Officer Down Memorial Page

I inadvertently left an inaccurate reflection for you in my previous post. The reflection I intended to leave is below.

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th 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.
Time never diminishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

I am angered that you and your family were denied justice and that the man responsible for your murder only served the woefully inadequate sentence of five years.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary of your death. and the death of your good friend and partner. 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. He was also your fellow Marine so I bid you semper fi and thank you for your service defending our country in Vietnam.

Time never diminishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 27, 2012

Cousin John and I visited your grave Sunday, August 8th 2010. John and I reminisced about our years growing up together and all the fun that we had. We will always miss you.
We were very pleased and impressed by the purple petunias planted and cared for at your grave. A special thank you to the people/person that is responsible for this. It means so much to us to think that someone is taking time out of their day to care. Many thanks again.
Mary

Mary Semrov Hogan
1st cousin
August 15, 2010

Hard to believe it is almost 27 years. You are still remembered and very much missed ! Drove to Cooperstown today and saw you like it was yesterday on route 28 rounding the corners ! Always in your patrol car, always so proud. Still so proud of you Bob. Hope you and Debbie are enjoying each other once again !!! Miss you ! Love you !

Anonymous
January 23, 2010

I said a little prayer today for Trooper Semrov and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes
January 19, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, THIS WRITER IS AS ALWAYS, DISAPPOINTED THAT JUSTICE WAS NOT SERVED ON YOUR BEHALF. 5 YEARS ... THAT IS UNBELIEVABLE AND VERY UNFAIR TO YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND ALL THOSE THAT WORK IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
January 23, 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 20, 2007

Bob, we attended the Academy together. We went to the same troop together. I attended your funeral. It has been many years since then. We will never forget your sacrifice.

Trooper G. Glatt, retired
NYSP
August 15, 2007

5 years what a disgrace. rest in piece hero.

police officer steven sweeney
boston pd
August 15, 2006

5 years in exchange for your life. that is not justice! may god bless and keep you.

p.o. john engebretsen
nypd
March 21, 2006

Trp Semrov, you will never be forgotten. You are a true hero.

PO Richard Eckert
Town of Chester PD
September 4, 2005

Bob, You and Mom are together now. She never was able to get over your death. You meant so much to her. She left us 16 years after you. We thought it would be right to bury you together. I now carry your name and can say Im proud to do it.Rest in peace Bob and someday we will all be together again.

Robert O'Brien
August 23, 2005

God holds a special place for those who give their lives in the service of others. May you rest peacefully in his hands, brother.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD
January 1, 2005