Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Game Warden Justin Phillip Hurst

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Law Enforcement Division, Texas

End of Watch Saturday, March 17, 2007

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Game Warden Justin Phillip Hurst

My thoughts and prayers to those who knew and now miss Warden Hurst.

May God lay His healing hands upon the family.

Retired Captain Joe L. Gilliland
Danville, KY PD

March 20, 2007

I met Justin Briefly as we had attended a training school on Non-Toxic Shot for Waterfowl sometime in 2003. We hit it off right away as we were the only two employees from the Law Enforcement Division in the class. We spoke of days in the field hunting and days in the field working, both being of equal enjoyment to us both. Here at TPWD and especially within the LE Division we are a family. The loss of Justin doesn't just affect us on a professional level but also personally. When I say that I lost a brother this week, it carries the same weight as if Justin were my blood. I dedicate my career to his memory and will carry his spirit with me always. To his wife and baby boy....Please know that if you are ever in want of something, you have but to ask and the TPWD family will answer your call. God Bless you Justin and as we say in South Texas.........."Vete por la sombrita".

Will Plumas - Game Warden IV
TPWD Region X District III

March 20, 2007

On behalf of the Victoria County Sheriff's Office Patrol Unit, I would like to send my condolences to Justin’s family, the Texas Parks & Wildlife, and lastly to every law enforcement officer locally and nation wide. This is not just a personal loss for the Hurst family, but one that impacts the law enforcement family as a whole.

May God be with his family, friends and co-workers and give them strength. The Lord now has another soul at his right hand. Rest in peace.

Lieutenant
Victoria County Sheriff's Office

March 20, 2007

Rest in peace dearest Justin.

Lindsay (Kendrick) Edmiston
High School Friend

March 20, 2007

Justin,
There are few people in our lives that truely leave an impact on us and to me you were one of those people! You impacted my High School so deeply and I will forever be grateful! You were the most fun-loving, honorable, caring, genuine, person I've ever know! I will forever miss you.
My heart, sympathy, and prayers goes out to your family.
Rest in peace Justin

Jennifer (Gantt) McGee
Friend

March 20, 2007

Rest in peace brother. My prayers go out for your family that they realize some peace in knowing that you did your job well and loved doing it.

Jeff Benson Game Warden V
Castroville, TX

March 20, 2007

Although I didn't know you as well others, I'm thankful to have gotten to visit with you on several occasions over the last few years. It didn't take but 1 minute of talking to you to know that you were a top notch game warden. You always treated everyone with the upmost respect.

As soon as I heard the news I immediately thought there was no way it could be true. I then invisioned the last time I saw you. There you were just a few months ago standing before all of us discussing baiting issues before the upcoming hunting season. You were as sharp as a whip, especially when it was anything to do with waterfowl.

Brother you are already being sorely missed and will forever be in all our thoughts. As we all try to move on, I know you will always be there in the passenger seat next to all Texas Game Wardens helping to guide us down the road of uncertainty that we must travel.

My family and I pray for your wife, son and the rest of your family in this difficult time. They will be well taken care of. Rest in peace Justin.

Brian Bearden Game Warden Rusk, Texas
Texas Parks and Wildlife

March 20, 2007

May God rest your soul. We will do everything in our power to make sure your family are kept in out prayers and are taken care of.
Thank you for your years of service, you will be deeply missed.


Rest In Peace Now My Son.

Constable Danny Frankum
Liberty County Constable's Dept. Pct 3

March 20, 2007

To Justin's family -

I worked with Justin at Texas A&M's Wildlife & Exotic Animal Center. Through the years, I have had the opportunity to interact with numerous young men & women. Few have had the dedication, maturity and talent that Justin possessed. I knew that I could trust Justin with any animal that needed treatment; he could and would complete the task in an exemplary manner.

My wife and I are deeply saddened by your loss. He was a fine man - the kind of man that I hope my sons grow to be. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim Herman, DVM, PhD
Texas A&M University

March 20, 2007

Justin, How many ducks and geese did we drag out of the fields? How many times did we have to make 2 trips? How many times did we freeze together? How many times did we laugh about it? How many times did we sit down and eat a mess of good food?....Not near enough!..I will do my best to be an aid to your family in your loss. You were a true friend and I will miss you. love ya brother

Trent Jordan
True Friend

March 20, 2007

Rest Easy Brother your work here is done... May God grant your family courage and peace holding them in his loving arms just as he does you now.

Sgt. Michael Gromatzky
Collin College Police Dept.

March 20, 2007

God bless the Hurst family.

Todd Anderson
Montana Game Warden

March 20, 2007

There are no words that can make up for this tragic loss. My heart and soul pours into my daily prayers that Amanda, Kyle, and the entire Hurst family, can rest knowing that Justin is now in the care of the Greatest of All! I have no doubt that Justin lost his life doing what he loved and protecting what he loved. He is now truly in God's Country, protecting all of God’s creatures and beings. Justin – Rest in Peace! Look down and smile proudly upon your son as he grows up to become the man you wished he would be. Look down and smile proudly upon your wife, as she is an incredible woman of faith and integrity. God bless you all.

Laura Moore (Civilian)
Friend

March 20, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother Justin. Thank you for all that you have done !!

GodSpeed

Barry Buras
a friend

March 20, 2007

May God Bless You...Thank You for Your Service...

Patrol Officer W.P.P.D
Colorado

March 20, 2007

REST IN PEACE, GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

TROOPER III JAMES D REAVES
TEXAS DEPARMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

March 20, 2007

Warden Hurst-the cruelest thing that many may not understand,but you did,was that you were not only enforcing the law of the land ,but trying to protect something even more valuable than a home stereo,or jewelry,or the local mini marts-its the wild environment that we walk in,camp in ,and continue to be amazed by.A fool took you from our L.E. family and from the loving natural family you have,but he didn't take the pride and honor of your badge and duty to do whats right.Thank you and Gods' grace be upon you,now and forever.........

Officer M.K. Gentry #90279
L.A. Airport Police Dept

March 20, 2007

May god bless you and your family throughout these hard times. You are the meaning of the word HERO......

R.I.P. Brother,
Officer Marc A. Sweeney #136
Denton Texas Police Department

Officer Marc A. Sweeney #136
Denton Texas Police Department

March 20, 2007

Though you are gone, you will never be forgotten. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family during this horrible time. Thank you for your courage, bravery, and sacrifice.

Officer Melson
Victoria, TX Police Dept.

March 20, 2007

Warden Hurst thank you, sir! As I read some of the other reflections, I knew another good man had made the ultimate sacrifice. HERO! To the Hurst family,to you go my prayers and sympathies. To the officers who apprehended the suspect, all my thanks go to you. To the Texas Parks and Wildlife family, take care of Warden Hurst's family as I know you will!! Keep up the good fight. Romans 13:4!

Traffic Officer Tom Williams
City of Los Angeles DOT

March 19, 2007

Rest in peace knowing that you served well. God has a special place for us wardens who watch over his natural creations. My thougths and prayers go out to your family as well. You will be missed brother.

WCO Brian Witherite
PA Game Commission
Southwest Region

Wildlife Conservation Officer
Pennsylvania Game Commission

March 19, 2007

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Game Warden Hurst and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Game Warden Hurst has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends of Game Warden Hurst, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Game Warden Hurst is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

SA Thomas Doyle
FBI New York City

March 19, 2007

May God watch over your family during this tragic time. May the Lord guide your spirit into everlasting life. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace my friend, you deserve it.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

March 19, 2007

Thank you for your years of service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

March 19, 2007

Warden Hurst,

You paid the ultimate sacrifice to your state and your agency. You will NEVER be forgotten. Your legacy will live on and your assailant will be dealt with, not only by the courts, but by our heavenly father. God Bless you and your family. My prayers are with you and your family. RIP Brother.

P. H. Smith, Park Ranger
City of Chesapeake, VA

March 19, 2007

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