Officer Down Memorial Page

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.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 3, 2012

Hey brother! Just found this website, When I gather my thoughts I'll be back to post! Not a day goes by that Patti and I don't think about you!

Citizen Mark Leibfreid
Friend
May 5, 2010

As an older brother he was tough. He kept me straight and he was always there if there was anything he could do to help out. he was a great man and an even greater brother. Few days go by that i don't think of him and our brother rick. I often choke up a bit but always end up smiling when i think of them.

Anonymous
February 14, 2010

You are not forgotten sir. Rest in peace.

Trooper First Class Matthew Eagleston
Connecticut State Police
February 12, 2010

Your watch ended 10 years ago today. Although there are not many reflections here, each one is full of love, admiration and respect for the man you were.
You were a credit to your profession and so many troopers looked up to you,
one being your son. Well done, Sgt. Hershey. You have made us all proud!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous
January 3, 2009

It was a true honor to attend your funeral with two of my fellow Jackson Officers on that cold, cloudy day, almost 10 years ago. Rest in peace.

Patrolman Brad L. Reider #185
Jackson Twp. PD (NJ)
October 8, 2008

I recieved a notice of the passing of a NCHP Trooper today. A notice like this takes me back to the day I had the honor of serving on the funeral detail of Sgt. Hershey. Although I only knew Art as an acquaintance, I have come to know Brad well over the years since that day. Every time I hear of another of our brothers or sisters being lost in the line of duty, I look at the photo of his funeral hanging on my office wall and I feel that hurt that these families will be facing, but also how proud they should be of their fallen officer. May God bless the Hershey family, you are in our prayers today and always.

Sergeant Craig Stine
Pennsylvania State Police
June 20, 2008

Dad - You would be so proud. Your first grandchild was born last week. She bears your initials. Everyone can see you in her. It makes me sad that you will not be here with us to see her grow up. I know that you will be watching over her. She will know you. We all miss you and look forward to seeing you again.

Cpl. Bradley E. Hershey
PA State Police
February 18, 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 23, 2008

Here we are one year later to honor and remember you as always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
January 3, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
December 31, 2007

Sgt. Hersey, thank you for your service and dedication. You have not been forgotten.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
December 20, 2007

Thinking of you and your family today and everyday.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
January 3, 2007

We'll always remember you Sarge and may you always watch over your son on the street and keep him safe! Thanks for your service sir.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
October 7, 2006

You're still in our prayers sarge.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
January 2, 2006

God bless you and your family at your sacrifice.

DE
St. Louis City Police
July 23, 2005

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

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

A brother Trooper who I did not know. But I am proud to say that I am A Pennsylvania State Trooper because of who he was and I can only hope that I can possibly make a small fraction of the positive impact he has obviously made on those who knew him. May your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. Rest in peace.....................

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
February 19, 2004

It is all to often that we must say goodbye not knowing if we will say hello again. The loss of Sgt. Hershey had a profound effect on the small community that he lived and worked in. Although I never had the opportunity to know Sgt. Hershey as well as others may have but I did get to know his son Brad. We both played High School football together in Bedford and were in the same circle of friends.

Sgt. Hershey would be very proud if he could see how much he was cared for by the people, not only in Bedford Co. but by the citizens of Pa. His legacy will live on through his son who I know will leave his mark and will strive to reach to the heights of success and respect of his father.

Brad, be proud to have had a father that meant so much to so many.

Sgt. Hershey, watch over us and guide us so that we may be a solid example of a true professional. God Bless You!

Senior Trooper Chad A Williams
South Carolina Highway Patrol

Sgt. Hershey was a man you could count on in any situation. His leadership, dedication and sense of humor is missed. Art was committed to helping people and getting the job done right. He was not only a fellow Trooper, but was my best friend. I sometimes questioned his fishing ability, but look forward to someday casting another line with him.

Cpl. Steven S. Shelley
PA State Police

To all of Sgt. Arthur L. Hershey's family and friends...You are in all of our hearts and thoughts, from your brothers and sisters in Maryland. My the God be with you in your time of sorrow.

Trooper First Class Douglas Forrester
Maryland State Police

I would like to just take this time to show my respect to a man who I admired not only as a sergeant on the Pennsylvania State Police but as a friend. Sgt. Hershey was my first station commander and is still in my eyes the epitome of what a trooper and a person should be. He was the father figure that we all looked up to. He cared about the job and the men who worked for him. Sergeant Hershey will sadly be missed. Sarge thanks for being there anytime that I needed a favor or advice, and most important thanks for being the positive role model for me as a young trooper.

Trooper William E. Potter
Pennsylvania State Police

Submitted anonymously

I had the honor and the privilege of working with Sgt. Arthur L. HERSHEY from September 5, 1998 until his untimely death on January 3, 1998. Although I had only worked with Sgt. HERSHEY for four months, I had known him for 26 years. The admiration and respect that I held for Sgt. HERSHEY was the primary reason that I myself became a Pennsylvania State Trooper. I saw how not only members of the State Police looked up to him, but also the citizens of the community respected him and came to him in their times of need. It was important to me to earn his respect just as he had earned mine so many years ago.

Sgt. HERSHEY was a leader of men. He poured his heart and his soul into serving the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and he expected no less from those under his command. He would instill discipline when necessary, but would hold no grudges.

Sgt. HERSHEY was a caring man. He cared for children. He cared for members of the community. He cared for his men, and he cared for his family.

Sgt. HERSHEY was more than just a fellow Trooper. He was my father. I miss him deeply.

Trooper Bradley E. Hershey
Pennsylvania State Police - Bedford

Sgt. HERSHEY was my first Sgt. There are not enough words for me to express my sadness in his death. He took me, as many other new troopers at the Bedford barracks, under his wing and taught us the importance of pride in who you are and what you do. He, by all means, lived by the PSP Call of Honor and did so with great sacrifice both professionally and personally. This was a man who rallied his troops and would never have to ask for something twice. My fondest memories of him are a collage of unnerving sternness and never ending compassion. We can only hope to be as great as he; but we can never fill his shoes. Sarge because of you, I have enjoyed many success' in my career and I know I will find many more as you will continue to guide me.

Trooper Robert F. Johnson
Pennsylvania State Police