Officer Down Memorial Page

I am currently reading the book written by Eric Blehm, I believe that is the author, about Randy Morgenson. Although I have not finished reading it, I am so inspired to follow my dreams to work in a national park, even if it's just for one season.

Jan Campbell
Citizen
March 3, 2012

Upon reading the book that chronicles the life and times of Ranger Morgenson, I was struck by both his dedication to the preservation of the wilderness experience and the nobleness of the job of the backcountry ranger. It's good to take pause, remember, and be thankful for the wilds of this great nation and the efforts of those who care for it every day as part of their "job."

Thank you.

Joe Fleischmann
Citizen
January 19, 2011

There are no words to thank you for your many years of caring and service. Those of us who frequent the Sierra, feel your presence still - as you are an indivisible part of the back country you loved so much. Your spirit in the Sierra is both comforting, and serves as a reminder of the respect that this beautiful place deserves.

Thank you for your many years of excellent service, your care and attention, your friendly guidance, and your many sacrifices.

Kathy
Appreciative citizen
September 7, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 14th 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 the solace of 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
July 24, 2010

Rest in Peace Ranger. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

TFC. Timothy Naquin
Louisiana State Police
September 11, 2009

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible legacy of service in the backcountry of the Sierra. I love the high Sierra's and feel the most at peace there and am so thankful for the dedication of all backcountry rangers that keep the mountains safe from people (and the people safe from the mountains...). Rest in Peace Randy.

Meg Kobe
citizen
September 1, 2009

Ranger Morgenson thank you for your many years of service to our country. It has been 13 years since the end of your watch and you have not been forgotten. May the Lord continue to bless you and your loved ones.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
July 23, 2009

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 27, 2008

Ranger Morgenson, what a credit to your profession you were - balancing the need to share the diminishing wild places with others, and the (greater) need to protect those places from us. You embodied what we need more of today - all I can think is that losing a protector like you is among the last things nature needs now (we need more of you, not less!). If you had to go, I'm glad it was in a place you wanted to be. Rest easy, thank you, and please keep protecting the wild!

Special Agent
DHS-ICE
January 22, 2008

My only knowledge of Ranger Morgenson is through the book THE LAST SEASON. However, my love of the outdoors, appreciation for the National Parks and respect for those who preserve them for us compels me to honour him, even at this late date, for his dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice in the performance of his duty by leaving this reflection. Godspeed Ranger Morgenson, and thank you.

Allan Bartron
Appreciative citizen
August 18, 2007

Having hiked the John Muir Trail in 1976 and spent the best of month in the backcountry of your world and later raising a son in Grand Canyon NP, Redwoods NP, and Hubbell NHS few are so lucky as to spend so much time surrounded by so much beauty.
Thank you for caring and taking care of this beauty.

Park Service Spouse Cynthia Beverforden
National Park Service
February 10, 2007

I did not know you. That does not matter, though. I know who you are because we share a love for the intricate beauty of the mountains for which we longed to be one with. I salute your selfless dedication to the preservation of high, beautiful places and aspire to exhibit a fraction of the love, passion, dedication and conviction you held for our wild places. Rest in peace.

September 7, 2006

A man of the mountains, lover of all life, especially the flowers. May sky pilot long thrive and catch the marvel of all who support the preservation of the wilderness, and walk slowly in harmony and peace in the meadow.

daughter of the mountains
conceived in the back country
July 8, 2006

The men and woman of the Larned P.D. salute you and pray that you rest in peace. Thanks for your service.

Chief of Police Charles R. Orth
Larned, Kansas Police Department
April 28, 2005

I was a seasonal at Cedar Grove when you disappeared. I helped search for you.
You were an amazing backcountry guy. The service was better with you a part of it.
Thanks for your time.
Thanks for your effort.
Thanks for giving your life for America's greatest idea.
You won't be forgotten.

U. S. Park Ranger
National Park Service
October 25, 2004

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A grateful citizen.

September 29, 2004

Rest In Peace , your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Police Officer
Chicago Police
August 25, 2004

Ranger Morgenson, of all the different areas of law enforcment...I've always had the most respect for those in the field of conservation and fish & wildlife. Your work is important. Your memory is honored. God bless.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police
February 28, 2004

Rest in peace friend

Another member of the green n gray has had their time cut short. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Ranger Morgenson. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA