Officer Down Memorial Page

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

Officer 11169
January 25, 2012

I worked with Dennis in Denver and we became good friends. I remember he and I would often discuss who would win in a fight between Wolverine of the X-men and Batman, I would always say Wolverine and Dennis would say Batman. Then he would whisper in a deep raspy voice "I'm Batman".

Dennis was a cool dude. We played basket ball a couple of times because I told him a white guy could not beat me. I won the first game then he won the second so I guess we'll have a tie breaker whenever I join him in the here after.

I will never forget the day I heard Dennis had been in the accident I was riding my bicycle when I got the call. I was so broken up I almost wrecked my bike because of my tears.

I feel terrible that it has taken me so long to write this but then I did not even know this web site was available. I regret that I was too weak to travel to New York for Dennis's final resting. To all of Dennis's family, my prayers and thoughts are with you often.

Dennis may be Batman but Wolverine is still tougher. I guess He and I will have to finish that argument later.

Love you Bro.
R.T.

Sgt. R. Thomas
Denver Police / Friend
June 10, 2011

I was thinking of Dennis today as we were both hired 20 years ago today by the N.Y.C Transit police Deptartment and went through the N.Y.C Police acadamy together(company 91-39) I remember Dennis as a great, friendly,funny guy. He had an great sense of humor and was very well liked. Unfortunately after the police acadamy I never saw Dennis again as I was assigned to Manhattan and he went to Brooklyn and then became a police Officer in Denver. I was very saddened to hear of his passing and always think of his great attitude and sense of humor that helped us all through the acadamy and what an honor it was to have known him. Rest is peace my brother, you are not forgotten

P.O Pat Noonan retired
N.Y.P.D
April 30, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 102nd 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
September 6, 2010

Dennis and I used to work together, when he was a NYC transit cop. He was a true gentleman. He was a very dedicated cop. A fun and very personable guy. When I first started he befriended me and looked out for me. He couldn't wait to get out of the Transit Police and out of New York. I am very sorry that I just heard of this, so many years later. Dennis although I hadn't heard about this, I want you to know you have been thought of often by me. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. RIP....

PO Tommy Rudolph
NYPD-Retired
August 31, 2010

Officer Licata,
Today I celebrate 12 years clean and sober. You took me to Detox on this date in 1998. I have never forgotten your care and concern. I work with homeless substance abusers and tell the story of how you went above and beyond the call of duty and gave me a reason to change my life. As I get on my motorcycle, I thank you that I am alive today. Thank you for your service.

Candace Krueger
Grateful citizen
June 15, 2010

Officer Licata - You survived service with NY Transit PD only to die, in the line-of-duty, here in Colorado. So sorry for you and your family's loss.

Four Fridays ago, I stood in the State Assembly chambers when you name was one of almost 250 read off during a motion regarding this month's Peace Officer Memorial Week - you are not forgotten.

Thank you for your service to the people of the City of Denver and the State of Colorado. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)
May 14, 2010

Dennis,
Not a day goes by that I do not think about you and all the fun and laughter that you brought to our lives. You have left us on this earth, but you will never be gone from our hearts. You were truly one of a kind and I miss you everyday. May you have eternal happiness where you are now. I love and you miss always.
Love Susie

Susie Sikoryak
Sister
January 26, 2010

If tomorrow never comes, than yesterday's forever........Thank you for all the years i had with you, you taught me alot. And for being a great brother man. I miss you!!!!!

Vinny
Brother
January 11, 2010

Dennis:

Rest easy on this Christmas day. You are not forgotten, brother.

Lenny

Leonard LeVine
USDOJ - Friend
December 25, 2009

I just recently learned of Dennis' passing and I must say I am devastated. Dennis and I attended the NYPD academy in the spring/summer of 1991. Dennis was smart, friendly and probably the FUNNIEST person I have ever known. His humor got us thru the tough training days and his guidance helped us thru difficult learning experiences. He was truly a man of spirit and conviction and to this day I still smile at the thought of his impersonations, jokes and the way he extended himself to those in need. While I am so terribly sad to hear of his passing I am empowered to know he is serving in heaven. Dennis you were a GREAT friend and you will NEVER be forgotten.
your buddy,
Mike

Detective Michael Toone
NYPD
June 5, 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
December 9, 2007

I worked with Dennis in the NYPD transit bureau. Within a short amount of time of working with each other, we became very close friends. I was selfishly disappointed when Dennis left the NYPD to become a police officer in Denver. However, I realized that it was something he had wanted to do and I was happy for him. Although I regret that our friendship was all too brief, nonetheless, I am extremely grateful for the time we spent together. Two funny stories about Dennis which exemplify the kind of person he was:
*Dennis would drive to work in a beat up jalopy and one day I put an unflattering bumper sticker on his car. He laughed and did not complain. Needless to say, I proceeded to put one bumper sticker on his car every day for the next four months until about one third of his car was covered in none too flattering fashion. Eventually, the car broke down and to this day, I wonder what the tow truck driver was thinking!
*The second story which makes me smile to this day has me arriving at work at the start of a shift wanting to tell Dennis a funny story but unable to find him. After fruitlessly searching for ten minutes, I proceeded to go to my locker and change for the start of my shift. When attempting to open my lock, it inexplicably fell to the floor in two pieces. As I opened my locker, Dennis, who curled up in the fetal position at the bottom of my locker, leapt out at me screaming like a banshee! I almost had a heart attack! He must have been in that locker for 20 minutes, and I use the "two piece" lock to this day.
I happen to be an only child, however if I had a brother I couldn't imagine a better brother to have had than Dennis.
I am now a NYPD Mounted Police Officer for the past 4 years. Earlier this year I received my first permanent horse whom I promptly named Dennis. Photographs of Dennis and his daughter currently adorn the front of the horse's stall along with Dennis' biography. The horse has a mind of his own just like his namesake and from time to time will surprise me in a manner not unlike Dennis.
If anyone wishes to see Dennis the horse he is located at 19 Varick Street, New York, NY, NYPD Troop A (Two blocks south of Canal Street).
My tours of duty are Sunday through Thursday 3:30 pm to midnight. I can be reached at 516-318-7689.
God bless the memory of Dennis Licata and all law enforcement officers past and present.

Police Officer Kevin Cox
NYPD/Friend
September 21, 2007

Dennis,

There is not a day that goes by that i don't think of you. Every time i visit you i wish that i could have that one more day so i couuld say to you all the things i have never said. You lie next to Mom and i ask GOD, why did you need to take them both so young? I wanted to follow in your foot steps but things just didn't turn out the way i had hoped. I hope i can become even half the person you had become. Everyone you came in contact with seemed to be drawn to you. I am very proud to tell people about you, and i am VERY proud to be your brother. May you rest in peace and watch over us. Let mom know that we will all be there for dinner again, so have the table set, tell grampa to have the gravy and meatballs ready! Untill that time, you will forever be in my thoughts. I love and miss you. your brother BOBBY......

bobby licata
brother
June 9, 2007

Brother Motorman,
We may be few, but we are strong. We remeber each of our fallen with every twist of the throtle. We ride with each other, one on the road,the other beside us as the wind. We take each fallens spirit as we ride into our daily battle, protected by the ones above. Please watch over us as we continue the mission. Ride with the wind beside us.

God Speed Brother....

The Motorcycle Officer's Poem reads as follows:
It sounds like thunder far away, but the skies are blue and bright...
And soon they crest the hill nearby, and ride into our sight.
They shake the ground with powerful sound, and they make some hearts beat fast...
They look so proud and noble, like Knights come from the past.
Side by side, they always ride, and seem to move as one...
From early in the morning light, to the setting of the sun.
And children point and wave to them, from cars that pass them
And young ones ask their parents, why the men have mirrors for eyes.
They ride the roads, and fight for good, and defend small ones like you...
They ask to ride, and do with pride, and sometimes they are few.
Like men of steel, on Silver Wings, they sparkle in the light...
then with a roar and rumble; they ride out of our sight.
Sometimes when one has fallen, never to ride again...
You can hear the others calling, like thunder on the wind.
Side by side, they slowly ride, and their thunder is a mournful sound...
And the mirrors hide their eyes from us, when teardrops fall to ground.
So if you see one riding, and you look into his face...
You see your reflection in his eyes; you know that you are safe.
For motormen are a special breed, they love to ride the wind...
And when you hear the thunder boom, the fallen ones ride again.

June 4, 2007

Officer Licata:

Thank you for your service to the community.

We are in your debt.

January 23, 2007

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. It's been six years to the day and it seems like only yesterday that I saw you for the last time and spoke to you for the last time. I miss you so much. You were my protector, my best friend, my big brother, always there for me to talk to. I cry every time I see your picture and wonder why this happened. You left a beautiful girl behind that you loved so much. She has your great personality and wit. The faces that she makes remind me so much of you. She is a little prankster and loves to hear stories about her dad when he was younger. When I heard about this accident, I was in shock, hoping it was not true. You've left us behind. To stop the pain and the sadness I remember all the laughter we shared. I stop and think back of all the good times and how much you were there for me and the rest of us. If I could turn back the clock, this day would never happen. Reading the reflections, I see that you've impacted so many lives and I know you died doing what you loved to do. YOU ARE FOREVER IN MY HEART AND ON MY MIND AND YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I am so proud to be your sister and grateful for all the days that you were around. I love you, Dennis.

Angel
sister
September 6, 2006

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.
September 6, 2006

WE WERE FRIENDS SINCE THE THIRD GRADE. YOU ARE SORELY MISSED. MANY GOOD TIMES TOGETHER. MY NEW CAREER IS BIG FAT FUN, IT ONLY TOOK ME 38 YEARS BUT I FINALLY DECIDED TO DO IT. MANY TIMES I WALK THE STREETS AND WISH FOR ONE DAY WE COULD WORK TOGETHER. TIL WE MEET AGAIN, GODSPEED.

PO GREGG KEGHLIAN
OCEAN BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT , NEW YORK
August 19, 2006

Brother Licata,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables Law Enforcement Motorcycle
December 2, 2005

Officer Licata responded to a call in Denver in the early hours of June 15th, 1998. An intoxicated citizen was walking in the street, attempting to get hit by on-coming vehicles. Officer Licata pulled up, exited his vehicle, and addressed the citizen. He said, "What are you doing? Get in the car," with his strong NY accent. The citizen staggered over to the police cruiser and got in the back seat. Who was this person? It was me! Officer Licata proceeded to tell me that I had a lot of reasons to live. He then took me to Denver General where I was admitted in Detox. I have not touched any alcohol since.

Why am I writing this now? I just learned of this site because I now live in San Leandro, California and on July 25th, 2005, Officer Nels "Dan" Niemi was killed by gunfire.

I knew Officer Licata was killed on his motorcycle because I saw his picture on the news. I didn't know his name until then.

I will forever be grateful to Officer Licata for saving my life that day in June.

Candace Krueger
former Denver citizen

Candace Krueger
August 12, 2005

dennis you are greatly missed here in the denver police department. we will always remember your smile and your hard work. thanks for all the help you have giving us over the years. watch over us all Brother keep us safe on the streets until the day we follow.

denver officer
Denver police
April 25, 2005

Rest in peace motorman.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.
September 3, 2003

IN MEMORY OF DENNIS LICATA I SAY THIS " ANYONE MAN WHO TAKES ON THE TASK BEING A POLICE OFFICER, TAKES ON ONE OF THE NOBLEST DUTIES OF RESPECT , LOVE AND CARING FOR TOTAL STRANGERS. THAT IS THE MOST UNSELFISH ACT ANYONE COULD EVER PREFORM"
TO DENNIS I SALUTE YOU. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE IN HEAVEN.

PO TOCCO, ALEX
NYPD

I was a coworker of his wife, i Dennis was an outgoing nice guy. I was taken aback when i heard of his death,

Frank orto