Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th 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 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 through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
May 22, 2012

Love you man!! Thinking about you and your family today. RIP

Troy Serrano, Victoria Texas
friends forever
May 22, 2012

Rest in peace, Deputy Dennis. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Harris County and the great State of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.
May 22, 2012

Joe,

I just found this page and it made me sick to see your picture on a Memorial page. I am speechless. I love you MAN!!!!!!! Now I know I can share with eveyone else on your anniversay and b-day!! I MISS YOU!!!!!

Troy Serrano/Victoria Texas

Troy Serrano
childhood friend/best friend
May 15, 2012

To my brother in Christ.Even though I have never personally met you or your God-fearing love ones, you can rest assure that as an normal human being on this planet earth, I truly feel like we are from the same fruits of the spirit which is love,peace,long-suffering,joy, and GOD'S GRACE which see us through life.BLESSING BEYOND CHRIST WHO IS OUR INTERCEDOR TO OUR FATHER WHICH SITTETH ON HIGH. TO ALL OUR LOVE ONES . PEACE BE UNTO OUR FAMILIES.

MAN OF GOD/ LAWRENCE
DECENT HUMAN BEING
May 14, 2012

uncle joe its been almost 11 years and i still miss you till this day. your kids are getting big and your brothers and sister kids are growing up. i am how ever working at a grocery story that i first started at when we first moved over here. and kelly is going to school. I have meet an amazing friend who is by my side throw thick and thin. Uncle joe we have grown up and things are getting better ever day love you with all my heart.

love you always

Christy Joanne Duncan
neice
February 16, 2012

Uncle Joe, we miss you so much. I have recently married the most wonderful man and we talk about you quite often. You would have LOVED him, and he would have loved you. Ya'll have so much in common. Its so unfair that you were taken from us so early in your life, and your babies lives. You should see them now. You'd be so proud. Love you always.

Kelly
Neice
September 27, 2011

Joe
Seems like yesterday when we were sitting in the storefront planning our retirement and seeing how far we had to go, Well my brother I made it to retirement and I remember the days prior when we were working together. The morning I came to work and was told officer down I rushed to the scene to find out it was you and my heart stopped. I knew what we had to do. We were a team out there we stood by one another. I always think about that day when you were taken from us. There is so much to reflect on that it is hard to put into words.
R.I.P. my brother for you are watching all of us from afar.
Rene and the kids will always be in our prayers.

Franklin Joe
05/22/11

Franklin Joe Sr. Deputy Retired
Harris County Sheriff's office
May 22, 2011

DEPUTY DENNIS ALTHOUGH IT WAS TEN YEARS AGO TODAY THAT YOU WERE TAKEN FROM YOUR FAMILY COWORKERS AND FRIENDS YOU MUST KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS EVERYDAY RIP MY BROTHER

LIEUTENANT BARRY RANSBERGERE RETIRED
TDCJ
May 22, 2011

We fell out of touch so many years ago, and I was hurt to learn that you were taken from your family and friends. I regret that I didn't keep in touch. Funny how when we get older we look back more. I have alot of fond memories of family times together, and seeing this really touched me. I run into fellow and former Harris county employees from time to time and always ask if they knew you. Kind of makes me feel closer to you. I imagine you grew up to be a great guy, husband and father.

Michelle L. Hanlon
Cousin
October 29, 2010

I read your memorial page today. The reflections left by your family and friends show the quality of man you are.

May God Bless your family and friends.

I offer the following.

Ships

“I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white
sails to the morning breeze and starts
for the blue ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length
she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come
to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says;
"There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull
and spar as she was when she left my side
and she is just as able to bear her
load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone
at my side says, "There, she is gone!"
There are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad
shout; "Here she comes!"
And that is dying.”

-Henry Van Dyke

Ret'd Sgt
Texas LEO
June 10, 2010

Joe,

Tomorrow will be 9 years since that awful day that you were taken from us too soon! I remember it like it was yesterday, it is seems so long ago. I think of you often and shed a tear. Your kids are growing up and you would be so proud of them both! Rene' is doing such an amazing job with them, but that is no surprise. You would be so proud of her too. Her strength is amazing!! You have never been far from our thoughts.
Thank you for all you did to keep us safe. I know you are just preparing a place with God for the rest of your family, as we have the promise that we will see you again! God Bless you Joe!! Love you, Jan-ett (aka Netter)

Jan-ett
May 21, 2010

Deputy Dennis,

I read that your end of watch date was near. Your parents and family are in my prayers and thoughts on this National Police Week. Hope to see your parents at retreat.

Maxine, mother
Deputy Josh Rutherford EOW 5/23/03

Anonymous
May 14, 2010

It is finally May and believe it or not our babies are graduating from high school in just a matter of 4 weeks. I can hardly believe how much time has gone by and how the kids have grown. You would be so proud of your son (brandon) He reminds me alot of you at that age, especcially when he makes comments on facebook about his girlfriend. It sounds like you did when you and rene were dating. I know you would of chuckled at him too. I know that he will make you very proud in whatever he does. We all miss you alot and you will be in our thoughts and hearts when he walks across the stage and accepts his diploma. I still remember when you walked yourself. We had many of awsome years/ times together. I will always love you and think of you !!!!

your sister:

Debbie Dennis/Duncan

Debbie Dennis Duncan
Sister
May 6, 2010

Your children are so beautiful! How proud you must be as you watch from afar.

They said the pain would lessen as time went by.... over 8 years and while it isn't as often, the pain still racks my body as I look at our picture or talk to my sister or one of your babies!
You are honestly the best friend my precious husband ever had, he isn't the same without you, Joe. He doesn't talk about you so much any more but I see it every fall in his eyes when he readys his rifle for hunting season, every spring when we prepare the boat for the first fishing trip of the season, and at every single family function we attend. Your picture is still on the shelf in my curio with the ribbons from your funeral. I talk to you frequently just as I did when you were here... ask your opinions and for guidance.
You were the closest thing to a brother I ever had. I will never ever forget the incredible frieind you were to all of us!

Anonymous
November 21, 2009

you will never be forgotten.
i hope you know that you are missed more than words can say

mike
brother
April 14, 2009

"It's not how they died that made them heroes......it's how they lived". God Bless you deputy Dennis. And God Bless your family, friends and fellow deputies.

AZ Narc (formerly of Paris, TX)
October 15, 2008

Deputy Sheriff Dennis,
You are a hero and will not be forgotten! Keep watch over your family and friends.
Thank you for your service.

Officer Lynn Cronquist
Minneapolis PD
August 27, 2008

Deputy Dennis,
You are a HERO who will always be remembered for your courageous service and sacrifice. You did not lose your life, you gave it in service to others. My prayers are with your wife, children and family. Please watch over them, as well as all of our peace officers.

Deputy Dennis, Never Forgotten.

Jim Sweeney Civilian New Jersey
A friend to our peace officers
July 3, 2008

I sat last night remembering that exact moment 7 years ago... when I still had you, my loving husband. When you held me in your arms and told me that you loved me. I am sure you are looking down now and -hopefully- smiling, your "Baby Girl" tried out for, and made, Cheerleader for her 7th grade year of school. Our boy is getting older and a bit more difficult to deal with (I really wish you were here for this), but we are doing our best to keep him on the right path. He is still playing football, and loving it. I love you and miss you verry much!

I want to thank all those who have left reflections here, and who are still praying for myself and the rest of our family - The prayers are what gets us through each and every day - Thank you!
Keep 'em comming, and I love reading everything you write.
Rene'

your loving wife
May 22, 2008

it has been 7 years and it still seems like it happened just days ago you will allways be missed.joe if you can hear me please pray with me for all of the other victims out there.it is a hard job but a necessary job because not everyone in society was brought up with the same values and there has to be people willing to protect society from these people. i am so proud of you joe and i know that you are in a better place

mike brother
May 22, 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
February 7, 2008

God bless Deputy Dennis.
God bless Harris County Sheriff's Department.
God bless the Dennis family.

Another chapter of this tragic even closed today, and I offer my prayers and wishes for hope, healing, and comfort. Peace be with you.

Kentucky LE officer's wife
January 30, 2008

How ironic! I posted here last night. Then I said a little pryer and I asked God to comfort this family. Today the murderer did himself in. I am sorry for any loss of human life but at least Joe`s family knows this guy will never put another family through such torment.

Chip Nall
January 29, 2008

Well, the thug that took your life was too much of a coward to accept the punishment a jury of his peers levied against him. He took his own life in is cell today. Though I never met you, I'd much rather have you here protecting and serving with us. Rest in peace and may your family find comfort and strength in God.

Sgt. Paul George
Houston Police Department
January 29, 2008