Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sheriff Vinson,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of King County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 19, 2022

Uncle Paul - you were a great man and father. I remember that awful night as we found out of your death. Your loss left a big hole in the extended family and you will never be forgotten. My mother, Pauline, was your twin sister.

Heiadi Hollar Kenney
Niece

March 23, 2022

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

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

May 19, 2021

Sheriff Vinson, I have been blessed to know your daughter, Belinda, for over 25 years. This year at NPW I made rubbings for your Family of your name & Officer Holmes. I also made rubbings for my cousin, Ret. TX DPS Lt. Neal Haralson. He ate many a meal at your table. He was there that night & only wishes he could have done more for both of you. Please know you are not forgotten. Your name & that of Officer Holmes share the west wall of the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial in DC, with the name of my late husband, Albuquerque Police Officer Gerald E. Cline. God bless & keep those you love!

Yolanda H Cline
COPS Past National President

May 28, 2019

Rest in Peace Sheriff Paul Roy Vinson. Thank You for your brave Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of King County, Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends, and the men and women who now serve King County. I also Pray that while your murderer did not escape punishment here on this earthly realm that the hounds of hell will soon be gnawing on his sorry bones. May nothing but thorn bushes and weeds grow on his grave. May his sorry soul be consumed by the lake of fire.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

May 19, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 19, 2015

I wish I could have known you, but I know you are watching over us from heaven.

Brandi foster
Granddaughter

March 26, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th 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.

Rest In Peace.

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

May 19, 2012

I have heard so many good things about my granddaddy I never got the pleasure of meeting him he got killed right before I was born but I do know that he was a great man and he is always looking down on us so with much love poured up to heaven I would like to tell him thank you and love you .......from Stacie Jo

STACIE JO LAMBERT
GRANDDAUGHTER

July 31, 2011

Paul and I,Alice O'Neill was married June 3 ,1951.We had four children 2 girls and 2 boys. We had 3 children still at home at the time of his death on May 19 of 1994 . Paul was kind and gental man . He always found time for God and his family. At the time of his death I received many cards an calls from officers ,friends an offenders expressing their sadness . This showed to me what kind of an officer and good man he was . Love forever and I still miss you after all these years.

Alice
wife

July 30, 2011

Seems like just yesterday,yet so long ago. Paul was so much fun. I spent any a day at their home with Debbie and Belinda, there was never a time I remember that Paul not cracking a joke or two. His memory will forever live. Rest in peace.

Norma
Friend

July 30, 2011

My Uncle Paul was a hero to me always. What a lost of a
great man that awful night. He was a good family man and
caring for his fellow man.
My Mother was your oldest sister. We all still miss you.
Love you Uncle Paul

Charlotte Middleton
niece

July 29, 2011

He was a very loving father,who loved his job,his family and friends. I wish he could have known his grandchildren an great grandchildren ,oh how proud he would have been of them. I LOVE YOU DAD

Belinda Sursa
daughter

July 28, 2011

I loved you like you were a second father. I remember the day I was told you were not coming back home, and I really thought I could send you my love, thoughts, and prayers by attaching notes to balloons. I was only three, yet I remember you and the love you showed me.

Shelly Drennan Horton
bratty kid he put up with

May 5, 2010

To my Uncle Paul, whom I remember as a man who worked hard to provide for his wife and four children. You paid the highest price for your service for them and your community. There are many fond memories of your smile, your laughter and your hospitality.

Randall Vinson
nephew

April 7, 2010

You were my Dad's younger brother...he still misses you.

Connie Vinson
Niece

April 2, 2010

"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 14, 2008

I wish my kids could have known how great a man you were

David L Vinson
son

January 5, 2008

A couple of years ago they finally put a Memorial marker in front of the new Courthouse. It was in your honor, being from King County I thought it was about time. When I decided to become a peace officer, my father told me about you. He told me the story of your last watch. I was born after you were gone, but I will always remember you and your sacrifice. Thank you.

Patrolman Christopher Keith
Stamford Police Dept

November 2, 2007