Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.
I am sure that you are proud that your family has continued your legacy of protecting and serving.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
April 30, 2012

Hey Reif:

Don't know what to say. We had a really great time in TAC. It was so long ago...but it seems like yesterday.

I look at my bracelet and think of you every day. We will meet again. Miss you buddy.

Ken Dye
St. Louis County Police Department
April 19, 2012

Hey Reif:

Wow, another year, seems like yesterday. My old bracelet just plain wore out. My daughter got me a new one. I still look at it every day and think of you and your fine family. You'd really be proud. Take care old friend.

Ken Dye

Ken Dye
Friend
May 3, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
April 30, 2010

Dad, I was promoted to Lieutenant today! I wish you could have been here to see it but I know you were there in spirit.

Lieutenant Mike Reifschneider
St. Louis County Police Department
May 26, 2009

Officer Reifschneider,
On today, the 32nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of St. Louis County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
April 30, 2009

I wish I could have met you... You've inspired me though, in so many ways. I wish you could know this. I hope to accomplish manys things as you did some day. You're my inspiration to become a police officer. You're a hero..and mine. rest in peace grandpa

Jordan Reifschneider
granddaughter
November 13, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
April 30, 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 10, 2007

I remember so little about you as I was very young, but you did introduce my parents. My Dad, Walt, speaks so fondly of you to this day. I do not know your family, but think of them often, as my brother is now a Sgt. with the county and I worry about his safety. I pray for stregnth for your wife and grown children, too.
Sincerely,
karen morrow brooker

family friend
November 7, 2007

Hey Reif:

Saw your wife at the TAC reunion. I showed her the bracelet I have worn for a number of years. I look at it every day and think of you and your family. Thanks for being a friend.

Ken Dye
SLCOPD 1972-1984

FRIEND
July 8, 2006

Dear Oficer Reifschneider,
I have the pleasure of working for you son, Sgt. Mike Reifschneider (Sgt. Reif) as well as getting to visit with your wife (I call her "Mama Reifschneider). Boy would you be proud of both of them. Mama Reif keeps thewhole precinct in line and helps us out with everything from "job stuff" to personal, and best of all always has a smile and a "be careful out there" for everyone. I know you are proud of Sarge. He truely believes in doing what is right and helping people who want to be helped. He has been my Sgt for awhile and has helped me in so many ways. He is very proud of you and still wears your badge number so you can be with him every shift. We appreciate your looking out for all of us. Tell the rest of our crew that we think of you often!

PO
St Louis County PD
April 11, 2006

To the family and friends of James Reifschneider and the St. Louis County Police Department, you continue to have my deepest sympathy.

Even to this day, this incident remains etched in my memory. Jim was a friend and co worker and his loss that day was greatly felt by all of us.

I believe Jim has been able to rest easier knowning so many of us have continued to carry on his work and I know he has been up there with our other fallen brothers looking after all of us in law enforcement.


Peter Damos
St. Louis County Police ( 1975 - 1981 )
U.S. Secret Service - San Antonio

Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge
U.S. Secret Service - San Antonio
April 21, 2005

I still miss you everyday. Soon it will be 28 years. I proudly wear your DSN as my badge number. My wife and the grandchildren you were never allowed to meet miss you as well.

Sergeant Mike Reifschneider
St. Louis County Police Department
January 12, 2005

05/06/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrafice. You died a hero. Rest in peace sir.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
May 6, 2004