Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Detective Keith Dressel

Toledo Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Wednesday, February 21, 2007

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Reflections for Detective Keith Dressel

Here we go....it's here. I dislike this evening and tomorrow 2-21 even more. The days pass by and the years too, but that pain--that deep hurt never goes away. Once you think you've got it together it just comes back. Called and talked to Mom and Dad tonight. Will be going down tomorrow. Getting to see everyone. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and Noah and Syd or the rest of the family. Many, many times needed to call and talk to you--just wanting your input. It helps seeing Noah. He's so much like you! That brings me comfort and knowing you are around. Missing you terribly and wishing you were here! Love you!Keeping the blue light shining.--Jen and family

Jen
Sister

February 20, 2011

On the eve of your death, my heart is heavy. All week you have been on my mind. I walk past the memorial garden on the way into work each day, anf I look at all the markers. Then I look at yours, and my heart aches. I step into the building and I see the banner that still hangs in your memory. We all miss you so much. This week vice and DP did Dirty Boy III in memroy of you. I look at my daughter, and think of Noah. They were born just days apart. Ii see your mom and dad now and again, and my heart aches for them. They miss you so much. I have visited your grave every year since you left us. Continue to watch over all of us.

class of 46
TPD

February 20, 2011

Hi bubba tonight marks 4 years....feels like yesterday:( I know they say everything happens for a reason but i still can't figure this one out! Until next time my friend...we love you and miss you! Please continue to look out for everyone and try to keep them safe!

Tori
Friend

February 20, 2011

Thank you so much for being our angel and watching out for those guys:) Love and Miss you so much!

Anonymous

February 6, 2011

Keith, this is the month that I fear coming. I am so afraid that I have a hard time keeping the chipper face that others want to see. To me it feels like yesterday. We just had a bad snow, sleet, freezing rain storm. I thought just like I did on that foggy night you were killed, "I wonder what Keith is doing on the job in this bad weather." The only good thing about Feb. is Noah's birthday. He is now 8yrs. and 1 day. We talk to him about you. One of the gifts we gave him was a snap together model of a Willy's paddy wagon. He remembered that I told him that you liked to build models, and your first were snap together. I don't get to see him as much as I would like, and definatly not once a week like you requested in you paperwork. Once a month is more like it.

We keep getting signs from you. I love those. Keep sending them. Just went to a conference for townships. I drove our new township official and we roomed togehter. She lost her son and her husband. We talked about signs. I know that you are okay and that you are watching over us. I really know that because of the signs you have sent us.

Keep in touch my son, my Keith.
Mom

Larraine Dressel
Mother

February 3, 2011

Just have been thinking about you lately and missing you :(

Anonymous

January 28, 2011

Having a tough day today--reading about the lost Livonia offiicer & it all comes flooding back. I know you were there to greet him in Heaven. Still seems like yesterday....miss you so much, kiddo.

Kim Watson
Cousin

January 22, 2011

Hey--starting to feel the anxiety of what the next month brings. Just knowing what is coming is sometimes more than I can bear. I actually needed to talk to you. So, I said "I need to call..." and I stopped. God, I miss you! I talk about you in my classroom a lot. Actually talk about our whole family lots. Giving life lessons and "Mom advice" things that Mom and Dad would've said to us growing up. The other night a Livonia police officer was killed in the line of duty. I told Dad that it felt the same as when we heard about you. That sickening feeling--and that same eery feeling came over again. Same kind of morning with the fog and stuff. Listening to how his family felt--man it hit all over again. Had a humungus cry in the shower. Needing some brotherly advice right now in a big way. Don't want to burden Neil--as we are still having moments. That feeling doesn't seem to go away. I know you've been around lately. The signs keep on showing. Brings me much comfort. Canyon just took his semester exams. There's been many a day that I tell him that you would be proud of him. He actually enjoys wearing a tie and etc. You know. Ri made b-ball and I know you've been around for that. Again--the signs. Or at least we like to think that is what it is.That's what we hold onto and knowing that you would help and guide. Just seriously missing you more than you could ever know. Trying to do my job here on Earth--but some days it's really hard. Kids in the schools are getting tougher and tougher. Don't know if I'm making a difference or not, but just keep trying. Keep guiding me! Just know that you are NEVER out of Mom, Dad, Neil,or my mind or hearts. You are thought of daily! Just really missing you! Love you--Jen

Jen
Sister

January 21, 2011

Keith,
We never met in person, but I feel like I have known you all my life. While I don't visit this site often, know your thought of often in our household. Well, as you know, you know who has gone back to vice. He says he loves vice, I believe him. After that fretful night in 2007, I am scared for him(altho not as scared as DP.) I hope he remembers all you taught him while you worked together in vice, he spoke so highly of you. You were the man he wanted beside him if he had trouble. Please watch over him and all your brothers in blue as they walk our streets to keep us safe. Keep walking those heavenly streets for us, we will all meet again.

Anonymous

January 15, 2011

Every week Lutheran Church of Our Saviour on W. Alexis prays for your family. We will forever remember the sacrifice he made for the Toledo community. Our prayers are to comfort his family because we know Keith is in heaven. Dearest Larraine...I love you and miss you. Neil and Jen...I send a hug your way. May you continue to gain strength as you nurture your precious children. I smile when I think of what wonderful parents you both are. Tell your parents I send my love.

Polly Lovell
friend of the family

January 3, 2011

You would of started your 18th year today:( Just isn't fair...we miss you and still talk about you all the time!

Friend

December 10, 2010

We bought blue "star" shaped balloons today for tomorrow's parent balloon release. When it flies up to you, grab it!
Dad and I have a message written on it. The same one we say everyday. We miss you Keith. Remember, you were so loved by us. Jen, Neil, Dad, and I will always keep you in our hearts. Mom

Larraine Dressel
Mother

September 30, 2010

Haven't been to visit this page in awhile - wanted to let you know that we've been thinking about ya and missing you bunches. I guess the weather changing to Fall seems to bring out the melancholy in me, since we lost our Cameron in October and you shortly after in February. Autumn and winter are beautiful seasons - but they do remind me of the time leading up to losing the loved ones we miss so much. May isn't a wonderful month for me either, as you can imagine. I have such faith that all of you are together, and I'm sure it is amazing Where you are. We do miss you here, tho, kiddo. Hugs - Kim

Kim Dressel-Watson
Cousin

September 28, 2010

Ok bubba you beat us again this year:)

Anonymous

September 11, 2010

Hey Keith,

Its been a while since I got on here. Saw Roy the other day patroling and it made me think of you. Well, another school yeaer is beginning and Chase will be a sophmore, can you believe it? I wish you were here to meet my latest edition, Easton. He is 9 weeks old now, he is beautiful. Its so strange to have a baby again...but I love being a mother. I have spent a lot of time with Sissy and the kids, they are getting so big and Noah is so different. He has really come out of his shell, he is so funny and talkative:) Sydney is turning into quite the young lady, she was such a big help at my baby shower. Sis and I talk about you and usually always end up laughing...she misses you. If you have seen my stepdad Jim up there, please tell him I miss him so so much. Hug him for me and tell him I love him. I know he knows that but I thought Id ask. A lot of things have changed around here but one thing will always remain the same, we miss you and love you. I'm moving right now and when I am in the new house, the candle Chase and I have had lit for you will once again be plugged in and left that way. Talk to you soon. Take care up there and as always watch over your Brothers and Sisters in Blue.

Erin
Bestfriend to Sissy

August 24, 2010

Detective Keith Dressel, I learned of your murder only a few minutes ago, from one of your TPD friends. As do all your law enforcement brothers and sisters, I honor you, your name, honor your memory, and honor that what you did, not just that fateful day, but your entire career. You were "there", you were on "the case," you protected the citizens of Toledo, Ohio. Thank you from the bottom of my heart . . for walking the path of the warrior, for fighting the good fight, for making a difference . . a significant difference, in the lives of those you protected. The TPD can never replace you, but they'll pull their ranks a little tighter, a little closer. With your murder, the thin blue line has been compromised again, but we'll gain strength from your memory and we will recover. You Keith, go rest on that mountain, your work on earth is done. Patrol those streets of gold. We'll never forget you and that which you did so honorably. We'll forever speak your name.

With brotherly love and utmost respect, Jim Crotty (former Richmond, VA, police officer.)

Special Agent Jim Crotty
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (Ret,)

August 1, 2010

I'm working today and thinking about another 4th of July without you. Sorry I haven't stopped by to say "Hi". We all miss you and continue to pray for you and your family. Keep looking out for us Keith. We need all the help you can give us.

Huge

July 4, 2010

Thinking about you today!

Anonymous

May 19, 2010

Happy Birthday!

Anonymous

March 28, 2010

St Patty's day was alot of fun...just not the same without you at the Lounge!

Anonymous

March 19, 2010

Well, Sunday was rough. We went to the cemetary and then had breakfast at Mom and Dad's. It was really nice. You would've enjoyed it! I know that you are around me daily. I need every bit of your help. I continue to look to you for guidance with my one little cherub in my classroom. You've led me well, because I know that I couldn't have done it without your help.Thank you! I miss you so much! I really needed to have bounced a few things off of you. I am so thankful for the time that I had with you and Neil. We had some good memories! Just wanted to let you know that I will keep on keepin on doing my part.Just keep guiding me. Love you and miss you!

Jen
Sister

February 26, 2010

Even though we've all never met, it feels like Keith was part of the family. I've been thru this site reading all the reflections (very often) and it touches my heart to see how much he was loved and it feels as if he were my own brother and friend. Nevertheless, he was and will always be remembered as a hero. You did what you had to do and I thank you for being there, serving and protecting the community. Your family and friends remain a part of my prayer from time to time. I know they are in good hands daily. God bless you all.

Fellow law enforcment

Anonymous

February 22, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and close friends. You are a true hero and heroes never die, you will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

February 21, 2010

Just wanted to stop in and let you know we are lighting a candle at church today in memory of what this day means to our family. We'll be thinking of you and the family today as we sadly remember, and try to cheer Scott in a birthday phone call later. February 21 is so bittersweet for us, and Scott just feels so awful when he used to feel happy on this day. We all do. Miss you lots, kiddo. Love, Kim & crew

Kim Dressel-Watson

February 21, 2010

3 Years ago tonight. Very sad but true. We don't have our radio on tonight. But we know even if it didn't go over the air, Jimmy was calling for #812 tonight. Your not forgotten. Ever.

The Britts

Off. R. and T. Britt
Toledo Police Dept

February 21, 2010

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