Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 31rst 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.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
May 19, 2012

I was a police officer with the McAllen Police Department when my friend, Rosalin Suarez, Jr., was killed. He worked with me at Pharr P.D. before we worked at McAllen P.D. I grew up with Rosalin and know his family well. May you rest in peace my friend.

Ruben G. Flores

Ruben Flores
Ex-McAllen Police Officer
July 1, 2011

On May 19,1981 I got a call that the alarm was set off at my families business, The Village Store. My husband and I arrived and I saw a Police car still running and no officers in site. We went to the door to open and turn the alarm off.
This happened many times. We had a policeman come up to us and pulled a gun on us and he said leave and come back. We saw so many officers and we heard someone had been shot. My heart sunk. We came back and they showed us a picture and the man had been the store earlier in the day.
I was just talking to my son and told him the story. It has been 28 years. I just want to say to any family members or to any of his friends I did not know them and the McAllen Police Dept is one of the finest in the State. I still think about him often. Since then I lost a 14 year old son and I feel so much for Rosalin's parents,wife, and family.
God be with you.

Ann Hohmann
Owner of the establishment
May 27, 2009

IF
So many years have gone by. You were so young so full of life and the desire to do the best any Outstanding young officer could do.
I was off that night and was notified by a friend not my own police department. I will never forget you nor your brother that followed you into law enforcement.
Friends until we meet again.

Jesus Davila ex training officer friend
neisd San Antonio
May 22, 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
February 14, 2008

We will never forget you Officer Rosalin Suarez Jr.

Police Officer Santiago Galvan Jr.
McAllen Police Officer
January 14, 2007

"The Final Inspection"
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 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 awful tough."

"But I never took a penny,
that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep."

"And I never passed a cry for help,
though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I wept 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 here, 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 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."

Dedicated to my brother not only in blue but in real life may GOD bless you always! You will always be in our hearts. love your brother!

Investigator Ricardo Suarez
McAllen Police Department
November 8, 2006

I knew this office and his sister. He was a fine young man who died in the service of his community. He'll be remembered by all who knew him with the greatest esteem. May he rest in peace.

Chuck schermerhorn
Canal Zone Police & US Customs
September 27, 2005

Officer Suarez,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Mcallen. I work in law enforcment along the Texas Border also, and I know what it's like down here. It's too bad your murderer didn't get the justice that was due him.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

May 19, 2005