Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th 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.

Your sacrifice was made so many years ago. Evil was, is, and will be a part of life just as goodness such as yours will also be present.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater. Pittsburg Police Dept., eow 4/24
October 22, 2011

Officer Schachte was a classmate in the IPD Academy. Dedicate police officer doing his duty when taken by surprise with a bullet to the face. Many officers on/off duty searched relentlessy for his killer Ricky Lee Vaughn - to no avail. RLV was apprehended out of state after about a year, was tried and convicted - still doing time.

Awards are given for heroism and rightly so, but I believe that any person willing to carry the badge of a law enforcement officer, a gun, and reports for duty is a hero. Clearly, not knowing if they will complete a shift without being injured or killed while drtving/protecting their fellow man demonstrates courage and their badge is their "HERO's" medal!

Capt. Retired, Garold Rothenbush
IPD
March 31, 2011

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Schachte.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL
December 19, 2008

Officer Schachte your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
May 24, 2008

Rest in Peace

Deputy Randy Bennett
Henry Co. Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)
October 22, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

This writer hopes that life in prison means LIFE IN PRISON

VanDenBerghe
NH
October 19, 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
July 31, 2007

I never knew you or got to work with you but I did work with Steve and I am sure you were from the same stock as he was. I appreciate your sacrifice.

John Isom
September 27, 2006

You are in my prayers to this day along with our brothers and sister in Law Enforcement with you in paradise. God bless you.
Semper Fi Marine.

Retired I.P.D.
I.P.D. same shift and sector
June 29, 2006

Bob:

It's a shame you missed all these years with the rest of us from 'back in the day.' None of us will forget you man, rest in peace.

Annuit Coeptis

Lt. S. I. Drake
Indianapolis Police Department
August 23, 2005

30 years ago today Patrol Officer Robert Edward Schachte lost his life in the service of his country and community. His tragic murder is, as much today as it was those many years ago, a reminder of the dnagers faced by law enforcement officers each and every day. All of our shifts today are dedicated to this hero in the sublime hope that peace may yet come to those who still grieve his loss.

OMY/COP/WPD
10/22/04

Chief of Police / Olen M. Young
Wauneta PD Nebraska
October 22, 2004

God bless, Robert...from a fellow Hoosier.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police
February 24, 2004

Bob and his brother Steve were my training officers when I first "hit" the streets. When I was shot in 1970 Bob used to come to the hospital and play chess with me and just kid around. No finer a man has lived. On the night of Bob's death I lost a close friend and the department lost a great officer.

Patrolman Don Garcia (Ret)
Indianapols Police Dept.