Officer Down Memorial Page

Dave I was one of the lucky ones who got to work with you for 3 years before you were lost to us. There is not a single shift I work in 911 where I don't think of you, Rich Gaston, Cory Elson, Jason Beale and Jeff Shaw..You all were my friends, confidants and coworkers, and I miss you terribly...Peace be yours now brother..

Heather Zentz
Kosciusko County Shf/Former ISP Dispatcher
July 12, 2011

I think about Dave on just about every traffic stop. I met him when I was a probationary trooper on the Toll Road. I worked a different area than Dave and when he was introduced to me, the first thing he said was, if I ever needed help, to have the post call him and he would be out--didn't matter what time it was, or where it was. That was an awesome gesture to someone he had never met before. It was 1984. Sometimes somebody says or does something that sticks with you...Thanks, Dave

Jon Keene, Captain
LaPorte County Sheriff's Office (Indiana)
January 6, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twelth 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 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

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this day. Continue to watch over all of them and protect them. You have not been forgotten and are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
July 23, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this day.

Sergeant
Connecticut State Police
July 16, 2008

Dad,
Soon, it will be 10 years since your death. It is still so hard to believe that you are gone. You would be proud of those you left! We are all carrying on the values and ethics you taught us.
Our world has changed a lot since you were killed. It seems so unsafe sometimes. Officers face so many challenges. But, we will not stop fighting for their safety and training and support.
Everyone here misses you, but we are so proud of you and we know that you are richly enjoying your reward in Heaven.
Thank you Dad for the life you lived, for the legacy you left, and for the love you filled our hearts with. I miss you so much. I love you and can still feel you watching and protecting us.

Laura M. Deuter Spangle
Daughter of David
May 1, 2008

Thank you Auburn PD for your comment. It was a blessing to see a recent relection. I feel as time goes on others forget but the family never does.

April 11, 2008

Always remembered

Auburn Police Dept.
January 10, 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
January 9, 2008

Sweet Sleep be yours.

July 16, 2006

Rest in Peace Brother

Deputy Bennett
Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)
July 16, 2006

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.



Master Trooper Dave “Stumpy” Miller

Indiana State Police Dist 13
December 19, 2005

Trooper Deuter your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in Gods Hands now. May you rest in peace now brother...

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
December 14, 2005

"The path of the Warrior is lifelong, and mastery is often simply staying on the path."

Thank you for helping us stay on the path. You shall not be forgotten.

65th Indiana State Police Recruit
Indiana State Police
December 3, 2005

I often visit this website after the death of two dear friends from the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003). Both of these troopers were killed by transfer trucks who hit them as they were performing traffic stops on the side on Interstate 40.

I was shocked to see that 4 of the last 5 Indiana Troopers were killed in the same manner. In the case of Trooper Cogdill, the truck driver had cocaine in his system and a crack pipe in this truck. He was charged with 8 offenses. The trial ended a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, the jury found him not guilty on most of the charges. He was found guilty of deathy by vehicle and is to spend 45 days in jail (less time served). Where is the justice????

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Trooper Deuter. I am deeply saddened to see the death of another Trooper.

These are senseless occurances that continue to happen. Thank you so much to the men and women who continue to serve their communities and this great Nation. God Bless You.

...Gone, but never Forgotten...

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
April 4, 2004

Trooper Deuter....thank you for your service & God bless....from a fellow Hoosier.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police
March 23, 2004

Integrity

Inspecting each button with pride

Neatly polished shoes, to a gleaming shine

Tightening your belt, with gun at side

Ensuring each crease in neatly in line

Giving your all, when no one else did

Reaching out, your tender hand

Impacting the life, of one small kid

Teaching them the law of the land

Your legacy will live on in all that you did

Submitted Anonymously