Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

August 9, 2007

Oh Keith,
I am so sick to hear of this. I learned of this on AMW the other night. We were shocked to see and hear of it. I could hardly believe it. If it weren't for the picture I wouldn't have. I scanned every bit on info on the internet I could find just hoping it wasn't you. I guess that's what I get for not watching the news, almost six months before we found out. I have been crying for two days. I know we haven't talked in some time but this just tears me up. Fruitloop, what happened??? I am so sorry we didn't get our families together sooner. You were such a big part of my youth. Oh the memories that came flooding back. I am so saddened by the loss. The only comfort I can find is knowing that you finally found that perfect girl you were looking for. I vividly remember our last night, the four of us together. You were so happy to have made vice. I am so proud of you. Thanks for letting me know before too much more time passed...I will miss you so!! Please rest in peace dear friend, you will not be forgotten.
Michelle

Michelle Berkey
OLD friend

August 7, 2007

Thank You, RIP Brother

911 Dispatcher
Miami County Sheriffs Department, Kansas

August 5, 2007

Detective, God bless you, your family, and members of your department. We have the greatest job in the world but also the most heartbreaking. Men like you make me proud. I will dedicate my next tour on patrol to you. I will do my tour in your honor. I hope I do you proud.--your sister officer

Police Officer
NYPD

August 5, 2007

Wow. Just watched the episode of AMW where Det. Dressel was featured. So I googled his name and came across this site. Everytime I watch the segment where they show the downed officers, all I can do is shake my head. Just wanted to offer my condolences to his family and friends.

AMW Viewer

August 4, 2007

To the Family of Officer Dressel,

I saw the tribute to your loved one on America's Most Wanted this evening. God Bless and keep you all as you learn how to cope through this nightmare. Thank You Officer Keith Dressel for your duty and ultimate sacrifice. Watch over your Family, and your Brothers in Blue. Keep them all safe. We will never forget you. Your name will be added to the wall at the NLEOM...that will honor you forever. My heart goes out to your family and friends who must live through the heartache of losing you. You are living through what we all fear. May GOD carry you through this difficult time. You are in our hearts and prayers forever. With Love and heartfelt sympathy~Donna

Wife of a Police Officer
Bethlehem Police Department, Bethlehem, PA

August 4, 2007

It is not how brave and selfless men like Keith died that makes them heroes but how they lived and how they live on after their time wiht us is gone. It is an honor to say that I'm a professional like Keith God Speed

Chief Smith
MPD

August 3, 2007

Dearest Keith,This is the frist time I have been able to write you.Dave and I have taken your death really hard.We miss you so much words can not express.Our family will never be the same again.Keep a watchful eye over Sydney and Noah.You will always be in our hearts.Till dave and I meet you again.Love Your Father-In-Law & Mother-In-Law Dave& Becky

Dave and Becky Donbrosky
Father-In-Law&Mother-In-Law

August 3, 2007

Keith,
I have been trying to sit down and write on here for a while but each time it seems harder and harder. I'm watching the kids play and they talk about you all the time. Sometimes it makes me smile to hear them talk of you and other times I can barely hear what they are saying with out losing control. I have been keeping busy and I have spending alot of time with your fellow brother and sister on the department and I can't tell you how much it means to me that they are still here for me and the kids. I have made some really good friends since you have gone and I totally get the brotherhood of the department. I don't think I can ever go back to a regular life. I feel like I belong with them, mostly because of you, but mostly because of there compassion. I love them all. I hope you can see how much I miss you and wish you were still here. It seems that not a minute goes by that I don't think of you. I had a dream about you a few weeks ago. It was really nice seeing your face again. Alot of times I go to sleep hoping for the chance to see you again. I miss you and I love you.

Danielle
Wife

August 1, 2007

I am unsure how many others saw, but America's Most Wanted played an on air trubute to Keith Dressel several weeks ago. Unfortunately, they had his department information incorrect. I emailed AMW about this, and they have emailed me twice to apologize. Ms. Bonnie Hyde from America's Most Wanted has emailed me back, and explained that Keith's tribute has been corrected, and will re-air on August 4, 2007 on the FOX network during their broadcast of the AMW show. If any family or friends can ensure Mrs. Dressel is given this information, I would appreciate it. I felt it fitting to make you all aware that Keith's memory will receive national attention.

Z I
LPD

July 31, 2007

Keith, There has not been a day that goes by that I do not think of you or your family. You are sadly missed by your TPD brothers and sisters. Your quirky antics were always a pick me up. You will never be forgotten.

Sgt Tom Morelli
tpd

July 26, 2007

To this day my thoughts & prayers are still with the members of the Dressel family. I can not imagine the pain you all are feeling everyday. I did not know Keith Dressel but I know he was an incredible man. I get goose bumps everytime I see a pic of Keith or when there is something to do with his stroy in the media I get tears in my eyes. May every day look a little brighter.

Wife of an OPD officer
OPD

July 17, 2007

Well I'm deployed sitting in Kyrgystan and I was reading your page thinking of you. I rode horses in the mountains the other day, my first day off, and I wore your memorial sweatshirt for some reason. It was the most peaceful, beautiful ride and it reminded me of where you are now. Although Sis and our families are having a hard time still and miss you horribly it made me feel that you really ARE ok... I don't know when I will get back home to Ohio again, but I wanted you to know that I think of you and our familis daily even more being across the world w/o them all like you are. Oddly enough, I've been going to church, that is one thing Sis and I talked about doing after your funeral, and today's sermon was about "Why God does the things he does." It was the best sermon so far as I started to find comfort in what the chaplain was saying as he explained "Why bad things happen to good people." I'm not religious but I strongly believe in God. Listening to him speak, I still don't know why God took you away except for that you accomlished more goodness in your 35 short lived years than most people accomplish in a lifetime... Sometimes bad things happen to good people to wake other people up, kind of like taking one life to save millions of others and that's what I believe your tragedy, how sad it may be for the rest of us espeically my sister, was… He took your life to wake people up and to save other people because he knew your life would have the most affect on the thousands of people you have affected, whether you knew them all or not...
I felt compelled to wear the sweatshirt so others could see it and ask me about "Keith Dressel" which they did. I got to sit there in a different country, riding a horse in the mountains of Kyrgystan and tell your heroric story to others who otherwise would not of known who you were and I can guarantee... you affected them too Keith. We will forever miss you, but I truly hope you are looking down on us and seeing first hand the affect you had on all of us and the affect you STILL do in this world whether you are here or not. Love, Mick

TSgt Newman, USAF
Danielle's Sister

July 15, 2007

To the friends and family;
Hello,
I just want to give a smile, on the Keith we knew!
My husband and brother in law both played semi-pro football and that's when I initially met Keith.
Keith had a weak ankle so, he would have me wrap his hairy leg and obviously after getting to know Keith and his sense of humor I made sure the tape came off s l o w l y!
Keith had given me a reference, next I was working with him at Value City,while he working in security, what a riot..
I knew, as soon as he had told us he was interested in being an officer, it was so him!
Time went by, he was hired by TPD.
Long story short, Keith was working on our side of town and our landlord hit my husband with his truck.
Keith obviously knew the name and was the first on the scene,that was the first we saw Keith for who he was as an officer,and he was no different...
Dependable,loving and a good friend.
Keith made sure my husband was ok, then the next day when the landlord was seen,Keith made the arrest!
Those that know Keith will understand what I mean by saying, Keith stopped with partners while on duty and would have ice cream with our boy's, and had warned our oldest not to wear a certain color and team clothing, since it was gang related and stated he didn't want our son to be shot because he was mistaken to be involved with a gang, even at the age of 6.
He was a uncle to our boys,a brother to us,a friend to many!
We moved out of state, but we had tried to stay in contact via e-mail and i.m's, but time slipped by and now, his life, but the memories never will!
My brother in law called and with a shaky voice stated the Keith had been shot, and passed away.
Sadly,it was the day of the funeral, but our hearts remember.
I will leave you with the Keith I remember and his humor;
Keith had called from Southwyck mall stating what kind of undies we're being worn by the ladies...lol
To his wife; I'm so glad his prayers we're answered and he found what he was looking for, someone to love him,and we see the result,is beautiful.
Parents, you raised an awesome, loving, man..
Friends, that's why you had time with him,
Keith did make this world a lot better place in so many way's!
Our prayers and love to all who are ongoing in hurt and loss, please remember, Keith knew God and God knows Keith, and now,
Keith is in a better place!
Hugs
Dean & Chelle Perry
IN.

Dean n Chelle
friend

July 15, 2007

GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATED WORK IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.
YOU ARE A TRUE HERO................

SINCERELY,
CPL. J.W. LOWDER
NORTH CAROLINA

CPL. J.W. LOWDER
UNION COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

July 12, 2007

Hey Keith just wanted ya to know i was thinking about you. Haven't been on the site in over 2 weeks but not a day goes by i don't think of you. I know you see what's happening down here and i wish you were here to guide me in helping him. I'm lost i don't know how to do it alone.

Friend

July 11, 2007

Keith,
God knows how I miss you! Father's Day was hard for Dad. Danielle and the kids came too-Man, they had the greatest time just playing in the water and riding bikes. We stopped by your grave. We wrote on your slab with sidewalk chalk to say in words how much we love you. The Mud Hens game was really hard--especially the fireworks. I remember how much you loved that. Last night a terrible thing was on my news up here-a Grand Rapids police officer was killed in the line of duty. Man-that hit like a ton of bricks. I just sat there and cried. I'm still crying knowing how much that family hurts. I pray that not another family has to go through what we've had to the last 4 1/2 months. I would never want anyone to feel the pain that we are feeling still. The gut-wrenching pain that everyone keeps saying will go away. I don't think so. I still wake up in the night crying. I miss you so much. I know Danielle, Noah, Syd, Mom, Dad, Neil, Janie, the girls, Mike, Me, and the kids all miss you so much. So does the rest of the Dressel/Hausmann clan. "Our" TPD family has been so good to all of us. I miss you so much. I know that you are with me so much of the time. I feel you keeping watch over us-how else could we go through our daily lives without being a total wreck? I just wanted to let you know again how much I love you-and that last night's news really brought all of the horribleness back again to me. I know that we just need to keep praying and committed to making this world better one person at a time. Rest in peace lil bro. I love you!

Jen
Sister

July 9, 2007

I haven't spent a lot of time this year reading the memorials of the fallen officers, mainly because it saddens me that so many great men and women have fallen. It's a terrible thing that so many great lives were cut so short. As a fallen officer Detective Dressel, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in this journey that you walk and that Keith will not be forgotten here in Winnipeg.

Detective Dressel, thank you for helping to make this world a safer place. If you run into my late fiance Dennis up there give him a hug for all of us down here. It's been just over four years and we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne
"Forever Loving & Missing 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

July 8, 2007

Heros are never forgotten. Thank you for your service. I pray God continues to comfort your family, wife and children. Please continue to watch everyone from above.
Rest in peace.

July 2, 2007

Keith I never knew you but from reading your reflections I can tell you were someone special.God bless your family in these dark times give them your strenth and courage to go on.You were a brave man and will never be forgotten by those who loved you.

Lt. Chris Shaw
N.H. DOC

June 30, 2007

Keith,
We have had so many firsts since Feb. 21. Last night we had another first. We had our family outing at the MudHen's game. There were 34 of us that went to the game and 26 of us rode the Tarta bus from Sylvania. Jen and Mike had that long drive back to Jackson, but would not miss the family game. We missed you so much. Danielle came, but not Syd and Noah. Noah had an ear infection. We missed them too. I think that missing them made it even more difficult a night for me.

We finally opened the pool. No one has been in yet. How will we ever do it without your famous cannon ball off of the diving board? Last fall I even bought more pool toys with you and your fun and game activities in mind. Many squirters and more DUCK things too. I hope that Noah and Syd will be able to come swimming often this year. This is going to be such a hard summer without you.

Love always,
MOM

Larraine Dressel
Mother

June 30, 2007

Detective Dressel,
I have been following your story through the internet and am counting the days for justice to be served. Not that justice will bring you back to your family, but it will be comforting to know that you served so valiantly in a system where justice does prevail. You will NEVER be forgotten. Your legacy lives on through your children. I am thinking of your family, friends and your department every step of the way. Never forgotten. Ever.

a Pennsylvania citizen

June 22, 2007

Thank you Sir for you professionalism, bravery, courage and sacrifice. You are a true Hero. Godspeed.

Sgt. T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police Dept., CA.

June 22, 2007

Keith:

I really enjoyed when you addressed the problems on the property I watched over and the friends you brought with you so they could use there toys.
You really cared about your job and you worked hard for your family.
Every time I saw you I remembered when you was working loss prevention and you got your letter from the Toledo Police Department telling you that you where accepted to the Police Academy. (Boy where you excited) You climbed the ladder and you made Detective.
I did not know that you made detective until I seen you at the safety building and we started talking a bit and you told me you made detective.
Even then you where happy at your work and you did what you loved to the moment, YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL!
God bless and we will keep your family in our prayers.

A Friend
Work related

June 22, 2007

Hey Keith,
Today is the first time that I was able to bring myself to this page and finally write something. I've talked to Sissy, watched the news and read the paper and still can't grasp the fact that you are gone. When I see Sis on the news I see this strong, courageous, wonderful wife and mother, a woman that I've known for so long that looks so different to me now...but in a good way. I've always known that Sis was a strong spit-fire, don't-mess-with-me-chic and that will never change, but through all of this she is amazing. Out of all of the things that I have been through in my life with Sis and Mick I would never be able to handle this without them. You are so lucky to have had time with a great friend, sister, mother and wife. If I could go back and let you have all the years I have had with her, I would let you take them in a second. All I can say is that I will help her with anything she needs and promise to watch over her and the kids for the rest of my life...thanks Keith for the laughs you brought into my life and for making my bestfriend so happy...I miss you Keith, I always will...

Erin
friend of Sissy

June 21, 2007