Officer Down Memorial Page

Forty years ago today. I can still hear the TV announcer's voice saying, "Dead are Trooper Bill Walker, and State Park Superintendent Leo Newton." I was as if a bolt of lightning had hit all in the room. I can still hear the Pastor at Checotah Oklahoma's First Baptist Church say, "Do not blame this on the will of God but rather on the wickedness of men!"
I can still see the throng of brown shirts in the OHP Honor Guard. I can still hear Bill's voice, "Keep casting that spoon right over there by that stick, it will make him mad and he will strike!" What we loose when evil dwells in the hearts of men.

Rev. Paul Ratliff
Nephew
February 17, 2011

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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
February 18, 2010

I was working at Fountainhead State Park at that time and remember well the incident and the dark days following.

Michael Gibson
employee State of Oklahoma
September 18, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 11, 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 9, 2008

Bill Walker taught me to Bass Fish, to stand up as a man, and that real men, good men, serve Christ and their fellow man with honor and compassion. He serves now with His Lord in Heaven. He was recently re-united with his beautiful wife, Janette.

Rev. Paul Ratliff
Nephew
December 23, 2006

What a terrible thing to happen. My thoughts and prayers go out the family of Trooper Walker.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
September 28, 2006

Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Trooper.

Private Citizen
May 1, 2006

Bill,I knew you as a Trooper and brother in law enforcement and still miss your friendship and wit. I know God Blesses you and may he bless your family.

Cpl. Gregg Van de Loo
Comal County Sheriff's Office,Texas
September 4, 2004

Trooper Walker you are not forgotten. My thanks as a brother officer for your sacrifice. To the family & friends of Trooper walker I offer my condolence.

Sr. Trooper
Oregon State Police