Officer Down Memorial Page

Grandpa Jimmy,

On this 32nd anniversary, I am thinking about you as always. Although, we haven’t met on this Earth, I know you’re always watching over me, and I hope to meet you one day. I have had a lot of guidance from you and from the knowledge that you have passed on to my father. I feel honored to share your name, and I hope I’m making you proud. You will always be remembered, and dearly missed by your fellow service men and women, your friends, and of course your family.

Rest in Peace Grandpa.

Devon Adams
Granddaughter
February 3, 2012

Never forgotten.

My heart goes out to those who's lives you've missed out on all of the years since you left them. You are remembered.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada
February 3, 2011

On this 30 year anniversary of Officer Adams murder, May God Grant his Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends, the Serenity to accept the things they can not change, the courage to change the things they can, and the Wisdom to know the difference...Warrior, Rest in Peace, you will not be forgotten....God bless your Family.

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police, Lewisburg, Pa.
February 3, 2010

I just met Cassie at a churcn in Blackmountain, NC
I can not believe she is able to go out into the community. People are not aware of her crime or that she is a prison - serving a life sentence. She is a very mean woman. I pray she is never released. My son was a sheriffs deputy and my son in law is a current sheriffs deputy. My heart still after all this time - goes out to the family.

ginger lee
August 7, 2009

I want to say thank you for all the comments that have been left on this page. Our family has had a void that could not be filled since that night in February 1980. My cousins grew up without their father and have suffered greatly over the years.

However, it does feel good that his ultimate sacrifice has been remembered both with this page and with the recent "Run for our Heroes" 5K on April 25th in Raleigh. What an honor to run for my Uncle Jimmy! Much thanks to the Raleigh PD for putting the first class race together and remembering all 8 fallen RPD officers. You are all appreciated for not forgetting our loved one.

Thanks again to everyone for your posts and your prayers - please remember that when you see a police officer to say thank you!!!

Veronica King Aycock
Niece of Officer DD Adams
April 29, 2009

I just found this site and I had to leave condolences for the family of Officer Adams. I read above, where "passer by" mentioned working for a place where Cassie Johnson was employed. I worked with her as well, and was not aware that she was even an inmate. Once I realized, through word of mouth, 10 months after I began working there, I was outraged. Being a victim myself, I could NOT believe a substance abuse treatment center would hire such people. Especially since she was STILL incarcerated, in a half way house less than a mile from our workplace. I was devistated and spoke my mind about it and was fired for it. I was fired for not protecting HER anonymity. Being a victim of sexual abuse, you can imagine the horror I felt knowing that possibly my abuser would end up in a cubicle next to me one day. What has this world come to that a convicted murderer STILL incarcerated can come into contact with strangers in a workplace that are not warned of their violations. Strangers who may have known Delma, strangers who have been victimized. I ate lunch with her, had smoke breaks and long talks with her, etc and had NO CLUE of the terror she inflicted on an innocent man and his family. Now, 8 years later and I am still appalled. I did see recently she was transferred again for yet ANOTHER infraction, so I doubt she still works in the substance abuse field. Thank you Jesus! To the family of Officer Adams, I am so sorry for your loss. I am especially sorry that I interacted with DD's killer, I had no clue. Please forgive me. If I can help in ANY way to protect your familial rights, please contact me. I will do anything to help you. I feel down right dirty for being close to a woman who could do such a thing to your father. If only they had told their employees, I would have NEVER worked there. You have my email address. My condolences to your family for such a loss of a great, true hero. God Bless you and keep you in the palm of his hands.

Anonymous
March 10, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you to your service to my native state and also the birthplace of my beloved son Larry who was born in Durham, NC and fatally shot on duty with the Pittsburg, CA PD on April 23, 2005.

Your murderer does not deserve parole.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

Anonymous
February 4, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones who were left behind to live every day without you. Evidently, denying someone parole who works outside the prison at a normal job is not justice. She destroyed so many hopes and dreams and I only wish that those that feel sorry for her realize the damage she did to so many people who love you. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones. You are a true hero and have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
February 3, 2009

I worked at a place, back in late 90's, with the lady who did this to you. I never understood how she was still technically incarcerated yet she worked a 9-5 job like everyone else. I couldn't question it though, they fired people i worked with just for talking about her arrest in 1980. That was the way this place of employment was though. Hired inmates and never told other employees who might have been offended by working one on one with someone who murdered. I think it is horrible!!Luckily I didnt stay there long after meeting her and realizing what a sick place this was. Anyways, My reason for finding this website is that I still think of you often. I just want to extend my prayers to your family, especially your son, who I know will never be the same due to his loss. Although I never met you, I think about you often and will always stand up for justice when I can, no matter the cost. although "justice" is not what it should be in our nation, I will always stand up for those who have lost loved ones. Your family, department, and friends remain in my heart and prayers. Peace be with you always.

passer by
February 27, 2008

DD - I started the RPD Academy the day after you were taken from us. There was a noticeable pall over all the department, that we, as rookies did not understand. I came to understand after graduation being assigned to your platoon, 'C' platoon. I rode your beat in South Raleigh and even drove your assigned blue and white a several times. A strange feeling. What you went through has been passed on to generations of young officers and has caused many to be more careful because of it. You have saved many lives through losing your own. I am soon to finish my career and feel in some way that we were connected. You caused me to think twice, even three times when searching. You are not forgotten.

Cpl. L.C. Howard
Raleigh PD
February 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
January 29, 2008

"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
December 27, 2007

Somebody Killed A Policeman Today

Somebody killed a policeman today and
A part of America died.
A piece of our country that he swore to protect
Will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect who shot him will stand up in court
With counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids
And spend many long lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battlefield too,
Just as if he had gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
To his name they will add a gold star

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
It happened in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
A cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each rookie's side.
He answered the call, and he gave us his all,
And a part of America died!

Thank you, Officer Adams. Rest in peace. You were a good man.

JC
citizen of Raleigh
March 23, 2007

I WORKED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS WHERE THE SUSPECT WAS HELD. IT MADE ME SICK TO MY STOMACH TO READ HER FILE AND SEE WHAT SHE DID TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. SHE NEVER WOULD ADMITT WHAT SHE HAD DONE, AND NEVER EXPRESSES ANY SORROW FOR HER ACTIONS. SHE WAS ONLY SORRY TO BE LOCKED UP. I DO NOT KNOW IF SHE EVER MADE PAROLE, I HOPE NOT. SHE ALWAYS TRIED TO SAY SHE CHANGED, WELL WHO WOULDN'T CHANGE AFTER BEING LOCKED UP FOR 20 YEARS...SHE DOES NOT DESERVE TO WALK FREE.
OFFICER ADAMS YOUR FELLOW OFFICERS WILL NEVER FORGET! REST IN PEACE

March 18, 2006

Well DD ,it's been a long time. It's great to see this memoral for officers.I was working that night,(north side) I'll never forget the call on the radio.We were all headed that was as we always would do.
I was at your funeral,and think most of raleigh was there also.That was my first and last.
DD,you were a great impression. As I went on to NCSHP,I came by and visted you ever weekend and would talk. You really helped me thru the tough times.
As I sit and view your picture it sure brings back great memories.You were a great officer and friend.I'll always remember you. APA

A.P. Adams
November 22, 2005

The City and Department have changed quite a bit since your time on the department. However, you are remembered everyday. Your picture, as well as pictures of the other Raleigh Police Officers that have died protecting the City, is hanging in all of the Police stations. You watch over us daily.

Thank you.

Raleigh PD
May 30, 2005

On Angels ...
"The wings ain't anything but a uniform that's all. When they are in the field so to speak, they always wear them."
- Taken from Tom Sawyer

Hey Jimmy ...

It's twenty-five years today. You're still not forgotten and you never will be.

February 3, 2005

My dad worked on your squad at RPD and planned your funeral. He still cannot talk about that night at all. I find it very disturbing that the lady that shot you continues to come up for parole. We all as law enforcement officers should make our voice heard on this one. She should never enjoy freedom again. She took yours from you coldly. God Bless you sir.

Senior Officer P.M. Anderson, Jr.
Cary Police Department
August 11, 2004

My father worked on your squad and planned your funeral.

Senior Officer P.M. Anderson, Jr.
Cary Police Department
August 11, 2004

04/30/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. No officer who gives his/her life for us need ever be forgotton. You died a hero; rest in peace.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
April 30, 2004

Officer Adams....thank you for your service & God bless.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police
March 17, 2004

I'm honored to be the first to leave a reflection for Officer Adams. Thank you for your valiant effort to keep our community a safer place to live and drive. You'll never be forgotten.

Taryn Walters Ontiveros
Daughter of Officer Larry Walters EOW 11-13-74
February 8, 2004