Officer Down Memorial Page

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

Officer 11169
October 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the sixth 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. Rest In Peace.

I hold his family in my heart's embrace today and pray for their solace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
May 29, 2009

As Heather learned, the heart never really "moves on." Last month marked 5 years since you have been gone. Something precious was stolen from many when we lost you.

Wilma Lusk
mother of Heather
June 26, 2008

On this 5th anniversary of your EOW, our hearts go out to your families. Time has not diminished your service or your sacrifice. So sorry for your loss.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

May 29, 2008

On this 5th anniversary of your EOW, our hearts go out to your families. Time has not diminished your service or your sacrifice. So sorry for your loss.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

May 29, 2008

I can't believe it's been five years since you were taken from us. I remember the night like it was yesterday. I haven't forgotten, nor will I ever. Watch over us up there my friend. God bless......

Deputy Doug Sullivan
Fresno County Sheriff's Dept.
May 25, 2008

Deputy Lancaster,

You left for your heavenly home the same day as my son Josh did. I expect that you have met each other by now. Your mother is in my prayers as I know the lonely journey that she is on. Fly high with the eagles.

Maxine

May 18, 2008

DEPUTY LANCASTER THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO FRESNO COUNTY. GIVING THE ULTIMATE SACRAFICE IS WHAT SEPARATES YOU FROM OTHER MEN. JESUS SAID "WHAT GREATER LOVE THAN TO LAY DOWN YOU LIFE FOR A FRIEND". MAY GOD WRAP HIS ARMS AROUND YOU IN HEAVEN, AS YOU LEFT YOUR FOOT PRINT ON EARTH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE DEPUTY LANCASTER...A TRUE HERO

CADET DAVID HALL
ACADEMY
March 28, 2008

Josh - I left law enforcement 2 years ago. Tomorrow, I am returning with Winter Garden Police Department. On Friday, I was in Washington D.C., and visited you at the Law Enforcement Memorial. I am writing because there is a heartfelt family connection being in law enforcement, and I pray to do you proud!

Officer Brian Lancaster
Cousin
November 25, 2007

"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
November 25, 2007

Hey Josh, whats up man? Its been along time. I finally had the courage to write this. I remember you that day, giving you a hard time because you were working OT and being a property dick, remember? I told you not to do it, the case load and the calls..hell you got stuck in the garden the week before and got pounded with paper...You were to young in your career, you had so much to offer this world. You know there are a bunch of us that would have taken your spot becasue your our brother. Man, seems like yesterday. I was the fourth one at the crash, I couldnt believe it, I still cant. Alot of us have not forgotten you man, we never will, ever. We are working a few small things to keep your memory alive. Hope fully the new boss will listen to us, they are good ideas. Keep a eye on us man we think about you, you are in our hearts forever. JE

Juan Espinoza
FSO
July 17, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 4th anniversary of your being called away from duty. Continue to watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
May 29, 2007

May your sleep be sweet and may your loved ones be ever blessed by Him.

May 29, 2007

Thank You soooo very much to everyone who has josh in their hearts, i cant go a day without thinking of him! to all who go one with thier lives i lift you up i hope god blesses you, i am going on with my life but it will never be the same, thanks again to all who have supported Josh he would be so proud! He is proud! looking down on all of us today! moving on, going on however it may be. I love You Josh I cant wait To see you in Heaven!!!

Jason Lancaster
Brother
February 27, 2007

My friend, as we all miss you and are very proud of you. We know you entered the gates of Heaven hearing the Lords voice say ever so clear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant, welcome home".
You will be forever in our hearts, we miss you.

Police Officer, B. Ellis
friend
September 14, 2006

Heather, you are a remarkable women and NEVER feel guilty for moving on with your life, by moving on you are not in anyway disrespecting or dishonoring Josh!!! You will forever hold a place for him in your heart. Josh would want you to find happiness again!God bless you and know that you are thought about 3 years later!

Laurie
wife of LEO

Laurie
wife of LEO
June 1, 2006

It's been three years today since we lost you. Time has healed some of the sadness, but I as I'm sure the rest who knew you still miss you very much. I hope heaven has treated you as you deserve. Continue to watch over us down here fighting the fight. Rest in peace my friend.

Deputy Doug Sullivan
Fresno County Sheriff's Dept.
May 29, 2006

To Josh and his family, I pray and know that God will bring you peace. On this years anniversary I have issued a bulletin to our unit in remembrance of your sacrifice. We will never forget, I will never forget.

Deputy III George Ozburn #312
FSD
May 22, 2006

Heather, I am happy you have learned to walk this journey with your head up! Don't you feel guilty for going on with your life thats what Josh would of wanted for you. I keep all of you in my prayers!

May 5, 2006

I did not want to harm the on-going trial before now, but now that it is all over I just wanted to express my deepest heart-felt thank you to everyone who posted their thoughts for my son. I can't believe so many people took the time to send their messages.
Josh's wife may have moved on but I want all of you to know that I and his family will continue to feel the loss of my wonderful son and that we are so grateful that there are so many out there who also will never forget him.
I also want to apologize to the law enforcement agencies involved in this tragedy for my earlier comments. I realized after sitting through two trials that the officers involved were only doing what they had to do.And if Josh had been in their shoes, he would have done the same thing.
I pray there will be an end to officer deaths, and though I know it will not happen I will pray for their families.
Josh was not just a great officer - He was a GREAT son. I will cry every day for the loss of his smile,his laugh, his voice, his caring. I await the day I will see him again.
Thank you everyone.
Cathy - Mom

Mother- Cathy Slate
January 23, 2006

I think about you often my friend. I was sitting hear reading through some of your reflections and many of them made me sad, but many made me smile. You were an awesome young man that I will never forget. God bless you brother.

Deputy Doug Sullivan
Fresno County Sheriff's Dept.
November 17, 2005

I thank Josh everyday when I wake up... I feel a pride when i see an officer.. I want to thank them for everything they do because they mean so very much.
My brother was a real whole hearted officer!
Everyday I try to find a new memory of him... As the days go farther along...it becomes harder to find another memory to smile about...

I will forever look at his picture and have a feeling of pride..

I love you brother... With ALL my heart

Chelsi..his little sister
September 29, 2005

Josh was a cousin I never really knew. Yet we know the same desire to put the bad guy in jail, and keep peace in an unpeaceful world. We are cousins and brothers; as Deputy Sheriff's we are one. We are family by profession, and blood. My prayers are with your family, my family.

Deputy Brian Lancaster
Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Florida
April 21, 2005

Josh, I never met you or Heather, but I did spend time with your mom and dad at National Police Week. You are truly loved and missed. May God be with and comfort your family.
II Corinthians 1:3-7

Chaplain John Elms
Metro Police Chaplaincy/Hillsboro OR PD
June 11, 2004

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Tonight, May 29, 2004 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Deputy Sheriff Joshua Clyde Lancaster who died in the line of duty on this date one year ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Deputy Lancaster’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC
May 29, 2004