Officer Down Memorial Page

Today and everyday you're thought about. A huge part of who I am is because of your living and losing you.
I miss your easy going casual fun and laughter. I miss singing with you while you play the guitar. To MISS , a soft word for such a huge everlasting hurt.
Love to you and our other angels. Daddy, Mommy, brother Michael and sister Mary.

Gloria

gloria valentino netzer
little sister
September 29, 2011

You are remembered today by a mother of a fallen officer. My son, Larry Lasater died when shot on April 23, 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers while serving with the Pittsburg, California Police Department.

Albert, your sacrifice is not forgotten. Rest in Peace. Your memory is honored and revered 21 years after your death and will continue to be. This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Albert gave to his community and the citizens of Philadelphia, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 23, 1989.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
October 23, 2010

I was his and Gerri's best man at their wedding, my wife and I will always miss him. It has been 20 yrs since the awful incident, but we will never forget. We see the family from time to time and reminece old times. He is now a grandfather from his oldest son Albert Jr. We still love you and will never forget. Love Pat and Mary Lou and family

Pat Maiellano
best friend
October 24, 2009

god bless you and all your family, and may he walk with your family who fellow you, as police officers too. I hope you guide them . we all miss you .thank you for protecting us. sharon clark rilling and family

sharon clark rilling
cousin
February 24, 2009

This is a beautiful tribute to all our fallen officers, especially you Al, I will always miss you, my hero. Thank you for watching over my daughter, husband, brother etc.

Bernadette Valentino-McCafferty
Sister
September 30, 2008

I would like to thank everyone for all the kind words I have read on this page. I just discovered this page today and these reflections do mean a lot to the family as well as myself.

-Thank you-

Nick Valentino
Son
May 17, 2008

May you rest in peace my brother.

Chief Investigator David Marston Retired
United States Marine Corps
May 5, 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 24, 2008

Officer Valentino, I remember and will never forget your passing,it happened not far from my home.I was surprised something so violent happened near where I live.I felt SO badly for your family,your wife,your baby,and especially for You.I know you had SO much to look forward to.God Bless all the officers that were with you that night,I know you continue to look after them.Thank you so much for your service.Sincerely, M.W., A Phila. Native

M.W.
Philadelphia Native
November 14, 2007

I think of you everyday big brother. I miss you and your humor, and the time and relationship that could have been with your family. I miss singing with you while you played the guitar. So many good memories to smile about they will never be forgotten.

gloria valentino netzer
sister
November 6, 2007

It has taken me 22 years to finally step up and thank you Officer Valentino for saving my life. I was 5 years old when you responded to the 911 call from my house. I had fallen through my backdoor impaling myself on the glass lacerating my side from the bottom of my rib cage to just below my shoulder and also in my arm pit. When you arrived on the scene I was bloody and my father holding onto me. You told him we couldn't wait for the "bus" and rushed us out of the house to Frankford Hospital Frankford Campus. On the way up I asked my Dad if I was going to die. You were just pulling up to the hospital and slammed on the brakes looked back at me looking me in the eyes saying "No one dies in my car kid". Next thing I know I was getting stiched up and home again. For the next couple weeks you continued to check up on me and my healing progress. I was in 4th grade when you passed due to that unfortunate turn of events. I can't thank you enough for saving my life and doing all that you could at a moments notice to save some kid you didn't even know. Someday I hope to meet you on the other side so that you may tell me you are proud of the life I made thanks to you. God bless you and your family.

Howard Szczurek
Saved By P/O Valentino
November 3, 2007

You will always be remembered just as every hero is. Rest in peace always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
October 23, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
NH
October 19, 2007

Time passes but you are still remembered and honored.

October 23, 2006

God Bless you Officer Valintino and know you are not forgotten You are remembered in my daily prayers, along with all are Fallen Police Officers. Thank you for all your work and dedication and the sacrifice you made in making the people of Philadelphia safer. God Belss as you continue to sleep in God's Love and In His Arms and Peace.
Respectfully
Kathi Halligan Phila Pa wife and Mom of LEO"S

kathi Halligan
Phila., PA.
October 23, 2006

It doesn't seem like 17 years, Albert. I hope you're still cruisin'...I know some good friends have followed you since you've arrived. Godspeed.

D.R.
Port Richmond Cruisin' Assn.
August 8, 2006

P/O Valentino, you are not forgotten. I look at your picture everytime I stand roll call.`

P/O #5434
Philadelphia PD
May 30, 2006

Uncle Al,
I think about you all the time and I know you are keeping watch on me, now that I do the job too. I know that it you who has gotten me out of some of my scariest situations. Thanks. You will never be forgotten.
All my Love,
Bernadette

Police Officer
niece
May 15, 2006

God Bless Officer Valentino.

God Bless Officer Valentino's Family.

God Bless The Philadelphia Police Department.

Trooper
New Jersey State Police
April 23, 2006

I remember playing football with Albert when we were childredn Last time I saw him I was walking the 6000 block of JFK Blvd. He and his brother Pat passed me in a patrol car. They didn't recognize me because we hadn't stayed intouch for years. I moved to Nevada in 1972

Tims has a way with things.

As time goes on you realize how important family and time are.

My wife and I lost our youngest son to gangbangers looking for drug money. delivering a pizza our son was shot from the passenger side of his car.

May all law enforcement people stay safe.

LONG MAY SHE WAVE!!

Art Clark III

ARthur Clark III
Family
October 27, 2005

Godspeed Officer Valentino


The Final Inspection

The policeman stood and faced 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 of us who carry a badge
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 awfully 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 time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've 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 a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"


Author Unknown

Donna
Philadelphia citizen
October 23, 2005

Thank you for your dedicated service. Rest in peace.

A citizen
October 23, 2004