Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Kelly (185) You probably don’t know me but I definitely know you after reading about you and your life for years you truly are an inspiration to me and I hope to become a person like you some day


Fly high buddy MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL

Soon to be Deputy- I perfer not to say
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Oregon/ Son of Deputy

June 30, 2025

18 years already, my friend. Where does all the time go? I sure miss 'ya still. And it still hurts too. Sure hope you're enjoyin' your time in eternal paradise with our dear Lord and all your brothers and sisters in blue. We will never forget Kelly. Thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice brother.

HEROES NEVER DIE......

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

June 17, 2025

God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 16, 2025

As a child, Kelly you were positively impactful on me. I’d always look forward to going on ride alongs with you in Polk County.
Even at certain Family events I’d always look forward to seeing you and the times we shared sitting in your car or squad car and laughing at your jokes and other BS you’d do to.
I also enjoyed watching you while you were on Duty.
I remember when you’d come out to the house I lived at on Zena Rd and you’d shine your spot light around the property and lecture me for being up at 3am playing Xbox when everyone in the household was sleeping, lol.
But you also made me feel safe out there to.

You always had a requirement for me to have good grades to go on ride along and you would look at my report card and then you would allow me to go on ride along with you.

I think about you at times, its random but I do think you
And I’m also glad you have many people writing about you on this page as well.
It’s obvious he’s/your not Forgotten, your Gone tho and that’s Unfortunate.
I Loved You Man

Robert “Bobby” Riggi
Nephew

May 28, 2025

Thank you to every single person who takes the time to come here and remember my father. He was such an incredible human and while it breaks my heart to read of the way his death broke the hearts of so many, it also warms my heart to know so many people still love and cherish him. My favorite posts are the ones where you guys share funny stories or remember him for his tenacious go get 'em attitude. If you knew my dad well, the sheer thought of him will leave you with a smile, a giggle, a heart full of overwhelming love, and a tear in your eye. I am thankful to each of you who remember, share stories, continue to love and honor this wonderful man I was lucky enough to call my father.

To my Father, I am 30 years old now and can see this world with a new perspective yet I still remember everything you taught me. I am bold, I am courageous, I do not fear and I welcome the unknown. I laugh hard and can pull a damn good prank. I work each and every day to embody the best parts of you because without you, there would be no me. For the love and life you gave me I will forever be thankful.

It's Christmas time now and the memories have come flooding in. I welcome each and every one of them because even though with each memory I am left with the heartache of knowing you are no longer here, the warmth that fills my entire being, and the smile that comes without fail, are worth every thought of you.

A poem I wrote for you ~

When a cardinal appears
They say an angel is near
But my angel left long ago,
And I don’t understand
How this crazy world turns
So I hope you’re my cardinal,
When the skies are gray and the leaves have fallen, that’s when I think of you most
And on my back porch a cardinal appears
Oh I hope your my cardinal,
I try not to hold too tight to you dear
Because you need your wings to fly,
You left long ago and I’m trying to grow
But I hope you’re my cardinal,
The tears that I cry aren’t for the day that you died but the years gone by without you,
I hope that you know you are never alone
One day I’ll be a cardinal too,
And together we’ll fly into the sky
Rejoicing and singing our song,
Red wings bright bringing peace
through you're flight
Oh I hope you're my cardinal.

Merry Christmas, Dad. You are missed not just today, but every day.

Miranda Fredinburg
Daughter

December 18, 2024

17 years my friend and we still remember. And the pain is still real. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice buddy. You are truly missed Kelly. Happy Father's Day. Love you my friend !!!!

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

June 16, 2024

16 years ago today, I lost my good friend. Man Kelly, how I still miss you and all the good times we shared. A lot of us 'old timers' are retired now and I sure wish you were still with us down here making good memories. I salute you brother and I will never ever forget your sacrifice. Hope you're enjoying your time in heaven. I love 'ya buddy !!!

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

June 16, 2023

Miss you.

I read what your kids write and it hurts so much,

smile every time we remember the times from the Casino days,

you made a difference, you taught me how to let 'it' go,

thank you for making a difference in the lives of many.

J L
Private Contractor

March 15, 2023

Hi Kelly, you were a huge part of my life growing up and I'll never forget you. Playing war in my back yard, you always messing with my brother and I, you were like a brother to me and I'll never forget all our fun times. You are so missed and it's funny how things work out because your sister is a very close friend of mine now and we didn't put the connection together until about 10 years ago. Don't worry buddy I got her back always just like you had mine. I love you Bro, hope you've got that big Ole smile up in heaven knowing that your forever loved,respected and missed. I pray for your family and hope you are at peace.

Tamisha
Childhood friend

August 22, 2022

15 years have gone by my friend and we still miss you like crazy. All the good times we had together will always be near and dear to my heart. You were a good cop, a good man and a good friend. I will always be grateful for our friendship. I miss you Kelly and we will never forget !!! Thank you for your sacrifice.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

June 16, 2022

We still miss you and think about you every day buddy. The pain never really goes away. Can't believe it's been 13 year already since that fateful and tragic night. We will never forget you Kelly. May you continue to rest in eternal peace, my friend and my hero. I'm so glad our paths crossed in this life.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

June 16, 2020

12 years ago today buddy. Man, how time flies. Seems like yesterday you were down here with us bustin' a move, laughin' and enjoyin' life together. Gosh, I miss you and those old times my friend. Those great times keep your memory alive. May you continue to rest in eternal peace. Happy Father's Day Kelly !!!!

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

June 16, 2019

Rest in peace Deputy Fredinburg.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 12, 2019

Hey uncle Kelly.. it's your niece Hannah. I miss you, and think of you everyday. Today I am writing an essay about loss. Your death is the biggest loss I have ever experienced. I wish you were still here and I wish Kaydin got to have her father here with her. Her and I talk about you often and I do my best to be the best older cousin I can to her. I'm going into the criminal justice field for college and everyday I get to think about you and cherish the few memories (that I remember) I got with you! We all know you're looking down on us and protecting us all from up above, just like you did when you were here.. RIP

Love, Hannah Wanker
Your Niece

April 9, 2019

Hey dad it's been a while huh? We all miss you like crazy down here. A lot has changed and I think you would be proud of all of us. It's really hard without you but we all still have each other and that's okay. We will be okay. Everyone says one day the pain of you being gone will go away but I personally disagree. I think it will always hurt. But, I do think that everyday it gets easier to accept the fact that you are no longer with us. I always have these police officers talking to me and telling me stories about you, it seems like you were a pretty funny guy. Mom, Miranda and I talk about you a lot. Miranda loves telling me stories about you, it seems like you guys had a lot of fun together. As I get older I look more and more like you, that's what people tell me anyway. It's nice to read the things people say about you. There are so many people that miss you. You've almost been gone for 12 years that is insane to even think about! I only have one memory of you left sadly but honestly it's my favorite one so that's okay. I have to go but i'm sure ill be back. I love you so much dad, I hope heaven is treating you well because you deserve it. XOXO

Rock on(:

Kaydin Fredinburg

January 12, 2019

Well, it's hard to believe another year has passed my friend. Some of us are retired now and looking forward to our 'golden years'. Sure wish you were here so we could all spend some of that valuable time together. God knows we had some good times when you were down here with us. Miss you like crazy bud. I sure hope you are continuing to rest in eternal peace. You were a great man and a great friend !!!!

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

June 16, 2018

10 years today brother, that we all got that fateful and heartbreaking news. What a great year it's been though, the year they caught your scumbag killer. Still miss 'ya like crazy buddy. And we will never ever forget !!!!

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

June 16, 2017

Hey Kelly. This is so emotional for me. So many happy memories of my time knowing you and loving you as my son in law. So many sad memories of losing you! So many lives touched and changed forever. I pray that this piece of justice will help in our healing. Of course it will not bring you back but you will never be forgotten.

Mom by marriage Debbie Vareldzis
Mother in law

January 24, 2017

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

January 23, 2017

Hey buddy, just got the great news !!!!! They captured your killer in Mexico. The article and your picture on FOX12 Oregon brought joy to my heart and tears to my eyes. Great work by Marion County SO, Oregon State Police, the FBI and Interpol !!!!

It's great to see that this dirtbag will be held accountable for your murder. Justice will be served. Good wins out over evil every time !!! I sincerely hope this brings more closure, solace and comfort to your friends and wonderful family. I know it has me !!!

Still miss you like crazy buddy. Your spirit will live on forever !!!!

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

January 22, 2017

After nearly 10 years your killer was captured in Mexico. Praying for your family, friends, coworkers and those you touched. A hero to more than he knows. ©2004

Emory - Ephrata, WA
Brother of Ferry County WA Undersheriff Matthew J. Lane, EOW 5/30/2003

January 22, 2017

9 years brother and it still seems like yesterday. And the pain never goes away either. I miss you and our friendship. Some good times we had, my friend. Hope you're enjoyin' your beat on heavens streets. We will NEVER get 'ya buddy.....NEVER !!!

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

June 17, 2016

Kelly it's been approx. eight yrs since I spook at your memorial service. Something about you/me pops up in my mind most very day. I am pruod that I was a big part of your growth as a Depuyt Sheriff.

Thanks for being a suppport at the end of my career, I miss hering you say "am littel andy and dam proud of it"

God Bless you Kelly

P/23

Senior Deputy Sheriff (by yrs of serv)
Andy P Lushenko PCSO

August 29, 2015

Kelly was my neighbor when he passed. His little daughter was left without her father. So sad :(

Anna Torres
Neighbor

June 16, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 16, 2015