Officer Down Memorial Page

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. 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 that 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 23, 2012

Ten years...hard to believe. We think of you every day, Tom.

Kristin Michael
Josephine County Sheriff's Office
May 22, 2012

Miss you at the river tom.

Nick Weber
Friend
February 26, 2011

Remembering you today and every day, Tom.

Kristin Michael
Josephine County Sheriff's Office
May 23, 2010

Tom,
It's coming upon 8 years in a few short days. You are thought of often and missed a lot.

Anonymous
May 19, 2010

Tom,

I saw your name on the memorial wall this week. This is the first time I have been down to the police academy since we were room mates at basic academy in 1994. I am back for two weeks of training and I have looked at your name on the wall and reflected daily. It overwhelms me and I get tears in my eyes, but then I think of your smile and your chuckle. The tears turn to a grin. I think of Rita and the kids. I think of spending time with you guys and just laughing. I think of my son, Dillon, who is now 13. He is an honorable, athletic, good young Christian man and you would be proud of him. I think of my precious 2 year old daughter, Lily, and wish you could have met her. She is so beautiful and has an infectious smile like yours. I think of my wonderful wife, Rebecca, and wish you could have met her as well. My life has continued on, but seldom a day goes by that I don't miss you and wish I could just pick up the phone and call you...come over and visit, trade a department ride-a-long. You lived a hero and you died a hero. I am proud to say I was your friend. I only pray I have lived my life honorably enough since you went to be with God, and hope you are proud of me as well.

The Measure of Man

Not “How did he die”? But “How did he live?”
Not “What did he gain?” But “What did he give?”
Not “What was his station?” But “Had he a heart?”
And “How did he play his God-given part?”
Not “What was his shrine? Nor “What was his creed?”
But “Had he befriended those really in need?”
Not “What did the piece in the newspaper say?”
But “How many were sorry when he passed away?”
Was he ever ready with a word or good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Author Unknown

We all miss and love you my friend.

Jess, Rebecca, Dillon and Lily Riley

Officer Jess Riley
West Linn, Oregon PD
December 11, 2008

Today is the 6th anniversary of your EOW and I know it still stings for those who
love you. Congrats! You figured out that the purpose of life is to glorify God. Since Jesus was your personal Saviour, you are now spending eternity with Him. Those who trust in Him for their salvation will forever enjoy that special place He is preparing for those who love Him.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

May 23, 2008

Tom,
You have been on my mind a lot lately. It fast approaching on 6 years. I can't believe that it has been that long. Your smile is missed.
Rice Family,
You and Tom and still thought of daily. I hope that you are all doing well.

Former Dispatcher
April 27, 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
January 14, 2008

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ
August 23, 2007

I can't believe it has been 5 years Tom, it seems like it was just yesterday when we lost you. You are always in our thoughts. We miss you Tom. There are always constant reminders of how much you around the office. You were a great man and friend, and Joe really misses you. This is always a hard time of year for our family and I am sure yours, our prayers are with Rita and the kids.
Deputy Myki Hyatt and Fire Marshall Joseph D. Hyatt
Josephine County Sheriff's office and Rural Metro Fire Department.

Deputy Myki Hyatt
Josephine County Sheriff's office
May 30, 2007

You are a true hero. Marine Deputy Rice was willing to put his own safety before a strangers. Still not forgotten..

May 23, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Rice on the anniversary of his passing.
May God continue to give you comfort.

Thank you for your service. Heros are never forgotten.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia
May 23, 2007

May your sleep be sweet.G-d Bless.

May 23, 2007

Dear Tom,
Your EOW was 5 years ago today. Thanks for your
service and sacrifice. Tell Jesus hi and I'll meet you
on a day that I'm looking forward to in the near future.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

May 23, 2007

Tom,
It's hard to believe that tomorrow will be 5 years. A lot has changed down here. I am glad that you are in a safe and happy place compared to the evil that has become more and more.
Rice Family,
Please know that Tom has not been forgotten, and neither have you. I keep all of you in my prayers.

Dispatcher
May 22, 2007

You were highlighted on the website today. Time has
not diminished your memory or your sacrifice! Such
nice things have been said here and I know you are
resting in the safety of Jesus' arms. Such a comfort to
know you knew the Savior personally and are now with
Him forever.
I love this song by Chris Rice.

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

God's blessing on all who knew and loved Tom!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

April 22, 2007

Hi Tom,
You have been on my mind a lot lately. I miss your smile. Your were a great guy and you are missed.

April 18, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
Tennessee
June 4, 2006

Deputy Rice your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother....God Bless !!

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
March 22, 2006

December 28, 2003
Dear Deputy Tom,
It is so sad to come to this site and see all the officers down.
According to these reflections, you knew Jesus personally and that
blesses me greatly as I know I will meet you face to face one day
and be able to thank you for your sacrifice. There is none greater than
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
We don't get to Heaven based on what we do,
but what He did for us!! AMEN! Thank you for your fine
example to those that worked with you and knew you. There is now a
huge void that cannot be filled, but as you are remembered, thoughts will
turn to your exemplary life and we will be filled with pride and respect
and love for the man you became. You were a wonderful testimony to
the Lord you served. God be with all those who mourn and may His
promises lift all those with heavy hearts for many years to come.

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

December 28, 2003

Rest in peace Brother Tom, you will not be forgotten.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla
October 2, 2003

It's hard losing someone you love. It's even more tragic to lose that person to the same fate as someone else in your family.

Condolences to the family and police department.

Rest In Peace, My Brother

September 28, 2003

I worked with Tom at the Josephine County Sheriff's Office. Tom was a great man, deputy and Christian. He was a great example to us all!

I miss you Tom!

Parole/Probation Officer Daniel Schram
Josephine County Community Justice

Tom walked with God and bled red, white and blue. A role model Christian, family man, and officer. I'll meet you in heaven someday my brother.

We will never forget you.

Detective Mike Vorberg
Josephine County Sheriff's Office