hot dogs for dinner and was very proud of himself. We all sat down and watched one of your favorite movies. We smiled and laughed and ate your favorite snack. They are all sleeping now. No tears tonight, just nice memories. It was a good day, I'm sure you know why. We love you.

April 20, 2008

So sad reading these reflections from your family. I can't imagine the void, loss
and pain they must feel. May Jesus hold them close and heal their broken hearts. Remembering you on the 3rd anniversary of your EOW.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

April 20, 2008

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones as they face this terriblec day. I know they will make it through the day by talking about the fond memories of you and it will also help in keeping your memory alive. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

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

April 20, 2008

Ralph - I am thinking of you and your family and friends on this sad anniversary. My prayers are with all of you. Your Mom has been a good friend to me and our friendship has helped us navigate through these sorrowful days. God Bless you will never be forgotten. Kathy McEntee, sister of Bill.

April 20, 2008

Gone, but not forgotten. I will never forget what I was doing when I heard the news 3 years ago. My sincere condolences to your family. I will continue to pray for your family.

God Bless, Melinda

Mindy Henke
Friend

April 20, 2008

You would be proud of her. She is doing good work to assist others in your memory. Watch over all of us in the coming months.

March 19, 2008

Ralph,
Guide him, he needs you.

March 17, 2008

RIP my friend. I truely wish thing had gone differently that night! I don't think the bad guy will ever be a free man again.

My thought and prayers are with your family.
Chris Heitman
former Gasconade County Sheriff Deputy (Shot 4-20-05)
Chief of Police, Belle MO

Chris Heitman, Chief of Police
Belle Police Department

March 7, 2008

We built a snow fort today. I smiled thinking of you and how they are all so much like you, not one request for a snowman. Just three little builders and the oldest giving orders for more snow and demanding it be built to specification. After three hours the fort was finished and a flag erected. Then lots of play and hot chocolate. I hope you were watching. As I looked at them you didn't seem far away. What a gift they are. Thank you.

March 5, 2008

Gratefulness to friends and family
for their unending love and support;
and also to Ralph who lives on in our heart's.
Ralph was our precious gift in life and,
now, a continuous source of inspiration from beyond.
As we gather the shattered fragments of our live's
and begin to have meaning and purpose again.
We try to go on living, valuing every moment in a
way we never did before. As opposed to being
destroyed by it and destroying others. So we
choose to go on living, making the most of the
time we have, valuing family and friends in a way
never possible before.
Ralph will always be our strength and
inspiration to find the courage to face tomorrow.
His legacy will continue to live on in each of us;
while we treasure our memories each day, even
though he left us too soon.

friend

March 3, 2008

Ralph,

I know that decisions are hard to make but I need you to help me with this one. The longer I wait the harder it gets, and I just need to know that with your help, I will make the right one. You were always a great sounding board for my problems. I'm sure if you did that for me, you did it for Others, I'm sure we all miss that, I know I do.

Love and Miss you,
Nikki

February 16, 2008