Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We write to you as we were talking with you...you are still so much a part of our lives and hearts. You created friendships that haven't faded. You impacted us all in a way only you could have.

Today, I know I will see a turtle...and I will remember you.

I will pass Pine Street and weep. And then I'll go on and enjoy beauty and life and fun.

You are missed. Always.

anonymous

March 31, 2014

I think of Rusty still all the time. My thoughts often go to his family and how much they all must miss him. He was my seat mate and right hand man in class #157. Without him I would not have gotten through with a smile on my face. I can still her his voice. Our class wasn't that close though the staff tried to make us be and Rusty was the glue that held us together. He could make friends with anyone I swear! I will forever hold dear the image of him doing his push-ups which one of the instructors gave him the permanent nickname of "Turtle" because he spread out when he did them. He just had a way about him that will always stay with me. To the family please know you are thought of often and that I know Rusty is always checking in on you. He often spoke of his family and you could tell you all were his world...

SPO AE Soeldner
APD

February 5, 2014

I was thinking today of all the cakes we never got to share. Of all the dreams that died along with you. On your birthday, I am struck with the brevity of your life...and the great impact you had on mine. I'm forever grateful...

May your family be comforted and surrounded with warm memories on this day. My heart hurts most of all on this day for them.

Dana

December 8, 2013

Rest in peace. Continue to look down on us and provide that blanket of protection.

Inv Malstrom
Atlanta PD

March 31, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Detective Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

March 24, 2013

With tears and smiles all mixed up together I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday.

You are never very far away from my thoughts.

Dana

December 8, 2012

In the past week the City of Atlanta lost two APD officers in a helicopter crash while looking for a missing child. Immediately, my thoughts were drawn to horrible news and experience of losing you on March 31, 1999. Seeing and feeling the pain all over again is still heart breaking with flash backs of seeing you in Grady on that stretcher. Seeing the pain of Dana and your mom and dad, Linda and Larry losing you was unbearable. I can only pray for those two APD officers who ended their watch and their families because I know of the hard hours and hard days ahead of them. Rusty much as changed since you left us. Some for the good and some not. I know you are in the presence of our Father God and you are bringing everyone together for a heavenly Thanksgiving feast of all the saints. As Dana once said, you are greatly loved and never forgotten. Rest in peace Rusty!

Diane
mother in law

November 7, 2012

Rusty, this is your cousin Amber. I wanted to let you know how much you mean to me and our family. Words can't describe the love and loss we feel. I wanted to let you know that we have tried our hardest to be there for Adam, Joey, Linda, and Larry. Unfortunately we lost touch with Dana. When you died we lost her too. She has such a kind spirit, we miss having her in our lives. You would love Adam's wife Meredith, she is amazing beyond words. We haven't met Joey's wife yet, but she sounds great. God, we miss and need you so much.
You were such a bright spot in everyone's life. In you short time on this earth you accomplished so much. You were loved and cherished by more people that I can count. There will never be any one like you on this earth. You were one of a kind. I give my life to bring you back. I would trade places with you in a split second. That's how much I love you.
I hope they have Aerosmith Cd's in heaven and please forgive me for growing taller than you don't "bust my grill." See you soon.

Amber
Cousin

November 4, 2012

Your nephew Gage Michael Stalnaker was born on March 31 on your angel anniversary. A day of such sadness for your brother, the Lord blessed us with a son!!

Meredith Stalnaker
sister in law

July 27, 2012

Many things have changed in thirteen years, but how much you are loved and missed remains the same. Oh, how we would love to share baby Georgia with you! I know y'all would get along famously.

With much love,

Cathy & Robby

March 31, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

March 31, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Stalnaker. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 17, 2012

Rusty,
We miss you today, as always. We love you.

Robby, Cathy, & Baby Girl Holbrook

March 31, 2011

I was just thinking of you today. It is hard to believe it has almost been 12 years! I think of you often and I know that you are safe and at peace. I miss your laugh! I hope to hear it again one day. Lisa

SAC Lisa Harris
GBI

March 18, 2011

Happy Birthday Rusty!

May your party in heaven today be a grand celebration for this is the day God made you and now you are in his presence! May God comfort those who are missing you on this very day.

Diane

Diane
Mother in Law

December 8, 2010

Rusty,
We have never met but I feel like I've known you for the past 6 years being married to Adam. He talks about you all the time. I wish you could've met your neice and nephew. Your mom said that Cadyn looked like you as a baby and Ava is an exact replica of your brother! Even though they are only going on 4 and 3 we tell them about their "Uncle Rusty" all the time. They know that you are with Jesus. I know you are taking good care of your other nephew (baby Camdyn) and our little peanut we lost in December. I find comfort knowing you are there with them.
Remembering you this past week!
Meredith Stalnaker

Meredith Stalnaker
Sister-In-Law

April 2, 2010

Rusty,

The events of 11 years ago have been on my mind this week as I drove past Pine Street. The pain of losing you 11 years ago is still there for so many people who loved you. As Easter comes along each year, I remember the Easter of 11 years ago and what it was like for so many who loved you. As I look back and reflect on all the things you did for me in that short time as my son in law those things will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.

Diane

Diane
Mother in Law

April 1, 2010

You've been on my mind so much the past few days. It's Wednesday before Easter. It's been 11 years, and still tears are shed over your loss. You'll never be forgotten, Rusty.

Dana, you are, as always, in my thoughts and prayers on this day especially.

Friend

March 31, 2010

You've been on my mind so much the past few days. It's Wednesday before Easter. It's been 11 years, and still tears are shed over your loss. You'll never be forgotten, Rusty.

Anonymous

March 31, 2010

I cant believe its been 11 years since you left us. So much has changed and so many people didnt get to meet you.

R.I.P. my dear friend.

Amanda
Friend

March 31, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

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

March 31, 2010

I think about you often and can still hear your voice. I will never forget you as long as I live. God Bless.

Lisa
GBI

January 13, 2010

Happy Birthday Rusty
We miss you so much.

Amanda
Childhood Friend

December 8, 2009

Happy Birthday, Rusty.

Cathy

December 8, 2009

I can't believe that it has been 10 year since that horrible day. I hope that you know that there are people who you worked with that will never forget you. You were a tremendous person who left this earth way to soon. I only hope with time that your family's pain has faded. You are truly a hero and you are missed to this day.

Detective
Atlanta PD

March 31, 2009