Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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.

Time never dimishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 19, 2012

We miss you Richard. You were the one that got me and Judy, my wife of 30 years, together.

Dispatcher Steve Fields
Hendersonville PD Friend, fellow employee
August 30, 2010

Rest easy bro, we got it from here.

Brother in Blue
Phoenix Police
November 20, 2009

"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 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, N H
January 11, 2008

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Hendersonville Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Sergeant Bandy deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Sergeant Bandy is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina
June 10, 2006

I was tracking down my buddies Jan. 19, 2005, that I was with in 1971 and 72 in Germany. I was in the CO. A 4th of the 64th Armor. Bandy was one of my good friends. I was saddened by the news from Snodgrass of Bandy's passing.
I have since stayed in contact with Venson. I wished that I could have tracked down Richard sooner to refresh our friendship.

Terry Meyer Greenfield, IL 62044

SSG. Terry Meyer
US ARMY
January 20, 2006

Remembering you always, especially today- Vince, Sue and Family

Snodgrass Family from KY
January 19, 2006

The best of the best, it's been 25 years and you're not forgotten! Started out as army buddies in Germany and we became best friends, as close as brothers, we still miss you- Venson Snodgrass and family from KY

January 27, 2005

Sgt. Bandy was a friend to everyone. He was my first Sgt. and I miss his friendship and guidance. You are with us everyday my friend.

Det. J.D. Coarsey
Hendersonville, tn. P.D.