Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deer Season came and went, things were just not the same. I was happy to get to come down to the property and hunt, but it was still tough. Friday night Nick was telling stories about you and him and I couldn't help but think that you really should be there laughing with us. It was really kind of hard for me to come down there for the first time and you not be there to give me shit. To let you know Nick did his best to dish enough out for the two of you. Ray once again was there for me when I really needed him to be, I'm not sure if I could make through all of this with out him. Uncle Ralph let me hunt out of your stand, I got a shot late Saturday but missed. What can you do it was dark and I slid off the stool right before I was fired. Anyway, I would give anything to come over and share stories like we did in the past. I Guess I'll share em with Ralphie this weekend.

Mark

November 21, 2005

Dear Ralph,
It took me awhile to be able to write this, but after looking at old pictures of birthdays and family get-togethers, I know I'll have memories that will last forever. We were always more like brother and sister than cousins. We always thought of you as the most big-hearted and successful person in the world. After all, you're a Tatoian, and that says a lot.
Grandma Muriel and Grandpa Mick, your great aunt and great uncle, always thought the world of you; they were so proud of you. My grandma always wished your Grandpa Ralph could have seen you grow into the wonderful man you were. You have such a beautiful family, and I know you are with them everyday; you are their angel. Not a day goes by that you're not in our thoughts or our hearts. We know you are with us everyday, waiting until we will all be together again in Heaven. WE LOVE YOU.
Love, your cousins

Christina and Warren Besancon

November 13, 2005

Dearest Brother, you are missed so much. I have your memorial pin sitting right next to my bed so that when I wake up I'm reminded that I'm being looked over by you. I know that you and Jeanette have kept each other company and laughing. In fact, I was just telling the "Red Lobster" story. How you didn't know how to eat crab legs and that you were flinging it everywhere. The waitress was an awe and you had everyone rolling. You always knew how to make us laugh. I spoke to Deb a few weeks and she is hanging in there along with the rest of the family. You know her, always on the run; keeping busy. I worry about her but I know you are looking down on them and protecting them just as you always have. Know that you are constantly on our minds and in our hearts. Your sister-in-law, Diane Diane

(MSgt) Teresa (Diane) Calarco
USAFR

November 13, 2005

Rest easy my brother.....

Sergeant Rex Scism
Missouri State Highway Patrol

October 26, 2005

May God continue to bless your family. Rest in peace brother...

Patrolman

October 19, 2005

I had a dream about you a couple of weeks ago, Ralph. We were having a family party and your spirit was there with us but only I could see you. You looked so at peace. I remember talking to you and asking you to let everyone else see you but you wouldn't. I don't remember exactly what you said to me but it was something like, "they know I'm with them." It was so real that when I woke up I felt like I had just seen you. I miss you a lot. I know that I'll see you again someday but it seems like such a long time away. I know that you're with Deb and the kids. We're doing what we can for them but nothing we do or say can bring you back. We miss you and love you so much. Missouri lost another trooper last week and I feel so bad that another family is going through this. You guys enjoy your time with God and we'll see you soon.

September 25, 2005

Ralph most of your life your were to us our cute sweet "Baby Ralphie." Then you grew up and turned into a handsome, comical, caring, kind grown man. When you married Deb, we were all so happy for you. Watching you & Deb raise Sam then the boys, made us all proud of you. There doesn't go a day when all of us don't think of you, regardless if we are your older cousins or your younger cousins. We miss you and Love you always. You are always in our hearts and in our thoughts.

Cousin

September 23, 2005

For some reason I thought of you today and wanted to tell your family that there are still people out there that are praying for your family as they continue to heal. I want to tell Deb that she is never really alone even though she may feel lonely. I truly believe that God has a special place for you in heaven now and that you are an inspiration to us all. I will continue to pray for your family. We all miss you.

P.O. Douglas
Washington Police

September 23, 2005

I never got to meet Ralph, but I am sure that he was a wonderful person, a great husband, dad, brother, and son. Mike told me so many wonderful things about him; and there is not a doubt in my mind that he is in Heaven watching over us and still protecting us from the bad guys. Rest in peace, Ralph:)

Holly Hoffmann

September 21, 2005

Ralph,
Wanted to let you know I've been thinking of you and remember all the good times we had working together. I must say some of my most vivid and unforgettable memories of the job have you in it. Whether it was some of the relentless joking around with those in our zone or the time you and I almost had to do the unthinkable at the end of a pusuit back in August 2000. That was definitely one of the longest days of my career...you and I got in a pursuit, then we stumbled on a robbery in Hazelwood, and then when we went to inventory the car at the tow lot there were 2 guys there breaking into cars. I know we got home late that night. You are a good man , a great trooper, father,husband,son, brother and friend. Without a doubt you are sorely missed. Thanks for all the laughs, we'll do it again sometime. Until next time work on that 30 yard shot...deer season is coming up.

A friend
MSHP

September 14, 2005

trooper tatoian,
it is a tragedy that the patrol loses another brother. you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. sit beside st. michael, patron of police and watch over us all. godspeed. 10-42

p.o. mike mainieri-240
chesterfield pd

September 7, 2005

To the family and friends of Trooper Tatoian and his fellow officers in the Missouri State Highway Patrol: I wanted to extend my deepest condolences on behalf of my family for the grievous loss you sustained when Trooper Tatoian was tragically killed. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you be comforted and embraced by the circle of love and support you will receive from the law enforcement community, and other police survivors. This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the 9 1/2 years of service Ralph gave to his community and the citizens of Missouri, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made in the line of duty. His dedication to his work will be forever remembered and his memory honored. How tragic he had to die at such a young age leaving behind a loving wife and three children.

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

August 23, 2005

Happy Birthday Ralph. This is the first time I have been able to go on this site. Made your favorite snacks today and me and the kids watched your favorite movies. We miss you so much. Tell Grandmas and Grandpas we love them. Give Grandma Pearl an extra big hug for me. I will love you always.

Deb

July 4, 2005

Ralph,

I can't begin to express the feelings I had when I saw your picture on the news that April day. We had a lot of good laughs together during our overnight lunches at Denny's. When we hadn't seen each other in a while it was you who made it a point to stop by the station and look me up. Our boys are the same age and it tears me up inside to think about Ralphie having to "remember" his dad instead of being able to be with his dad. I know all your kids will miss you deeply. I guess that God has a plan for all of us though and I know that your entire family will be able to get through this, and although they will never be the same, they will be able to get by. I am a better person just having known you. Rest in Peace Brother!

Police Officer Douglas Barber
Hazelwood Police Dept. Hazelwood MO

June 21, 2005

Ralph, I want you to know that you will always be in my heart. To have someone love and take care of my daughter Deborah, and my grandchildren the way you did can only touch our heart in a very special way. Little Ralphie misses you so much yet he is strong at this moment, especialy for his age. I want you to know that our love for you will never die, and that we and your family will always keep you in your families heart and deep within their souls. We will always miss you. I think the good memories we have of you will last a life time, but oh how we wish you were here with us. May God always maintain a special place in his heart for you and keep you near him. Love forever your Father-in-Law.

Ron Durbala

June 15, 2005

Ralph,
You are deeply and truely missed. You touched so many lives including mine. Your death has affected me greatly. Everybody misses you. I know Deb and the kids will be taken care of. Watch over all of your bother and sisters in blue.

June 15, 2005

Ralph, Just wanted to say that me, Joe and all the kids miss ya so much. It is so hard to think of you as gone. Just thinking of our vacation in California last year. Watching you and the kids shooting off the pellet guns. You teaching them about the safety. I cry every now and then, worried about Deb and the kids. Hoping they are OK. We will always be here for them. Until we meet again, we love you.

Caroline Durbala
Sister In Law

June 13, 2005

Ralph,
Saturday was busy. John, Jimmer, Rush, Steve, Peterson and some others cut down that pine tree in your yard and trimmed the other trees. This time Johnwasn't the one in the tree. Deb went to a benefit car wash that Heiser set up and Sandy took Ralphie to the flea market for a fund raiser. So many people are here for you and Deb and the kids; its just very different without you. It seems like you are on midnights and we'll see you again when you switch to days.
Give JR a hug for me. See ya later buddy.

Rachael

June 6, 2005

Hey Ralph~
The one nice thing about living in KC is that I can focus on school and try to pretend that you're still out there on 270 getting my brother out of tickets. It was always a bummer that I didn't see you and Deb a lot but I rested easy knowing that I would see you at the next cousins' party that I could make it to. I'm so sorry that I wasn't at the last one. The one thing that getting older has given me is the chance to sit down and get to know my older cousins better, to have real conversations with them. I'm so angry that I didn't have the chance to do that with you. I keep finding out all these great details about your life and it sucks that I have to hear about them from someone else and not from you. I'm so proud of you for living your life the way you did. You have always been the hero of the family to me and the way you died proves it. I love you and I wait for the day when all of the cousins can be together again.

Uncle Ralph, Aunt MaryAnn, Sandy and Deb-I love you all and think about you all the time. I'm so sorry that you're going through this.

Kristen

June 5, 2005

Sweetheart,
You lit up our world 32 short years ago,and grew into a nephew/cousin that made us all burst with pride. Your wife Deb and children are in our care and hearts, and you live on through them. I always told you not to be a hero, but in the end you did it your way. I'm so proud.
Cindy

Cindy

May 31, 2005

Ralphie,
I finally managed the courage to leave you a message. I really miss the conversations that we used to have when I worked there. You gave me hope that I would be ok when I started to get frustrated. I finally did it you know. I graduated from the academy on April 20th. I was actually at my ceremony that evening when I first found out what had happened and when they said your name my knees buckled and tears just came rolling. But during the rest of the ceremony all I could think about was what an inspiration you were to me and so many others and that although I will miss you and Nick and Scott I vowed to hold your memory close to my heart and go out there on the streets and "Get R Done". I miss you and know that you will watch over me and the rest of the boys at Troop.

April
your old dispatcher

May 27, 2005

We miss you Ralph, not being able to see you everyday is heartbreaking. You were an inspiration and friend to many. We will help your family as much as possible. To all the other troopers that had a chance to work with Ralph, hang in there. We love you guys.

From Those who Miss you at Moto Mart

May 25, 2005

Ralph,
I don't know what to say. We miss you so much. I made John pick his groomsmen and it hurt so much knowing you won't be there as his best man. We have Nick standing in for you. (He's not staying with us at night. That's a moment only Nick, Deb and you can share). We are so proud of Samantha graduating from St. Norbert's and getting the scolorships for H.S.. We had 3 pews watching that special day. It's not the same Ralph. Take care of JR for me and watch over John when he's at the Firehouse. Thank you for everything. We love you and miss you and we'll see you soon.

Rachael

May 23, 2005

Ralph:

It has been a month since that terrible day in April. I will never forget the date because it was my 35th anniversary with the police department.

I hope you are doing okay. I know that Nick is taking care of you. Your precious wife Debra and your three beautiful children miss you and love you very much. Your parents, Mary Ann and Ralph are trying as hard as they can to cope with each day. Talk to them and let them know that everything will be okay.

Your entire family will be able to get through the toughest fight of their lives. They are strong people and they will succeed. Your parents are very proud of how you developed into a perfect son, husband and father.

My family will continue to help as much as we can. We love your family, and if they need anything, we will help them get it.

Give Nick a kiss and hug for me....

Father of Officer Nick Sloan
E.O.W. January 30, 2004

Sergeant Terrence Sloan
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

May 21, 2005

Thought I could finaly come on here and read all the nice things that everyone had to say without breaking down, I guess I was wrong. My heart still breaks when ever I think about Deb and the kids, especailly Max. Its just not fair that he has to grow up and not get know his daddy the way that we all did. You will always be in my heart and thoughts. Rest Easy, and save us a place at the table.

Mark

May 19, 2005