Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Houts served proudly and was deeply loved and respected by those whoknew him. It is a tragedy to lose him. We never know when our lives on this earth will end, but we can make a reservation in Heaven now and assure us a place when God calls us to Himself. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) and He PAID the price for our sins on the Cross so we don't have to pay the penalty for our sins. Yipee! If we accept His payment by faith we can have salvation and spend eternity with Him in Heaven. It is not something we must earn, it is a gift. The most precious one we can ever receive. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith_and this not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of God_not by good deeds, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2: 8,9. For without faith, it is impossible to please God. And our faith must be in God's only Son, Jesus Christ.
You were a credit to the uniform, Officer Houts. My heart goes out to your
loved ones left behind and may the Lord comfort them as only He can.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

September 30, 2008

To Officer Keith Houts and his loved ones:

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

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 Houts. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

I am glad that the judge gave you and your family the justice they deserved.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Officer Houts gave to his community and the citizens of Alabama, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 30, 2006.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater

September 29, 2008

Keith

On August 18, 2008, the trial started for your justice. By Wednesday, afternoon, the juror was chosen. On Friday, the State rested it case, and the defense began its case and his only defense’s witness was being arrested for lying under oath. By Friday afternoon, the defendant rested its case. On Monday, both sides presented closing arguments. The case went to the jurors for deliberated; within three hours they returned with a verdict. The jury found Mario Woodward guilty on both charges. The sentencing phrase began Tuesday, and by Wednesday afternoon the case when back to the jury for deliberated. Within four hours the jurors came back with the verdict, life without parole. We were shocked that he did not get the death penalty.

On September 25, 2008, we were in court for Woodward’s sentencing. The Judge stated that twice in 16 years Woodward caused two funerals. Twice he killed in the eight years that he was on the street. The Judge knew more than the jurors knew; therefore, the Judge gave him the death sentence. You would have been very proud. The courtroom was full and we had to be moved to another courtroom so everyone would have a seat.

We have justice for you. However, it will not bring you back to your family who misses you of every moment of every hour of every day.

Love you always,

Mom and Dad

Anonymous

September 29, 2008

I miss you alot.But most of all I love you dearly..
"TAH"..For me today has been really hard. I just keep reliving alot of things from that terriable day.. Just needed to talk to you. We will talk again tomorrow.. I love you

gail houts
aunt

September 28, 2008

Keith,
Judge Hobbs overturned the jury's recommendation of Life w/o Parole and sentenced Woodward to death. I was in court with others for the sole purpose of the sentencing, and hopefully to show your family that we will always support them and will always remember you. Closing arguments were long, and the D.A.'s office did a wonderful job of showing Woodward for the thing that he really is. Ellen Brooks took, I would estimate, approximately a hour to make her closing. The defense took approximaely 20 - 30 minutes. Judge Hobbs took 90 seconds to tell Woodward the verdict.

I, for one, feel relieved that with all the political agendas, the smoke and mirrors, the theatrical performances that are seen in courtrooms today, that Judge Hobbs stood up and simply said you will not murder a police officer and simply, passively, be sentenced to life in prison.

I believe that you know the roles of all that played a part in this, and I know you would have done the same.

I pray for some type of closure for your family and other friends, although I know complete healing may never occur.

Anonymous

September 27, 2008

Keith I have thought about you everyday for the past two years..and I've missed your beautiful smile.But I know today you had the biggest smile on your face when justices was handed down by Judge Hobbs..Mario was giving the death sentence.We fought for justices and won you the justices you deserved.. we had a beautiful candlelite service in your honor, of your memory today..Keith you will never be forgot by all us of that love and miss you everyday..You are a true hero..Keeping watching over our family and all the other hero's in the brotherhood.. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU EVERYDAY..I just keeping remembering "The Anchor Holds"..

Gail Houts
Aunt/1st Cousin

September 25, 2008

Keith,
He was sentenced today to DEATH! Justice for you my man!!!

Anonymous

September 25, 2008

DEAR HOUTS FAMILY,I READ THE STORY IN THE PAPER ABOUT THE TRIAL STARTING IN KEITHS CASE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME. I KNOW THAT WE WILL SEE OUR HERO'S AGAIN. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

MADONNA ANDREWS
SISTER OF FALLEN OFFICER CPL. TONY ANDREWS

August 25, 2008

Hey Bro,

Jury deliberated today and returned the verdict:
Charge 1 - Guilty
Charge 2 - Guilty

Sentencing phase will start tomorrow - Life w/o or Death.

Too bad I'm not doing the PSI on that case - you know what my recommendation would be.

I hope your family finds some comfort in the decision of the court.

P.M. Norcross
Alabama Board of Pardons & Paroles

August 25, 2008

Keith, We got him brother. Guilty on two counts!! Sentencing starts tomorrow.

Det. R.D. Carson
Montgomery Police Department

August 25, 2008

Keith,
I heard reports that the State and Defense both rested today - with the defense's only witness being arrested for prejury. Closing arguments start Monday.

I look at your picture everyday - it's posted near the copy machine. I look at it - not just see it. I think about you often, and the last night we worked together. The call we went to - your actions and my comments. That's why I called you "Captain America". The next day I got the phone call.......

Rest in peace brother - we are still here and you have not been forgotten.

P.M. Norcross
Former Partner - Friend Forever

August 22, 2008

Keith, the trial for the coward who took your life started this week. Our prayers will continue to be with your family as they will have to relive those terrible days almost two years ago. Even though he is pleading not guilty, funny thing is, his attorney’s main question to the potential jury candidates is how they feel about the death penalty. Almost like they know what is to come. I know almost two years have past but for us left behind, its like it was yesterday. You will always be remembered in the hearts of all of us who served beside you and you will never be forgotten for your sacrifice.

Cpl J E Stokes #1604
Montgomery P.D. Al

August 20, 2008

Letter from Heaven


To my dearest family ...
There's some things I'd like to say,
But first of all, to let you know
That I have arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven.
Here I dwell with God above,
Where there's no more tears of sadness ...
There is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy
Just because I'm out of sight;
Remember that I am with you
Every morning, noon and night.

The day I had to leave you
When my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
And said, "I welcome you!"

"It's good to have you back again,
You were missed while you were gone;
As for your dearest family,
They'll be here later on."

"I need you here badly,
As you're part of my plan;
There's so much that we have to do,
To help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things
That he wished for me to do;
And foremost on the list
Was to watch and care for you.

When you lie in bed at night,
With the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you ...
In the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth
And all those loving years,
Because you are only human,
They are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry,
It does help to relieve pain;
Remember there would be no flowers
Unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you
All that God has planned;
But if I were to tell you,
You really wouldn't understand.

There is one thing is for certain,
Although my life on earth is o'er,
I'm closer to you now,
Than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you
And many hills to climb;
But together we can do it
By just taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy
And I'd like it be for you too,
That as you give unto the world,
The world will give back to you.

If you can ever help somebody
Who's in sorrow and pain,
Then you can say to God at night ...
"My day was not in vain."

For now I am contented,
That my life was worthwhile;
Knowing as I passed along the way,
I was able to make somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody
Who is sad and feeling low ...
Just lend a hand to pick him up,
As on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street
And you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps
Only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go
From that body to be free,
Remember that you're not going ...
You're coming here to me.

Anonymous

August 19, 2008

Keith the day finally got here we all have been waiting for.. Jury selection started Monday 8/18/2008 for the justices we all have been waiting for.. what happened to you..On September 28.. This was one of the worst days of my life..I know how it feels to lose someone that you LOVE as much as your mom loved you.. I watch over your mom as much as I can. I really love her and hate to see the pain she has been in for the last two years.. I LOVE you KEITH and miss you everyday that goes by.. I know you will be therein court with us every minute of everyday..

Anonymous

August 19, 2008

I think of you now Keith as you were when I knew you. Full of life and longing for that next rush! I miss you Brother and want to thank you for your sacrifice to keep my hometown safe. I no longer serve in Law Enforcement nor do I still reside in Alabama but I know that the City of Montgomery was lucky to have earned your service. The life you lived was truly one of distinction! May flights of Angels see thee to thy rest my Brother and Friend!

Chris Sanders
Fraternity Brother

August 6, 2008

I look at this site often and talk about you even more...even though you and I were not the closest of friends I still remember the day you were taken from us. I remember the last conversation you and I had..about wanting to be a detective, I just wished I had taken the second to talk to you but even then I would wish it was a second longer. Take care brother, just remember you are not forgoten!

Scott Cooper
Alabama State Trooper

July 28, 2008

Happy Birthday Keith:

I went to the cemetery and placed a balloon on your grave. You would have been 32. We will always remember the last birthday with you when you came home to celebrate. If we had only known that was going to be your last birthday with us we would had done it differently. The last picture taken of you was on your birthday holding Marissa, Calista took the picture. Now you are in the presence of the Lord celebrating your birthday with both of your grandfathers and uncle. We can only imagine what heaven must be like.

Love you always

Mom & Dad

July 15, 2008

"Wings"


Your life was full and had so much meaning,
you never dwelled on the chance of leaving.
Facing each day with a possible threat,
and not one moment lived with a regret.

So many people see but don't understand,
that we protect and serve in a not so perfect land.
There wasn't time for you to say good-bye,
but I can hear you clearly saying -- 'Please don't cry'.

Your life has been rich and sweet,
you'll be missed by your brothers and sisters on the street.
You don't have to face another hassle,
now you can go live in your own little castle.

Getting your wings up in the sky,
where one day you'll teach us all to fly.

Geneva, Chad & Jaxon Houts
cousin

July 10, 2008

Happy Birthday Keith

Me and Jaxon went to visit you today, we took you a balloon and a police teddy bear. It was so hard when we got closer to the cemetery.

We miss you so much, and we will see you again one day. We love you.

Geneva, Chad, Jaxon Houts
cousin

July 10, 2008

Keith I I know you have many of friends, many greater than I, but I can't help but think of you and your family at times. You are a true hero and your family is very proud. I know God has a special place for you and He as well asthe rest of us will forever watch over your family.

Marcus Green
MPD

July 9, 2008

Whats up Keith? Thanks for keeping an eye on all of us at MPD since you left. I ride by the location where you conducted your last traffic stop from time to time and stop to make sure that the flowers that were placed there are still in tact. I think from time to time that maybe some how you knew it was me kneeling at your side holding your hand on Decatur St. I hope that I might have been some comfort to you by knowing that my heart and soul was truely hurting to see you lying there. I felt helpless but took some form of comfort nowing now that you can no longer hurt. I wear your memorial sticker on my vest close to my heart to remind me everyday that this is truly a dangerous job but it is what I love to do just as you did. Thanks again for your constant devotion to Law Enforcement and we here are still thinking of you Brother. Continue to watch over us daily and keep the streets of Heaven clear for those of us who may one day join you. Always thinking of you Brother......

Sgt. B.F. Harrison #143
MPD 2nd Shift Patrol

Sgt. B.F. Harrison
Montgomery (AL) Police Dept.

June 2, 2008

Dear Keith,
I think of you often and rember the times we shared on third shift patrol. I have to remind myself that you're in a better place now. May god bless you and your family.

Your Friend,
DRew

Trooper Drew Brooks
Alabama State Troopers

April 1, 2008

Officer Houts, thank you for your service and dedication to our Country and the citizen's of Alabama. Continue to watch over your family, giving them the love and guidance they need. Watch over your brothers and sisters in uniform as well. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

February 14, 2008

I didn't know Keith but I went to his homegoing. As I traveled to Montgomery that day I thought not only of a family losing a loved one but of a brotherhood losing there own. I will keep the family and friends in my prayers.

DEPUTY SHERIFF

January 26, 2008

Houts, I really dont know what to say. We miss you every day that we show up to work. Your wife is still kept in our thoughts. I still think about the times that we rode together and remember the conversations as if they happened yesterday. I know you are watching over us everyday as we hit the streets in an attempt to make the city better and the citizens feel safer. You did that, and we are proud of you and will never forget you!

Montgomery Police Department

December 31, 2007