Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you, Josh. I know you are in a better place, but it is hard not to be selfish and want you back here.

November 27, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving Josh. I know you are in a better place, but your midnight crew is still missing you. And we always will. Keep watching over us.

Brandy
P27 Dispatcher

November 22, 2006

"Happy" Thanksgiving big brother.I love you and miss you every day.

November 22, 2006

Josh, I will never forget you, it seems like yesterday I met You. You were the first trooper that i Met when I started working here and I liked you from that time on and will never forget the person that You were. I wanted to Thank You for always being there when I called and wanted to let You know that no matter what other people have tried to say that I knew that thay could of not have personaly knew you because,if they did it would not of even been a question of your integrity and love for your job. thanks for the chance to get to know you and I will say that I am a better person and a police officer because I got to know You.
Respectfully
Dep. Fred Workman
Gallia County S.O.

Deputy Fred Workman
Gallia County Sheriff's Office

November 15, 2006

May God's peace and loving arms surround you all and may you be conforted in knowing that you are never alone. I never knew Josh but have the upmost respect for him and his loving family. Know that you are all loved and prayed for daily...Josh is home with his Heavenly Father.
Gods peace and blessings always!

Trooper's Wife

November 14, 2006

I am proud to be a Trooper’s wife
But it breaks my heart to know
He may not make it home again
Each time he’s called to go.

And so I say a prayer
As he dawns his battle gear
That God will return him safe to me
And I resolve not to show my fear.

I know my Trooper must walk that line
And pursues what others flee
Giving all to fulfill his oath
To defeat crime, his enemy.

No greater love has any man
Than he that lays down his life
I know someday I may face this loss
For I am a Trooper’s wife.

So each day when he makes it home again
I greet him with a warm embrace
And thank God for his safe return
As I kiss his weary face.

My Trooper is the bravest man
That I have ever known,
And God has called me to be his wife,
So that he will never walk alone.
Anonymous

Josh, we will make sure that your wife will never have to walk alone.

Trooper's Wife
OSHP

November 14, 2006

To Bridget, Peyton and Paige:

"A Letter From Heaven"
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just enternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me and he 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, 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.
And when you lie in bed at night the days 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 tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you would not understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
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 taking one step at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you to;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made 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 you're not going...you're coming here to me.
I will always be with you!

November 12, 2006

Josh, we took the kids to see the new santa clause movie. they thought the reindeer were funny. Peyton said he has to grow a beard so he can be a wise man in the christmas play.

Jodie and Cory

November 9, 2006

Josh, I did not get to know you very well since we were on diffrent shifts. The times that you assited me always left everyone with a postive impact. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You should be as proud as I am of your co-workers, friends, family and brothers in arms that stood up for you during the turmoil. the truth finally came out as to what we all already knew...thank you for your dedication to the job and the mission.

Detective Chad A. Wallace
Gallia County Sheriff's Office

November 8, 2006

Josh, I never doubted that your name would be cleared. It's too bad the organization we worked for works so unfairly, presuming anything but the integrity we stood for. Well done my brother. To your family, may the memories that you have comfort you in times of sorrow. Nobody can take them away. Remember your loved one and know he served the state well. Rest in peace now that the truth has come out. We never doubted you.

former OSP - disability seperated

November 6, 2006

As a trooper you served as one of God's peace makers while on this earth. You now enjoy the heavenly rewards you deserve. May you rest in peace brother.
Anyone reading this needs to take a moment and consider your own life and what you have to be thankful for. God keeps those who love him and honor his commandments.

Tpr. Paul Mercer
Ohio State Highway Patrol

November 4, 2006

Josh, Had a great day with the kids today. Cory and I took them to Columbus and then we went to the mall and ate and went to the arcade. Peyton won a ton of tickets then he cashed them in and got some toys for himself and Paige. I took Paige to Bath and Body Works and got her some smelly goods. Peyton got a new football and baseball. He brought your ball glove with him so he and Cory can play catch in the morning. I told them I would make cheesey scrambled eggs in the morning and Peyton said "Oh, my dad used to make those". He's always saying "My dad this" or "My dad that". He really misses you alot. We all do. I was looking at beach houses the other day and it made me sad because the beach just won't be the same anymore without you there. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that the kids are o.k. and we all love and miss very much. Please watch over us and keep us safe.

Jodie

November 3, 2006

Josh- I never had any doubt that your name would be cleared!! I am so sorry for your wife, kids and family, but I am relieved that the Federal results proved that you were not drinking. You were one of the sweetest people in the world, and you always had the biggest heart!! I was very angry when the false accusations came out- that was a disgrace and people out there should be ashamed of themselves! However, the truth set you free and you will always be remembered as a wonderful person!

RJ
childhood friend

November 3, 2006

Mrs. Risner ~

I am so glad to read about the results from the FAA tests and that Josh's name and reputation have been restored. I agree with you that the release of information was premature and caused unnecessary distress to you and the other families involved. The media coverage of it was shameful! I am so sorry for the additional pain you have had to endure, but I rejoice with you in the proof of your husband's integrity. God bless you and your family, and may your beloved husband rest in peace.

Carin E. Sollman, surviving spouse
Officer Jesse E. Sollman, EOW 3/25/05

November 2, 2006

I am so very happy for your family and frinds that now everyone knows the real truth that they should have known from the beginning, I have never met anyone from this area of the state but I knew it in my heart. I am very good friends with local law enforcement and lost one VERY special to me 2 yrs ago. May God be with your loved ones!!
Be with your brothers above and watch out for all the firefighters and law officers still here.

November 2, 2006

I did not know Josh personally.However, as a former OSP trooper, I was sick when the Patrol issued the statement that Josh was intoxicated. I knew in my heart there was no way this could be true. I also believed that the Patrol jumped to a conclusion entirely too quickly. To the Risner family, I am very sorry for your loss and the pain inflicted during this time. Josh' good name has been restored. God bless his fellow troopers at Post 27 who fought back and stood for what Josh stood for......honesty and integrity. Josh, continue to watch over your family. Continue to keep all OSP troopers safe.

Former Trooper

November 2, 2006

We are all glad your name has been cleared. Rest easy brother, we will take your watch from here.

Ptl Andy Green
Lima, Ohio Police Department

November 1, 2006

As an OSP wife I am glad to see your good name and reputation has been restored. I only pray that your family and children can get past this horrible tragedy and remember the good you have done. May you rest in peace and please watch over the OSP family.

OSP Wife

November 1, 2006

God bless you and your family. God bless those who have stood by your family, your patrol family, and your name. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9).

Deptuy Marshal Randy Smith
Racine PD, Meigs County

November 1, 2006

I will always remember Josh as a young boy coming to our house with his dad. He grew up to be such a handsome, respectable young family man who was proud of his work as a State Trooper. We never doubted for a minute that his name would be cleared. He will never be forgotten. Our prayers go out to his family and friends and I hope that with time their loss becomes easier to handle. God Bless.

Family Friend

November 1, 2006

ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS AT THE GALLIPOLIS POST ARE CELEBRATING. YOU ARE ALWAYS THE TOPIC OF CONVERSATION AND NO ONE WILL EVER FORGET YOU....REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

FRIEND AND FELLOW OFFICER

November 1, 2006

Your good name has been cleared. You may finally rest.

November 1, 2006

Josh,
Your good name and reputation has again been restored, as we all knew it would be. You will be forever missed and never forgotten. I wish peace to your wife and children and of course, your father. You will always live through them, our hearts, and our memories.

GO BUCKS!!!!
#1 IN THE NATION!!!!

Family Friend

November 1, 2006

Josh,
Your good name and reputation has again been restored, as we all knew it would be. You will be forever missed and never forgotten. I wish peace to your wife and children and of course, your father. You will always live through them, our hearts, and our memories.

GO BUCKS!!!!
#1 IN THE NATION!!!!

Family Friend

November 1, 2006

Josh,

It has been a very long month. At first we had to deal with the loss of two brothers and very dear friends. Then we had to deal with an accusation that was not supported by any sort of investigation. All of your brothers and sisters within the Ohio State Highway Patrol ranks knew the allegations were not true. Finally, the truth comes out.

We are sure you are very proud of how your family, co-workers, community and the Ohio State Troopers Association rushed to your defense. This is something that was not given to you, it is something you earned. Know that we will do whatever we can to support your family and educate people of the sacrifice you made.

The Gallipolis Post is thankful for the time we were able to spend with you and we look forward to seeing you again. Please watch over us.

Post 27
Gallipolis Post
Ohio State Highway Patrol

Gallipolis Post
Family

November 1, 2006