Officer Down Memorial Page

YOU WERE, ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE A HERO TO EVERYONE YOU MET. YOUR BABY SISTER MISSES YOU DEARLY AND I MAKE THIS PROMISE TO YOU THAT I WILL ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF HER. UNTIL MY END OF TOUR. I NEVER HAD THE PRIVELEGE TO HAVE MET YOU BUT I KNOW A LOT OF YOU. I PROMISE I WILL NEVER LET ANYTHING HAPPEN TO YOUR FAMILY.

DETECTIVE MIGUEL A. TOBAR
NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT
April 4, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Soto. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
February 16, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd 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.

You will always be honored and revered as time never diminishes, I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I am sure that you are proud of your son for becoming a fine young man and your wife who raised him so well.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
December 30, 2011

Porfirio and I served together in the military and then entered into law enforcement around the same time. I will never forget how happy you were when you told me you were hired by TPD. I was so happy for you and I know that without a doubt you were doing what God designed you to do. We had many memories, but most importantly and especially as a fellow officer, I will never forget the ultimate sacrifice you made, you did it not for fame or money, but because of your love and dedication for your profession. Thank you for your service, and you and your family will never be forgotten. You made the world a bit safer for all of us on that fateful day. Most importantly I will never forget the great times we had and I will never forget the man you became. You left an incredIble legacy for your family and son. It's great to see the post by Carmen about your son. I am so proud of Carmen for raising such a good son. I also wanted to thank her for her sacrifice as well. I truly believe we will see each other again and I can thank you myself face to face. One day it will all make sense. I will continue to pray for your family and son forever.

Sergeant Evelio Perez
Manatee County Sheriff's Office
November 7, 2011

After so many years, I can still remember everything like it was yesterday. Today you have a 23 year old son, college graduate, healthy and happy. You would have been proud to call him your son. He looks so much like you, even some of his manerisms are you although he never really knew you. He has grown up to be everything and more you could ever wish for.

Carmen Soto-Martinez
Wife
July 19, 2011

22 years has passed but you live on in the hearts of your family and friends. Always remembered, never forgotten!!

Jennifer Neal
Sister of Detective Randy Bell EOW 05/19/98
December 30, 2010

Time does not heal the pain in your families hearts, but may they know that we will never forget their hero....

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous
December 30, 2010

Porfirio and I were classmates at John D. Wells JHS 50 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn N.Y. I'm not surprised that he went on to protect and serve people because that is who he was, he cared. Next Year we'll be having a class of 78 reunion in Brooklyn where he'll be honored. You've paid the ultimate price by laying down your life and thank you for your service to the people of Tampa. We will miss you.

Master Sergeant (R) USAF Gil Sanchez
Friend/Classmate
August 4, 2010

I have missed you more than you will ever know. Today as 2fficers are laid to rest memories of that December night in 1988 come rushing back. Until we meet again, rest in peace "Pro".

former officer
HCSO
July 2, 2010

RIP

Anonymous
September 9, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
December 29, 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
October 8, 2007

Porfirio and I grew up together in Williamsburg Brooklyn, We went to the same school and often competed against eachother with sports and girlfriends, he usually beat me on both! He was a great friend and I wish that he was still here today. I will always miss you my friend.

Hector Jordan

Hector Jordan
Friend
September 24, 2006

I remember your funeral, how large an attendance. I will never forget seeing your baby boy in his Mothers lap. He was holding & had your badge in his little mouth as if cutting a tooth. I heard a tiny clink on the metal.I think of him often, he would be grown now. Stained glass windows had light on him.
You looked so peaceful holding a rosary. You looked so handsome in your uniform & body armor. Can it really be this long ago? You were gone too soon brother. Rest in Peace.

Retired Officer Gainesville Fl
September 9, 2005

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

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

December 30, 2004

RIP brother...

THE POLICEMAN'S LAST ROLL CALL ...

THE POLICEMAN STOOD AND FACED HIS 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 badges 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 just
got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with
fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept many 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 Lord, it needn't be so
grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, I'll understand."

There was 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 borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's
streets, you've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

Deputy
Dane County Sheriff's Office, WI
September 30, 2003