Officer Down Memorial Page

I am moved by the messages left in remembrance of my husband Jimi. He was truly a wonderful husband and father. He loved his job and his family very much. I can not believe that 13 years have passed until I look at our children. In January of 1999 they were 10, 5 & 4. I thought then the hardest day of my life was telling them that their father was never coming home again. I now know that the hardest day of my life is "every" day. We have learned how to exist without him but the pain of his loss never goes away. My daily prayers are for each officer and their families every day that they never know the loss of their loved one. I miss him every second of every day and my comfort is knowing that one day I'll see him again. Thank you to everyone once again for your kind words and well wishes.

Sabrina Maria Williams
Wife of Fallen Officer James Williams, Jr. OPD
April 20, 2012

Every year since 2009 I have made the blue ribbons with the 51 names of the Oakland Police Officers who have died in the line of duty. It is my honor to do this for the fallen officers. The ribbons hang on a tree outside the Warehouse Bar and Grill in Oakland, California for all to see the sacrifice they have made to keep us safe. God bless you all and rest in peace.

A grateful citizen
February 24, 2012

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

Officer 11169
January 16, 2012

I remember you Jimmy, I can hardly believe that it has been so long since you have been gone. I wonder if anyone was even aware that the person who shot you was someone who had survived the Jonestown Masacre. Years later and good people like you still pay the price for that insanity.

Rest in Peace Buddy....you are not forgotten......

G. B.
NOPD
December 23, 2010

Jimmie was my partner for a while in the 7th District, New Orleans Police Department. He was a good and fair police officer. He was funny and always in a good mood, probably because of his family. He talked about them all the time. His wife was very nice and they were a beautiful family. I think about Jimmie and his family often. I hope they are doing well. I know what she's going through. I am so sorry. What a great loss.

Former PO IV Elizabeth Cavaliere
New Orleans Police Department
July 8, 2010

My Dearest Family and Friends

Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.

The Day I had to leave you when my Life on earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan. There's so much we have to do to help our Moral Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad. I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.

Please don't be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.

To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.

So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that with my life. it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know I'm walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentle breeze or wind upon your face that's me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.

Anonymous
April 6, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 10th anniversary year 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 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.

Two days a memorial was held for your four brothers from Oakland. Our community is mourning their loss that happened on the darkest day in OPD history.

I am sure you are proud of how much your wife helps other survivors.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
March 30, 2009

On the 10th anniversary of Officer Williams' death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Williams is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department
January 10, 2009

Ten years ago this night...I will never forget. I wonder how many times that night has saved my life by sharpening my survival skills. God Bless you, James.

Anonymous
January 9, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
January 3, 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
September 20, 2007

I am very sorry Officer James Williams Jr. that you never got the chance to fully enjoy the profession of being a police officer. Your time was cut way too short. Nonetheless, your family and we as members of law enforcement thank you and honor your short service and will remember always.

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department - Bayview District
March 13, 2007

Always remembered and honored.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs
January 10, 2007

I REMEMBER BEING 15 AND A POLICE EXPLORER ATTENDING YOU FUNERAL I REMEMBER FEELING SADNESS AND ANGER ALL AT THE SAME TIME I LEFT THE EXPLORER POST SHORTLY AFTER. IT HAS BEEN 6 YEARS NOW AND I STILL REMEMBER THAT DAY. I HOPEFULLY SOON WILL DAWN THE BADGE OF A POLICE OFFICER. TO CONTINUE THE EFFORTS OF YOU AND ALL OF THE OTHER OFFICERS WHO HAVE LOST THERE LIVES IN THE LINE OF DUTY, I HOPE TO MAKE NEIGHBORHOODS SAFE AND TO PROTECT AND SERVE THE INNOCENT FROM THE WRONG DOINGS OF OTHERS. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU. I WILL ENTER THE ACADEMY THIS SUMMER AND I AM ASKING THAT YOU WATCH OVER ME AS I WILL SOON BE PATROLING THE STREETS.

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING
L.ALLEN

L.ALLEN
SOON TO BE ACCADEMY CADET
April 8, 2006

As the time approaches on your EOW date, it still hurts. I wish I could have done more. You and your family are always in my prayers.
God Bless

A Friend
OPD
January 9, 2006

I know some police officers here in Canada and I bless your soul Officer Williams. R.I.P

Philippe Dufour
Edmonton,Alberta,Canada

Philippe Dufour
December 20, 2005

Taps played, but you will never be forgotten. You will never walk alone. Please watch over us as we continue The Watch. We can not believe it has been six years. Many times it seem like yesterday. God Bless you and your family.

R&J
OPD
January 12, 2005

Officer Williams,

I honor you my brother . . . you are a hero not only for the way in which you died, but mostly for having dared to walk the path of the warrior, a path that only the chosen walk. In your short time among our ranks you made a differance . . . you were and are one of us. We will never forget your sacrifice. With brotherly love and respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.) ATF
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
July 16, 2004

Rest in peace, you are not forgotten.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.
January 26, 2004

To the family of Officer Williams,

You have my deepest sympathy. Although Officer William's passing was tragic, take comfort in the fact that he was doing what he loved, protecting and serving the public. For that I am grateful.

A civilian