Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I would see his name carved in the granite stone every morning going inside. I heard the story, I heard the name, I never knew him. But I knew of him.

Todd Benzie
CDCR

September 17, 2023

I was very young when this happened to you. It happened 2 days before my birthday. Yet I still remember the things you did with me. You will always be missed. RIP Papa Richard.

Mark
Grandson

April 26, 2023

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

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 26, 2018

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 18, 2015

I remember Richard so well, I worked with him on many a watch, and I have etched his name at the National Memorial in Washington DC. He was an honorable man and caring person. He is a brother who has never been forgotten.

Ralph Berthon retired
Washington DOC

July 5, 2015

Your 38th anniversary will be here soon, your wife Virginia still cries for you. Your son Mark is now deceased, he died may 2013 of BRAIN CANCER. For those of you who read this our sorrow continues. The son you adopted JOHN RUBEN Is also deceased he died may 2007 STOMACH CANCER. may you all rest in peace, and RICHARD you were a great FATHER to your remaining daughters. GOD BLESS ALL THOSE IN SERVICE.

two is better optometry
DAUGHTER

March 17, 2014

Rest in Peace, Officer Ochoa. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 8, 2009

Officer Ochoa,
It has been 33 years, but I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of California. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

May 16, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty-
third anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 27, 2009

On this 30th year since your murder, please know you are not forgotten. Rest in peace my brother.

Sgt M.Fontaine
California Dept Of Corrections

April 17, 2006

to "Jelly" as the called him:

Coming up on thirty years since your untimely death. As a new officer (a 'fish') of the First Watch I worked a lot with you in the Adjustment Center(SHU). You made a crappy job a bit more tolerable with your great humor and good outlook on life. We all felt the loss when you were gone. Even today, my heart goes out to your family and children, from whom you worked so hard in a most unappreciative environment. You are never forgotten in the hearts of your co-workers. Continue to rest in peace! -don

C/O Donald G. Mitchell (retired 1988)
Calif. Dept. of Corrections

January 9, 2006

Jolly:

Although I left to work for the feds a couple of years before your murder, I still have thoughts about you and what a great guy you were. I understand there was some payback for you. Thanks for being my friend and helping a young "fish" get oriented at SQ.

Chief Investigator Ted L. Bader
Washington State Insurance Commissioner's Office

November 28, 2005

To the family and friends of CO Ochoa and to his fellow CDC co-workers.

I wanted to leave a reflection for Officer Ochoa. Although it has been 29 years since your murder, your valor and bravery has not been forgotten. I worked for approximately two years at S.Q. as a C.O. commencing in 1978. I left to go to law school but anyone who has ever worked at a prison knows that it is a challenging but dangerous place to work. On several occasions, I heard officers that had worked with you speak about you. It was evident you were well-respected by your peers, and your memory was very much a part of them,

I lost my youngest son, Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept., when he was fatally shot during a foot purusit of two bank robbers on 4/23/05. Thus, I know the agony your family has gone through all these years.

Please know that you are not forgotten.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of service to the citizens of California, and the supreme sacrifice you and your family made in the line of duty. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, PPD eow 4/24/05

August 24, 2005

Officer Ochoa,

On this 29th anniversary of your death, please know you are not forgotten. Rest in peace my brother.

Officer M.Fontaine
California Dept of Corrections

April 23, 2005

You are not forgotten my brother.

Lieutenant
California Department of Corrections

January 28, 2005