Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Jerrell P. Vaughan

North Little Rock Police Department, Arkansas

End of Watch Tuesday, April 16, 1963

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Patrolman Jerrell P. Vaughan

Rest in peace officer Vaughan.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 28, 2019

I do remember when he died. Was a nightmare. Still so sad today.

Judy ross
Civilian

April 16, 2019

NLRPD remains a great department to this day because of the men and women who served and continue to serve like you. You're never forgotten. God bless

Special Agent-in-Charge Diane Upchurch
FBI - Little Rock

April 16, 2017

I never knew Mr. Vaughn but remember the news of his death in the local media when I was 10 years old. When I became a police officer years later I would think of him and others in this state that lost their lives in the line of duty. Controversy surrounded his death and the way it was handled for many years. There was 8 participants on the scene, 3 shooters, Officer Barrentine, Jerrell Vaughn, and his murderer clouded in mystery to this day. Forensic Science was in its infancy, and small departments did not have the benifit of training or forensices to help them. Those officers had only their courage, common sense, and dedication to see them through from the Old West to the 1980's when science would allow fewer mysteries. Those officers encountered an incredibly complex crime scene that fateful night. They should never be forgotten.

Kenneth Riggsby
a fellow officer

October 2, 2015

Jerrell was such a warm, wonderful officer. He was my buddy, he often drove by my house to check on me. (I was recovering from some burns) I was 12 at the time he was killed and he had stopped by my house the night before to bring me a coke and see how I was doing. My uncle was a Captain on the force and brought us the news. My heart was broken!

Civilian Nita Thirion Markley
Friend

June 14, 2015

Officer Vaughan worked off-duty as a night watchman at Lakewood swimming pool and park in 1962-1963. I used to hang out with him at night and he was a very positive influence on a young mans life. I was starting to hang out with some less than desirable boys and was headed for trouble sooner or later. He helped me come to my senses and change paths. He encouraged me to continue my education and go to college, which I did.
Officer Vaughan, I have thought of you often through the years and I am taking this opportunity to Thank You. My life was blessed by your friendship and guidance.

Civilian
Friend

December 23, 2014

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

April 16, 2014

50 years-gone but never forgotten. This Thursday we will honor you for your sacrifice during our memorial service. I was only three years old but I think of you almost weekly when I pass our memorial of those fallen. Members of your family come yearly to the service.

Chief Mike Davis
North Little Rock Police Department

May 14, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th 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 that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace.
Rest In Peace.

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

April 17, 2012

Although your tour of duty is over, you will never be forgotten! May God bless you, your family and your co-workers. Rest in peace my brother, [There's one who will have NO peace for this act]

Lieutenant George Monroe Retired
Pulaski Co. Sheriff Dept.

July 4, 2011

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Vaughan. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 8, 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

August 8, 2007

NO ONE SHOULD GO WITHOUT A REFLECTION, EVEN THOUGH ITS BEEN 42 YEARS SINCE YOU DIED A HERO. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS THE ONE THAT STOPPED THE BAD GUY FROM HARMING SOMEONE ELSE. I SALUTE YOU SIR MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND I HOPE THAT YOU ARE PATROLING THOSE STREETS OF GOLD. R.I.P. BROTHER.

SGT.W. M. RILEY
ARAGON GA POLICE DEPT

November 7, 2005

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.