Officer Down Memorial Page

As Father's Day approaches, I wanted to say I LOVE and miss you greatly daddy! You are gone but NEVER forgotten. I just stumbled on this page by accident or was it? You have 5 wonderful grands now and 3 great grands that have surely missed out by not knowing you! I'll always be your baby girl! THANK you for your sacrifice so my children and grand children can live a better life today. Hugs and kisses from home!!

Love,
Wendi

Wendi Dotson Murray
Daughter
June 16, 2011

Your service is remembered this month especially. Thank you, Sir, and thanks to your family, friends and department for your example, caring and diligence.

Cadet
Colorado
August 11, 2010

cYour heroism and service is honored today, the 20th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
August 1, 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 12, 2007

Rest in Peace, Captain Dotson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
October 22, 2006

I remember attending your funeral and the funeral of Deputy Sutten on the same day. That was a really tough time for all law enforcement in the area, but it was uplifting to see such support for you both from the community. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciately. You left this world better than you found it. Now rest in peace, brother.

Special Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration
October 17, 2004