Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It has been 17 years since we lost you. I'll never forget your sacrifice and the things I learned from you. You set the standard and I continue to carry the torch.

R. Huffman
US BLM

September 21, 2025

Officer Fairbanks, i'm sorry for what happened to you almost 17 years ago, as your death was unneccessary, and the man that took your life was a coward, and he was overall just an evil human being. What he did to you that day was uncalled for, since he could've just been let off easy and have been on his way, but as it turns out, it looks like he had other plans for such. However, he didn't get away as he was shot and killed later on in the day, but unfortunately took another man down with him as he killed a man for his truck, which in itself isn't just selfish but cruel as well, since he never gave anyone the chance to fight back or defend themselves. Honestly, i think he should've been put down a long time ago, since he was clearly a sick individual that was far from being saved on earth. What's worse is that he not only murdered an officer, but he took away a mother, a wife, a friend, and a dedicated ranger who did her job the way she knew how. I could go on about the suspect who took your life, but i'd like to shift into the positive side of things: For one, you served in law enforcement for well over 20 years, which in itself is an astounding achievement in itself to obtain since some people don't have what it takes to do that until they decide to retire. I'm sure that in those 20 years of you being dedicated to serving the public, you were able to influence and change lives on those you met and those who never met you, since your sacrifice serves as a reminder of how dangerous it is to be an officer, especially when it comes to being a park ranger and going out in the woods, since it's just as bad like it is in the city, and even now in society it's only gotten much worse. I like to think that you knew about the dangers in law enforcement and dediced to face it head on with no fear whatsoever, since you were certainly the kind of Officer that would never let fear or doubt take over when it came to doing the job you were called to do. I'm sure that although it's been almost 17 years and the anniversary of your passing is coming up, i believe that your daughter has done good things in her life since you passed, and she was able to move on knowing that her mother gave everything, and from what i read, she followed in your footsteps and became an officer herself. I think that with your daughter carrying where your legacy was unfortunately left off says alot, since it means that your service will shine off your daughter as i know you would be proud of her for what she's done, and that others will see you in her heart. Although i never personally knew you, met you, or have ever seen your face, i think that you were a great person to meet and talk to, since i can tell you were a compassionate and caring individual, and that you were one of the good officers in law enforcement that demonstrated what it meant to protect and serve others. From what i read, i read that you didn't just love your job as a ranger with the department of agriculture, i read that you were very fond of K9's which explains why you were a K9 handler and knew alot about them, which i think is an honorable thing to do since K9's are one of the few backbones that hold up departments and police alike, which i noticed that they aren't talked about as much from what i've seen, but i'd like to think that you were able to shed some light onto that and show what it meant to be a K9 trainer. Although it is sad to think that your K9 witnessed your murder, i read that the K9 who was in your vehicle was passed down to another department/officer, which is a good thing since they were able to continue further train and take care of your dog. It doesn't make sense to me as to why people harm police officers and or rangers, for what reason? I think the way to answer that is because they're too selfish among themselves and only care for what they want, and they don't bother thinking about the consequences about their actions since they never stop to think about what might happen if they decide to inflict harm on not just police, but others as well. I don't condone or wish death upon others, but the man who took not just your life but the poor man's life as well deserved what was coming to him, since judging by his actions it looked like he wanted trouble and he got it, and was put down by your brothers in blue from another Sheriff's office as a result. Although i myself am not a police officer, i know that not all police make it home, which is sad but unfortunately true, even now in society as people are twice as dangerous like it was at the time of your death. Sometimes i think that police are underappreciated, but i do know and remind myself when i have to that at one point in time there was police officers like you roaming the terrain and roads in the grand state of Washington as a ranger, and i personally salute you for your service, and for the numerous things you've done as an officer to the public, and a role model to others who weren't in law enforcement, as in my eyes you were more than just a police officer; You were somebody to trust and acknowledge from time to time, and to know that the public could count on police like you to protect them and help them if needed, since you were a dedicated ranger for over 20 years, and if that doesn't describe even a fraction of your bravery and dedication, i'm not sure what will, since you were truly one of a kind. I'd like to think that as long as your name is said and you're remembered, you aren't truly dead nor forgotten as you live on in the minds and hearts of others, including your daughter who is now carrying your legacy and finishing where your legacy left off. As of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service is far more than appreciated, and that the citizens of Washington appreciate your service for what you've done, and that they know that you once roamed the terrain as a ranger, making sure that even the woods and forests were safe to roam around and to prevent tragedies and incidents from occuring, since even the woods possess dangers like the cities and counties do in any other state. Rest Well Mrs. Fairbanks

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

August 24, 2025

Found some photos from summer '88 ...

'Oly House' party: Kepler, Fairbanks, Looney, Shackleton, Cifranic, Houston, Riel, Torok, Begbie.

Happy memories... the best kind.

RIP Kris.

Andy B
Former co-worker

November 14, 2024

Kris,

It's hard to believe 16 years has passed since you were taken from us. While it feels like forever ago, it still feels like yesterday. I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I got the call. I still carry the pair of handcuffs you bought me after FLETC everyday I go on patrol. They have gotten a lot of use over the years.

The impact you had on my career all those years ago is still felt. I have modeled my career of protecting our natural resources after the work you started and the example you set. You were a role model to myself and many others. I am grateful for the way you lived your life and the sacrifice you made. I will never forget.

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." - Isaiah 6:8

R. Huffman
Former USFS LEO and NWWZ co-worker

September 20, 2024

A great deal of time has passed but you still make a difference in the world through your story.

I'm on vacation with my girlfriend in Forks this week, she was quite a Twilight fan when she was younger and we wanted to tour the sights. As we stopped in to the Forks PD side of the city hall, your memorial photo is still there prominently displayed by the touristy Twilight themed one. I hadn't really thought of where your forest was when I read your story in the case at the USFS staff office at FLETC, but I won't forget it now. I had to quickly look up the story and tell it, now it's permanently etched in my mind. She hates my job as much as I love it, and your story reminds her of the nightmares and creeping thoughts we both have about what can happen in this job. I have no doubt your story will affect her in her work as a paramedic as it will me in mine.

I've seen the echos of your presence in the news story of you daughter joining the PAPD, the comments left here that I can picture now that I've visited and the challenges of this forest I can see while we vacation in it. I see old reflections left by Don Harris, the recently retired Special Agent in Charge of Region 4, Senior Special Agent Brandon Robinson who now serves at a FLETC working with new officers and Officer Jason Crisp who also gave his life in the service of our nation some years after you. Each reflection of theirs makes me consider how they must have felt, thought and changed through the knowledge of your sacrifice, reminding me to be vigilant in and thankful for this short life we have.

I'll return to Idaho soon and go back to work on my forest, with both a revitalized mind and rejuvenated attitude. Your story reminds me to consider the ways I can be careful, the things I can do to be ready and the challenges we face in this work. You have an impactful legacy.

I thank you for your service and sacrifice. You'll never be forgotten.

LEO Kevin Brizzi
USFS LE&I, #2499

November 14, 2023

RIP Kris.

Andy B
Former co-worker

September 24, 2021

You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.
Love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Robert Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

June 15, 2021

You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.
Love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Robert Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

June 15, 2021

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 20, 2020

RIP Kris.

Andy B
Former coworker

September 20, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Fairbanks.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 20, 2019

Kristine would be so proud and happy for daughter, Whitney, who is following in mom's footsteps as a K9 officer with the Port Angeles Police Department.

Gerald L. Brown, CCO
Port Angeles Office of Community Corrections, Washington DOC

December 17, 2018

Hi Kris, I'm so sorry I missed your funeral, wasn't my idea. You were an awesome K9 officer. When we met as two cops, recently moved to a seriously rural beat, I was so happy to be doing an entry on a warrant with such an outstanding cop.

You are one of the best cops I've ever known. Thank you for your service.

Retired Deputy Brian Post
Former Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy

October 13, 2018

We still think about you and miss you.

Cenci
WSP dispatcher

September 24, 2018

RIP Kris. Thoughts, as ever, with the family.

Andy B
Former coworker

September 21, 2018

Kris was my dear friend and colleague for many years. I was there when she wed and when her daughter was born. Her murder was tragic and senseless. She loved public lands and gave her heart to her job and to the American people. She is missed. So very, very missed.

Kym Hall, Superintendent
National Park Service

September 20, 2018

I had the great priveledge and honor to have known Kris due to our passion for K9. Kris was the first to certify K9 Shay and I, a time I shall never forget. I did a pencil rubbing of her name when a visited the fallen law enforcement officers memorial in Washington DC several years ago. I keep that as my tribute to her as well as a reminder how fragil life is.

Deputy Sheriff K9 Handler/trainer
Madison County Sheriff’s Office

September 20, 2018

On the 10th anniversary of her death, I salute the service of Kristine Marie Fairbanks. We are grateful for her service in the Thin Blue Line. We remember her here in perpetuity. Her assailant will forgotten in the dust of history.

Stan Jefferson
Citizen of Arizona

September 20, 2018

Officer Fairbanks,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 20, 2018

Rest In Peace Sister. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 22, 2017

Driving through Forks last month, for probably the last time, and 96.7 'Twilight' just happened to play 'Pocketful of Sunshine'. Brought both a smile and a lump in the throat. RIP Kris. Thoughts with the family.

Andy B
Former co-worker

September 20, 2017

Officer Fairbanks, the love and respect of those who knew you are apparent in these reflections. You will be honored and remembered always, and your dedication and commitment will be an example to us all.

Tina Lewis Rowe
Captain, Denver Police Department (ret.)
U.S. Marshal, Colorado (ret.)

February 25, 2017

RIP Kris. Thoughts, as ever, with the family.

Andy B
Former co-worker

September 20, 2016

God Bless Brian and Whitney and I cried when I saw the photo of Brian pinning the Seattle PD badge on Whitney's uniform today...

Special Agent Spelsberg
Former NPS

October 28, 2015

RIP Kris. Thoughts with the family.

Andy B
Former co-worker

October 18, 2015