Officer Down Memorial Page

Steve is my first cousin and I will remember he always was so proud and happy. MISSED but NOT forgotten! !!!!

mike Pinkelton
cousins
February 3, 2012

you are missed.
you were such a good person. My entire family loved you as well--best regards

my daughter is --40 --today
-- she was --4- when we met-

friend
ann--friend
January 17, 2012

Always remembered. God bless and keep the streets paved with gold ready for us.

Lt TDW
ADOC SRP
April 5, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 26, 2010

Steve, You were taken to soon! You were a kind friend to me. I still think of you and I remember you. I wish I'd been given the chance to know you better. I'll never forget when and where I was when I had learned what happened to you. I was shocked! I missed you when you didn't stop by and see me. I want you and your fellow officers to know that you are still thought about and remembered! The day you were taken from us was a day I'll never forget. I can't wait to see you again! Angie

Angie
A Special Friend
July 19, 2010

Hello Steve,

I suppose I'm wordy guy who has no trouble expressing himself,... until it comes to personal feelings. I was on-duty that final night you were standing in line on West End to order dinner. Nothing I can say or write can express what I felt then, and now.

It did always bother me that you never had a photo on this memorial site, so I found an old grainy image of you in uniform and submitted it. Maybe it will be up soon.

Until then, you take care. Maybe we'll meet again one day in Valhalla where we can laugh about the old days together and catch each other up on the news. The shadows are growing longer for those of us you left behind.

Anonymous
January 23, 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
January 30, 2008

Steve,
It seems just like yesterday that we were riding together on our way to the Police Academy, wearing the gray uniforms for recruits of 1972. It's been quite a while but you are still missed by everyone. I'm retired now and I know your doing your part in keeping heaven safe for us all.
Your friend,
Walter

Sgt. Walter Hughes
Metro Nashville Police Dept.
July 6, 2007

I lived in the neighborhood where steve grew up. I was very proud later when I learned that he had become a police officer, and that he taught a self defense class for women in his spare time. My family was very saddened to hear of his tragic death. He was a wonderful and brave man.

rita smith-cook
May 29, 2006

No hero listed here should be without a remembrance. God speed, brother, and thank you for your service. Officer Pinkelton is a hero not because he died, but because he dared.

Sergeant T. E. Murphy
Royal Palm Beach, Fl. P. D.
May 16, 2004