Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th 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.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 7, 2012

24 years ago today you were murdered. Rest in peace my brother. You will never be forgotton! Watch over all of us!

Officer
OCPD
January 7, 2010

ALTHOUGH I NEVER KNEW YOU, I CAN TELL BY THE DEDICATION YOUR FAMILY HAS TO KEEPING YOUR MEMORY ALIVE THAT YOU WERE A GOOD PERSON TO KNOW. I STILL MEET YOUR BROTHERS EVERY YEAR AT YOUR GRAVE SITE TO DO OUR MEMORIAL FOR YOU, AND WITHOUT FAIL THERE YOUR FAMILY STANDS WITH US TO REMEMBER YOU AND TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. THEY ARE SO FAITHFUL ABOUT BEING THERE THAT THOSE OF US WHO TAKE THE DRIVE OUT EAST EVERY YEAR KNOW TO WAIT A FEW MINUTES, BECAUSE THE FAMILY WILL BE THERE. 23 YEARS BROTHER, AND PEOPLE ARE STILL REMEMBERING YOU IN GOOD WAYS. REST IN PEACE.

JUST A COP
OCPD HONOR GUARD
August 6, 2009

I was very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, but know that she is home with you now. She was such a strong supporter of the department , and she will be missed at the memorial service. Rest in Peace brother.

Sgt. VanCuren
OCPD
April 22, 2009

I had the pleasure of working with Officer Riggs while training as an Officer on the East side. I remember that he and my FTO where especially professional and great to work with and learn from. We did much as a three-man team, serving warrants and backing each other up. Now, as a military soldier, I have a special place for those who serve and give the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. I'm grateful that I got to know Officer Riggs.

SFC Michael Cron
OMD/Former OCPD
March 12, 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
January 9, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
January 1, 2008

My name is Thomas Riggs. I am one of Richards' three younger brothers. I would like to take a minute to speak about my brother Richard and what he meant to me. First and foremost he was a very kind and caring person who never had a bad word to say about anyone. Richard was a Christian man who soley belived in God. As a youngster he always wanted to be a police officer and those who knew him were soley convinced that he did his job to perfection. He believed in the system and he died for the people who wanted to make a way in this society. Richard has so much care and love for his family and all his fellow men. On the day I write this reflection is Richard's birthday so I say to him Happy birtday brother for we love and miss you so very very much.

Thomas Riggs
Brother
May 20, 2007

PATROLMAN RIGGS,
YOU PUT YOUR LIFE ON THE LINE, AND IT WAS TAKEN FROM YOU. JUST KNOW THAT YOUR SACRIFICE DID NOT GO UNNOTICED. YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. KEEP WATCH FROM BEYOND.

DISPATCHER9520
SAUK COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT
January 7, 2006

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA
September 29, 2004

Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township PD NJ
May 22, 2004

May god bless you and your family. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Rest easy

May 11, 2004