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Mourners pay final respects to officer killed helping fellow cop
Judi Villa
The Arizona Republic
Sept. 3, 2004 11:15 AM
Phoenix police Officer Ben Baltzer choked back his emotions as he spoke of his lifelong friend.
Baltzer and Officer Jason Wolfe met in third grade and nurtured a friendship through two decades, through sports and high school, through first loves and last loves.
And when Wolfe gave up a higher paying job 4 1/2 years ago to become a police officer, the two eventually ended up in the same squad in the same police precinct.
"I looked up to him," Baltzer told mourners at Wolfe's funeral Friday morning.
"Godspeed Jason."
Wolfe, 27, was killed with Officer Eric White, 30, in a gun battle Saturday night with a suicidal suspect. White's funeral services will be Saturday.
At a packed service at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Phoenix Friday, friends and fellow police officers remembered Wolfe as a dedicated cop with an easy smile and a hearty laugh.
Officer Patty Fimbres, Wolfe's partner, told mourners it was difficult to refer to him in the past tense.
"It just doesn't seem real to me," Fimbres said. "When am I going to wake up from this bad dream?"
She fondly recalled Wolfe's rendition of a country song and how he teased squad mates and brightened up daily briefings.
She also spoke of calling Wolfe's cellphone after his death, to hear his voice "one last time."
"I will take comfort knowing you will always be watching out for us," Fimbres said.
Commander Dave Thomas spoke of Wolfe's many commendations with the police department. In April, Wolfe was nominated for a lifesaving medal, and in March 2003, he spent all night at an apartment explosion tending to the injured.
Soon, pictures of Wolfe and White will be placed on a "Wall of Honor" at their Squaw Peak precinct. The wall honors precinct officers who have died in the line of duty. Officers walk by it every day on their way to and from briefing. Thomas said that when he looks at the wall, he is reminded of an old saying about passing the torch from one set of hands to another.
"What I hope happens with these developing officers is that they realize the sacrifice and the deep sense of responsibility in taking that torch and protecting the community," Thomas said.
Wolfe and White were killed after they kicked in the door of shooting suspect Douglas M. Tatar. White was shot first and Wolfe died when he stepped into the line of fire to pull White to safety.
"All of you, you came when you were called. That is why you are heroes," Thomas told officers. " . . . You are heroes in our community, and you are my heroes."
Fimbres called Wolfe "the bravest hero I've ever known."
"He walked the plank for this community, and he gave it all to help those he didn't even know," said John South, a Phoenix police chaplain.
Mayor Phil Gordon promised mourners he would always tell Wolfe's sons what their father stood for, lived for and died for.
"I'll never forget you, sir," Gordon said. "You will always be in my heart. You will always hold a place of honor in my life.
"Goodbye my friend."
1162 Entries
Merry Christmas Jason. We miss you so much this time of year. Love you
Mom
Lynnette McMinn
Family
December 25, 2023
Another birthday without you platinum one. You are still so missed
Jellybean
Friend
December 13, 2023
Happy Birthday Jason... hard to believe you are now 47. We all miss you so much. Love always Mom
Lynnette McMinn
Family
December 12, 2023
Happy Thanksgiving Jason. Miss you so much. Love you Mom
Lynnette McMinn
Family
November 23, 2023
19 years platinum one. You are missed everyday
Jellybean
Friend
August 28, 2023
Tomorrow you would have been 46. Still miss you so much Jason. Lots of love, Mom
Lynn McMinn
Family
December 12, 2022
Merry Christmas Jason! Love you... Mom
Lynn McMinn
Family
December 25, 2021
Happy Birthday Jason! Miss you
Tammy N
December 13, 2021
Hard to believe you will be 45 tomorrow... Love & miss you son
Lynn McMinn
December 12, 2021
Still remember the good times
mark e mcminn
November 4, 2021
Tomorrow marks 17 years. Still miss you so much
Lynnette McMinn
Family
August 27, 2021
Miss you so much, Mom
Lynnette McMinn
Mother
April 8, 2021
Merry Christmas Jason. Miss you!
Lynnette McMinn
Mother
December 25, 2020
Jason, tomorrow would be your 44th birthday. I still miss you so much. Love Mom
Lynnette McMinn
Son
December 12, 2020
Tomorrow would be your 44th birthday. Still miss you so much. Love Mom...
Lynnette McMinn
Son
December 12, 2020
Jason: Although tomorrow marks 16 years, you are still loved and missed each and every day.
Mom
Lynnette McMinn
Mother
August 27, 2020
Thinking of you
Tammy N.
March 6, 2020
Thinking of you! Miss you so much .
Tammy Nguyen
August 28, 2019
Jason - so hard to believe tomorrow marks 15 years. You are loved and missed! Mom
Lynnette McMinn
August 27, 2019
Merry Christmas Jason - miss you so much! Much love to you! Mom
Lynnette McMinn
December 24, 2018
12/13 Happy Birthday Son. All my love, Mom
Lynnette McMinn
December 12, 2018
Thinking of you, as always. Love you, Mom
Lynnette McMinn
November 23, 2018
J
Its thanksgiving and I remember how animated when you talked about it being your favorite holiday. Normally I go visit but not this year. You are still deeply loved and missed by many.
Jellybean
J C
November 21, 2018
Yes, tomorrow marks 14 years. We all love and miss you so much. Much love . . .Mom
Lynnette McMinn
August 27, 2018
Jason it is hard to believe that you would be 41 tomorrow - where has the time gone? Happy Birthday my dear son. Much love to you always.
Lynnette McMinn
December 12, 2017
Jason - it is so hard to believe tomorrow marks 13 years. We will never forget. All my love,
Mom
Lynnette McMinn
Mother
August 27, 2017
Thinking of this hero and his family
June 12, 2017
After all this time still have him in my thoughts.
Mark
June 11, 2017
Jason - your memories are with all of us this time of year. Miss you so much!
Love
Mom
Lynn McMinn
December 23, 2016
The 13th did not go by with out thoughts of you. Happy birthday platinum one.
jellybean
December 17, 2016
JASON: It is so hard for me to believe that tomorrow you would be 40. You are loved each and every day.
Love You,
Ma
Lynn Mcminn
December 12, 2016
It's one of those moments, that's got your name written all over it.
Aw you should be here.
Love you Big brother
crystal Wolfe
August 30, 2016
12 Years and yet it is just like yesterday. You are missed every day. D and I had chat about your craziness today. Yard pumas and bags of rice. You are still the platinum one.
jellybean
August 28, 2016
This time of year continues to bring all of us such sadness. It is hard to believe that Sunday 8/28 will mark 12 years. You are missed and loved everyday my dear son. Much love - Mom
L. McMinn
August 26, 2016
Remembering times past. Hope that all is well with family.
mark mcminn
July 17, 2016
Merry Christmas Jason!!
We all miss you so very much, especially this time of year.
Love,
Mom
Lynn McMinn
December 25, 2015
Jason you are missed each and everyday. I wanted to say'Hasay'HaPP
JASON YOU ARE MISSED EACH AND EVERY DAY AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I WANT TO WISH MY NEPHEW A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY UP IN HEAVEN.
December 13, 2015
Jason: A day 39 years ago was one of the happiest days of my life.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
All my love
Ma
Lynn McMinn
December 13, 2015
My heart hurts today because I know how you said thanksgiving was your favorite holiday.
Jellybean
November 26, 2015
I just read about Jason's passing from our Sunnyslope high school reunion page class of 95' ...So very sorry for the loss
Kavita Perez Balderas
October 5, 2015
Blessings on you are you continue to mourn Jason's loss.
James Scher
August 29, 2015
Jason - so hard to believe today marks 11 years. You are still on my mind each and every day. You will never be forgotten my son.
Love you lots
Mom
Lynn
August 28, 2015
Jason I remember playing ball with you freshman year at slope. I have not thought about that in along time. Rest Well !
Harry Crugar
June 5, 2015
Merry Christmas Jason. Still miss you so much!!
Love always,
Mom
December 25, 2014
Happy Birthday Jason - so hard to believe you would be 38 today! Much love always
Mom
December 13, 2014
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HON!
Tammy N
December 13, 2014
MISS YOU!
Tammy
August 29, 2014
Many thoughts and warm memories filled me yesterday. I miss you very much brother. While we mourn your death this 10th year a friends fallen son was given peace with the conviction of his cop killer. I know that Tony and you are together in heaven watching over us and our families.
I love you.
C Wolfe
August 29, 2014
To the wife and mom of Jason
I have been following you and this sorrow for these years. You are in my prayers. Jason must have been a wonderful man. I wish I could have met him.
Br. Jim Scher
August 29, 2014
Ten years I remember that day so clearly as if it was yesterday. Every word said on the radio everything I said my reactions. Holding my breath waiting to hear your voice to make sure you were going to be ok, but I knew I would not hear it again. You are missed so much everyday by so many. I remember the promise you made me and I know your are making sure your taking care of it. Still the one and only platinum one. For your mom I want her to know I think of her often.
jellbean
August 28, 2014
JASON ~ 10 years! We will celebrate your life and memory today. You are on my mind and in my heart everyday. We will never forget.
Much love,
Mom
Lynn McMinn
August 28, 2014
you are always in our hearts -love aunt Angie
Angie Bailey
August 28, 2014
Merry Christmas Jason. You are on all of our minds today. Miss you and love you.
Ma
Lynn McMinn
December 26, 2013
Happy Birthday platinum one. I think of you often and miss you even more.
jellybean
December 13, 2013
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON! I MISS YOU
Tammy
December 13, 2013
Happy Birthday Jason
Love always,
Ma
Lynn
December 12, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving Jason! You are on my mind today.
Love You,
Ma
Lynn McMinn
November 28, 2013
I am thinking of you today. I can remember how you told me Thanksgiving was your favorite holiday. You are missed every day
Jellybean
Jellybean
November 28, 2013
You will never be forgotten-we love you Aunt Angie & Uncle Lou-God bless
August 29, 2013
Dearest Jason: Have 9 years really passed? I remember as though it was yesterday. We will never forget, Jason.
Much love to you always . .
Ma
Lynn McMinn
August 28, 2013
I can't believe it has been 9 years today. I miss you everyday. I was so blessed to have had you make such an impact on me. Love and miss you
Jellybean
August 28, 2013
Think of you often, today more than others.. But you are always with me...
I'm still holding on to the last time I saw you, with happy thoughts and dreams Of the next time we will be together agian...
Love you lots brother xoxo
C Wolfe (Nieman)
August 28, 2013
miss you!
Tammy L
July 28, 2013
Thinking of you!
Tammy L.
March 10, 2013
There has been another officer involved shooting. He is hanging on and he is fighting. As I think of him I can not stop the memories from coming back. If he does leave us please watch over him and his family. You are missed so much and thought of every day.
Jellybean
January 16, 2013
Dearest Jason:
Merry Christmas my beloved Son. Your are in our hearts and on our minds.
Love you,
Mom
Lynn McMinn
December 24, 2012
I include my thoughts and prayers Jason with you loved ones. You must have been a wonderful and powerful son, husband and father. Keep them in your watch from heaven and continue to bless them
James Scher
December 14, 2012
Happy Birthday Platinum one
jellybean
December 13, 2012
Thinking of you today. You are still missed very much
jellybean
December 13, 2012
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON!!
Miss you
Love,
Mom
Lynn McMinn
December 13, 2012
Miss & love you....
Xoxo
Crystal W
August 31, 2012
Thinking of you with lots of love..
Tammy L
August 28, 2012
I can't beleive its been 8 years. You are missed everyday.
August 28, 2012
8 years tomorrow..feels like yesterday. Miss you.
August 27, 2012
You are always on my mind, especially this time of year.
You are so missed and loved!
Lynn McMinn
August 25, 2012
Thinking of you!
Love,
Tammy L
August 24, 2012
Jason - Merry Christmas - Miss you - love you.
Ma
Lynn McMinn
December 25, 2011
Happy Birthday platinum one. Thoughts of you were the first thing that popped into my head this morning. You are so missed and so loved.
Jellybean
December 13, 2011
You were the first thing I thought about upon waking this morning. Happy birthday Jason. You are missed.
Amanda Turiano
December 13, 2011
JASON - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! You are missed so much ~ Wow, it's hard to think of you as 35 years old ~ Much love to you son.
Ma
Lynn McMinn
December 12, 2011
Jason another officer has come to you. His name is Bradly Jones from Glendale PD. It saddens me that another officer gave his life for the safety of others. You are missed so much.
Jellybean
November 3, 2011
Still think of you and your family everyday and miss you so much.
August 28, 2011
Thinking of you Jason.
Kristie
August 28, 2011
Seven years today. I can't believe it. You are still missed as much as that moment when it happened. Watch over your loved ones, miss you with all my heart.
jellybean
August 28, 2011
Dearest Jason:
It is so difficult for me to believe that tomorrow marks seven years. 7 years, and I remember that day as though it were yesterday. Life has changed so much since then, but the love I feel for you will never change. All of us miss you with all of our hearts. Continue to hold the light for me, my beloved son.
~Love you~
Ma
Lynn McMinn
August 27, 2011
Miss you
August 16, 2011
I was thinking of you today. I had to put out the address. I have said it a million times since that night, but for some reason it took me by surprise and I had to catch my breath. I miss you every day. I know you are watching over everyone you care about.
July 23, 2011
~J~
There is always something missing each Christmas without you here . . . My thoughts and prayers are always with . . . Please continue to hold the light for me. I love you with all my heart.
~Ma~
Lynn McMinn
December 24, 2010
Thinking about you Jason. I know you're watching over us. Miss you.
Love,
Amanda
Amanda Turiano
December 13, 2010
Dearest Jason:
Happy Birthday son!! You are on all of our minds today, as always!
Move love to you son,
Ma
Lynn McMinn
December 13, 2010
Rest in peace.
Kristie
Kristie Odom
December 8, 2010
Jason oh I was thinking of you on that day and remembering bags of rice and yard pumas. I read your letters over and over and it gives me strength. I am having hard time now and I know your spirit and strength would help me. I miss you I miss my friend. I need my friend that would tell me to suck it up and get over it. You are the one and only platinum one.
jellybean
October 21, 2010
God Bless Sir!!! A.L.E.A. Class 338!!!! Was watching the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy website and saw the video they are using and it has our class in it. Great memories, Rest Easy sir.
Flagstaff Police Ofc. P. Sanchez III
Pedro Sanchez III
August 30, 2010
You are never far from our hearts (is what I meant to type).
XOXO
T Wolfe
August 29, 2010
We celebrated you today with some of your favorites. You are never far from our us.
XOXO
T Wolfe
August 28, 2010
My Dearest Jason:
Saturday August 28th - I awakened with a heavy heart this morning. Your brother and I were just looking at photo albums of you. I find myself overwhelmed with emotion today. We miss you more than you will ever know. Please continue to hold the light for me. I love you son.
Ma
Lynn McMinn
August 28, 2010
Jason
Your family misses you every day--your
spirit will never be forgotten--that
wonderful memory is seen in your beautiful son. Thanks for watching over and inspiring your great family, we feel you each day. God bless you.
Aunt Angie
August 28, 2010
Remembering you today as well as cherished special times on the island. You continue to be an inspiration to all whose lives you touched and are remembered for your spontaneous smile and wonderful sense of humor. We miss you but know you are watching over your family and friends.
Gamma
August 28, 2010
To the family: May the comfort from family and friends continue to strengthen you, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
August 27, 2010
THINKING OF YOU
June 8, 2010
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