I losst a brother today.

[deputycrawford]

     I will make this short because I break into tears when I mention this to anyone. I lost a brother police officer to a murdering 15 year old punk. On Wednesday, February 21 around 0200 hrs. detective Keith Dressel of Toledo Police and two other undercover vice detectives notice two under age looking males out after curfew in a well known drug infested area of central Toledo, Ohio. They jumped out of their vehicle, approached the suspects, and announced themselves a police. The suspects took off running. Two officers ran after a 19 year old male and tackled him with a loaded and cocked weapon in his hand. Detective Dressel chased the 15 year old male and grabbed his clothing to stop him. The 15 year old male turned around and shot detective Keith Dressel in a gang style murder and ran from the scene. Detective Dressel fired 6 shots from his service weapon before he collapsed of his wound. Officer Bill White arrived on scene and received a short description of the known suspect from detective Dressel before detective Dressel died of his wound. The suspect was later apprehended and the murder weapon found.
     I tell you this in tears because I want the world to stop hating me because of the job I perform. Everybody loves a fireman and hates a policeman. I lost a brother I worked with for five years and will never be the same innocent happy person again as long as I live. I can't tell you if I will ever recover from this incident. Nothing in this world seems as important as it used to. Statistics show divorce, suicide and alcoholism rates to be the highest among police. You will never have to wonder why again. I have to go now. I have a drunken stooper to finish and get back to fighting in the trenches tomorrow.

[mally69]

im really sorry to hear that   

[GTX]

Man that's really rough and I'm very sorry to hear it.
I once had a neighbor who was a county Sheriff got shot in a domestic by the wife who called in the first place!
I know it's not the same coming from a non brother in blue but he was really liked in the neighborhood and missed.

By the way, I have great respect for cops and I pretty much do all I can to make their difficult jobs easier and they in turn leave me alone or are actually friends. (Some of my friends now are cops)

Hats off to cops, firefighters, teachers and nurses, the foundation of our society and people who don't get paid nearly enough! 

[firefighter3931]

Damn, i hate to hear these horrible stories. My deepest sympathies to you and all his friends and family. 

Back in the mid 90's i lost a football buddy turned police officer to the same kind of deal. Routine traffic stop and 2 cons unloaded on him in the middle of the street gangland style. As a result of his death, all PO across the province were issued semi auto sidearms...prior to that the std issue was a 38. 10,000 people attended Joe's funeral...something i'll never forget. 


Stay strong buddy....i can definately appreciate what you're feeling right now. 



Ron

[red72chrgr]

So sorry to hear this friend. Please know that not all people hate cops. These punks need to be strung up, plain and simple. Again my deepest sympathies.   

[skip68]

  I'm so sorry to hear that.  The people that hate you are the scum of this world and they only do so because you stand for what's right and protect those that can't protect themselves.   Don't think for one second that he died for nothing.  He put his life on the line just like you do to make our cities and streets more safe for me and my family and for that I thank you.        Be safe and smart deputycrawford.     Chuck...............................

[CB]

Sorry for your lost.
My condolences to all who have to deal with it.
Take care, CB.

[dads_69]

Sorry for such a horrific loss. I wanted to be an officer until recently, my wife talked me out of it. She is not ready to hear this kind of news about me if by chance it happend. I understand what it takes to be a cop, my dad was won and a few others close as well. My condolences to you and his family. Remember, mind - body and strength.
Mark

[Vainglory, Esq.]

Please try to remember that there are many, many people in the world who truly aprreciate what you do as policemen.  We realize that this is a tragedy, and recognize that you guys have a very important job to do, difficult as it often is.  Our thoughts are with you and Detective Dressel.  Hopefully justice will be done.

[tan top]

sorry to hear  the loss of one of your fellow brothers          , .........     by a 15 year old punk kid damn .   what the hell  has happend to the world   

[oldkimmer]

My thoughts+prayers are with u............some of my best friends are police officers..........and believe me they do a great job of trying to make the world a better place to live in......I would not want to be in there shoes, as it takes a very special person to fight crime.....Kim...

[Plumcrazy]

You're friend did not die in vain.  I sure as hell appreciate what you guys do for the rest of us.

My deepest condolences.   

[Mopar440+6]

I know simple words cannot begin to change how you feel right now but know that not everyone hates police. Granted I get nervous when I see a Crown Vic in the rearview but I full and damn well appreciate you guys keeping scum like that off the streets. I don't know what state you live in but I hope that the laws allow that worthless kid to spend the rest of his life in a jail cell. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Detective Dressel's family. Thank you for all you do for us!

[RECHRGD]

I'm very sorry for you and the fallen officer's loved ones.  My best friend was a Sheriff in the L.A. area.  Luckily he made it to retirement a couple of years ago.  I could never be a cop.  I have no patience or compassion for gang bangers and the like.  I would probably just get myself put in jail.  Hang in there, your doing a much needed and appreciated job.   Bob

[jackel440]

DC,  You are in our prayers and that of your friend.I understand what it is like to lose someone special.I hope you can get through this hard time,but please don't be afraid to ask for help.It took me a couple of yrs ,but i got help and now I am so much better.
cowboy up

[chargerboy69]

Deputy,

I heard about this on our local news. They said it was the first time in many years a Toledo Police officer had been killed. I am sorry to hear that he was a friend of yours. It sucks when you lose someone close to you. You, and the family of your friend will be in my prayers. Take care.

Tim

[bull]

Sorry for your loss. It seems very senseless when someone dies the way your friend died, I understand how you feel.

[firefighter3931]

Godspeed detective Dressel 

http://www.odmp.org/officer.php?oid=18718 

[PocketThunder]

My spouse and i have a 2 year old boy and we make sure to teach him that the police are nice people and they are here to help us.  Thanks for what you do. 

[TruckDriver]

I like a few others, get nervous when I'm followed by a cop. Especially because I like to drive a bit over the speed limits. But I always respected the police even when I was a young punk. I have known a lot of police officers over the years, and have always gotten along with them very well. If the world didn't have people like you patrolling the streets, this country would be a total anarchy. Take this and make into something positive, make your self stronger. Do it to honor your fallen friend. Make your self a better person. Help your friends legacy live on. There are a lot of people here for you. We feel for you.
                Rest In Peace detective Dressel
 

[Charger-Bodie]

that really sucks to hear , hang in there , my hats off to you people that go out and protect us from these morons in this world nowadays my uncle has a saying " the world would be a lot better place if it wasnt for all the stupid people" thanks to all of the brave men and women in our country and around the world for all that you do for the rest of us THANK YOU

[Brock Samson]

I'm Very, Very Sorry...

[deputycrawford]

     Thank you all for the kind words. I have been going through the many stages of grief. I had been angry, and in disbelief over the incident. The moment I started this post I was IM-ing my friend Bill White from Toledo Police. He was the first responding officer on the scene that night and listened to Kieth give a short description of the suspect and a direction of travel before he finally expired. It was that moment I entered the next stage of grief. I broke down let my emotions out and started this post in tears.
     I worked, what we call, three and four sector in downtown Toledo as a 1500 unit for five years before I was moved to the outlying areas of Lucas County for patrol duties. I knew him well and it hit home.  It has been 36 years since the last officer was murdered. I may never recover.
      I feel odd that I even started a post like this. I feel I am needlessly dumping my grief on everyone here but needed to tell the world, in my way, the daily dispair I try to turn off when I get home. I am only called when things go bad. I only see the worst in people. Many times I can shrug it off. This one will never go away. Thanks again all for letting me do this.



Kieth, you partol the streets of gold above. We'll take it from here. We love you brother.

[Charger_Fan]

  I could never be a cop.  I have no patience or compassion for gang bangers and the like.  I would probably just get myself put in jail. 

Same here, I can just about guarantee it.

The job of a police officer is one that only a select few have the fortitude to do, you included.
I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend. I hope that in time, you will be able to make peace with yourself from this sensless act. I also hope they try that kid as an adult & fry his nads! 

[Vainglory, Esq.]

I feel I am needlessly dumping my grief on everyone

Don't be hesitant to talk about it.  You may not ever "get over" it, but you can certainly feel better with time and effort.

[Charger_Fan]

I feel I am needlessly dumping my grief on everyone

Don't be hesitant to talk about it.  You may not ever "get over" it, but you can certainly feel better with time and effort.

  We may not all be able to relate on the basis of a peace officer...nevertheless, we are family here & you're one of us.

[mikepmcs]

Deputy
First, let me say I'm sorry for the huge loss, and his wife and children are in my thoughts as well.
As I've said in other posts, I have the ultimate respect for police, firefighters, military.
It floors me to think that people don't have the ultimate respect for these unforgiving, unappreciated professions. 
People that are willing to give their lives for other human beings just to make the world a better place.  Obviously it isn't done for pay but for the good of mankind as a whole.
How can anyone not respect and appreciate that?
It is an increasingly sad world we live in, and now the kids that do these horrible crimes to society are getting younger and younger it seems.

As I read your first post, a tear started streaming down my face because it brought back so many memories of my last 20 years in the Navy.  I too have lost a few close friends over the years and it definitely stays with you always.  You just have to pick up, help where you can and move on knowing what they did was not in vain.  If nothing else it makes you stronger in the long run.  I say stronger because you are the law, and like the military and fire fighters of the world, you already hold a special strength/gift over most in the world.  That is why only a special few can perform your job.  Cherish your strength and conviction/dedication to making the world a better place and always hold your head high.

Don't give up, and retaliate by being the best police officer you can be.  There will always be factions out there that don't appreciate what you do, but they will come to justice in the end no matter what.  I truly believe that.

Once again, I'm truly sorry.

v/r
Mike

[Brock Samson]

for anyone who needs it... 

Grief info:

  http://www.righthealth.com/search?t=vhealth.all&out=health-goog-sb&lid=goog-ads-sb&q=stages%20of%20bereavement&o=classic&v=Health&gclid=CI6atJSCrIoCFSasYAod8SuUpQ

[CFMopar]

Sorry to hear that.... It's really sad.. Being a police officer can be thankless work sometimes...


RIP Detective Dressel

[TeeWJay426]

Very sorry to hear about your friend DC.... my hats off to you and your fellow officers. At times it may seem to be a thankless job,but the majority of us law abiding citizens appreciate you and your brothers more than you may think. RIP, Detective Dressel.

[400/6/PAC]

So sorry for your loss.
Please know that it's just the bad guy's that dont like police officers.
Most of us have the upmost respect for you and really appreciate all that you sacrifice for our safety.
God bless you and all of your brothers.

[deputycrawford]

     I thank you all for your replies. The post from Mikepmcs, Brock's personal message, and many others here have made me realize I'm acting kinda selfish. Brock, I just lost one of my biggest hero's this last December when I attended my Uncle's funeral. I have to remember that you also have had much grief. Mike, I have to remember that the military is also losing good people to idiots. Firefighters etc. can also be taken from us at any time. That really did snap me out of feeling alone in this kind of stuff. We all lose people close to us. Thanks guys for waking me up. I needed that. I guess we really are all in this together. Thanks brothers and sisters.    I may be beaten up by this death but I will fight for Toledo Police on Monday in their trenches so they can escort Keith to his resting place. I will be alittle lighter hearted knowing many people do understand. Thank you all again my brothers and sisters.

[mikepmcs]

We understand brother!!!!
Walk with pride brother, walk with pride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


v/r
Mike

[moparjohn]

Sorry to hear of your loss.  I hope he is tried as an ADULT since he had a gun and shot an officer of the law! It is way past the time to allow the younger unruly punks to run the world.  My simpathy to you and the officers family. John

[red72chrgr]

We understand brother!!!!
Walk with pride brother, walk with pride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


v/r
Mike

 

[Manfred318]

 

Sorry to hear of your loss. I hope he is tried as an ADULT since he had a gun and shot an officer of the law! It is way past the time to allow the younger unruly punks to run the world. My simpathy to you and the officers family. John

[pettyfan43]

Man I am deeply sorry to hear this.

The police are demoinized by people usually because those same people have something to hide.

I have an aunt that is a Police officer in Hoover Al (Just outside B'ham) and I can not understand why people are like that.

Some of us love and are THANKFUL for people willing to go out in a rolling billboard and deal with peopole most of us do our best to avoid!

My condolences on your friend, and a huge Thank you to you and all other law officers, Firemen and servicemen who put their lives and welfare on the line so WE can sleep at tnight and play with cars!

Thank you and I Salute each and every one of you!

[General_01]

Very sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of his family and friends. Just remember, he will live on in all the people he touched in his lifetime.

[MoparMotel]

I deeply appoligize for your loss.

[NHCharger]

Very sorry for the loss of your friend.

[mikesbbody]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss and please dont feel that everyone hates cops! i dont! my best friend was a cop and i heard the things he had to put up with (almost being killed on his birthday) im not about to say you will get over this in any amount of time but i believe you are strong and have the support of many around you (including us) just takes things one day at a time i believe you will heal but wont forget this. live goes on and so must you. we will always be thinking of you please dont forget that! all the very best from all of us.   

[Lowprofile]

A Police Officers Prayer 

                                                                       Oh Lord, While I am on my Beat
                                                                      May I know that you are with Me
                                                                      and protect me as I go to Guard
                                                                          Others lives and Property
                                                                       Help me ignore those who scorn
                                                                            and show me no respect
                                                                         But be mindful of all Citizens
                                                                            I've sworn to Protect
                                                                          Be with my Fellow Officers
                                                                         and Guard their Safety Too
                                                                          May I always put Duty First
                                                                          in the work that I must do
                                                                        May I not Disgrace the Uniform
                                                                      But bring Pride to the Badge I wear
                                                                     That I'd be a good Policeman, Lord
                                                                          Would be my Only Prayer.


                                                                              Amen. 

God Bless Bro. You & your "Brothers" are in our thoughts and prayers.

[deputycrawford]

     Well, we put him to rest yesterday. I guess it was quite a spectacle. I did not go. I ran calls for service as unit 1158 in 1 and 2 sectors of Toledo for them so they could all go. Sylvania Police, Maumee Police, and Wood County Sheriff Deputies all helped cover the calls in the city. We even had Ohio Highway Patrol "hit on" as 1190 crews and take all our accidents in the city. The state of Ohio does not have a state police so we, the sheriff's office, is the original jurisdiction. The sheriff of the county gave approval for the Highway Patrol to enter the city and help out. The total feel of team work and pulling together was great. We haven't gotten together like that since the riot in North Toledo a couple of years ago.
     We all went home, changed our clothes, took designated drivers with us, and met at theToledo Police Patrolman's Association hall. When I left, I believe we were on our 8th keg. There were three taps and they were blowing fast. One trip we replaced all three at once. There is an old fashion set of lights and siren on the wall. Once in awhile someone would turn it on and we would raise ours glasses to Keith. Many of us would get goose bumps in between the tears. I had an awesome time. My eyes hurt right now. My head is pounding, and I'm swearing off beer for awhile. That won't last for more than a day or two  lol. Thanks again for all the support. As I wrote someone else earlier, I didn't start this for sympathy. I just wanted to remind the world police are just people.
     
      Toledo Police Detective
      Vice Officer Keith Dressel
      Badge Number:  2127 
      Unit 812 on central channel
      Hit-on:                 12-10-93
      Code 40 forever:   02-21-07        Peace by brother.     
     

[SeattleCharger]

Sorry for your loss.

   I have heard about the firemen being more poplular than police,   I know my brother is a fireman, they sort of joke about it, like how reno 911 has even had episodes with this a few times, but if it makes you feel a little better maybe, since he has told me about the interactions he has with police on all the accident/fire scenes, since both are usually called most of the time, I now think of cops as a lot cooler, he only has good things to say about cops, that they are cool dudes, good guys, etc., take care.

[400/6/PAC]

I think a lot of it has to do with the media.
We all hear storys of how firefighters saved this guy or that guy.
I know they risk their lives just as police officers do, but it seems like you only hear storys about cops when they did something wrong.
If there were a way to determin how many people were saved because a Cop took a bad man off the streets, I bet the storys would change.
No offense to Firefighters, We thank you very much for what you do.

I

[Silver R/T]

Im sorry to hear that

[70charginglizard]

Sorry to hear about your loss. Sounds like he was a great guy.
I just lost a good friend recently too so I know how you feel.
Chin up. He's in a better place. 

[Paul G]

Being a Police Officer has to be one of the most difficult jobs there is. Think about it, who are the clientele? Societies worst most of the time. Even when a good honest citizen gets pulled over by a police officer the whole situation is negative, for the officer and for us.

My 22 year old son is studying criminal justice right now. He wants a career in law enforcement. This thread really makes me worry for him.

Remember this always DC. We do appreciate the efforts of you and the other's in your field even though we fail to express it most of the time. Because of people like you the rest of us can enjoy the safety and freedoms we have today. Thank You!

[Ghoste]

I'll agree with one modification, the clientele.  I think that if it helps for all the cops out there, the clientele are actually the good people and it's societies worst that we need you to protect us from.  Sometimes we may need you to protect us from ourselves or to bring us bad news or save our lives for whatever reason but don't feel like the scum are the clients.  And sometimes, the normally good folks stray and we may need a little reminder about which side of the street to walk and you need to be able to know the real scum from the temporary scum (like you need another burden).  Thanks to the uniformed people out there everywhere who keep us safe.

[old man]

Deputy as I put on my uniform today your loss is heavy on my mind. While I have only been a member of the brotherhood for a short time I feel your loss. I wish I had some words that would ease your pain. There is a special place for your lost brother and he is welcomed by our lord. God bless you and time will ease the pain.

[deputycrawford]

     Hello all again. I am reminding everybody that life has gone on for us here in Toledo, Ohio. The late Keith Dressel's wife gave her first interview since Keith's death. My grief started all over again. When does this get any easier? It has been months. I still break down, she still breaks down. Everybody still breaks down. Danielle, Keith's wife, says it is just starting to hit her that Keith is never coming back. Many of the guys still stop by and fix the household items and mow the lawn for her. It feels like yesterday all over again. I hope this gets easier.

[69bronzeT5]

Sorry for your loss man.


RIP Detective Dressel

[Vainglory, Esq.]

It probably won't ever be easy.  I'll spare you the cliches about death being part of life, but I would think that your loved ones would want you to keep on going even after they're gone.  I know I would.  Remember the good times, but don't fixate on the grief.

Chin up, we're still with you.

[my69]

Deputy You have my condolence(s),

This is the first time I noticed this thread! I haven't been to active on this sight for a couple months because of personal problems of my own ( relationships)    

But with all the replys here! I know that there are  people here that care I would be honored to be part of this group of friends!
That is why the website that TROY has started here is truly a "home" for us

Take care and let GOD be the "ultimate" Judge!!

Winston

[TUFCAT]

Man, that's really rough. I get all choked up when I read posts like this ...yours was especially touching. It helps with the closure I guess....but its still very tough and nobody really understands what your going through unless they're you.  All I can say is, it will get better, even though sometimes we never think it will.   

[Paul G]

DC, I am only 48 years old, I have lost both my parents to old age, my uncle Tom who I cared deeply about passed on due to old age, and a 24 year old nephew to a car crash many years ago. I can say from my experience that the hurt never goes away, as time passes it will become less painful and easier to live with. You must grieve, sometimes the grieving can last a long time, but eventually as time goes on and living your life once again becomes more enjoyable you will be able to let the pain go. He will never be forgotten by his friends and loved ones, but we the living must live. I wish you the best.

[Neal_J]

Condolences on your loss.

Incidentally, thank you for doing that largely-thankless job of policework.

Peace,

Neal

[deputycrawford]

     Thanks for all the support guys. I guess it just got the best of me when Danielle did her interview after the memorial things the Toledo Police do. She has mentioned that all of the busy work of the burial and other traditions are over, the horrible loneliness is setting in. The despair is overwhelming. We all let it return to the front of our minds and it feels like yesterday. I guess I had one too many beers and heard the new information. I let it get the best of me. I recovered by the next morning and moved on. Many of us don't dare talk about it at work. It just gets your mind off work and could get you hurt.  Keith will never be forgotten. I will just have to curb the drunkin break downs. Thanks again. I am going to try to find the funeral piece again and watch it a few times. Thanks again for everything you all do around here.

[deputycrawford]

     One more post on this subject and I will let it go again. I just wanted to post the interviews she did with the local news stations. I hope the links below will load for everybody. I will never forget.


Rest in peace my brother.


http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=local&id=5268466

http://wtol.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=1395536&h1=Special%20Report%20--%20How%20Much%20is%20Toledo%20Spending%20on%20Police%20Cars%3F&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=287134&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&playerVersion=1&hostPageUrl=http%3A//wtol.com/Global/story.asp%3FS%3D6421060&rnd=30391387

[deputycrawford]

     The wtol.com site starts the wrong video. Just click on the Danielle Dressel video and it will start. Grab some tissue to watch. I always will.