Officer Down Memorial Page

It's nice to see this page to memorilize those lost in service. My Aunt dated Cliff and my mom and dad are always telling stories about when they all used to hang out together. There is always that hint of sadness, and he is fondly remembered to this day. There s a fallen officer statue memorial at the courthouse In Rancho Cucamonga and Cliff is memorialized there.

Scott Sanders
April 13, 2012

Deputy Sheriff Sanchez,
On today, the 27th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community but for our Country as well when you served in the USN. And to your family and loved ones-especially your sons, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol
April 6, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Sanchez. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
January 21, 2012

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 6, 2010

I am the 2nd of his 3 sons, and this is the first time I've ever seen this site. I saw a note from my half brother, and reference to my younger brother Andrew who is currently serving in Iraq. I never met my older brother. I wasn't a year old when my Dad died so I don't remember him much, only through accounts from others and forums such as this have I gotten to know him. It's good to read he had a positive impact.

Tony Byrnes (Sanchez)
Son
November 16, 2009

My deepest sympathies to Cliff's family. It's so sad that one of our finest was struck down at such a young age.

I came to know Cliff while we were deployed in the S-7 Division aboard the USS Kitty Hawk in the early/mid-70's, and Cliff was certainly a great guy. Many of us from the Kitty Hawk stay in touch, and everyone was saddened to hear of his passing.

Our prayers go out to his family and friends.

Jim Drosdahl
Former shipmate, USS Kitty Hawk, CV-63
August 18, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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.

To his family: I am so sorry that his three sons had to grow up without their father to guide them and that his wife was left without her life partner. My grandson Cody will also only know his father through pictures and stories. I hope you are active in your COPS chapter and hope we meet someday. I hold you in my heart's embrace today.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
April 6, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH
April 7, 2008

I never got to know my dad because of those two.

Larry Sanchez
son
January 18, 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
September 20, 2007

My two brothers are sons of Cliff. He never met his youngest who is currently serving our country in Iraq. His dedication to serving runs through his childrens blood and it's a tragedy that his life was taken so early and his sons were robbed of having their father. Your death was not in vain and you are remembered always.

na
none
August 31, 2007

Dear Clifford
I knew you for a short time. You showed me the Central Detention Center when I was a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. I went on to become a regular Deputy in 1985 after your death. I never forgot your teaching. I wish I could have been there that night brother to help you. Rest well and I will see you again.
David M. Mackie Retired San Bernardino County Sheriff Deputy. 2001

Retired Sheriff Deputy 1985
San Bernardino County
May 4, 2007

Cliff, you were my friend and you are still in my memories.
I wish we could replay that night and met up with each other as we planned. you were waiting for me at one lounge and I was waiting for you at another up the street.

May GOD bless you with all his grace and your family. I just discovered this site today and I now post what I feel. Rest in peace my brother and always your friend DLC

Mike De La Cruz
former sbso now federal officer
May 1, 2007

Rest in peace Brother, May God bless you and your family.

Patrolman
June 12, 2006

a true hero, R I P Dep. Sanchez

Tpr.
MA STATE POLICE
October 12, 2005

I am his oldest son, he actually had 3 sons, but why its not included in the article, I don't know. The two suspects were captured a short while later. He was also 31 years of age and not 28. I don't really remember my dad too well since I was 4 when he died but his memories still live on inside me.

Larry Sanchez
June 30, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I thank you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 6, 2005

You are not forgotten.............

Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ
May 4, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

Deputy Sanchez, you are remembered on this date of your death. You will be remembered always.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
April 6, 2004

Deputy Sanchez, i pray that you will never be forgotton for all the great things you have done for SBSD.Thank you for your hard work. RIP

Ryan
Southern California
February 27, 2004

Dep. Sanchez,

Your death was not unappreciated. We in blue salute you and all of those brave officers who have given their lives protecting society. RIP Brother in blue.

Edward F. Beck (Ret)
Stone Harbor PD, NJ