Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As a St Louis Police Officer,I was often in Trooper Tatoians fathers flower shop in my district. I didn't know him as Trooper Tatoian,only as "Little Ralph". As a boy he had a chubby cheek look with the biggest smile I have ever seen.
I'll miss that smile...God bless the Tatoian Family

retired
St Louis PD

November 8, 2006

We all miss having you around the station. Rest in peace. Your friends at the Maryland Heights police department.

P.O. McComas
Maryland Heights Police

November 1, 2006

Hi Ralph. I just thought you would like to know that you are going to be an uncle in March of 07. I know your sister wishes with all her heart that you were here to tell in pearson. Remember when you used to talk about when you both had kids, that you could do all the things that you liked most together? She is trying to relive some of her childhood memories with your kids, because she and Ray took them camping at Meramec State Park this summer. Says its still like she remembered, they had a good time. I guess you know Nick got married on Labor Day weeekend. He went dove hunting on the morning he left for Vegas,then came by the shop to see your dad and I. But I guess you already know that too, hope you two had a good visit. I love you and miss you more and more every day, They say it gets easier, but it doesn`t. Until next time. Love Mom

Mary Ann Tatoian
His Mom

September 9, 2006

When I talk to your wife I realize more and more what a great person you married. Thank you for giving me my best friend. Miss you

August 22, 2006

I found an article online that was written by some of the MSHP guys in your troop. One of them wrote about how they were waiting for you that morning, and how they prayed that they weren't about to get bad news. It's still unbelievable. I'm so mad. Still. I feel so cheated. I feel cheated out of the memories that I was supposed to have. I'm sure you think that I'm crazy. You'd be correct, actually.

August 16, 2006

Ralph,
I talked with Deb on Sunday, she is a remarkable person and always makes me laugh. Mark was over at your house teaching Max a beer song, corrupting Ralphie, and telling Deb that although Samantha was stranded in Colorado she was fine. All I could think about was you looking down and shaking your head with that huge smile of yours.
I miss you, and know you continue to watch over us all.

Cindy

August 8, 2006

Ralph,
I met your daughter today when she was returning home from an Outward Bound trip in Colorado. She talked very highly of you (told me a quick story about her "baby face" dad) and even showed me a picture of you she keeps with her. You did a great job raising her and teaching her respect. She must have called me "Sir" at least five times in the short amount of time I was with her. I can definitely tell she misses her daddy though.

I never knew you, don't know the rest of your family, but thanks for letting me meet your daughter. Even though you are gone, your brother's in blue will always take care of her for you!

Brandon Barajas
Westminster, CO

K9 Officer Brandon Barajas
Westminster P.D. Colorado

August 6, 2006

Still can't believe you are gone. Miss you every day.

July 12, 2006

Happy birthday man. Just spent the day with the kids and Deb over at John's house. We had a great time. I had a water fight with Samantha and Christy, I showed them that I not one to be messed with. We lit off a bunch of fireworks, Deb tried to burn down the big Pine tree in John's back yard. It was quite funny. At the end of the night me and the kids were sitting around watching Tom and Jerry, Ralphie came and sat with me like he used to do you, I know that he is having a really hard time. He brought up the time we were all in your office and had the contest with the airsoft pistols and how he "kicked my butt". I still remember you asking me how I let a little kid beat me. It just sucks that your not here, especially on your birthday. Your mom sent me a really nice letter when we got back from Washington, I still have it cause it made me feel good to know that me and the guys made the trip that much nicer and easier for her.

Mark

July 5, 2006

Ralphie -

Just wanted you to know how much we miss seeing you in the country. It was your birthday yesterday and I know your mom and dad were hurting inside. Your mom is strong it seems but my heart aches for her everytime we talk about you. I can't even imagine the pain they feel. Please....keep sending them your strength and thoughts. She feels them I know. We miss your visits!!

country friend

July 4, 2006

Happy birthday Ralph. We love you and miss you every moment of every day.

July 3, 2006

Happy Birthday Ralphie.

Macky
Friend

July 3, 2006

Happy Birthday Ralph, Today you would have been 34. Dad and I went to the cemetery this morning to wish you a happy birthday, and on Saturday we left your flowers. I still have a hard time believing this is all real but I know it is. I will never understand the reason you were taken from us, and will never be comforted by any explanation. I want you to know how terribly much we miss you and how much we will always love you. Untill we meet again, I Love YOU, MOM

His Mom

July 3, 2006

Hey Ralph,

Went to the candle light vigil Saturday. It brought me to tears. Deb, the kids, the family and guys were here. I'm sure you know that already. We watched Max Sat. night because they keep the survivors on a pretty tight schedule and we figured it would be easier for Deb to get through it without Max being cranky. Although she made me and Joe laugh when she told us about Mon., when they met President Bush. Max wasn't to happy having to sit there all day. But Deb and Ralphie were excited about meeting him. Deb said he kissed me on both cheeks. She was funny. Ralphie got his trooper hat signed by him and told him he voted for him. That was really funny. He told Ralphie thanks for your vote. We went back to the wall on Sun, and I must tell you that we miss you so much. We sure wish you were still here. I can't believe the pain we still feel as if it were just yesterday. We drove up the same day we got the call from mom. We went straight to Deb's and she ran out and hugged me and the first thing that came out of her mouth was "Ralph said you need to smile". I sure hope you saw the smile because that's all your gonna get. Anyways, me, Joe and the kids miss you very much. You touched more lives than you know. You are always in our hearts. Don't worry, Deb and the kids are being watched over very carefully. We know you are too.

Caroline
Sister-in-law

May 16, 2006

To Ralph, his family, and his friends,

On May 9th, 2006 I had the honor of riding the 300 plus mile bicycle run in the Police Unity Tour from NJ to Washington DC. Each year a rider is given a braclet with a fallen officers name engraved. This year I was honored to ride for Trooper Ralph Tatoian. Eventhough I have never met Ralph, he gave me the strength during the bicycle ride to push forward and to never give up.
On Sunday May 14th, 2006 I went to the memorial to pay my respects to all the fallen officers. By Ralph's name I left the Police Unity Tour bracelt. I'm sorry that I missed the chance to met Ralph's family and friends. I hope someone had a chance to see the bracelt.

Sincerely,
Detective Melissa McNair

Detective Melissa McNair
William Paterson University, NJ

May 16, 2006

Ralph,
You are so missed. I watched some of the memorial dedication this afternoon, and teared up remembering you.
My best memories are of you giving John a hard time, and enjoying him getting his nose tweeked! You were a wonderful pot stirrer.
You are greatly missed by family and friends. Deb and the kids are being well watched over.
Pam

Pam Trampe
Rachael Fruehwirth's Mom

May 15, 2006

Hey Ralph,


I'm still not all there when it comes to having fun anymore. I keep remembering over and over again the times we spent out at the cabin acting like at any moment some zombies could pop out of the woods and we'd have to shoot them and run around in our camalflouge. I'm just sad nowadays Ralph, I can't go on having careless free fun without the loss of you is lingering in my mind. I just miss you so much brother.
Love ya Bro, Mikey

Michael Durbala

May 12, 2006

Ralph,

Diane, Angela, and I went to Jefferson City to view your name added to the State Wall of Honor. Your constantly in my thoughts and your family is in my prayers. Continue watching over us and keeping us moving forward.

Lt. Joe Beffa
SLPD & Friend

May 7, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 4, 2006

Ralph,

I am sorry that I have not left you a message. To be honest, I never know what to say. You know I have been with your family for 16 years and there are so many memories and thoughts that I never know how to convey to people how close I was to you and your family. You always watched over Sandy and I. You kept us out of trouble. I was always thankful for that. You always made me feel like I was your adopted sister. I looked up to you like a brother. I love you.

I am sure you know, but I wanted to tell you how much I love your family. You know that your parents and my parents go out almost every Friday for dinner. My mom and dad have been there for your parents and enjoy them. Their friendship has blossomed. It is so funny because it almost feels like I have one huge extension of my family now. I wish you could be here with us to enjoy in the fun.

More importantly, I am writing to tell you that your sisters wedding was amazing. I know you were there with us in spirit. Ralph, she looked so beautiful. I just wanted you to know how much we all wanted you there with us.

I promise you that I will always be there for your mom, dad, Sandy, Ray, Deborah, Ralphie, Samantha, and my godson Max. Please know this and please watch out for them.

Love you always,

Natalie

Natalie Turck

May 1, 2006

Hi Ralphie,
Everyone is still having a really hard time that you are not physically with us. Sometimes all I want to do is cry.
I just can't believe your in heaven with my Dad & Uncle Ralph. I tried to write something on the 20th but just couldn't. Tomorrow is Sandy's wedding, as excited as we are for her, I can't imagine you not being there physically. I know you will be there with us in spirit but I just wish you were here. All of us still have a really hard time just trying to make any sense of this.
Well, keep watch over all us and always know we love you.

cousin

April 28, 2006

Ralph,

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. In our line of work there is always something that sparks a memory of the times we shared. Seems like all we did was laugh.

I never got to say thanks for the plant you had sent to my mother's funeral just days before your death. I wanted to call you on the way home from mom's but decided it could wait - I thought, "There's always tomorrow." Little did I know the mistake I was making. So I'm saying "Thank You" now.

You were the closest friend I had. I wish I could have the chance to tell you that in person.

Say Hi to my mom and remember I'll always be thinking of you.

Trooper Shane Kaden
MSHP, coworker, friend

April 27, 2006

To Trooper Ralph Tatoian and his loved ones:

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

My heart is still with your family and I look forward to meeting them in D.C. You’re all in our thoughts and our prayers.

Ralph, 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, Officer Tatoian. I am so humbled by your valor and courage. How your loved ones must miss you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Ralph gave to his community and the citizens of Missouri, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 20, 2005.

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

April 21, 2006

Just wanted to leave a message to let you know that your family and friends are in my thoughts today. Help them throughout the day because it is going to be hard for them. I know you will be with them like you always are. Thank you for your dedication to your job. You will never be fogotten.

Tracie

April 20, 2006

On this first anniversary of your tragic death please know that your dedication and sacrifice have not been forgotten. You will forever be remembered as a hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

April 20, 2006