Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It's that time of year again when you and Larry come to the forefront of my memory. You two are always in my thoughts, just more so each July.

M. Huber, Deputy Sheriff
Butte County Sheriff's Office

July 4, 2023

I can’t believe it’s 2021. Although I think of you often, for some reason tonight is different and I have been sitting here reading about that awful tragic evening feeling like it was yesterday. I remember you like it was just yesterday as well. Every so often a person comes along in your life that is instrumental in helping to form who you are as a person. You were certainly that for me.
Until we meet again.....

Anonymous
Friend

March 18, 2021

Still have no words.

Jim S. Manion
Butte Co. S.O / CHP (ret.)

September 27, 2020

It's 2020 but just seems like yesterday when the shocking news was released. Two of the good guys KIA. Your not forgotten guys Brothers. Sleep for a little while.

Mike Harvey
L.A. Co. Sheriff's Deputy, Rtd./ Butte Co. D.D.A.

July 28, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 26, 2020

I recall when this incident happened. Working at the department and knew both of these men. I had probably known Larry Estes the longest, from his days as a deputy, and then climbing the ranks. A true asset to the the department. Seems Young Deputy Bill Hunter had only been there a short while. Both were amazing men in their own right and are sorely missed. The same goes for our Deputy Randy Jennings. It is still painful to see their pictures for me, I can only imagine the pain and aching in the hearts their families must feel daily. To these men, I am so sorry that you are gone, but in they hearts of many you are fondly remembered.

Vanessa Jones, CO, Retired
Butte County Jail

July 26, 2019

REMORSE

Alone in the dark
my home
safe, warm
and yet I’m not there
A clear summer night
Remote mountain cabin
Surrounded by brothers
Searching for others lost
No longer there
Too late, too late
Two brothers gone, a madman as well
Empty,
Surrounded but alone
Too late
The silence of the night returns
And I am back in my home
Endless visions, always the same
Too late
Two brothers lost
Longing and sorrow
Why
Another night, another trip up that mountain
Sadness returns
Always the same
Too late

I'm sorry Bill. We tried brother.

Mickey Huber
BCSO

July 20, 2019

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Hunter.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 16, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 26, 2018

Still thinking of you Bill. You are never far from my thoughts.

Deputy (Reserve) Mickey Huber
Butte County Sheriff’s Office

May 26, 2018

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 17, 2015

Bill,

It's been nearly 14 years since that terrible day. My daughter, who was just 2 at the time, and I were discussing PTSD for a class that she is taking at Butte College. We talked about the war in Afghanistan and the soldiers coming home. I was explaining PTSD to her, and then she asked me if I had it. In an instant I was transported back to Inskip. I remember the darkness and the fear. I remember hoping that when we breached the cabin we would find you and Larry being held hostage, and then the sadness at finding you both. I remember fighting back tears as I went into the cabin again once it was secured to see if anything could be done for either of you, and then the determination not to let anyone else see my tears as I tended to the members of the team, checking on their mental and physical state. I remember driving down the hill and then hearing a call dispatched in Oroville for a man running around threatening people with an axe, and the immediate anger that I felt that someone was threatening other members of my BCSO family. I remember getting home at 4 am and not being able to sleep. I remember my son, who was 5 asking my wife what was wrong with daddy when he got up to see me as I was getting ready for work. I remember getting to one of my stations and talking with my EMS crew, and then completely breaking down and crying nearly uncontrollably when the story came on the news. I remember sitting through your funeral and feeling full of regret that I had not been able to help you in your time of need. Even now, after all this time, I feel empty when I think of that night. But in the end, I remember your ever present smile, and it gives me hope.

Gone but never forgotten.

Mickey Huber, Deputy Sheriff (Res.)
Butte County Sheriff's Office

June 29, 2015

Bill, we were peers when this happened. I had moved on to another agency but it was only a year until this happened to you. I will always honor your name and sacrifice. Know that your experience is shared by many of us to remember your name, never forget your sacrifice and continue the job set forth. I pray to see you again in eternity brother.
- Mark

Sergeant Mark Gonzalez
Capitola Police - Formber Butte County Sheriff Deputy

January 24, 2015

Billy,

I ran into your mom last Christmas. It had been a long time since I'd seen her. She still looks the same as ever. The same as she did when I'd come over to your house for chocolate Cool-Whip and really sweet tea.

I'm hoping to get married soon. I still think about how I used to think I'd marry you, when I was really little and you were this giant gangly teenager.

I live in Chico now. I think about you every time I pass the dome church. Your funeral was the biggest outpouring of support and emotion I've ever seen. I sat next to your cousin Dallas. I don't know what ever happened to him.

I think about you every time I hear bagpipes. Every time I hear TAPS or Amazing Grace. Every airshow I've ever been to since then reminds me of the jets flying overhead as they gave you the twenty-one gunshot salute.

A few years ago I went to Washington DC and found your name on the Officers' Memorial. I don't know where you're buried, but I've looked for you. I'll keep looking.

Nobody was ever the same after what happened to you: not me, my family, or your family. A couple of months later the whole nation would learn to divide their lives into "before" and "after," but the ones who loved you already had. 2001 was just such a terrible year. And every hero's funeral after 9/11 just made us think of you. All those bagpipes, all those gunshot salutes. You wouldn't recognize your country anymore, but I like to think you'd still recognize me. I'm only about a foot and a half taller than last time we met.

You're still so missed. I think we all lost a little bit of our faith in the world when we lost you. We lost our sense of safety and our sense of trust. We learned that sometimes bad things really do happen to great people. But you taught us what sacrifice and bravery really meant, which were things we needed to know over the coming years. You left so much of yourself behind with us, and for that I'm grateful.

I still have that dollhouse you built me in highschool. When I have a daughter, I'm going to finish it. I'll put gingerbread trim on it and make a little garden in the back, just like your mom's. And I'll tell my kids all about my godparents and their sons, and flower fairies, and especially about their Uncle Billy and how proud he made us all.

Somebody who remembers you.

September 3, 2014

I was on scene that day...
The event forever changed me. I knew both Lt. Estes and Deputy Hunter as brothers in arms as well as dear friends. I think about them often and the sacrifice they made to keep out great country safe.

(Former)Deputy Sheriff Grant Kyle
Butte County Sheriff Department

April 29, 2014

I was fortunate enough to participate in the debriefing for this killing while I was in the academy. It was a sad day, a day of realization of just what could happen. These two men and their families will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Res. Deputy Backus
Trinity County Sheriff's Office

October 19, 2012

Oh my gosh- ten years, my friend. You are thought of often. I pray for you and your family. I miss you.

old friend.

August 5, 2011

Deputy Hunter, You are not forgotten. God bless you.

SA Ellen Pierson
US DHS

January 19, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 9th 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 who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Like your mother, I share the anquish of losing a beloved child which surely has to be life's greatest sorrow and I hold her in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 26, 2010

Hello to the family of Deputy Sheriff Robert Hunter,
I was spending some time looking back on Howard's Memorial Page and saw the sweetest post for Howard and his family...I wanted to stop by and say how sorry I am that your family had to suffer such a loss as well. Deputy Hunter is truly a hero and we will never forget his sacrifice! I will be keeping all of you in my daily prayers. Thank You

Kathy stevenson wife of
Sgt. Howard K. Stevenson EOW 1/9/05

July 11, 2010

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

Officer 11169

June 8, 2009

Hey Billy,
It's been just over 7 years since you left us. It still feels like yersterday. I still think of you almost daily. I'm sure you know that though, being up in heaven and all:) I have told my daughter all about you to the point that she asks about you now and then and about heaven. She's 4 years old and I wish more than anything she could have known you in this life. But she will definately know you in the next. She knows all about Jesus and heaven. I thank god all of the time when I pray that you knew him. I can't wait to see you again. The bible says that the bonds we have on earth we will also have in heaven. We had quite a special bond. You helped shaped me as a person and for that I thank you so much. I love you. I always have and always will. And I miss you so terribly.

Ruby
Long-time friend

September 3, 2008

Bill,

I was on this site today to see if anything was posted about you and Larry. I had just left the Sheriff's Department at the end of 1999 and although we didn't work a lot together I could tell from the time I spent with you that you would be a fine officer. I remember that awful morning July 26, 2001 when my wife came in and told me she saw on the news that you and Larry had been killed. I couldn't even go to work that day as it made me sick to my stomach. That was my patrol area with Brian Laginja where you were killed and I had dealt with your killer on many occassions. What a terrible loss of a really good man. Bill, rest in peace brother. I will always remember this day as you were kileed on my oldest son's birthday.

Ken Phillips, Former Detective
Butte County Sheriff's Office

July 26, 2008

Billy, friend, you are often thought of. What a treat it was, recently, to find an old picture of you.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to his brothers and parents.

Seven years this month- Billy is still remembered by everyone who was ever blessed enough to know him.

Matt and Jeri Trail
high school friends

July 2, 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

August 9, 2007