Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I did not know Game Warden Justin Hurst, but we all know that police officers are members of the greatest extended family in existence. I started my career years ago as a game warden, and I know fully the dangers of that side of the law enforcement profession. There are long hours, sometimes no backup, and your patrol area takes you off-road into vast wilderness areas. And usually, everyone you deal with is armed.
I recently became aware of the loss of Warden Hurst. The supervisor of the traffic section in my department sent me a link to Justin's in-dash camera footage. That video will now be used as an instructional tool so that other officers in my department might learn from this senseless tragedy.
Warden Hurst was a brave man who did not back away from his responsibility as a law enforcement officer, engaging that felon to the point where he lost his life. He truly is the embodiment of the oath of office we all take when we are first commissioned in the career field. I am saddened to learn of his passing, although this happened quite some time ago. The passage of time is immaterial when one speaks of the loss of a treasured life.
I hope that his family, friends and fellow officers can find solace in the fact that Justin continues to be an inspiration to others.

Major Charles F. Ruggiero Jr.
Aberdeen Proving Ground Police Dept, MD

December 29, 2008

My hope and prayers go out to his family.

Matthews 5'9
Blessed be the peacemakers for they shall be called the childern of god.

Officer Kenneth Rodgers
Del City Police Department

December 20, 2008

Sleep in peace warrior as God blesses your family left behind.

Officer V. Scrivner
California Highway Patrol

December 19, 2008

I saw the video of the shooting incident, and I came here to pay my respects. Rest in peace, brother.

Officer R. Law
Rocklin PD

December 17, 2008

Having just received the link to this story, I felt compelled to say I was touched by all the kind words written by everyone. Justin must've really been a great soul.
May all the great memories carry you and your family forward during this holiday season.

Police Officer
Chicago PD

December 14, 2008

Amanda,
I cry with you and pray for you! I was at the Fishery in Athens at the Memorial Service for Justin. I remember you and your little boy. My heart broke for you and I can not imagine being in your shoes.
I get on here often and admire you so much. Your postings on this page show your continuous love for your husband.
You seem so strong and I know your faith in God is what gives you strength. But I also know that it is not easy for you and time doesn't make it better. Your life has been forever changed. I want you to know that as a Warden's wife, you and Kyle are thought and talked about often. You are continously in my thoughts and prayers. GOD BLESS YOU, Amanda!

Amanda West
Wife of a Texas Game Warden

December 6, 2008

I can't believe it's been over 20 months since you've been gone. The trial finished 3 weeks ago. It was a lot more difficult than I thought. Probably even harder than the funeral since there was no numbness. But now I know everything. I know the events that took place. I still don't understand why this happened, and will never understand how someone can look down the scope of a rifle and shoot a person. I miss you more and more. Kyle just turned two! He's the most handsome boy- and I'm so crazy about him. I never knew I could love something this much. And he looks like you- spitting image! He is talking so much! Now with the trial behind us, I feel we have crossed some closure, but still not sure where to go from here. People keep asking me if things are back to normal. I try to explain that there is no such thing- I lost any sort of normalcy when you died. I'm dreading Christmas a little bit- I know how much you loved that Holiday. I hope we're making you proud. Kyle is a really neat kid, and I couldn't be more proud of the little man he's becoming. i miss you!

Amanda Hurst
wife

December 2, 2008

Saw the video which captured your death. That SOB will fry. God bless you and your family. God speed.

Police Officer
TX

November 30, 2008

R.I.P.

Godspeed be with you brother.

Rick Miles
Retired Officer

November 20, 2008

Justin,

Your wife, brother, and parents are and inspiration to my family. The strength that God gives in weakness is amazing and shows through their smiles and tears. The show of support from Game Wardens and law enforcement in the court room spoke loudly to your character and I for one am forever changed. Not only as a person, but also as a husband and a father. I pray God's best for your family forever and always.

Juror

November 8, 2008

Your wife and parents presented a new award in your memory at the National Police Shooting Championship this year. She is a very couragious women and it was an honor to be able to set and hear your story. Thank you for your service and watch over all of us on earth as we continue to do the work that you gave your life for. May you rest in peace.

Ofc. C. Koelsch
Okla. City Police Dept.

October 1, 2008

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Game Warden Hurst. Another Hero taken too soon. May God comfort you and your Family.
You will never be forgotten. God speed and God bless. Rest in Peace Sir.

VIPS Jeff Claybern
Alexandria Kentucky Police Department

August 25, 2008

Always thinking of you Justin. Your presence is everywhere in the office - miss hearing your wise words!

Rachael Harryman
TPWD

June 30, 2008

Congratulations, you are going to be an uncle again!!

We miss you JP.

Greg

June 21, 2008

Amanda
Today was one of those days that you and I discuss alot about these days. I wish I could take away the pain that days like this sneak up on us. Just remember always that our husbands would want us to go on in life. Their memory will always be with us and that is all we have now. We have our Kyle's to always be there as a reminder of how wonderful their dad's were. We will meet with our first loves again one day. I am blessed to have met you, but I am so sorry it had to be under these conditions. Hang in there girl!!!

Love Ya

Elena Wagstaff Kelley
Wesley Wagstaff EOW 8-5-08

April 19, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 9, 2008

Although we are just one small family that has been touched by this event it has left our souls forever changed. Because of Justin’s enormous sacrifice we are reminded daily of how precious life really is. May we always remember Justin’s story and never pass up the opportunity to say “I love you” to a loved one, be kind to a stranger, or simply forgive; this is how we continue to celebrate Justin’s legacy.

Hartley Barrett, CBP Agriculture Inspector
Wife of a Texas State Game Warden

March 26, 2008

Thinking of you Justin on this sad anniversary. Rest in peace and watch over your fellow wardens.

nc game warden

March 19, 2008

Justin,

To a great friend who inspired me in everyway. Thanks for your unselfish dedication and service while wearing the Blue Badge. You are a HERO ! You are deeply missed everyday and my thoughts and prayers are always with you and your family. You will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace Justin and always keep the ducks decoying in Heaven and on earth.

DEREK SPITZER
TPWD GAME WARDEN

March 17, 2008

It's so hard to believe a year has gone by. There's not a second that goes by that you don't cross my mind. Today would've been your 35th birthday. We celebrated your life yesterday. I shared today with a few of your classmates and friends, telling stories, and remembering you. Kyle is such a little man! He said "uncle" this weekend which made your brother super happy. That kiddo doesn't have a chance to know a stranger. He'll go to anyone, and the odds increase if you're wearing a uniform. I've wondered what today will be like for a long time. Last week was the most difficult- especially Friday and Saturday. Everyday I remembered what we did a year ago. I can't do that anymore, because a year ago you were taken from us- a year ago my world shattered. You are by far one of the most amazing people I have ever met- and so glad I had the chance to be in love with you! I will always hold you close to me, and always love you - ALWAYS!

Amanda Hurst
Wife

March 17, 2008

today is mine and my LEO's anniversary... but the day means such a different thing to justin's wife and child and so many others. it saddens me to think of this. we, too, are survivors approaching an anniversary of a fallen hero we loved. all i can say is i'm sorry and i pray daily for your healing as you continue to grieve the loss of justin

LEO wife and survivor of peter grignon EOW 3/23/05

March 17, 2008

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Game Warden Hurst on the anniversary of his passing. My heart to his wife and son. Your husband-father was a true hero. He will never be forgotten.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

March 17, 2008

May you find comfort on this very hard day. Bless you and your little boy.

Daughter of Det. Kevin Orr EOW 11-22-06

March 17, 2008

Someone on a duck hunting forum reminded us today was the one year anniversary of Justin's sacrifice. The link was given to this page and I couldn't help but read all the messages left here.

Amanda,

Please know that your husband has left a lasting legacy. The strength you and your family have shown are very inspiring. You have many, many folks you have never met that are praying for you and Kyle. We wish you all the best and pray that you and yours are comforted every day by our Lord.

Texas Outdoorsman

March 17, 2008

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this first anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and protect them from harm, also those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Happy birthday and St Pat's Day to you.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 17, 2008