Officer Down Memorial Page

Remembering you today and holding your family in my thoughts and prayers on this fourteenth anniversary. Rest in Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 29, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Tears are streaming down my face as I have read the reflections of those who hold you in their hearts and souls. Your murder was such a horrific and senseless crime.

Rest in Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater
January 29, 2011

Sande, I heard a lot about you when I started South. You went down when I was in the academy. It really affected Bruce, but he taught us that day anyway. When I first hit the streets, I was with Crow a lot. He taught me a large portion of what I know, but since you trained him, I guess I need to thank you also. He called me not long ago, and ironically, I was visiting the gravesite of the first two Birmingham officers killed in the line of duty. He talked about you during our conversation. When they caught Rudolph, I was working the desk that night. Crow came through the lobby and stopped at your picture and told you that they caught him. I'll never forget that. I find myself talking to Philip's picture we have in our lobby. Your wife called me years back, on another night I was working the desk. I had to call Jefferson County and put extra patol on where she was living due to a reporter bothering her. For a young cop, it was an honor to assist your spouse, after she lost so much. I went by the new precinct a few weeks ago to a class. It's alot nicer than that asbestos factory they used to keep us in. Things have changed a lot at South, and at Birmingham as a whole. Just wanted to keep you posted. Take care man.

Officer A. Schniper
Pelham Police Department
May 18, 2010

well sande , here it is another year , 11 and it doesn't seem that way . i must admit after posting a reflection last year , i felt a weight lifted somewhat and coming here today wasn't as bad as before .........your spirit still remains and just think if you were still here physically we would be retiring in a few months . never knew when i met you , you would be the awesome officer you became ........you are still missed sande.......continue to rest gently my brother......

officer val pickens
b'ham pd/b'ham , al
January 29, 2009

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT THERES PROBABLY NOT ONE DAY IN MY LIFE SINCE THAT DAY AT THE CLINIC WHEN SANDE WAS KILLED AND EMILY WAS SEVERLY INJURED THAT I DONT REMEMBER. I WAS A LPN WORKING WITH BOTH OF THEM AT THE CLINIC AND I JUST HAPPEN TO BE RUNNING LATE THAT MORNING. I GUESS I WILL ALWAYS CARRY GUILT IN HEART, KINDA LIKE SURVIVIRS GUILT, IT NEVER GOES AWAY. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THIS MAN FOR PROTECTING ME EVERYDAY THAT I WENT TO WORK. HE WILL ALWAYS BE MY HERO. HE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND I WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT HE GAVE UP OR THE FAMILY HE LEFT BEHIND TO PROTECT US.

regina gunn registered nurse
co-worker at clinic
May 29, 2008

Officer Sanderson:

You are most certainly not forgotten. I discuss Your murder during many training days. I also discuss the keen observation of a young cop, that brought Your murderer to trial.

As a felow cop who hailed from the South, I find it quite offensive that Your murderer is allowed to spew his venom on a website while incarcerated.

But those of us out here, will still keep up the good fight, so that those as You, will never have died in vain. May You Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
January 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO DUTY AND YOUR SACRIFICE. YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
January 26, 2008

okay sande.......people will never know just how many times i have come to your site and tried to post , but i know you know.........i know ,took me 10 years .i have posted things for everyone else , but you my friend . you , you were a different cookie and each time i came here your spirit wouldn't leave me alone long enough to form anything .....took 10 years sande , that's a long time . i remember , never will forget the things you shared with me and just as then , they will remain . still it is something about your eyes even in this pic , remember i told you something about those eyes of yours.......i know you were with me when i drove your van back home to felecia , crying all the way ......hating eric rudolph and wishing him dead . the windows were warped , but not shattered . your coffee cup and newspaper were undisturbed , your duty jacket was still lying on the seat and i tucked it and hid it so i could carry it back to your wife as i left the scene . wanted her to still have the smell of you to wrap around her. that day i will never forget . when i got there she came out and we just sat ther in the van not saying a word , only tears . she put your jacket on , i held her hand ,hours later the sun went down , we finally went into the house .....so many never knew of the things you struggled with and overcame and as i sit here with tears streaming down my cheeks , i can finally say you were the one who strengthened me and not the other way around .i'm sure in a couple of days people will speak of you and what happened 10 years ago , your life stood for far more than what your death did and it is your life that i celebrate on the day it was taken from us ......my brother there is still so much to say , but i will return someday......oh how you loved this calling........continue to rest gently my friend , my brother......thank you you for your friendship.....i'll never forget.......thank you for sharing the thin blue......

officer val pickens
b'ham pd/b'ham , al
January 26, 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
November 12, 2007

We pause to honor the memory of Officer Sanderson and to acknowledge his ultimate sacrifice.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his surviving family members. May God comfort and keep each of you.

Major D.W. Warren
Montgomery Police Dept. - Montgomery, AL
February 8, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 9th anniversary of your EOW. Justice was finally served in your case but that does not mend the broken hearts of your loved ones. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
January 29, 2007

I was honored to have known Sande when we were stationed together at Tyndall AFB in Panama City, Fl. Sande was a fine cop and even greater friend. Rest in Peace Sande, you are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.
January 29, 2007

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

Officer 11169
September 25, 2006

I knew Sande from my membership in Lodge 1 of the FOP in Birmingham and from working off-duty at a bar, on his beat, on Southside. Sande was a FINE man. He loved his family dearly. I left the Birmingham Police Department and was working for another department when I heard the news. Police officers are supposed to be 'tough' and not show their emotions...I remember tears welling in my eyes and running down my cheeks as I was working. The Birmingham Police Department lost a fine officer; I lost a friend; and society lost a dedicated, responsible, and honest citizen. Most tragic, however, his family lost a dad and a husband. Sandy, your reputation carries on. [Steve]

Lieutenant Steve Lampley
Retired
May 19, 2006

As part of the Task Force that worked in W/NC for 2.5 yrs, I never met Sande, just the aftermath the incident surrounding his death caused. I met his wife only once, as she visited the Cammand Post in Andrews, NC. However, I spoke with her on several occassions, mostly between the hours of 12 Midnight and 6 A.M. as I worked a shift in the CP. I know she had to be fighting the loneliness and the deamons surrounding the death of Sande. I hope with the capture and plea of ERR, that everyone can now find peace and closure. The place that ERR will likely end up...will one of which he can relate...a mountain side where once again, he will have no meaningful human contact. Maybe then he too can reflect, one long day after another of what a waste it all was, and what a failure he is...as to mission...and life! Sande died, not for what he believed...but for being the person who was able to do a tought job...seperate personal from professional beliefs. He was attempting to provide for a family he leaves behind.

Senior Inspector DUSM Steve Graves
U.S. Marshals Service
April 15, 2005

Sandy was always the first to you if you needed him. He saved my life one night on I-459 while I was wrestling with a drunk. I just remember feeling a strong hand pull me and the drunk out of the road just before an 18 wheeler passed where we had been. Well letting the weasel who murdered him cop a plea is just not right. He needs to be strapped down and injected. I still love you brother and miss you every day.

Deputy W. L. Cope
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
April 10, 2005

I just discovered this site today. I worked with Sande at South Precinct. He was a good friend and I still miss him. We worked some long nights together and he was a goog officer. You are gone, but not forgotten. Sande, they have the person in the County jail but they won't let us have him to apply real justice. Farewell until later.

Officer Lynn (Goose) Nixon
City of Birmingham, AL
June 21, 2004

Rest in peace my friend, and may God look after and bless your family in the years to come.

Ptl. Officer Jeff Postell
Murphy Police Department
February 2, 2004

Sandy, the suspect is behind bars brother....

Pfc. Eric S. Black
Cartersville Police Dept. Georgia
November 27, 2003

May the ruthless criminal responsible for this murder be brought to justice and sentenced to the most severe penalty. Your service to your community is appreciated by all of us. May God bless you and the survivors of your family. Rest in peace brother.......

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
October 24, 2003

You can rest in peace now Officer Sanderson...we got the S.O.B!!!

Anonymous

I was attending a COPS Meeting in Orlando, Fl with police survivors, when I heard that your Killer was caught, it won't bring you back but, at least your family and co-workers will be glad that this "person" is not out on the street anymore.


To Officer Sanderson's family and friends our hearts and prayers go out to you.

God Bless you

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio F. Miyares, Hialeah PD, FL, EOW 11/6/86

I was tremendously relieved, and proud to hear the news that your suspected murderer was caught.

I hope you realize that when a brother/sister Officer is murdered, that those of us in the law enforcement community will never stop hunting for the perpetrator(s).

Well sir, the hunt is over. We mourn your loss and thank you for your sacrifice.

At-ease, Officer. At-ease.

Officer M.A. Cipriani
Jacksonville (FL) Sheriff's Office

I knew Robert Sandersen from the USAF Security Police days at Elmendorf, AFB in the early 1980's. He was a fine Law Enforcement specialist then and Im sure it continued once he returned to civilian life in Alabama as a Police Officer. In the military, he was the type of person you would want coming to your assistance on a "bad"call and I will always be proud to have served with him in the Air Force. I was happy to hear of the capture of the suspect today which will help the family start toward closure and healing. I know Sandersen's in heaven helping St. Peter guard the Gate and keeping it safe. Thanks,kc

trooper
north carolina hwy patrol

rest in peace! Your killer is caught.