Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family of Ranger Christensen,
Even though we are miles apart, we suffer alongside you. I know what it is like to lose someone to this job. Please take comfort knowing Jeff spent his last days doing what he loved. Also take comfort in your law enforcement "family" that is thinking of you from across the country and around the world. Rely on each other, and on Jeff's friends and co-workers in the upcoming weeks, you will need their strength. Please know that all of us in the family of Officers are with you now.

LAPD

August 8, 2005

We are so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with family, friends and co-workers of Jeff's. We pray he finds peace in heaven. I'm sure he died doing what he wanted to do.

Chief of Police Charles R. Orth
Larned, Kansas Police Department

August 8, 2005

REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

J.CISNEROS
LOS ANGELES SCHOOL POLICE

August 8, 2005

My sincerest sypmathy to the family and friends of Ranger Christensen as well as to the US Department of Interior, National Park Service. Rest in peace Ranger Christensen, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

August 8, 2005

WHAT IS A COP?

Cops are human ( believe it or not) just like the rest of us. They come in both sexes but mostly male. They also come in various sizes. This sometimes depends on whether you are looking for one or trying to hide something. However, they are mostly big.

Cops are found everywhere-on land, on the sea, in the air, on horses, in cars, sometimes in your hair. In spite of the fact that " you can't find one when you want one", they are usually there when it counts most. The best way to get one is to pick up the phone.

Cops deliver lectures, babies, and bad news. They are required to have the wisdom of solomon, the disposition of a lamb and muscles of steel and are often accused of having a heart to match. He's the one who rings the door-bell, swallows hard and announces the passing of a loved one; then spends the rest of the day wondering why he ever took such a "crummy" job.

On TV, a cop is an oaf who couldn't find a bull fiddle in a telephone booth. In real life he's expected to find a little blond boy " about so high" in a crowd of a half million people. In fiction, he gets help from private eyes, reporters, and who-dun-it fans." In real life, mostly all he gets from the public is " I didn't see nuttin'."

When he serves a summons, he's a monster. If he lets you go, he's a doll. To little kids, he's either a friend or a bogeyman, depending on how the parents feel about it. He works " around the clock", split shifts, Sundays and holidays, and it always kills him when a joker says. " Hey tomorrow is Election Day, I'm off, let's go fishing" ( that's the day he works 20 hours).

A cop is like the little girl, who, when she was good, was very, very good, but, when she was bad, was horrid. When a cop is good, " he's getting paid for it." When he makes a mistake, " he's a grafter, and that goes for the rest of them too." When he shoots a stick-up man he's a hero, except when the stick-up man is " only a kid, anybody coulda seen that."

Lots of them have homes, some of them covered with ivy, but most of them covered with mortgages. If he drives a big car, he's a chiseler; a little car, "who's he kidding?" His credit is good; this is very helpful, because his salary isn't. Cops raise lots of kids; most of them belong to other people.

A cop sees more misery, bloodshed, trouble, and sunrises than the average person. Like the postman, cops must also be out in all kinds of weather. His uniform changes with the climate, but his outlook on life remains about the same: mostly a blank, but hoping for a better world.

Cops like days off, vacations, and coffee. They don't like auto horns, family fights, and anonymous letter writers. They have unions, but they can't strike. They must be impartial, courteous, and always remember the slogan " At your service." This is sometimes hard, especially when a character reminds him, " I'm a taxpayer, I pay your salary."

Cops get medals for saving lives, stopping runaway horses, and shooting it out with the bandits ( once in a while his widow gets the medal). But sometimes, the most rewarding moment comes when, after some small kindness to an older person, he feels the warm hand clasp, looks into grateful eyes and hears, " Thank you and God bless you, son."

Officer Dave Carroll
Choctaw, Oklahoma

August 8, 2005

From all of us to you and your family; May you rest in peace, our thoughts, prayers and hopes for your family, friends and co workers. Thank you for your dedication and joy in your work....it never went unnoticed. Look down on us and guide us as we continue to protect. Thank you.

Grand Teton National Park Rangers
National Park Service

August 8, 2005

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ranger Jeff Christensen, and the National Park Service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Ranger Christensen, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

August 8, 2005

My God bless you and your family. My your family always trust in Jesus and they will see you again.

Kevin Cannon
Brother of Keith Cannon EOW 5/4/05

August 8, 2005

“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

August 8, 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 ***

Chief ( retired ) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

August 8, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Park Ranger Jeff Christensen, his good deeds to his country will always be remembered. May God bless you.

Chief Ferrell J. Stewart
Cooter, MO Police Department

August 8, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of Ranger Christensen.
Rest in peace...

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

August 7, 2005

Rest in Peace young man...Thank you for your service ....we appreciate your endeavors and dedication to duty. Be assured your loved ones are not alone. We are but a phone call away.

Bob Johnson VA-VI

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

August 7, 2005

Last year I visited a few of the National Parks in South-West USA. During that time I've seen several park rangers who make it possible for all tourists and others to see the beauty of all that nature and wildlife. I'm saddened to read that Ranger Christensen cannot continue the job he certainly loved doing.
I wish the family of Ranger Christensen a lot of strength in these dark days and know that he will not be forgotten. Thank you for your service and rest in peace, Park Ranger Christensen.

B. Verhelst, policeofficer
Ghent PD (Belgium)

August 7, 2005

May God bless and comfort Ranger Christensen's parents, family, friends and co-workers. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Psalm 55:22

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

August 7, 2005

I was praying that you'd be found safely. My thoughts & prayers go out to your family.

florida dispatcher

dgailbr

August 7, 2005

My fiance, Heidi, and I were in the Rocky Mountain National Park four days after Ranger Christensen went missing and witnessed the search effort. We had prayed for his quick rescue all week. We had listened to the news each day in hopes of hearing of his rescue. We were saddened to hear, upon arriving home, that Ranger Christensen had died. We want you and your family to know that you served the visitors of the Rocky National Park with great dedication and unselfishness. It was this unselfishness for the preservation of human life that cost you yours. Your service shall not be forgotten. Rest in peace our brother until we meet again!

Chief L. Corey Sloan
Cameron, MO Police Department

August 7, 2005

You cared for and watched over our nation's treasures. For that I thank you.

August 7, 2005

May GOD bless your family and friends at this time. Thank you for your service and dedication. Rest in peace, Sir.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-3-14-04

August 7, 2005

God bless you for your sacrifice.

DE
St. Louis City Police

August 7, 2005

MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY OF RANGER CHRISTENSEN. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL MY BROTHER, NOW REST IN PEACE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

August 7, 2005

Ranger Christensen,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

August 7, 2005

Rest in Peace...

Police Officer
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

August 7, 2005

Rest in peace Brother Jeff, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten for your courage and service.

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

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham Retired
Sand Springs Okla Police Department

August 7, 2005

You probably died doing what you loved doing, the watch is our's now. You don't have to be a street cop or work in C.I.D. to receive honors. It takes all types of people and walks of life to fulfill God's will. God Speed!!!!

J.D.W. 107

August 7, 2005