Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I grew up having Kenny as a good friend. We used to go hunting and fishing together. I will never forget the football and baseball games played with his brothers and cousin at the Olson farm.
Kenny's death was one of the reasons I went into Law Enforcement.

Chief Deputy Marvin Holweger
Larimore PD, Cando PD and Benson County

February 14, 2021

what a friend and brother . also a Farmer unknown to a lot of people He tilled the soil and planted the SEEDS

Patrolman James Grabanski
East Grand Forks P.D.

July 30, 2014

I was only a kid when Ken Olson died, but I grew up fully aware of how much he was missed. He made me a birthday card when I was two years old, a few months before he was killed in the line of duty. I still have it. I remember he was kind, and I remember how much people loved him. I have never forgotten him. May his memory live on forever.

anonymous

May 14, 2014

I have the honor to be a member of The East Grand Forks Police Department for the last 8 years. I have had the chance to work with Sergeant Michael Anderson and Sergeant Steven Demers over this period of time. I would just like to thank them for getting the memorial scholarship up and running. A person can talk about getting the memorial scholarship started, but then when it is accomplished that is what counts. It takes time and dedication to make this happen, so again thank you both for making it happen.

There is not a day that I don’t look at the Officer Kenny Olson memorial in front of The East Grand Forks Police Department. Thank You Kenny Olson for your dedication. Paying the ultimate sacrifice like Officer Kenny Olson did, without a doubt makes him a hero in my eyes.

E. Grand Forks Police Officer
Dave Thompson # 547
“Got Your 6”

Patrolman Dave Thompson
East Grand Forks Police Department

July 21, 2013

On July 19, 2013, Officer Kenneth M. Olson will have lain in quiet cemetery on the plains of the Midwest for 35 years. He was nearly 25 years old when he was killed. He left behind a wife of only four months. This year, his brothers of this new generation, will proudly resurrect his honor and sacrifice. Lead by Officers Mike Anderson and Steven DeMers, the EGF Police Department have formed a charter for the "Red River Valley Iron Pigs Motorcycle Ride" in honor of Kenneth M. Olson. All proceeds will go create a scholarship for local men and women who choose to enter the fields of law enforcement, fire fighters, and emergency medical technicians. The brotherhood of officers is strong and binding. None of these young officers worked with Ken, but "they know"... and they do not want the citizens of EGF to forget the sacrifice that was made while they slept soundly and peacefully on July 19, 1978. No officer who is honored is forgotten. God bless Kenneth M. Olson and the Red River Valley Iron Pigs Motorcycle Club. I salute you!

Bonnie Olson Andrys, Widow
East Grand Forks Police Department

June 8, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 31rst 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

July 19, 2010

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 28, 2007

Hero!

May 10, 2006

Rest in peace brother. May God bless you and your family.

Patrolman

March 17, 2006

Thanks for your service.

June 30, 2005

Never forgotten, Brother.

March 15, 2004

No officer that gave his life should be without reflection……

“For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know”

Anonymous