Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As I raise a glass tomorrow, not only will the toast be that of 'Merry Christmas', but also, and I hope those reading will join me, to absent friends.

Christmas is a time for friends and family; for cherishing those we have, and for remembering the good times we had with those we have lost.

Kris, my thoughts are of you.

Brian and Whitney, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

"To absent friends..."

Andy B
Former co-worker

December 24, 2008

Kris,

Even as we pass into the Christmas season, my heart still aches for you. I miss and love you so bad. May God be with all who love and miss you. Especially Brian and Whit.

Kristen
4-H Happy Tails member

December 24, 2008

Officer Fairbanks thank you for your willingness to protect and serve. You will always be remembered and honored for your duty. God Bless you and your family.

ASO L. Falcon
Texas A&M University Easterwood Airport Security

December 21, 2008

Rest in peace Kris - I will miss you terribly. Your K-9 legacy will live on and grow because of the same extraordinary effort and caring you put into building the FS's national K-9 program that you put into every other aspect of your life. The world will not be the same without you and your infectious love of life. To Kris's family - my heart goes out to you, I wish there was some way to ease your grief. I hope I and the many others at her funeral were able in some small way to show our love for Kris and for all of you. And to all who helped Kris during her final moments, who brought her killer to swift justice, and who helped to honor her as only such a fine hero should be honored -thank you.

Ann Melle
USFS Special Agent - Virginia (retired)

November 27, 2008

Oh, Kris,

It's been so long since I've seen you. It will be longer still before I do. I'm doing okay, life goes on, but something is missing. I think of you every day. I'm collecting things that remind me of you; a heart-shaped leaf, a stone from the sea... I'm able to talk of you without crying now. I still tell people how great you are, but they will never get to meet you. I wish that they could.

I miss and love you, Kris.

Love, Kristen

Kristen L.
4-H Happy Tails member

November 4, 2008

Thank you so much Officer Fairbanks for your service. Being a regular in the mountains of the west it's always comforting that someone is watching over the forest and those that enjoy it. My heart goes out to your family and all those who were touched by your life. Thank you again so much and rest in peace as others proudly carry on.

Ken
Cascade, CO

Anonymous

October 19, 2008

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

Kristen L.
4-H Happy Tails member

October 18, 2008

May God lay his healing hand upon the family of Officer Fairbanks and may they know he will never be forgotten. Thank you Officer Fairbanks for your dedicated service to the people of Washington and the United States.

James Sheppard
Father of Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

October 17, 2008

A stark reminder of the dangers of being alone, and in the wilderness for all officers that patrol our off and back roads. Rest in peace Ofc Fairbanks....

SMC
Former Fish and Wildlife Ofc

October 17, 2008

Kris,
I miss you so much. The bullet that killed you pirced my heart. I will never forget you, always remember and love you. You are greatly missed.
Thank you for all the time you spent with me, thank you for encouraging me and not letting me give up. Thank you for being there when I needed you the most, thank you for enriching my life. Thank you for being the best 4-H leader there ever was!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I love and miss you so much, Kris...

<3 Kristen

Kristen L.
4-H Happy Tails member

October 15, 2008

Kris,
You are missed so much. I dont want to believe you are gone. I remember two years ago when you promised me that the next 18 years of me and my sisters lives would be better and something to look forward to. They will be only because of you. You were the most kind, selfless, funny and beautiful person I know, and you were ridiculously good at your job. I remember being so exited and proud when you and Hero would come pick me up in front of the high school for our internship. We had so much fun those days and I learned so much from you. Kris thankyou so much for everyting you have done for me. You saved me in every way and are still saving me every day. Your my hero, my idol and I will never forget you. You will live on in my heart and I will make you proud. Miss you and love you momma Fairbanks.

Andrea Williams
friend

October 11, 2008

REST IN PEACE, SISTER.

F OFCR WINSLOW
FEDERAL POLICE

October 11, 2008

It's difficult for me to even begin to write this reflection. After a few weeks have passed, I had hoped that it would get easier, but it is not. This is a difficult time for everyone in the NWWZ, bc we all thought so highly of Kris. Only having been a LEO within her zone for less than one year, I can attest that she was a great woman, officer, and friend. She was like a mother that I could call at anytime to get advice or just to talk. She always went out of her way to help the new guys and make them comfortable. Kris bought me my first handcuffs, flashlight, and search gloves bc she knew I would need them. I never start a shift without any of it.

Our job of FS LEOs is thankless sometimes. We work long hours in areas that others would not dare to go and deal with people that others wouldn't handle without backup. We do this because we believe in our mission. After all the bad contacts and scum that we deal with; it only takes one camp in the dead of night to say, "Thank you for being out here watching over us" to make it all better. Kris did her job well to help the people that could not help themselves. She was the epitome of professonalism. Her character and demeanor were flawless and unwaivering. During Kris's memorial service the 23 Psalms was quoted. "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." I can't think of any words more fitting for the visitors of the Olympic National Forest. She was the protector for the Olympic National Forest's visitors and its resources.

I will never make another contact in my career where I do not think of her. I believe she will beside of me, watching over and guiding me. I will miss making fun of her rims and her "Radar" badge. I will miss her making fun of my southern accent. I will miss Kris. The NWWZ will never be the same.

Kris, you risked your life so others may be safe. You are an angel. Go rest now, your shift is over. We'll try to cover it from here, but it will be impossible to fill your shoes.

LEO R. Huffman
USFS NWWZ

October 9, 2008

To my dear Kris;

I know you have left this earth to be with our father, but it hurts so much. We had so many fun things left to do. Sitting on your front porch and bullsh..... for one. We still had lots of shopping to do too. I will never find a friend like you again. We had so much in common, we always liked the same things. We hadn't got to spend as much time together lately but it was for a good reason and that was because you worked alot and when you weren't working you wanted to be with Whitney. And I appreciated that more then you will ever know. Whitney is a special girl and you raised her to be strong and independent. She is doing very well under the circumstances and I'm very proud of her. As her Godmother, you know Kris, that I will always take care of her and make sure she is raised in the Christian world. I loved you Kris so very, very much, but then again, you knew that. You will be in my heart forever. I could write a whole book about you and I through the last 30 years but it would take up a lot of room, so guess I stop here. Love, Minde

Minde Callis
best friend for 30 yrs.

October 8, 2008

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

America The Beautiful, verse three

I was at my church choir, and we began to sing 'America The Beautiful'. When we got to this verse, the words hit me hard, and I began to cry. I will always, always think of Kris when I sing that verse. It could have been written for her.
Kris was the leader for my dog 4-H club, and we were all very close to her. I will never forget the extra time she put in, helping me with my difficult dog.
Kris was a very special person, and no matter how many notes I leave, it will not even begin to touch the surface of just how much she ment to me.

Kristen L.
4-H Happy Tails member

October 8, 2008

Go easy sister, as we have your watch now! Kris you have been and always will be a role model for Forest Service LE&I and K-9. In K-9 we are a close family within the Forest Service, for us this is a tragic loss!
My heart goes out to your family!
Brian and Whitney- thanks for sharing Kris with us, I feel lucky to have known such a wonderful person!
Whitney- know everytime I hear pocket full of sunshine, I will think of your mom!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Rest In Peace Sister, You will be missed but never forgotten!
Greg Knox & K9 Benny

Greg Knox
USFS - K9

October 7, 2008

My deepest condolences to your family and your faithful companion Radar, I'm sure he wondering why you aren't with him. FS LE&I, especially, is such a lonely profession, you are out there all by yourself with no backup for miles or hours, such an unfortunate death and such a waste of fine talent. May you rest in peace.

2283 Retired Leo
USDA FS

October 6, 2008

Kris was a very special person. She gave her time and skill to train us and our dogs. She gave us her passion and compassion. She helped us to give our best to do our best.
She always told me, "If you can train Monster Dog, you can train any dog", and with her help I did. She never stopped believing in me and kept me believing in myself.
Kris loved every person and dog for who they were, not for how quickly they learned, or what they won. She helped to bring out the best in all of us. She was there to comfort us when we needed it, and she always understood everything.
With Kris it was never partial, she gave it all, and she gave it freely. She gave her all for all of us, each and every day.
Kris was just a humongous blessing to us, and fifty-one years an infinity too short of a time to spend with her.

Kristen L.
4-H Happy Tails member

October 4, 2008

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to family, friends and coworkers. We have suffered tragic losses this summer and those who now form the intangible web of life will "never be forgotten". They are always with us. In your time of need, I wish you some comfort in knowing that the entire FS family supports you from wherever we live and work.

Paige Boyer, Forest AFMO
Shasta Trinity National Forest

October 4, 2008

Whenever I was sad around Kris, she would give me a hug and tell me, "It's okay, sweetie." After her death, I found that she told this to many other people. I know that she would want us to know that even now, it's okay.

Kris, I love and miss you.

Kristen L.
4-H Happy Tails member

October 3, 2008

I was shocked and very saddened to hear of Kris' passing. I worked at Lake Crescent in the late 80s when Kris was a seasonal law enforcement officer. She was so dedicated to place -- the Olympic Peninsula - and protecting the people and resources there, as well as simply a fun person to work with. I know the entire area will feel her abscence for years.

Ellen Eberhardt
Coworker

October 3, 2008

I only worked with Kris in the past several months, although I have talked with her and met her several times during my career. I had the honor of being the quarry for Radar and had the pleasure to work with her and our local K9 officers helping to train their new dogs. I was so impressed with her willingness to be there for her "brothers", two footed and four footed alike. The joy she had in working with her partner was infectious and made my job of catching him that much more fun. She was wonderful to work with as we certified Kevin and Mike's new dogs.

Her 4H group obviously adored her and I got to meet her daughter while doing a demo at the local fairgrounds and even in those few hours in one afternoon I could see the depth and closeness that they shared together.

Kris - you will be missed terribly. Rest well and know that your bigger family will take care of each other and your partner.

Comm Spvsr Karl Hatton
Pencom

October 3, 2008

My prayers are with Kristine, her family, friends and co-workers.
What a tragic loss.

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton, NY PD

October 3, 2008

Kristina,

My car partner knew you and trained with you. He said you were instrumanetal in instituing the K-9 for the US Forest Service. You even trained with him.

We may have bumped into each other at some time but I never knew you. I thinkI would have been enrichened even more tohave met you.

God Speed and God Bless.

JR

October 3, 2008

I met Kris while I was working on the Soleduck Ranger District during the Fall of 1987. She was a seasonal ranger with the National Park Service and impressed me with her extreme professionalism in the law enforcement community. May God bless her family and friends during this time of sadness.

Deputy Chief, Fire Management- Bob Eaton
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Southeast Region

October 2, 2008