Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Roger A. Sterling

Milwaukee Police Department, Wisconsin

End of Watch Monday, May 11, 1987

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Roger A. Sterling

Rest in peace Officer Sterling.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 27, 2021

33 years without you, yet I feel you still❤️ Forever will.
RIP Dad

Marguerite
Daughter

May 17, 2020

I had the privilege to work with Roger on numerous occasions back in 1982. He had a great sense of humor and was always professional in his work. Thanks for the memories on the Late Shift.

Gary A. Kohl
Former MPD

May 11, 2018

My brother my brother its been 31 yrs since you left tragically left us I remember the good times that we shared and I will always remember the last time I was with you I think of you every day, love peace and remembrance brother always.

RANDOLPH STERLING
Brother

May 11, 2018

I still think of you, Jet, whenever I go down Atkinson street past 11th,where we used to play basketball. Rest In Peace,Brother.

Charles Peterson-Civilian

October 20, 2015

You are gone from this place,,but certainly not forgotten for who you were as a person, and officer,,and also for who you still are in the hearts of family and friends.

Police Sergeant W. LEE
Milwaukee P.D.

May 11, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 11, 2015

I used to play basketball on the court at 11th and Atkinson street with Jet(everyone called him that). He was only one of two of the regulars who could actually block my sky hook-Jerry Penny who, at 6'9, was the other one. Roger was like a big brother because he was always giving me pointers on things. Once, when I started running off at the mouth, this guy was about to beat the heck out of me and I wasn't even aware of it until he pulled me aside and suggested that I make myself scarce. By leaving, I was able to avoid an unpleasant scene. I still think about the Jet whenever I go down Atkinson Street. Things just aren't the same w/o Roger around. RIP Jet.

Cvilian. Charles Peterson
Friend

January 10, 2015

Hey Roger, today is/would have been your 58th birthday. We all miss you so much and wish so much that you were with us in person to celebrate your day. Always thinking about you and will always be in my heart.
Love you bro
Sister Michelle
April 8, 2014

Michelle
sister

April 8, 2014

Roger, it's been 26 years since I got that fatal call in the middle of the night. Your presence still burns strong in my soul and influences my thoughts. I miss u little brother. Know that your legacy lives thru me and your other siblings. I don't question why you were taken from us because we must remember that you belong to God and you are safe in his embrace. Until we meet again. Love u.
Stevie,

Steven R. Sterling
Brother

February 6, 2014

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

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

December 8, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th 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

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your sister and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

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

May 11, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

April 18, 2012

"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

February 22, 2008

May 11, 2007 will represent an incredible 20 years since you were taken so suddenly from us. I think of you every single day and try to honor your memory by helping our family, giving back to the community, by being an excellent role model for young people and by never letting the family forget you and your crazy sense of humor. You always kept yourself in top physical shape but were just as handsome on the inside as on the outside. Love and miss you little brother. Continue to rest in peace. -Mona.

Ramona Sterling
Sister

May 10, 2007

Rest in Peace.Thank you for your service.

May 11, 2006

Rest in peace brother
You're gone but not forgotten.

Deputy
Walworth Co SO

December 19, 2003

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.