Officer Down Memorial Page

Wally, it is coming up on the holidays again, and I have been thinking about you and how you loved to wear your Santa hat and red suspenders with your uniform the week of Christmas. I so miss going on ride alongs with you.... you amazed me at times, scared the hell out of me at times, and made me laugh the rest of the time...the last New Year's eve we rode together and you had a code 3...I was holding two really hot coffee's that we had just got, going to the call they spilled all over my lap, you stopped the car jumped out, and when the call was over you looked at me straight faced and said "oh yeah, next time just throw the hot coffee out the window and hold on to your panties." Then you cracked up laughing.... I do miss you, more than you will ever know. The kids miss you, especially during the holidays, you would be so proud of all three of them. I saw Joe the other day, he still is as lovable and sweet as always, he misses you too.

Your witchy always....

Laura Ledgett
X-wife
November 15, 2010

It has been a long ten years without you my love. I miss you daily! The day I met you was one of the best days of my life. I love and miss you sooooo much!

Kimi Slusarczyk
Wife
September 8, 2009

It takes a special kind of person to be who and what you are
And in our lives, you’re a bright shining star
You were not just a police officer, but you are also our dad
We understand all the things for which you stand
We will never forget you
It’s been ten years today
We pay tribute to your memory
On this truly sad day

We know you can see us
And all that we do
We hope you are pleased
That our dreams are coming true

Your memory lives on
In our hearts and our souls
The love that we have for you
Shall never grow cold

We go on with our lives
And we take it day by day
Sara, Tim & I
Can’t wait to see you someday

September 8th, 1999 – September 8th, 2009
R.I.P. Dad

Anonymous
September 8, 2009

To the family and loved ones of Officer Walter Slusarczyk and most especially to Wally:

On this the tenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that you are honored and revered today and everyday.

From all the loving reflections left about you, I can see that you were an amazing man and what a grievous loss your loved ones have endured.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire. You are loved and missed by so many, and I am sure you are proud that your family is continuing your legacy of protecting and serving.

Rest in Peace. A body is but for a lifetime, but spirits and souls are for eternity and yours is forever part of those who call you beloved.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of distinquished service Wally gave to his community and the citizens of Oregon, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 8, 1999.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Dept. eow 4/24/05

Anonymous
September 8, 2009

Merry Christmas Dad....you will be happy to know that all of us are still working hard to make you proud. Sara is engaged, Tim has graduated high school, and I am working on my career in law enforcement as promised. We all miss you so much and wish you were here to share the holiday with us, but we know you're with us everyday in our hearts. I love you bud.

Your Son,
Mike D. Slusarczyk

Mike Slusarczyk
Son
December 25, 2008

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, P.O. Slusarczyk.

Slusarczyk family: I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, spending time with friends and loved ones- remembering those that are not with you.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Department
November 23, 2008

You have not been forgotten by those that love you and those who are close to you. Keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol guarding over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
September 8, 2008

Mom tells me all the time how much like you I am getting to be, and every time I hear that I cant help but wonder what it would be like if you were still here. I know your up there somewhere laughing at me half of the time with that deep belly laugh of yours just watching me grow up and trying to learn from my mistakes. I'm told that I have your weird sense of humor, and thats something I take pride in. Even though you've been gone for a long time now, I still feel like your right there beside me helping me become a man and as long as I think about that I can get through anything and I have you to thank for that. I love you and miss ya dad. cant wait until the day we can sit down and have a few laughs together.

Tim
Son
January 17, 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 14, 2008

Dad, not a day goes by that I don't think about you and wish that you were still with us. The holiday season just isn't the same without you. Sara, Timmy and I always talk about the good times we had and the memories that never seem to lose their effect. We've all been doing our best to keep making you proud of us and nothing will ever change that. Thanks for watching over us each day, we love you!

Your Son,
Michael

Mike Slusarczyk
Son
November 20, 2007

I miss you so much Wally. Every minute you are in my heart and always in my thoughts. You were always there for myself, the kids and others. You always put yourself first and that shows by how much you were loved by everyone. I still have a very hard time visiting you. I don't think that pain will ever go away. I do have comfort in knowing that someday I will be with you again.
My love forever sweets,
Kimi Slusarczyk

Kimi Slusarczyk Wife
September 21, 2007

Wally,

I cannot believe it has been 8 years. We love you as much today as we did 8 years ago. Our pain of losing you is reminded each time we pass by your home (which we can't avoid!! Thanks Wally!) It makes me feel uneasy training recruits without your influence. Sept 8 is one of the saddest days of my life.....Do you remember talking in the hall 30 minutes before you passed? I was the happiest man ever and you were sharing it with me. I hope you took that conversation with you when the Lord welcomed you into His Kingdom.

We all miss and love you.

Jim, Michelle, Nikki, and Katherine

Sgt. James Peninger & Family
Gresham PD - Friends
September 11, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this 8th anniversary. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and guide them as they continue on lifes journey. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
September 8, 2007

Well Wally, it has been 7 years, 1 month, and 10 days since God took you. I know you are watching, but you have missed oh so much. The kids miss you terribly, they still each have a uniform shirt hanging in your closet, and you duty belt is proudly displayed in our den. Even after all this time I can still hear your laugh, that evil laugh after you would scream at the top of your lungs when the kids fell asleep in the car...it always cracked you up...they still remember that! I think of you often and wish things could have turned out differently and you were still with us today...always in my heart...Laura

Laura Slusarczyk
x wife
October 18, 2006

In loving memory of officer wally:

The Absent One

As we gather at the table
And watch each smiling face
The heart fills with emotion
To see this vacant place.
We may strive to hide our longings
In the midst of mirth and fun
But we're thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved-the absent one.

When we gather 'round the fireside
With merry laughter and jest
How we wish the absent dear one
Was here with all the rest.
Still we join in all the frolic
But we wish the day was done
For we're thinking, thinking, thinking
of the loved-the absent one.

Yet when the day is over
And they all have gone to rest
We feel the Heavenly Father
Does all things for the best.
So we cheer our drooping spirits
With the rising of the sun
But we can't help thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved-the absent one. author unknown

You touched alot of lives and they will never be the same.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

September 8, 2006

Seven years have passed since your tour of duty ended and I know your loved ones and close friends think of you each and ever day. You have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father
September 7, 2006

Wally was like a dad to me. I met him when I was just 12. I went on numerous ride-a-longs with him while he was with DPD. The night he passed away he came and saw me at my work. He was taking a break. This was around 7 pm. I will never forget that night. He pulled me close, and said: "Roan, I love you. You take care of yourself, and your sister." Then he hugged me. I didnt think much of it then, but now everytime I think of that night I wonder if somehow in the back of his mind if he knew what was going to happen. There is not a day goes by that I dont miss him. I had his badge tattooed on my arm as a constant reminder of what he stood for. I miss you wally.

Roan Hess
August 24, 2005

RIP BROTHER

Clare County Sheriff Department Michigan
July 23, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers go out to This Officer, as well as the Family, Friends, Department and Community.

This is a loss that will never be forgotten. Hours will turn into days, days turn into weeks, weeks into months and months into years but, the difference that these officers have made will last forever.

We lost Our Deputy Morris Taylor on September 14, 2002. When he joined the other Angels in Blue.

God Bless Our Law Enforcement Officers and Those Who Love Them.

Jack & Tracy Van Dolah
Former LEO/U.S.M.C. & Wife in Sutherlin, Oregon
May 22, 2005

Wally..We miss you buddy

Officer Blake
Gresham

It has taken me a long time to find the right words to write.  I still don't have them.  I can only say that Wally was one of a kind.  We had 12 years together, I wouldn't trade a minute of them for anything.  The kids and I miss him so very much, but his memory lives on in each of us.  I especially miss his laugh, you know that deep belly laugh...it was so contagious.  If I had to pick one memory above all others it would be the day our son was born...I think it was one of his happiest days as well.  He was a great cop, and a remarkable man.  There will always be a special place in my heart for him that no one can ever fill.

Laura Slusarczyk (Former wife)

Wally was one of a kind. I grew up around Wally and became very close to him, in a lot of ways he was like my father. I always knew that I could call on him, no matter what time of day. Wally had a way about him that made everyone feel like they had known him all his life.

It has been very hard to deal with his death but I know that he is watching over us. And I know that he loved us just as much as we loved him. At the services the last words of the radio call best describe my feelings..."gone but not forgotten." We miss you and love you Wally.

April Schmitt

Wally, thanks for all of the laughs. Letting me laugh at your big shoes, for all the times I told you the Chief was looking for you when he wasn't - I miss your company, your tremendous sense of humor, your compassion. Thank you for teaching me just how important a sense of hunor is in this world. We will continue to look after your children. You'd be so proud of Michael. One day Wally, he'll join us here at the department and fill your post.

Friends,

Sherry Connolly
Gresham Police Department

"Do it right, and do it right the first time." That was the main thing my dad had always taught me. As a child I had grown to love and look up to my father. He showed me the values of life and the trials of responsibility.

My dad was always there to lend a helping hand or give some encouraging advice to help me get through whatever life threw at me, be it graduating high school or getting through basic training.

I'm sure there will be times when I miss my dad more than others but I am certain he is watching over me and everyone else he left behind, making sure that we are doing the right thing.

My father was a loving father, respectable role model, and most importantly my best friend. I have lived a large portion of my life for him as well as myself and knowing that I made my dad proud of me makes things a little easier to deal with.

I will always remember you dad, no matter what life should bring my way...I promise to do my best to continue to make you proud of me... I love you bud.

Love Always and Forever

-Your Son & Soldier-

PFC Michael D. Slusarczyk
United States Army, Military Police

I grew up with Wally and his Brother Tim and went through many wild times with Wally. I laughed with him, competed with him, fought with him and grew to be proud of him. Wally's early years were not easy (having been left fatherless at a young age) but he dealt with it and grew to be the "go-getter" everyone loves today. I had not seen Wally in many years but had recently talked to him on the phone and for this I am grateful. When Tim called me with the terrible news I was stunned.... another piece of our childhood was gone. In trying to console Timmy I stumbled upon the realization that even though young in years upon his passing, he packed many lifetimes of friends and memories along his journeys. Take care my friend. You will be missed.

Edward Rigazzi
Childhood Friend