Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today on the 33rd 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 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you in their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
April 19, 2012

I went to Venice HS with george he played football and was a all around great guy. George was one of the fastest guys at Mark Twain Jr HS and always had a smile on his face.

Reserve officer Gerry Shumway
West Covina PD
January 31, 2012

George:

We were in the Academy together and were partners in training scenarios. You were one of the most enthusiastic cadets and one of the top cadets in the class. We came together again in 1974 at SEB where you and Jimmy Hollingsworth teamed up to be a great team and special training officer for officer safety and officer involved shootings. I still have a carved LASD badge on felt that is framed, that you made for me while we were at SEB. I will kept that kept sake till the day I pass and hope that my family will then give it to SEB.

Deputy Ken Duffey
LASD, ELA,SEB, Narco, Retired
August 30, 2011

I had the privilege of attending a week-long officer survival course at the College of the Redwoods, Eureka, CA in February of 1979. The course was taught by George and a few other deputies from the LASD. George and I had a number of things in common beyond our love for our profession and we stayed in touch after the course ended. I was one of the most shocked individuals on earth when I learned that George had been killed. I was able to represent my department at his rosary and funeral. I have thought of George and the impact he made on me every day since April 19, 1979. Thank you George!

Sergeant K Taylor (retired)
Benicia, CA PD
May 23, 2011

I had the pleasure of working SEB with George. He was a hero in war, in police work and as a friend. He attained a Black Belt in martial arts while at SEB. Everything he did was at the highest level and his respect for the people he served was outstanding. I will never forget George or his family.
Retired Sgt. Dave Lewis, LASD

David Lewis
LASD SEB AND FRIEND
April 20, 2011

I worked with George at SEB, and even though it's been many years since that terrible night, I think of him often. George and his family will always be in our familys thoughts and prayers....He was a great cop and a good friend -- he will always be missed by the many people that knew him.

John Flaherty
LASD
April 20, 2011

George gave me a money clip he and Jimmy had commissioned for their team for a Christmas gift. I carry it today and reflect every time I make a cash purchase or put it on my nightstand.... what a good friend and what a good cop is all about. RIP 4-19-11

Mark Thompson - LT (retired)
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.
April 19, 2011

George was on my husband Jerry's Swat Team. We became very good friends with the family. He stopped by shortly before that awful day for coffee. I was putting our Daughter Stephanie's hair up in pony tails. Camille, his daughter was several years younger, and George said he couldn't wait until Camille's hair was long enough to do that. I think of that everytime I think of George. All the things missed! We've lost touch with the family. I hope they are all doing well.

Deputy Anne Hinkey
LASO
April 19, 2011

Rest in Peace, Deputy Barthel. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
October 23, 2009

I simply want to ask that you all stop and remember George Barthel tonight. As you know George was a great deputy and a friend to many on the department. It was thirty years tonight that he and Hollingsworth were essentially ambushed at 115th and Success. God rest his sole...

Anonymous
April 19, 2009

Sir, on the 30th anniversary of your death know that you are not forgotten. We are honoring your memory today with your old friends and partners sharing a few memories of you and the circumstances regarding your tragic death. You and your family are always in our prayers. God Bless.

Deputy Richard Conti
LASD Special Enforcement Bureau/Canine Services Detail
April 19, 2009

IN 1972/73, GEORGE & I WORKED FOR SGT. AL CHANCELLER IN A "NEW" E/COMPTON PROGRAM CALLED TEAM POLICING. I REMEMBER GEORGE & ME APPROACHING A HOME, USING NEW OFFICER SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES. GEORGE HAD @ 1-2 YEARS PATROL SENIORITY OVER ME & I SAW HIM AS A POLISHED PROFESSIONAL IN PATROL WORK. HIS PASSING TAUGHT ME THAT "ALL" LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONAL ARE SUBJECT TO THE WORSE OF CIRCUMSTANCES. WE WERE NOT SOCIALLY ACTIVE, BUT CERTAINLY PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS. TODAY, AS I HAVE OFTEN DONE, I AM 36-37 YEARS REMEMBERING BACK, HOW WE APPROACHED A HOUSE, USING OFFICER SURVIVAL TACTICS. REST IN PEACE GEORGE, I HOPE TO SEE YOU AT MY LAST CALL. BOB MIRABELLA (OCT. 23, 2008)

CAPTAIN BOB MIRABELLA
EAST COMPTON PARTNER IN TEAM POLICING
October 24, 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 12, 2007

George,
When I was a boot trainee you, and others, showed me how to be a street cop and awed me with your abilities. You accepted me as a brother and paid me the highest compliment one night; a clap on the shoulder and saying "Good job, Deputy." You went down like a man, gun in hand. I was there when we laid you to rest. I'll remember you forever.

An Old Firestone Deputy
L.A. County Sheriff's Department
February 28, 2007

Found your soldier dog tag in Saigon, Vietnam in a coin and medal shop. Your cousin just happened to see it on eBay. I'm happy to return to him free of charge. Long journey, from Vietnam to Canada back home to your family in California. Only took 30 years but hopefully it gives some comfort to your family.

Ralph McLean
Military Historian
October 17, 2006

You are not forgotten George. You are in our hearts and prayers today. God Bless You.

April 19, 2006

Both you and your partner are true heros.Thank you for your service.May you Rest in Peace.

April 19, 2006

George, Pathfinder in Viet Nam,Excellent Street Cop, Rest in Peace we all remember you

Lieutenant Brad Welker (Retired)
LASD
December 1, 2005

Let it never be said that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has forgotten its own. Your name is on our wall and will always be in hearts.

Rest in peace.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
September 2, 2004

Rest easy, brother. You are not forgotten as a hero never dies. Thank you for your service.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
September 3, 2003