Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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 remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever, I hold your family 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 25, 2012

He misses you very much and looks just like you! I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet you. I know you were a great person.

Anonymous
March 24, 2011

I thought about you last night and cried! I miss you so much! I can't believe it's been 15 years. I still remember that day like it were yesterday. You were my best friend and I will always remember you!

Anonymous
February 10, 2011

Stevie: We thought of you again this year on 1/24/09, and I can't believe my little cousin has been gone for 13 years. I still expect to hear those huge motorcycle boots of yours pounding through my house whenever you would stop by. You're with your Uncle Wally now, patroling Heaven, wait for me.

Sgt. Cynthia M. Roos
JPSO retired
February 3, 2009

Dear Uncle Steve,
I still think about you and miss you to this day. It has been so long and yet still feels like not that long ago.
I recall your love of your Harley and what it meant to you. Now that I have my own personal Harley I understand and everytime I ride, you ride with me.
I was too young to work with you side by side but I know that you watch over me when I'm on duty and I hope I am making you proud.
Rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Officer Darren Rappold
Kenner PD (Nephew)
September 21, 2008

It is an honor to wear the same uniform as you did, thank you for your service and dedication to duty.

Deputy John Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Traffic M/C
May 9, 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
February 2, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
January 21, 2008

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
December 23, 2007

STEVIE, ITS BEEN 11 YEARS SINCE YOUR ACCIDENT. GOD HAS CLAIMED ANOTHER J.P.S.O. WARRIOR. TAKE CARE OF JOSH, HE CAME FROM THE 2ND DISTRICT WHERE YOU STARTED. I MISS YOU EVERY DAY. I CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER OUR BROTHERS IN BLUE AND I KNOW YOU ARE WITH ME EVERY STEP OF THE WAY...

DEPUTY STEPHENINE DUPLANTIS
J.P.S.O./ TWIN SISTER
July 8, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.
January 24, 2007

G-d Bless.

January 24, 2007

The Motorcycle Officer's Poem reads as follows:
It sounds like thunder far away, but the skies are blue and bright...
And soon they crest the hill nearby, and ride into our sight.
They shake the ground with powerful sound, and they make some hearts beat fast...
They look so proud and noble, like Knights come from the past.
Side by side, they always ride, and seem to move as one...
From early in the morning light, to the setting of the sun.
And children point and wave to them, from cars that pass them
And young ones ask their parents, why the men have mirrors for eyes.
They ride the roads, and fight for good, and defend small ones like you...
They ask to ride, and do with pride, and sometimes they are few.
Like men of steel, on Silver Wings, they sparkle in the light...
then with a roar and rumble; they ride out of our sight.
Sometimes when one has fallen, never to ride again...
You can hear the others calling, like thunder on the wind.
Side by side, they slowly ride, and their thunder is a mournful sound...
And the mirrors hide their eyes from us, when teardrops fall to ground.
So if you see one riding, and you look into his face...
You see your reflection in his eyes; you know that you are safe.
For motormen are a special breed, they love to ride the wind...
And when you hear the thunder boom, the fallen ones ride again.

I joint the JPSO in 1998 a little over 2 years after your death. I feel that I road with you while working as a traffic deputy for JPSO. You will forever be in the hearts of your fellow officers.

rest in peace brother

Officer First Class Russell Blanchard
Gretna Police Department
November 6, 2006

Stephen was a friend for several years and was full of life. We use to joke about police work. When Stephen first got on the motor I asked him where the training wheels were. Stephen's patrol area was changed or he was busy and did not stop by as much then I heard the news of the motor accident. JPSO lost a good man that day and I lost a great friend. I used Sthphen given name here as I could not use the nickname I affectionally gave him. May he rest in peace.

Captain Phillip L. Kuhn
Friend
April 24, 2006

Steve,

Still think of you often. Passed the spot where it happened today. Can't believe it has been 10 years. Got your picture on the board in my office. Wish you were still here to ride with me.

Sgt. J. Hippler
JPSO
January 24, 2006

Jimmy,
as i am sitting here working on the Louisiana Law Enforcement Memorial Book. My memory reminds me of how good you were to me and my aunts. Looking in on them when you were on patrol. Making sure my Grandmother and 2 aunts were alright. Taking time to help me with my aunts funeral. Taking the time to share a hug and tell me she was looking down at us. You escorted her to her resting place 10 days before we had to say goodbye to you. Everytime I hear the bikes i know your riding your beat in heaven.
You are so missed my friend.
My these words fly on wings on angels till you hear them
dee dee

Retired Officer Dee Dee Serpas
Kenner PD, JPSO, Levee Board
October 20, 2003

As I write this, it is June of 2001...all this time that has gone by, and my eyes are still filling with tears at the memory of that day. I will never forget the phone call...where I was, who told me, what I was doing. Every time I get on my own Harley, I think of Steve. When I was waiting for delivery of my first Harley in 93, Steve used to make fun of me for my excitement. He said that I was nuts for riding and would probably kill myself on it. Years later he came to my office on HIS new police bike. Proud as hell...and he had to show ME first. He loved being on the bike and was talking about buying his own for personal use. From that day forth, he and I had even more common ground to stand on...he was now a rider...and finally understood. I remember our friendship and will value it forever. I never pass the spot where he was killed without at least a mental nod to Steve...
I hope Steve can read the internet wherever he is...because I want him to know that he has not been forgotten and that I still love him and miss him. And everytime I am on my bike, I think of him and try to take small comfort in knowing that he died doing something he had grown to LOVE.

Detective Jason Hippler
JPSO

Our "Stevie" was a twin. He,his sister and I followed in my dad's (and their uncle's)footsteps,and were all so proud to wear the badge of a law enforcement officer.  There are only 3 of us remaining.  I just want to say that I held my cousin Stevie when he was born, and felt my heart break as I looked upon his lifeless face.  He loved his job,family and admired his Uncle Wally who had 41 years of law enforcement prior to retirement.  Stevie wanted to be just like him.  We miss you,Stevie.  Not a day goes by when I expect to hear you knocking on my door and chasing my German Shepherd.  You were the one who always brought the family together.  And you'll be proud to know that your nephew wants to follow in your footsteps.Love, cousin Cynthia, sister Stephenine & Uncle Wally.

Anonymous

We lived next to each other as kids, but soon moved away

Little did we know we'd live in one house one day

We watched as one veteran officer set the stage for us

Then returned to live together never suspecting the great loss

One by one each of us put on the badge, the others following to stand by each others side

Till we all stood for justice, beaming with pride

We watched the veteran retire and watched his friends forget

Then pledged we'd never be there thinking our paths were set

Four were now three, we had large boots to fill

When three dwindled to two due to enforcement's stress and ills

Suddenly the call came in and I knew this was no time to grieve

I sped to the hospital knowing that you had died

How could it be you, Steve?

I rocked you when you were little, we fought, laughed, and were all for one

How could I tell our mentor, my father, your uncle, you were gone?

41 years he wore that badge, now no one called, and I had to tell him and your twin sister, that one of us was gone.

Now there is one, active and carrying on

But there are still two, retired but living on.

We love the badge, our country, our Lord and the victims too

But nothing will compensate for the loss of you.

We pray you're patrolling Heaven on your Harley in God's sight

And think about always, especially on lonely nights.

One day I hope we're all together, what a team we'd be!

My Dad (your uncle Wally), twin sister Stephenine & me.

We'd be an unstoppable shift, our beat would be one that's clean

Just like New Heaven, no more pain, no more tears, no more crying.

No more sad Taps being played.  I pray for this most of all

As we march toward our final roll call.

ATF, NOPD, JPSO, LA. State Police, Military, Jefferson Levee Dist.

Sgt. Cynthia M. Roos
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, LA

Deputy Newitt is not forgotten. Even though time has passed the loss is still remembered and very real. God's Blessings to his family and friends.

Senior Trooper
Oregon State Police