Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Guard Samuel W. Van Auken

Monroe County Correctional Facility, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Sunday, December 15, 1974

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Reflections for Guard Samuel W. Van Auken

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

December 15, 2020

They still inform new CO's of this incident & the dangers of our job. You are not forgoten. RIP

C.O.2 Mark Maminski
MCCf

April 9, 2015

A Hero now in Heaven, Always remembered and Never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

December 15, 2014

Uncle Sam,
I was so very lucky to have known you, as a respected "cop" known by all the ESHS kids through the early '70's as The Renta Cop at school functions, as well as "Santa Claus" when children of many local families were small enough to still "believe", you are always in our hearts.

PA UC Tax Agent (retired)
great niece on grandmother's side (Thelma Anthony))

June 7, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you.
The hurt never goes away, but both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest in Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 15, 2010

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Deputy Van Auken.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 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

January 15, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 8, 2007

May you continue to rest in peace. A hero is never forgotten......

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly PD, Va.

December 15, 2006

Today marks the 32nd anniversary of your death sir, and I would like to say thank you and know that you are never forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

December 15, 2006

Deputy Sheriff Van Auken,
On today, the 31st anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Monroe County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

December 15, 2005

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