Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Game Warden Pogue. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
April 7, 2012

You were a Hero Sir, I know your story very well as I followed it close. I remember I was in Vegas during the Superbowl when they had a news break about the release of your killer in 2005. I was sick! RIP now and I will never forget you as you are a HERO Sir.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
February 16, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty-first 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 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever, I think you and your family were robbed of justice when the killer of you and your partner was released after 25 years. Anyone murdering two officers should never be released.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 5, 2012

William Pogue and Conley Elms died horrible deaths. My dad and a cowboy singer/songwrighter(Brenn Hill) wrote a song about them called The Balllad of Pogue and Elms. You can find the song on the internet or on itunes. They wrote this song because of Ian Tyson's song about Claude Dallas(the murderer) calling him a hero. They didn't think that was right so the wrote this song. The Ballad of Pogue and Elms, by Brenn Hill.

Cade Bragonier
May 1, 2011

As a Idaho Biologist and Conservation Officer, I worked with Bill Pogue out of the Boise Office on several large tasks together. I found Bill to be a gentle-man and an Officer of the highest integrity! Another Officer & I were privileged to retrieve Bill's wife and personal belongings from the midst of a forest fire at their home on the Payette River in Summer, 1966. Bill was, of course, away on a case up North and not available quickly. After it was over, Bill was so incredibly appreciative!! Over the years, Bill, in turn, helped out MANY others in the Department! He was an integral part of our Fish & Game Family! Rest in peace, Bill!.....Dave

Conservation Officer David W. Heiser
Idaho F&G, 1965-1966
May 8, 2010

Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer; and may it somehow help to know that,even after all these years,he is respectfully remembered and his sacrifice appreciated.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD
October 13, 2009

You will never be forgotten, rest in peace, God bless you and your family.

Detective M. Marks
Pittsburgh Police Department
April 13, 2009

RIP

Anonymous
September 9, 2008

I was a kid when you were killed, but it was one of the defining moments in my life.

Officer Thompson
March 25, 2008

You will never be forgotten.

D. E. King
Munfordville KY P.D
January 9, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
December 31, 2007

"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 15, 2007

Idaho needs to totally redo, it's judicial system. The man who killed these two fine officers, was released for good behavior, despite having escaped from prison once. Also it sickens me when I read about the injustice done in the case of Trooper Linda Huff, who was coldbloodly murdered in 1998, but the judge did not issue a death sentence, may God have mercy on those evil peoples souls, along with the liberals who set them free.

August 4, 2006

Bill, Yours and Conleys tragedy and memory looms large over our family, even 25 years later. I am grateful to know your family and hope that they realize what a hero you are. We will continue to keep the thin blue line down here for you. Rest in peace.

SO 3 Kip Wills
Boise Police
June 10, 2006

Rest in peace brother.

Patrolman
January 7, 2006

Rest in peace. Thank you for your service.

January 5, 2006

How sad it is that this murderous coward was released. However, the family can take comfort in the fact that God's vengeance is greater than man's. May God bless the family of this hero and his heroic partner.

R. Dean Pesnell,
Officer/Chaplain, Birmingham Police Dept.

R. Dean Pesnell
Birmingham, AL Police Dept.
July 20, 2005

I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the family, coworkers, and friends of Warden Pogue. Many of our brothers and sisters are gone, but none are ever forgotten. May you rest in peace. Then I heaard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? and Who will go for us? And I said "Here I am. Send Me!" ISAIH 6:8

Mike G.
Federal Law enforcement Agency
May 20, 2005

"If there is a future for wild things, then it is the burden of those who have reached farther than me, to save them for the rest of us. It will be done by those whose convictions were forged in campfires."

I just saw the quote above credited to you. I thought I would put it here for everyone else to see.

It sickens me to think your killer is a free man. Sadly it also sickens me to think that at one time, when I was very young, I thought your killer was a modern day mountain man and a legend.

I saw the error of my ways Mr. Pouge. When your killer came up for parole I handed out flyers all over NC and TN encouraging police officers and the public to write the board. I hope in some small way it helped.

Your killer will pay his debt on judgement day.

February 19, 2005

I just read today, February 7, 2005, in the boston Globe that your killer was released yesterday. It says, "He just wants to go live his life." Unreal, this guys kills two officers (execution style) and he's free. Nice system you have Idaho!

patrol
February 7, 2005

GW Pogue,
There aren't words to thank you enough for your service and sacrifice.

To your family and friends,
I read news today that William's murderer was paroled - for good behavior, of all things. I am so sorry. Life can be so unfair. I am praying that you can be at peace in the face of such tragedy.

Former LEO Wife
Central Ohio
February 6, 2005

I just watched the A&E story about your death. It is a shame that you had to die like you did, but I have comfort knowing that you were doing what you loved.

Thank you for watching over us!

Officer Adams
BPD

What a wonderful man you were. We miss you terribly. I know you watch over Game Wardens everywhere.

Jodi Turner
daughter