Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05
December 13, 2011

"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 5, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh
December 7, 2007

No greater love a man can have than to lay his life on the line for those he may not know.
You made the ultimate sacrifice so innocent people would not be harmed.
Your bravery is of the highest order, you are a Hero and you will not be forgotten.

Retired police officer
June 17, 2004

Tucker....You were the first of 32 DPD officers to die in the line of duty during my 25 year career. You were always with me in spirit the entire time. Rest in peace, brother.

J.R.
DPD
February 4, 2004

Tucker....You were the first of 32 officers to die in the line of duty during my DPD career from10/22/73 until 03/01/99. You and all the others were with me the entire time. Rest in peace, brother. You gave it your all.

Sr. Corp. J.R.
DPD
February 4, 2004

Rest in Peace! You did not die in vain.

CAO Bill Flinchum
DHS, BCIS

Rest in Peace, Brother. You did not die in vain.

CAO Bill Flinchum
DHS, BCIS