Officer Down Memorial Page

A true hero - Rest in Peace Trooper.

Trooper
Michigan State Police
February 26, 2011

I made a parachute jump with Rocky about a month before his death and spent an couple of hours at his house harassing him about his "I Love Me" wall. In addition to being a fellow brother-in-arms, he was also a Redleg (Artillery) and we enjoyed telling old war stories.

I often reflect on time spent laughing with Rocky.

I recall walking from the church to the cemetary in my Class A uniform because driving was impossible. I'd never seen so many police cars in all my life as they come from all over the area, including all neighboring states.

Airborne.....All the D**n Way.

Beat your boots........

Jim

LTC (Ret) Jim Rice
US Army/WWII ADT
December 2, 2010

I knew Rocky as the loud fearless skydiver (Airpig) as summer begins to fade to Fall my thoughts are with Kelli and Ali and Mackie so much time has passed but you are not forgotten nor never will be Peace out!!!

Lorraine
September 4, 2010

I was younger than Rocky but knew him growing up,,him and his dad, Hook. Rocky was always nice to me and treated me with respect even though he was older and bigger than me. That was unusual in those days in McAester. To a good man. Respect.

Anonymous
April 6, 2009

Rocky,
I did not know you but I did know your wife, daughter & son. I remember when 9-11 took place and I was working at the school. Your daughter started to cry and climbed in my lap. She asked for her daddy and it broke my heart. All I could do was hug her and assure her that her daddy was with her in her heart and watching over her as I know you do. The world is cruel and children should not have to lose a parent at such a young age to such a tragedy. Your wife and your precious children are always in my prayers. I haven't seen them in many years but I still think of them often as I do you. God bless each of you.
Miss Paula

Paula Dinwiddie
Former Teacher's Aide
January 2, 2009

Rocky, You are remembered on this Veteran's Day as a Marine and lover of this United States of America. We miss you and you are in our thoughts and conversation often.
11-11-08

D.J. Clemons
Friend
November 10, 2008

Rocky,
You were the only person I could or wanted to look up to when I was a kid. You convinced me that there was a much better life out there then the one I was living. If it wasn't for you I would have never joined the Marines and became the person I am today. And now, just a few months from going to the Texas State Trooper Academy I am once again trying to follow in your footsteps. You are and will always be my hero. Thank you for everything Rocky. I miss you.

Christopher Wilson
September 26, 2008

To Trooper David (Rocky) Eales and his loved ones:

On this the ninth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

I am thankful that you and those who call you beloved or friend finally got the justice that was so richly deserved for the horrific crime that robbed you of your life.

My son, Larry Lasater, was your brother in green as well as a LEO brother. Sempier Fi, Marine.

Rest in Peace, Trooper Eales. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Rocky gave to his community and the citizens of Oaklahoma, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 24, 1999.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
September 25, 2008

Rocky,

Even though I only knew you in passing, you always left an impression. I just wanted to tell you that today you helped me out a little in talking to an agent that was a little downtrodden. The agent met a mercenary on the border that intimidated him a little. I told him your story, about your life, about your attitude, and I think it helped him get back in service knowing who he is in the grand scheme of things. You are on my mind today my friend and I call you friend but you are my brother. I suppose that is how my friends and I feel about you, a brother. I often pray for your wife and little ones who I have only meet in the fleeting moments of National Police Week over the years. May the arms of God hold you tightly brother and the may you find rest in the shelter of His almighty presence.

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother;" - William Shakespeare, Henry V

Senior Patrol Agent/Chaplain
US DHS, CBP, Border Patrol
August 1, 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

Rocky ( AIRPIG),

I can't believe that your gone! I first met you during the Air Assault course in 1996 in Gruber!
I looked up to up and was overwhemed by your presents and knowledge! I would NEVER believed that would have ever happened to you! I lost a part of me when I received to news. God Bless you and your family. I think of you always.
I still have and hold on to your business card you gave me with your home phone you wrote on the back..it means alot to me !!
R.I.P. brother and I'll see you on the other side my friend !
Robert Witten
Lawton Police Dept.

Master Officer Robert Witten
Lawton Police Department
December 26, 2007

RIP you are forever missed my brother

Deputy Michael Bondurant
Logan County Sheriff's Office OK
October 23, 2007

Always larger than life, Rocky, we miss you.

October 22, 2007

God bless you Brother. We continue the fight...

"A Fellow Officer"
June 14, 2007

Thank you for your years of service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer
May 29, 2007

Back in 1976 I was hired on along with 3 other people one being David aka Rocky. We worked together for about 3 years than Rockey went to the Highway Patrol which surprised me because David really didn't like working traffic. I was with MWCPD for about 11 1/2 years and left the service and moved out of state. Today 3/3/07 is the first time that I heard that David isn't with us. I'm shocked and saddened by this news and would like to express my heart felt sympathy and condolence's to his family, God Bless You. I never forgot David nor will I ever.

Former Det. William M. Smith
Midwest City Police
March 3, 2007

hey dad i love ya and miss ya ( so does mom and mack)
love you so much
alli #24

allison eales
daughter
February 23, 2007

i love you dady and miss you

allison eales
daughter age 13
October 26, 2006

Warrior.

Anonymous
October 16, 2006

Fallen but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's
September 24, 2006

Rocky, You and your family are on my mind again today as it so oftem is, especially at this time of the year. The weather is cool, like it was then. I was there the night God called you home to be with him. It has made a lasting impact on my life. Kellie is such a wonderful model for your children. She honors you in every way. Sleep peacefully brother. I will never forget that fateful night and I am not alone in my thoughts.

Deputy Pam Crutchfield
Sequoyah County Sheriff's Department
September 21, 2006

Rocky and I were in the same platoon as Marine Corps basic officer students in Company E, Class 5-73 of The Basic School in Quantico. We became friends early when we discovered that we wore the same watch, a Rolex Submariner, and also shared the same desire for adventure and excitement. I remember once that instead of studying for a major exam, we went rappeling. Despite not studying, he still did very well on the exam, and I did very poorly. He was an outstanding athlete and we would frequently compete in the fitness tests. His military skills were also supurb, and I am confident that he was also an outstanding Oklahoma Trooper.
I did not learn of Rocky's tragic fate unitl last fall from our fellow classmate, Bill DeWeese. My deepest sympathy to Rocky's family.
It is indeed tragic that our nation loses our best warriors who are also friends, fathers and sons in senseless violence.
I think of Rocky often and wish his family and his children the very best. He was a good guy, and I will always remember him.
Very Respectfully,
Kenneth F. Herrington III
Col USMCR (ret)

Ken Herrington
USMC Basic Officer School classmate
June 28, 2006

I was just in a WMD Tactical Operations Class with one of the brave men who was with Rocky the day he ended his tour of duty. Raymond spoke highly of you and he would always him you. RIP Brother!

Patrolman Jason Shelby
Lexington Police Department, TN
March 17, 2006

Kelli, Ali and Mackie,
You have all been in my thoughts. No one could ever fix the wrong but I hope that you all have some peace in the decisions that were made. You have all been a such a inspiration to the other surviving families. Know that you are loved.

Kelly Van Krevelen
surviving sister of
OHP Trooper Chris Van Krevelen
J952 E.O.W. 11/28/02

Kelly Van Krevelen
Communications, Enid Police Department
November 23, 2005

"Justice Served"

Lt. Don Hyde, Jr.
Calera Police Department
November 21, 2005