Officer Down Memorial Page

Today I read a little about the horrific facts behind your murder and the immense struggle for justice. Your family has endured a lot in their quest for justice. I finally found an article that referred to the retrial ending in another death verdict. If this article was accurate, I am glad for the new and just decision, but hate that your family may have to endure more years of appellate scrutiny when it has already been decades.

All your family is in my heart's embrace today for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest in peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
August 29, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twentieth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I hold your family in thought and prayer today, and pray for their solace.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
August 29, 2009

Thank you for your service and sacrfice.RIP.

Anonymous
September 18, 2008

Uncle bobby: you were the best uncle a girl could ever have. I am so sorry your life was cut short by such a horrible person. You will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace. Love you

Tracy
Niece
August 27, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 5, 2008

What a terrible situation. Sgt. Vicha, thank you for your service. Neither you, nor your sacrifice, will ever be forgotten.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
November 6, 2007

You have not been forgotten as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over yuour loved ones and close friends. Also, keep watch over those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
August 28, 2007

Vic was one of my first Field Training Officers. He was all business, but fair and caring. He was one of the finest examples of what a police officer should be. Firm, but with compassion. Rest in peace Vic..see you soon..Bob Lester, Badge#147.

Retired Police Officer Bob Lester
Midland PD
April 13, 2007

TODAY WE REMEMBER THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE THAT SERG VICHA GAVE, HIS LIFE.
HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. HE IS ONE OF OUR HEROS.
GLB

August 29, 2006

What a tragedy. Thank you for your many years of service and for your sacrifice, Sergeant.

A Private Citizen
May 6, 2006

Your inspiration pushed me to become what I have grown to love. Your sensless and untimely death was in the preservance of life and our family.
I will allways respect your dedication to duty. Not a day goes by that you are not thought of and remembered.

Your Loving Cousin
Candice

Officer Candice W. Boyd, Patrolman
Mexia P.D.
July 31, 2004

God bless you brother. A hero never dies and you will never be forgotten. May God comfort those you once held.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
August 29, 2003