Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state and the birthplace of my son. 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 16, 2010

Hey big brother. We miss you down here. I find peace in knowing that you and Mom are together. Take care of her. We did the best we could for her but she was in so much pain. I have peace in knowing that you and her are in heaven and are no longer in pain and are with Jesus. Keep watch out over us. I love you.

Debra Ann
Sister
January 27, 2009

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO OUR CHOSEN PROFESSION.
YOU'RE THE TRUE HERO. GOD BLESS YOU'RE FAMILY.

CPL. JW LOWDER
UNION COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
January 12, 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
December 26, 2007

See you on the other side.

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI
October 13, 2007

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE THAT YOU GAVE 22 YEARS AGO. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
July 16, 2007

07-07-07 marked 25 years since we began the 72nd Recruit Class with the Charlotte Police Department. It is hard to believe that you are not here to celebrate the occassion, but you will always be remembered in our hearts and minds.

Jake

Sergeant Jim Jacobs
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
July 12, 2007

Hey Brother: It's been nearly 22 years my friend since you and I responded to the horror of that muggy summer night. I remember our last meal together at the Waffle House. You and your chef salad and two grilled cheese sandwiches. Boy you could eat! We talked about the backpacking trip we were going on later that week. Who would have thought how our lives would have changed. You'd told me of your recent profession of faith. You don't know what comfort that gave me as I prayed over you at the hospital. When you told me you were going to circulate the area, as I tended to the victim, I remember reminding you that "scumbag" took the victim's .38. Regardless, you stood firm and pursued the wicked. Sarge had just arrived and you called me to switch over to "6". You apparently saw him approaching you there on Dupree Street. You asked for a better description and I updated you the best I could. Remember me telling you that the old man had cataracts and couldn't see well? Anyway, when you and I ceased our conversation I got a terrible chill down my spine. I will never forget!!! Our buddies started heading your way to back you up. I'd just waved off the old man in the ambulance. Moments later responding officers requested help! Officer down!!! (My boy was only 4 months old then. You'd be proud of my little "Navy Seal".) We arrived only to be too late. I'm sorry bro! If I could have changed things I would have. I have peace knowing that you are in a much better place than we are. Oh, how our society and world is falling apart! The evil one is alive and well. Christ will prevail. What other hope is there? As you know, numerous other brave souls from CMPD are with you. Fellowship and save room at the choir practice for me. I'll be there shortly. May God bless you as you protect the streets of gold. Your brother in Christ, Andy

Patrolman A. P. Molatch
Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD
April 2, 2007

Dear Tim, I placed flowers on your grave again today. I feel like I have gotten to know you well over the last year.I visit you almost each Sunday when I go to visit my Mom. Our talks are short but meaningful.You have touched so many lives even in your death. I have the highest respect for you and other's who put their lives on the line to make this a better place to live. Your family and friends still struggle with the way your life was stolen from you 20 years later.I will always have a special place in my heart for you and your family.Please watch over your family and help them find some sort of peace.See you again on Sunday.

DLB
FRIEND
May 15, 2006

Rest in peace, Officer Whittington. You will never be forgotten.

PN/FF

May 3, 2006

The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

G. HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA
June 9, 2004

I can't believe that it has been going on 17 years since your life was taken away by a GSW, that didn't have to happen. They never have to happen, but they do. And you knew that could happen when you joined the force. But you were out there doing your job by protecting the public, & unfortunally it took the life of you, my stepbrother. I had only seen you one time, unfortunally due to family situations, but I have been told of memories about you from your brother,& my stepbrother Mark. I wish that we could have been closer and known each other. That can not be done now, but I want you to know that I think of you every day, and I have a picture of you on my wall at home.
Twenty-six years is to short of a life. With the anniversary of your death on the 16th of July is hard enough, even though it's been years, it is harder also because of my husband passing away on July 17, 1994. Another one taken to young.
I just wanted to type this, I guess this is my way of talking to you, and to let you know that you will
NEVER BE FORGOTTEN !!
I LOVE YOU,
Your step-sister,
Helen Hodge
Virginia Beach, VA

EMT - Helen Hodge
Davis Corner Resq in Va. Beach, VA