Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
September 18, 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
January 9, 2008

I was only 1 month old when you were taken from us. My entire life I have heard many stories of you. One of you holding me as a baby and teasing Ricky only one year older than me that "I was your baby." I am greatful for your duty as an officer and am proud to say I am your cousin. Your parents are extremely important in my life, more like my grandparents. I only wish I could have known you, and not just the stories and pictures. See you in heaven, Gene.

Melony Ake-Pike
Daughter of Floyd Ake
Grandaughter of Earnest Ake (Gene's Dad's Brother)

Melony Ake-Pike RN
Cousin
September 1, 2007

Trooper Ake,

My brother, on the day of your death I was born. As God took you to rest, he replaced one peacekeeper with another. I was born into a family of Officers and am proud to be one myself. I pledge to Trooper Ake to recognize you and others who have made the ultimate sacrifice for your community. Rest easy WARRIOR, we have it from here, and will continue to fight.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God".
Matthew 5:9

Officer A. Gudgell
La Porte Police Department
June 13, 2007

I was very young when you were taken from us, but I do keep some memories. A shameful coward took you from us, but his lot have no rewards. Yours are eternal. We think of you often and fondly and wish you were here with us. God bless you, Gene.
Alan Holt

cousin
January 18, 2007

Son, Husband, Father of 2 young sons, Brother,Nephew,Brother,Cousin,Veteran, Trooper. You were all of these and more. We will always keep you in our thoughts. Your mom and dad still mourn you 34 years after your death. Your sons, who were 2 and 4 years old at the time of your death, try to remember you. Your brother still struggles to make sense of what happened. Your cousins,aunts, uncles and other family members think of
you all the time. 34 years this week. God Bless You
"Gene". We love and miss you still. Karen 9/16/2006

Karen L. Carris
1st Cousin
September 16, 2006

Rest in peace trooper. You will be remembered forever for your dedication and service.

Wisconsin L.E.O.
September 8, 2006

Brother, God bless. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York
November 15, 2003