Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This is a very sad and tragic event. My thoughts and prayers are with the officer's family and agency.

Dispatcher Tracy Wilson
Arkansas State Police, Troop A

April 20, 2005

May god be with your family. Rest in Peace!

LEO WIFE

April 20, 2005

Policeman's Poem

The Trooper stood and faced his God. Which must come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as Brightly as his brass.

Step forward now, Trooper.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?

The Trooper squared his shoulders,
"No Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry badges can't alwasy be a saint".

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny, that wasn't
mine to keep.
Though I've worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help.
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place among the peolpe here. They've never wanted me around except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
but if you don't ...I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne, Where the saints had often trod.
As the Trooper waited quietly,
for the judgement of his God.

Step forward now, Trooper
you've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on heavens streets ,
You've doen your your time in Hell.

Rest in peace Brother.

P.O. Chris Welby
Bridgeton Police

April 20, 2005

The Lord has always shined his warmth upon you and your family, but has now extended his hand to you to call you home. Rest in peace my friend, my brother. May God bless you and keep you and your family forever.

Wisconsin

April 20, 2005

From all of the troopers and employees of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, our thoughts, prayers, and comfort goes out to your family who through brotherhood is also ours. God Bless.

State Trooper
Tennessee State Patrol

April 20, 2005

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but a two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
Author Unknown

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired

April 20, 2005

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 no one really 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 Detective J.D.Koeppen, Raleigh North Carolina; Trooper D.C.Koeppen, New Jersey State Police and Patrolman A.M.Koeppen, Wilmington North Carolina

Chief ( retired ) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

April 20, 2005

My thougths and prayers are with Trooper Tatoian's wife, children, family and friends. I pray that your Trooper family will be as good to you as my Alabama State Trooper famils has been to me. May God bless you and comfort you. Psalm 55:22

Denise Nichols - surviving spouse
Alabama State Trooper Brian K. Nichols EOW 2/17/2002

April 20, 2005

On behalf of the men and women who serve with the Georgia Perimeter College Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Ralph Tatoian's family, friends, and co-workers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Rest in peace our brother in blue. The watch is now ours. Now you can walk Heaven's beat.

Officer Johns
Georgia Perimeter College Police Department

April 20, 2005

To the family and friends of Ralph,

I was so sorry to hear about Ralph this morning. The next few weeks for all of you will be so hard. The only thing I can say is to lean on those around you. Remember to laugh about all the things Ralph said or did that made you laugh. In August it will be five years since our best friend, P.O. Bob Stanze was killed in the line of duty. Not a day goes by that we don't think about him or tell some story about him. That is how we cope. I will continue to pray for your whole family and family of friends. Your son, husband, friend, and most importantly father will always be around you. Remember to look for those signs. They will come. God Bless you all.

Lisa Svetanics Mitchell

April 20, 2005

Rest in peace Ralph. You will be greatly missed. God bless you and your family.

Maryland Heights Police Department

April 20, 2005

God bless your family Troper Tatoian. Thank you for your service.
4-20-05

April 20, 2005

Rest well fellow troop, your dedication and sacrafice will never be forgotten. You, your family, friends and co-workers are all in the prayers of the Michigan State police.

Tpr. Denis McGuckin
Michigan State Police, Post 38

April 20, 2005

On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State Police we extend our condolences to the family of Trooper Ralph Tatoian and the members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

While his tour is over, ours continues in his memory.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

April 20, 2005

My heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Trooper Tatoian; may he rest in peace.

Linda Lamm - LEO Wife and Sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11/05/04

April 20, 2005

God Bless Trooper Tatoian and the MSHP. You are in my prayers.

April 20, 2005

I remember when you first came to the zone. You were such a nice guy. Now, you have died while going to help your fellow officers and that is what I will always remember about you. You are certainly in a better place now.

former MHPD

April 20, 2005

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

Dan Bailey (Ret)
Norristown Police Pa

April 20, 2005

To the family, friends and coworkers of Trooper Tatoian... I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

anonymous

April 20, 2005

On behalf of the men and women of Industry Sheriff's Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Trooper Tatoian. Having lost Deputy Michael Arruda this past year (EOW 06-15-04), we know all too well the pain and reality of losing one of our own. Take comfort from knowing your extended law enforcement family grieves with you.

Industry Sheriff's Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

April 20, 2005

On behalf of my department, we would like to send our deepest sympathy to family, friends, and relatives of Trooper Ralph Tatoian. Trooper Tatoian gave his life while attempting to save one of our brothers life. What more can you say, he is no doubt a "True Hero". Our thoughts and Prayers will be with you all through this time of sorrow. God Bless You All.

Chief Roger Green
Kibler Police Department Kibler Arkansas

April 20, 2005

My deepest sympathy to the Tatoian family and all his brothers and sisters in blue that are close to him. Please stand with the family, they will need your support during this very tragic and trying time. Trooper Tatoian, you are a true Hero and will never be forgotten. God watch over all of you.

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

Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL

April 20, 2005

I was so saddened to see that another trooper has lost his life this year. God bless you and your family.

Officer
St. Louis County, MO PD

April 20, 2005

FOR EVERY FALLEN OFFICER AN ANGEL IS BORN. REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

sso J.CISNEROS
LOS ANGELES SCHOOL POLICE

April 20, 2005