Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Vandergrift and I were most honored to have been able to attend Joel's services and were both most impressed with the turnout from all across California. On behalf of our entire department, our heartfelt condolences go out to Joel's wife and family, and all of those who had the honor of working with such an outstanding law enforcement officer.

Sgt. Eric E. Smith
Atascadero State Hospital Police Dept.
[email protected]

Sergeant Eric E. Smith
Atascadero State Hospital Police

March 4, 2010

Wally,
You were the best. I will miss you greatly. I am sorry that I didn't get a chance to talk with you that morning before you left on the search warrant. I remember seeing you standing at the end of the hall way down near the LT's office waiting to leave. I thought I need to ask him a question, the thought it's not that important...I'll just wait until you get back...When I first heard of an officer involved shooting..I thought oh my God. Then I heard of the location and thought oh GOD NO!! I was floored when I heard that you had been shot. I don't know what to do now that you are gone. I miss you sooo much. We buried you yesterday but it still doesn't seem real. I was so impressed by the show of respect from all the agencies that attended...Thank you everyone for coming and honoring my friend. Well Wally I have to leave for work and walk past your office to get to mine. The same hallway that I last saw you in. I will not forget you Wally.

CSO Brenda Worstein
Co-Worker

March 4, 2010

I started my law enforcement career as a Reserve for the Fresno Co Sheriff's Department in 2001 and have since moved on to two different State LE agnecies. During my time with the Sheriff's Department as a Reserve and, most recently, working with members of the Sheriff's Department for the past 5 years, I have had the opportunity to work with dozens of Fresno Co Sheriff's Deputies. Unfortunately, I never got the opportunity to meet Deputy Wahlenmaier. Having attended his memorial service today, March 3, 2010, I truely wish I would have had that opportunity. Listening to the four Deputies' words of remembrance I can only stirve to be as much of a wonderful husband, father, son, and law enforcement professional in my own life as Deputy Wahlenmaier was in his life. Your service to our community was greatly appreciated and you will be missed dearly.

Investigator Chris Wagner - Fresno
CA Department of Motor Vehicles

March 3, 2010

Thank you for your years of dedicated service. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.Rest in peace and may God bless you and the men and women of the Fresno County Sheriffs Department.

Res. Deputy Sheriff R Marquez
Tulare County Sheriffs Department

March 3, 2010

Fellow brother. It has been a tough few years for CA Law Officers, and Nationwide for that matter. I pray that your family and agency walk with God on the path to healing. God bless you and please look me up if there is anything at all I can personally do for you.

Officer Shane Nelson
San Leandro PD

March 3, 2010

Your legacy will never be forgotten. You are a role model for so many of us with the way you lived your life and treasured your career. May you rest in peace!!

Officer Amy Freeman
Coalinga Police Department

March 3, 2010

On behalf of the State Park Peace Officers assigned to Millerton Lake SRA in Fresno County, Fresno County SO and the Wahlenmaier Family has our deepest condolences and sympathies. Based solely upon the statements made by the officers during the memorial services, Deputy Joel Wahlenmaier was someone not everyone had the pleasure to know, but would have greatly appreciated his presence had given the chance. The memorial was respectful and appropriate, the turnout was incredible and the public support was touching. Good job Fresno County SO. This memorial was attended by Lt. Mark Deleon, Officer Dan Youngren, and Officer Steve Barber.

State Park Peace Officers
Department of Parks and Recreation

March 3, 2010

Bev and family our thoughts and prayers are with you. The service today was a fitting tribute to a great man.

Jack & Gwen Ahart

Anonymous

March 3, 2010

Rest in peace Brother, your service will never be forgotten.

R. Davey, Lieutenant
Federal Bureau of Prisons, USP Atwater

March 3, 2010

You are an honorable man and Deputy. You will not be forgotten.

Police Officer Chris Barker
Hanford Police Dept.

March 3, 2010

Deputy Wahlenmaier,
I am very saddened by your loss. Too many good officers gave their lives and were wounded in this incident. But know that it was not in vain. Many officers will become better trained because of your sacrifice, thus saving many more lives. You are a true hero, one that I look up to. Your family will be in my prayers. Rest in peace brother, you will never be forgotten.

Sgt Nyce
Broward Sheriff's Office

March 3, 2010

What a wonderful tribute to Joel. By listening to all the stories from his friends and co-workers, you can see he was a great person. My heart goes out to Bev and the whole family. Bev, I hope all the good memories you have of your husband can give you strength. You and Joel are one of the lucky ones who really had a good marriage and friendship. All my love, Jackie Silva

JACKIE SILVA
FRIEND OF BEV

March 3, 2010

Bev,
I never knew Joel but when I was around him at EECU Christmas parties he was always pleasant and had a nice smile. I can't even imagine the pain you, Amy & Austin are going through. My heart hurts for you and I want to let you know that I will always be there for you! Please realize that so many people want to comfort you and everybody is so sad. See you soon. Love Tammy

Tammy Van Hoose
EECU

March 3, 2010

Bev, I was at the sevice it was a beautiful service Joel would be so proud and he was turely honored and loved. My thoughts are with you and if there is anything I can do for you and your family please let me know. Love you lots
Marlene

Marlene Paulus
Friend

March 3, 2010

I just want the family to know that my prayers go out to you. This man died fighting for the community and for all of us in it. Thank you for his service lord. Please bless his family and be in their presence.

Jw Hudak
No Relation

March 3, 2010

I had the honor of meeting Detective Wahlenmaier on Tuesday, February 24, 2010, in the performance of my duty. Deputy Wahlenmaier had a device to download information from cell phones, and he helped me gather that information. However, while I was in the office, he made me feel like what I needed was the only thing that mattered during that time. I did not feel rushed, nor did I feel like he would rather be doing something else. His dedication to his job as well as to anyone whose path he crossed seems to be superior. I will never forget his support, intelligence and his eagerness to help me. His dedication has made me want to be a better investigator and person. My heart goes out to the family and the department for the loss of such a wonderful person.

Investigator, Roxanne Caldera
Medical Board of California

March 3, 2010

My sincere condolances for the loss of Deputy Wahlenmaier. Family, friends and co-workers will be remembered in my thought and prayers. His life lives on in the memories we share of such a fine Deputy Sheriff.

Barbara Dodds, Victim Advocate
Probation, Crime Victim Assistance Center

March 3, 2010

To the family of Detective Joel Wahlenmaier,
You've been in my thoughts and prayers since the day Joel lost his life. I'm so sorry for your loss. I did not have the honor of knowing him personally, but I do know that he was a very brave man who will never be forgotten.

Pamela Prado
KSEE 24 News

March 3, 2010

I met Joel at POST Homicide school in October 2008. He was in my study group and had great knowledge to share. He is a great guy, quiet but respectful. Fresno Sheriff's Department was blessed to have such a great individual work for them for the past 12 years. Every agency has a Joel working for them in some capacity and every agency is better for the these guys. God bless you Joel and your family.

Robbery/Homicide Detective
Tracy PD

March 3, 2010

Dear Bev, Amy and Austin;
Our hearts go out to you during this time of grief. On behalf of the Association of Christian Investigators we want you to know we have been praying for you since Thursday morning. May the Lord's presence minister to you and your family as He carries you through this valley. You can be so proud of Joel, he gave his life to protect our community. We all give some but some give their all!

Jerry Carlson, Director-Central CA ACI
U.S. Treasury Agent (retired Clovis)

March 3, 2010

May you rest in peace now that you watch is over and you have served proud!!!

Juan Sufuentes
Atwater Police Dept, CA

March 2, 2010

Joel was an excellent Deputy Sheriff, a loving husband and an awesome Dad. He loved his job especially his time on the Search and Rescue team. His parents told me what an exceptional son he was, even as a little boy. The citizens of Fresno County has lost a faithful and caring public servant. I am honored and blessed to have known him.

Sheriff Margaret Mims
Fresno County Sheriff's Office

March 2, 2010

Thank you for your service. God bless you and your family.

Officer
Georgia

March 2, 2010

Rest in Peace

Patrolman Jeff Tripp
Marion,Ma Police Dept

March 2, 2010

Joel; I will miss being with you on all of our trips, know that you will always be with me when I put my hunting gear on, and when the back pack in on my back, I know that you will be in front of me pulling me over the next ridge or behind me pushing me to the next location. The conversations that we have had over the years will stay with me for the rest of my life. The world truly lost a great man, Joel loved his family as there was not a single hunting trip that he didnt talk about what was going on in his families lives, his undying love for his wife was truly an inspartion. I know that Joel is watching over us, and he would want us to keep pushing forward and fullfill our lives and live life to the fullest. Rest in peace my dear lifelong friend for you are with Angels now.

Keith Stogdell
Friend

March 2, 2010