Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was shocked when I heard of this on the drive in to work this morning. I heard the name, age, and occupation of Justin and knew that it was a childhood friend, whom I have not spoken with in over 20 years. We spent all of our freetime in the woods hunting or looking for new places to hunt. Afterwards, we would always want to go to his family's hamburger joint and replenish our energy. Justin loved the outdoors and wildlife. We had always talked about being game wardens when we grew up. I am glad to see that he followed that dream to reality. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and child; also to his brother, father, and mother who were very kind people and didn't seem to mind me always being at their house.

Jeff

Jeff Bailes

March 19, 2007

As I sat quietly yesterday reflecting on the loss of a loved son, husband, father, brother and friend to so many of us, it struck me that all the wild things and wild places that Justin lived to nuture and protect are richer because of his life and work.

There is no substitute for what Justin gave to his family and his friends in his life. There is nothing that will ever replace what he surely would have given and shared had he lived.

All we can do now is make sure that Justin's life work, dreams, care and concern for his family do not die with him. When we are among wild things in wild places we can deepen our reverence as we remember him. When we hear and see those first flights of the coming season we can reflect on his love of nature and his life in it. We can all share with his family, wife and son the Justin we knew and the difference that he made. We can make sure that we never forget.

Justin Hurst loved his family, his work and he loved Texas.
Justin Hurst stood proud in his service to Texas wildlife.
Justin Hurst was a good man that lived a life worth living and worth remembering.

Bill Eikenhorst

Bill Eikenhorst
family friend

March 19, 2007

Thanks so very much for your friendship and help.I will miss you. Hope that fresh bend on your hat set well...

Joseph McCool
Camp Pryor, Nada,TX

March 19, 2007

Nothing Gold Can Stay
by Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early Leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

Beth
Sister of a fallen officer

March 19, 2007

Amanda and Kyle -
I am thanking the Lord for the time we all had to know an amazing man in Justin Hurst. Kyle, your daddy would have been so proud to see you grow into a man that will carry on his great legacy. He loved you more than you will ever know and Amanda, as Kyle speaks his first words, takes his first steps, and grows into a young man, always know that Justin is with you - appreciating every moment as you do. Hang in there, girl! You have an amazing support structure around you - take advantage of it! We love you!

Jenny Sanders (civilian)
Friend

March 19, 2007

Jesus is my front sight,
Sovereign in my life.

In peace, or in battle,
He guides my warrior stride.

Jesus is my front sight,
FOR HIM NO MAN I FEAR!

Jesus is my front sight,
Twas He who led me here.

March 19, 2007

Warden Hurst, thank you for your dedication and service to the citizens of the State of Texas. Walk the streets paved with gold; you've got a new beat to patrol. God bless you and your family in this difficult time.

Sgt. Richard E. Wood Jr.
Montgomery Co. Pct. 1 Constable's Dept.

March 19, 2007

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Warden Justin Hurst, and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Warden Hurst, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

March 19, 2007

To a special person, friend, and fellow game warden brother: May you go in peace, as your light will always shine upon us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for wearing the blue badge with honor.

Sergeant Game Warden Chad Ellis
Texas Parks & Wildllife Dept.

March 19, 2007

Rest in peace Borther Justin, you are a true Hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

March 19, 2007

You are a true Hero Justin. "Nemo me impune lacessit"

God Speed Brother.

Officer J. Richards
BVPD, Texas

March 19, 2007

I would like to send my condolences to the family and friends of Warden Hurst and to the Texas Parks and Wildlife.

There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well.

Russell Marburger, Investigator
Travis County Sheriff's Office (Austin, Texas)

March 19, 2007

Rest in peace fellow officer. My thoughts and prayers to your family, friends, and fellow officers.

Park Ranger Steve Reighard
Iowa DNR

March 19, 2007

How ironic I find it, that the protector of the hunters and of nature, became himself hunted, and yet by nothing natural.

For it is said that being a law enforcement officer is the one most noble thing on earth, but really, it is the second. The first is giving your life. You were a hero in life,long before your death.

My condolences go to all of his family friends, and fellow officers, and especially to the son who will never know him. But to Warden Hurst parent's - for no one should ever have to bury a child - take solace in the fact that you raised the noblest of men. Hug that granchild even tighter, and never let him forget that his father was a hero.

Rest in peace for you watch is over. 10-7.

Stephanie

March 19, 2007

I am sorry to hear for your loss. Justin was a great person and the nicest guy I ever met. I was able to become friends with him when he worked as a biologist at Peach Point WMA. He will be greatly missed! Thanks for your selfless service my friend. Rest in peace.

David Hoth
Friend

March 19, 2007

I was sadden not only by the fact that you lost your life but that you left behind a baby and wife. Thank you for showing great courage in the face of evil. I am sure your law enforcement family will make sure your son knows all about you in addition to your family.

March 19, 2007

RIP sir. You are a true hero. We'll take it from here.

Trooper Chris Adams
THP

March 19, 2007

May God watch over your family and coworkers during these trying times. I am sorry to hear about this tragic loss. Thank you for your bravery and for making the ultimate sacrifice. Your family should be proud of having a hero in their life. Rest in Peace and Godspeed Warden Hurst.

TFC J. Prince
Maryland State Police Trooper 4

March 19, 2007

Rest in peace Warden Hurst.

My condolences to your family and friends.

Eric
EMT-P

March 19, 2007

You will be missed. You were a great worker and friend.

Deputy Jeffrey Pfeil
Wharton County Sheriff's Department

March 19, 2007

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Game Warden Justin Hurst as well as to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Rest in peace Warden Hurst, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

March 19, 2007

May God bless you Justin and hold your family and friends in His healing hands. Thank you for your service.

Andy Kirkland
Wharton County 100 Club

March 19, 2007

Rest in Peace Warden, May God be with you, your family, and your department in this time of pain. Watch over us and await us in Heavens Roll Call when it is our time..GODSPEED!

Ofc. Aaron P. Sparks #603
Gilmanton N.H. Police Department

March 19, 2007

To the Hurst family:

Justin was an outstanding law enforcement officer, game warden, and individual. I worked with Justin in East Texas during Hurricane Rita, and he was always upbeat and a joy to be around. He also taught my waterfowl identification class in the 49th game warden academy. I have never seen a game warden so enthusiastic and knowledgeable when it came to waterfowl. Justin was a true professional, moral, and ethical person; definitely worthy of wearing the blue badge and supporting the oath he took as a peace officer.

My heart is deeply saddened by the loss of such a fine game warden. He can never be replaced as a father, friend, or Texas Game Warden. May the Lord Jesus send his angels of comfort to be by your side in your great time of need.

Thank you Justin for your proud service and setting such a fine example for others to follow. You served your watch well and may God watch over your family in your absence.

With deep sorrow and continous prayers,
Matt Kilpatrick

Deputy Matt Kilpatrick
Tom Green County Sheriff's Office (ex TPWD game warden)

March 19, 2007

Rest in Peace...

Police Officer
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

March 18, 2007