Officer Down Memorial Page

Paul was always full of life with a smile on his face and love in his heart. I can not remember him saying a bad thing about anyone or complaining about life. I lost track of Paul after I moved out of the Albany area only to hear about his death years later from mutual friends. Paul I truely loved you like a brother and I miss you.

Raymmond J Huff
Childhood friend
August 12, 2011

I had known Paul from gradeschool through High School. Paul was a very kind and caring person. It did not surprise me when I had heard that he had become a State Trooper. This seemed to be a perfect fit for him. Paul and his family had expierenced some sad events while he was was growing up, but Paul never let this stop him from wanting to help others. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I feel very fortunate to have known Paul and his family. I have thought of him many times over the years. I have many happy memories of our school days. Paul has given the ultimate sacrafice and I am sorry that this is so late...but Thank You. You will always be remembered.
Your Friend,
Lynn Archambault Dimmer

Anonymous
February 15, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th 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. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 26, 2010

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

Robyn Wilkes
July 20, 2009

"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

Was it really that long ago? I can't even believe it. I remember Trooper Ashburn. He was a really decent guy. Coming from Coxsackie, reflecting on the loss of another trooper from our area this past week, I remembered Trooper Ashburn. He is sorely missed around here.

He is not forgotten!

May 1, 2007

Rest in peace brother. May God bless you.

Patrolman
September 4, 2005

This is a reflection of a class mate and friend remembered.
Paul and I were graduates from the same class. I remember him as a easy going, laid back kind of guy. Though we trained hard and played many jokes,(some at his dispence)he always took it in stride and with a quite smerk. It hurts to see he was the first to go from our class, but he is and always will be remebered and missed by all who knew him. Bravery & Peace to you my Brother. BJ Anderson

TRP Bob Anderson
New York State Police
August 29, 2003