Officer Down Memorial Page

Back in the early 1970's I was a 10 year old boy who had found himself in a reform school. Mr. Patton came to work there and began in my unit. I found him to be firm, but fair.
He was one of the few that I believed actually cared about the ones in his charge. His presence in my life was one that had a positive impact. I was devastated when I heard he died in the line of duty. It is no surprise he died in service of his fellow man, because was that kind of guy. He really wanted to make a positive impact on society.

Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus
Friend
February 11, 2012

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

Officer 11169
February 9, 2012

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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace


Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 9, 2010

I never met Officer Patton, but I came on board shortly after his death. I offer my condolences to a brave officer's family and salute a fellow officer.

Brad Barfield
Former Carrabelle Police Officer (1978-1980)
May 28, 2010

Rest in Peace for eternity

citizen
Florida
April 1, 2010

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

Deputy J Ward #128
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
January 10, 2010

Rest in Peace Brother. May god protect you in heaven, as you protected you city here on earth. Amen!

Sgt Jorge F. de Lara
Sweetwater Police Department
August 31, 2009

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
October 2, 2007

Officer Patton, your sacrifice has not been forgotten!

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
April 23, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
January 26, 2007

You are not forgotten, rest in peace.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department
July 6, 2006

I remember this date to well. I remember seeing Officer Patton around Carrabelle he was always dressed Professional and crisp pressed to the "T" in his appearance and loved his wife and family very much.. This is what I remember the most about Officer Patton he was a good role model to me anyway only being 13 years old at the time. I remember riding my bicycle to the location of the shooting that day. I was going to play basketball down town and it looked like the whole town was there. A lot of prayers and community togetherness was shown to me that day. Now as a Law Enforcement Officer myself Officer Patton is both a Role Model and Teacher to me.
Thanks goes out to our fallen brother and his family for their sacrifice. Deputy L. Brannan/ Franklin County Sheriffs Office

Deputy L. Brannan
Franklin County Sheriffs Office
July 3, 2006

My Fallen Brother;
We went to standards together, two very young officers, who really didn't have a clue but knew that we wanted to make a difference in this world. I think of you often, even though it has been so long since that day. You will never be forgotten and I feel your presents everytime that I drive through Carrabelle. I will see my classmate again,
rest in peace my friend.

Deputy Mike Helms
Friend
April 29, 2006

We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.

Lt.J Ham
Carrabelle Police Dept
March 23, 2006

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"


Fellow Brother Officer in Florida

March 22, 2006

I remember the day very well.The day that officer Patton went down. Carrabelle was in deep prayer for hours that day for the safety of one of our own. A family man who loved his family and loved Carrabelle. I will always remember him and our loss.

Anna Massey Keith Sanborn
Home town
June 24, 2005

REST IN PEACE

October 13, 2004