Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Ronald S. Stapleton

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Tuesday, January 3, 1978

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Reflections for Police Officer Ronald S. Stapleton

I worked worked and road with Ron
a few times while at the 77 and
attended his funeral.
As nice guy and a "Alamo" veteran
We all miss him. I am glad to learn
the purp was caught, all of us veterans
of the 77 will have closure.
Thanks for the up date.

P.O. Don Lampkin
NYPD 77Pct Alumni

September 24, 2023

Ronnie was a dear friend as well as a brother in blue.

He worked at the 77 and I at the 73.

We both played for the NYPD hockey team and it was there where we became best friends.

He will always be remembered for his kind heart, decency, great sense of humor, and his immense love for his friends and family!

Rest in peace my brother!

James D’Alesandro
73rd Pct retired

P.O. James D’Alesandro
NYPD 73rd Pct

January 6, 2022

Rest in peace Officer Stapleton. My father served out of the 102nd precinct.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 1, 2019

Rest in peace.

Lt.Jim Russo

January 4, 2018

It was my honor to research newspapers, books and magazines and finally find your 1978 ID Card Photo from a 1978 Spring 3100 magazine article and make sure your photo was put on this site. I wanted to put a face to your heroism in the Line of Duty. I did the research because you are a brother officer and no matter how many years past, you will always be remembered. Rest Easy Hero.

APO Christian Durante
NYPD: 68th Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit

February 5, 2016

The deeds we do In life echo into eternity. Thank you for your service gone but not forgotten.

Police officer William Stapleton
MVPD

January 25, 2015

I pray you're in heaven safe and sound. You're gone from this earthly world but not forgotten.

Anonymous

January 12, 2015

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

July 23, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th 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 solace for all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever.

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

January 3, 2012

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Stapleton and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He died a New York hero.

Robyn

January 7, 2009

Today on the 30th anniversary of your death, we pause and say a prayer for your loved ones you left behind.
Rest in peace Sir you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

January 3, 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 2, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 31, 2007

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

December 28, 2004

Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept.

August 16, 2004

God bless you and your family.

Anonymous

September 2, 2003

Rest in Peace Brother...you will never be forgotten.


CPD, Ohio Retired

i worked with ronnie. he was a great guy, always smiling. he loved his job, and he and his partner were always there for backup. we were in a group that was very active in the 77. i am very proud to have worked with ronnie and the others. my daughter is a nypd dective, and my son ( who is named after another fallen officer from the 77, robert mandel ) is a clearwater, FL. police officer. they all know about ronnie, as he continues to live on in our hearts. god bless his family. tommy dawe, 77Pct.

p o tom dawe
77 pct n y p d

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