Officer Down Memorial Page

Larry, this hip fracture I have will prevent me from going to Berdoo and your grave today...but you are ALWAYS ON MY MIND AND ALWAYS IN MY HEART!! You are missed and never forgotten. Odd how it seems like this just happened, even though it has been 39 years. You will always be remembered!! Keep watch over the Berdoo squad (As I'm sure you do!) Thank you for your sacrifice.

Love,

LoVae

LoVae Pray Martines
Friend from the old days
March 9, 2012

I think about Mr. Wetterling often. I was a young rookie cop with the LAPD when he was murdered. I kept the LA Times newspaper of that day in my car as a constant reminder how dangerous times were then and now for policemen. Just know that his life was useful to me and lots of others cop's.

John Harrell P2+6
Los Angeles Police Dept.
February 22, 2011

I joined the LAPD in 12/73. I carried a picture taken by the LA TIMES in my VW bug for many years. It served me well in my 30 years with the LAPD as a reminder to always watch my back and be agressive as it related to suspects I met up with. I always carried two guns with me because of Larry's situation.

John Harrell P2+6
LAPD
November 4, 2010

Officer Wetterling, thirty-seven (37) years later you
are still remembered, with honour.

Thank you for your service. You died a hero protecting the citizens of California. The community was always well protected under your watch. A tragic and unnecessary loss.

Anonymous
May 27, 2010

Larry, my son, Jacob Scott Lethbridge, just finished his 13th. week @ the CHP Academy & his 4 brothers an his sister, plus his Mom & I look forward to his servinr with honor, as did you. I attended your funeral & our 50th. reunion from SBHS is next month. You are not forgotten my friend. Scott Lethbridge, Ret.

Lt. Scott Lethbridge
Ca. Youth Authority
April 23, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 9, 2010

Rest in Peace, Officer Wetterling. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
October 22, 2009

Larry, I remember that morning like it was today. You were murdered, your patrol car stolen, the shoot out, Al Stewart murdered. The suspect wounded...the trauma we all went through and the grief at losing you. The office wasn't normal for more than a year. Your loss touched everyone...even civilians. And it was just before your birthday. Each March 9 I cry and each March 11 I wish you Happy Birthday. I know you are in Heaven and I will be joining you some day. Keep our young officers safe...especially the Berdoo ones. Give my love to Reuben Rios Sr. We love you both

Friend LoVae
from the old days
March 9, 2009

Brother, Keep resting easy knowing the Blue and Gold NEVER forgets our own ..God Bless All

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol Ret.
March 9, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th 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 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. Your family and the deputy's family did not get justice...30 years is insufficent for killing two officers and wounding a civilian.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
March 8, 2009

Rest in peace Hero.
Was this crime done by Billy Brenanstahl? I've known Billy from the 5th grade. I saw on the news one night in 1973 that he was wanted for killing a CHP Officer.
You & Meryl Andrews rest eternally.

James Howard Wade
Gulf War Vet Combat Photographer
August 12, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
March 11, 2008

Rest in peace.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department
August 29, 2007

"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 16, 2007

how can a person who killed 2 police officers only get 30yrs.I hope he did not survive prison.duty done R.I.P.

harry winch
emt.u.k. retired
April 4, 2007

Larry, you might look down from Heaven and note that every year I go to the Berdoo office and remind the guys of your sacrifice and I tell 'em about you AND Lt. Stewart. It's strange to know that almost all the troops there came on the patrol after you were gone. But youe legacy lives on and your spirit fills the office. Have you seen the new kids?? I can't remember being that young, but I guess you and Bill and I really were! Makes me smile. Each March 9 I take flowers to your grave and some young T.O. is assigned to accompany me so I don't trip and fall (I'm not happy about getting old!!) But though it's been 33 years...you are not forgotten by your old friends. We miss you.

Love,

LoVae

Friend LoVae Pray Martines
March 5, 2006

My pal, my friend from beginning to end. Still missed in so many ways.

T.O. Ron Veatch
CHP
February 18, 2004