Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Customs Officer Roger L. Von Amelunxen

United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Wednesday, July 30, 1980

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Customs Officer Roger L. Von Amelunxen

Merry Christmas Roger. We will not forget your sacrifice and great courage as well as the generosity through the Roger L. Von Amelunxen Family Fund.

Anonymous
CBP

December 23, 2021

Merry Christmas Roger. We will not forget your sacrifice and great courage as well as the generosity through the Roger L. Von Amelunxen Family Fund.

Anonymous

December 23, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

July 30, 2020

Rest in peace Customs Officer Von Amelunxen.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 30, 2019

Even after your death, you continue to serve others- including the families of several of my coworkers. God bless you and your wonderful, generous family.

Your Sister in Green
USBP

November 27, 2018

Customs Officer Roger L. Von AMELUNXEN ... the passage of time ( 35 years ) will never diminish our sincere appreciation for your dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice for us. God Bless You

another grateful citizen

July 30, 2015

Roger and I worked together as Sky Marshals until the program was disbanded in favor of "ground security" which proved to be a mistake in view of 9/11. I went on with US Customs as an Inspector and Roger stayed on as a Patrol Officer. Roger was a big man, but gentle. Our paths crossed on the job. I saw him one day coming into the Inspection area and we chatted for a couple of minutes. He then walked towards the US Immigration area, to see, as I learned later, a female officer he was dating. I watched as he walked away and turned the corner to the Immigration area. This was the summer of 1980. It was the last time I saw Roger alive. A couple of weeks later, we heard that Roger was killed coming to the assistance of a cab driver.
It was hard to fathom that Roger, a big man, was killed by a single bullet fired from a small caliber hand gun. Some years later, a cold case detective arrested Rogers's killer and justice was finally done. Rest in peace Roger.

Sr Insp. Raymond A. Ciccolilli, retired
US Customs Service

December 25, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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

I pray for the solace of all those that love and rememer you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 23, 2013

Thank you for your heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 30, 2012

"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 31, 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 31, 2008

On the 27th Anniversary of your death, your sacrifice and dedication to the people of New York City will never be forgotten. RIP

A/Lt Richard Oberhaus
NYPD Auxiliary

July 30, 2007

As a young Canine Enforcement Officer,I'll never forget the feeling of loss and the sadness I experienced when I attended Rogers funeral.Rodger left a lasting impression on me personally as well as touching the hearts of so many Officers. I thank God for the honor and privilege I have had to serve as a Customs/CBPO Officer doing the kind of job Rodger died for.

Frederick C Luby
Customs and Border Protection

September 19, 2005

Agent Von Amelunxen,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

July 30, 2005

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