Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Kyle. Has it really been one whole month? Let me just tell you that there hasn't been one day that has passed that I haven't thought about you. Sometimes I'll start planning a river trip...it's hard not to include you. But I do know that Laurie and the boys will be there...so really I guess you will be with us...just not in the way I (or anyone) wanted. I'm so sad about that. And wow, what a beautiful wife you have (what a beautiful friend I have). I'm going to enjoy every single second with her. She is amazing. I love her so much. And of course you know I love those boys too. Until we meet again, my friend.

Darcy
friend

March 24, 2006

I knew Kyle while working in 2005 - What I really appreciated about him was the fact that HE deeply LOVES his family, his wife, his children! I remember talking to him about family (I have young children too) and he was so sweet, very delighful person!
We were blessed by knowing him and we will miss him at work very much.
To Laurie: We pray for you and your children, as I'm sure so many people do. You have these beautiful boys, these beautiful treasure, and we pray for God to comfort you and hold you in His hands and carry you through - He will give you the strength that you need, and He will bless you. Kyle certainly was blessed by having you for his wife.
I wish I could help you in any way possible...We certainly will continue to support you before the Heavenly throne.

God Bless you.

Carla Bebout & Family

Carla Bebout
n/a

March 23, 2006

Dear Laurie:

I wanted you to know that you are still in my thoughts and prayers every day. I hope you are doing alright. I know it is so hard - the first few weeks and months are so unbelievably painful - but just try to take one day at a time. I can remember many mornings that I just wanted to pull the covers up over my head and hide in bed all day....but when you have little ones who need you, you can't do that. You have to get up. You have to go on. You have to get through the day. Each day, one at a time. That's all you can do, Laurie. God bless you and your sweet boys. Please know that you are not alone. So many people are thinking of and praying for you. My husband will be gone one year next Saturday - I don't know how so much time could have passed without him. My heart still aches for him every moment of every day - but I AM SURVIVING. And you will too. Take care of yourself, Laurie.

God bless you, Officer Ballard. May you continue to rest in eternal peace, safe in the arms of the angels.

Carin Sollman, surviving spouse
Officer Jesse E. Sollman, EOW 3/25/05

March 15, 2006

Oh Kyle. You were my first partner in crime, my sidekick through a million crazy childhood adventures. Whether it was playing catch (over the house, no less!) or hide and go seek in the desert (I'm sure those flashlights kept us safe from the snakes), you were always there. You grew from my little brother who was actually smaller than me to the big guy who was always there to help me out or protect me from anyone who wasn't nice to me. You made me laugh harder than anyone else I've ever met. Even harder than I cry now as I look at your photos, though it's a close race. I miss you more than I could ever say.

Diana Newport
sister

March 15, 2006

There are so many stories I could tell about Kyle. Most of all he could make me laugh in an instant. Whether it was singing a sesame street song with me or making fun of me in oh so many ways. Everyday I look at the pic of you and your beautiful family on my fridge...you still make me laugh. That crazy mustache makes me smile everyday. I hope you know how much we loved you. We will definatly save the sandy buggy seat just for you. And we promise to give those boys some great sand and life experiences. You will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart. I miss you Kyle. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12...forever.

Darcy Lantz

March 14, 2006

Pasadena, police work, friends, all of you meant so much to Kyle. I am glad you know how much Kyle loved you. This pain is so incredible. Even though I am extremely scared right now, I think I would be worse if you weren't here with me giving me so much help, prayer, and company. Your support and kind words have been keeping me from hiding away in a corner. 2 days ago Ethan asked me "If I play a really nice song (on his toy drum set) will that make Daddy come back alive?" I am in so much pain. Please keep us in your thoughts. Thank you.

Laurie Ballard
wife of Kyle Ballard, Pasadena PD, eow 2/24/06

March 14, 2006

To Laurie:

I was posting a reflection on Jesse Sollman's site and saw your heartbreaking note to Carin. I am so very sorry for your loss. To lose a vital young man at age 30 to a heart attack must seem incomprehensible.

I grieve for you and all the spouses and kids left behind, including my daughter-in-law Jo Ann and grandson Cody. I hope that you are comforted by all the people that care for you and your family. I wish I could wrap you in my arms and give you a big hug.

I don't know how old you are, but I am guessing you are in your twenties. Your life certainly isn't turning out the way you expected, and emotionally you must be reeling. I lost my first husband (my son Larry's biological father) when I was twenty five and my kids were 3 and 4. I remember how terrified I felt at the thought of parenting them alone. I remember how lonely I felt when I didn't have my husband to snuggle up to at night. But you will endure. It will not be easy, but you will make it because you will make a life for your children. Sometime in the future (not now because you are so raw emotionally) you will be able to focus more on the fact that life is for the living and Kyle would want that for you.

If I could help you in any way by talking, you can reach me through the Pittsburg, California Police Dept by leaving a message for Sgt. Perry and he will get it to me.

You are not alone. There are many who will help you through this painful journey.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

March 9, 2006

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

March 9, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends, co-workers and community of Officer Ballard.
No words I say will ease the pain of the loss of the young man. May God comfort you all and give you strenght.
Rest in Peace Officer Ballard

Mother of officer John"Kevin" Lamm
EOW 1-1-98

March 9, 2006

Laurie,

Your reflection on my husband's site nearly broke my heart. I can't say I know exactly what you are going through, but I so clearly remember the pain of those first few weeks after Jesse died. I didn't think my heart could stand it.....I didn't think I could get through it. I don't know if it would help you to talk to someone who has been there - but I would love to talk to you and help you in any way that I could. My email is [email protected], I would love to hear from you. Please be strong; I am praying for you and your sweet boys.

Carin E. Sollman, surviving spouse
Officer Jesse E. Sollman, EOW 3/25/05

March 8, 2006

It is said that a funeral service is for those who are left behind, for those mourning the loss of a loved one. If that is the case, then this service is for all of Pasadena, because last Friday morning, Pasadena lost somebody everyone loved a lot.

The death of Officer Kyle R. Ballard has devastated the Pasadena Police Department, and has saddened everyone at City Hall. Kyle Ballard was one of those persons whom everyone liked immediately because of his naturalness, because of his comradeship, and personality, and sense of responsibility. He was a natural leader; a true professional; a friend and a wonderful human being.

I took office as Mayor in 1999, not long after Kyle began his service as a Pasadena Police Officer. In my work since then, I have learned of what a fine role he played in the Department, and am not surprised about the significant impact his death has caused.

I am grateful for Kyle’s contributions to the City, and want to acknowledge the many ways he helped Pasadena progress during the last eight years. We all owe Kyle Ballard a debt of gratitude

On behalf of the City Council, I want to extend condolences to his wife Laurie and children Ethan, Andrew and Owen, to his parents, and to all the members of his family. At the same time, I extend condolences to the Pasadena Police Department.

Perhaps it will be of consolation to know that he will be remembered by everyone in Pasadena who came to know him as exemplifying the best this City has to offer

There are no words that can ease the burden of this loss, but I want to assure you that you all are in my thoughts and prayers, and those of every member of the Council. It is our hope that over time memories of the love and respect of his many friends will lessen the sorrow you feel today, and bring you joy.

I want to mention that at its weekly meeting on Monday, the City Council honored Kyle by observing a moment of silence “in memory and in honor of Officer Kyle R. Ballard”.

172 hours ago—one week to the hour—the winds went out of the sails of this great City—and since then, all of us, with heavy hearts, have been trying to get the ship started again.

It has not been easy.

But with these ceremonies, starting with the memorial service at the Rose Bowl, and with this event here at First Church of the Nazarene—with the spirit that prevails today among us all--the sails of Pasadena are filling up again, with strong winds that will carry us forward, still with heavy hearts, but truly inspired by Officer Kyle R. Ballard, and “strong in will to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”.

Mayor Bill Bogaard
City of Pasadena

March 7, 2006

KYLE BALLARD WAS A TRUE WARRIOR THAT UNDERSTOOD HIS MISSION AS A POLICE OFFICER. HE WAS FEARLESS OF ANY CHALLENGE AND COMMITTED TO ALWAYS GIVING 100%..NOTHING LESS! IN ADDITION TO HIS SUPERB WORK PRODUCTION, KYLE BALLARD EXEMPLIFIED ETHICAL BEHAVIOR.

KYLE BALLARD WAS A TRUE FAMILY-MAN, ALWAYS LOYAL TO HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN.

KYLE BALLARD IS NOW A SOLDIER FOR GOD. HE IS A SPECIAL ANGEL GUARDING THE GATES OF HEAVEN. GOD TRUELY SELECTED THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON WE HAD TO OFFER FOR THAT PRESTIGIOUS POSITION.

NEVER FORGOTTEN "KILO"

DETECTIVE KEITH GOMEZ
PASADENA PD

March 6, 2006

Kyle,
Thanks for the great job you did. You will forever be remembered for the kind spirit and person you were. Someone as strong and rich in life as you does not fade away easily. You will forever be in the hearts of all of the PPD family.

Anonymous
Pasadena PD

March 5, 2006

Kyle, this is to you my friend. I am learning to fill my heart with the memories that you left with me growing up as my brother. I am looking at the napkin that you wrote on while you, Janna and myself were hangng out at Acapulcos. I kept it, don't ask me why and I wish I wasn't reading it write now feeling empty. Just in case you forgot it reads "Brad, from water to blood, brothers forever, Kyle"

I miss those days. Do you remeber when you received the nickname "kamakaze Kyle"? Hoocher and I laugh about it all the time unfortunately you weren't laughing at the time. My sister stills reminds us of the time you placed her tent 20 feet up in the tree at Huntington Lake. And the fish. Cleveland and I still can't believe that our campsite almost won the biggest fish competition due to your amazing talents with a golf club. If it weren't for the luck of Poe we would have won.
Kyle, you and I share a bond that defines my childhood and we both know that our childhood was one of the best. My mom and dad love you as they do me and were so thankful that I had you as my closest friend.
Hey, do you remember painting. Now I know you are laughing. We both know that those 3 summers drove us to finish college and find a career. Do you remember how hot it got painting that shopping center on Indian Hill? Using brown paint on your chest to cool down ws not the smartest idea.
Kyle, we can go on forever, and we will, as you said on this napkin that I am looking at.

I am deeply sorry for not being a large part of your life for the last few years but I am well aware that you found other brothers to pick up where we left off. My heart has a lot of room for love and you occupy such a big part of it and I am forever greatful. I will talk to you again. Take care of yourself Kyle.

Bradley

Bradley Smith

March 5, 2006

Officer Ballard, family, and the Pasadena Police Dept.

Once again, we lose another warrior a dedicated Officer for the people. Words cannot explain why Officer's leave such in mysterious tragic ways. We are not immune to death especially when we represent the badge that we wear. Regardless what we are doing, we must not take life for granted. I came to realization that if an Officer dies in the line of duty, it's what he or she loved to do. It's not the pay that keeps us wearing the uniform, it's being a public servant to the people in our cities and counties. Officer Ballard died for what he had believed in, that is being a loyal public servant to the people, for that we praise his life and celebrate his goodness..

To the family of Officer Ballard, I thank you for supporting him as a pulic servant, for your efforts, he made this world a better place for our children. My prayers are with you during this days of darkenss.

To the Pasadena Police Dept. Family sorry for you lost, we all feel the pain. Be safe and let's continue to march in serving...

Officer S.Neri
California Highway Patrol

March 4, 2006

Kyle,,,,i will truly truly miss you. as with everyone else,,i always looked forward seeing your infectious smile. i will always remember you best from our mud runs,,as you said in your auto biography, you love dirt/mud..and you certainly proved it during the runs. it was very evident by your photos what an amazing husband/father/son you were.you will never be forgotten by everyone who loved you here on earth...rest in peace..kj

kelly jo mcglothlin , dispatcher
pasadena police department

March 4, 2006

Kyle:
I did not know you well, but I knew you and that's what matters. You would walk by with a big smile and always say hello. You were always such a happy man. It is quite clear that all who knew you and even those who didn't, have so much love and respect for you. You are in a great place now to watch over those same people and your family.

To the family of Kyle:
I am so sorry for such a loss. Know that Kyle is watching over all of you and with a proud smile. Know that you are greatly loved by many and you will never be alone. You have a big family here at the PD. God Bless you all.

Debbie Villalovos
Dispatch

Debbie Villalovos
Pasadena PD/Dispatch

March 4, 2006

Mrs. Ballard and Family: I dont' know your family or Kyle but I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers
are with you. May God's love surround you and give the strength you need to go through this dark time. I will continue to lift you up in prayer. No words I can say fill the void you feel. But God's arms of love are surrounding and comforting you even if you don't feel it right now. God Bless You and comfort you.
Warmest thoughts
Fred DeVito

Fred DeVito
Pasadena resident

March 4, 2006

Rest in peace, fellow brother.

Officer Spencer Louie
South Pasadena Police Department

March 4, 2006

Kyle you set a standard as a police officer that all of us at the department strive to achieve. The standard that you set as a father and family man is something EVERYONE should strive to achieve. I will always remember singing Dora the Explorer songs with you while writing our reports. I'm also honored to have shared the last run with you. May God bless you and your family.
Mario and Amber Calderon

Police Officer Mario Calderon & family
Pasadena Police Department

March 3, 2006

Kyle,

May you rest in peace. Thank you for your years of service to this great city. I am saddened by your passing, but I take comfort in knowing you are in Gods arms and He is taking care of you. I cannot imagine the grief your family is going through, but may God give them strength in dealing with the pain. I will always pray for your family, that God will watch over them and give them strength in this difficult time.

Jason Hansen
PFD

March 3, 2006

With deepest regards and sympathy. Thank you for watching over those on the streets. It is our watch now.

Lexington Division of Police Recruit Class 22006.

Recruit McClanahan
Lexington Division of Police

March 3, 2006

Dearest Laurie, Ethan, Andrew, Owen, Karen, Russ and Diana........

My heart is broken and grieving for your tremendous loss. Though I only had the privelege of meeting Kyle one time, it was very apparent that he was an incredibly special person. At lunch with Karen, she always spoke about how Kyle adored you, Laurie, and your sons; and what a rich, happy life that you shared. What an incredible legacy has been left behind for your sons....they were blessed to have the BEST Dad, and he will not be forgotten.

Please know that you are and will continue to be in my prayers for peace, rest and comfort during this difficult time.

With Love,
Keeley Wittmer

Keeley Wittmer
World Vision

March 3, 2006

One need not know a brother in blue to feel the pain and sorrow that life often presents this special breed of person. By the youthful smile in this photo, I know Kyle enjoyed his job and the people he served. May God bless you and your family Kyle.

Richard Ontiveros, SVU Ret. Det.
Wesley Chapel, FL

Retired
Formerly LASD/Retired BGPD

March 3, 2006

In Valor there is Hope. Rest in Peace Brother.
Policeman's 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
His comforting hand reduces fear to naught;
He makes me walk through streets of crime,
But He gives me courage and peace of mind.

He leads me by still waters in the path I trod,
And He says in Romans I'm a "minister of God,"
He leads me in righteousness as He restores my soul,
For His name's sake He keeps me whole.

When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door,
I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more;
For Thou art with me every step of the way,
As thy rod and thy staff protect me each day.

He prepares a table, especially for me,
As I work daily among life's enemies;
He gives me authority to uphold the law,
And He anoints my position in the midst of it all.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
Each day of my life through eternity;
As I long to hear Him say, "Well done...,"
When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun.

Author Unknown

P.O. Chris Welby
Bridgeton, Mo.

March 3, 2006