Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the eighth 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 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 remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold all your family in my heart's embrace today.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
December 26, 2011

Happy Birthday Son - I know you are looking down on us with your big smile - just know we love and miss you very much. Tia Diane

Diana G. Garza
Aunt
December 10, 2009

Happy Birthday son - thinking of you on this special day. We love and miss you very much. Tia Diane.

Diana G. Garza
Aunt
December 10, 2008

Rest in Peace my brother, you are not forgotten. Our prayers continue to go out to your family. I know you are watching over us...

Deputy E. Belmar (Traffic) Motor Unit
Bexar County Sheriffs Office
December 2, 2008

Mijo - we just celebrated your son Richard's 15th Birthday wow if you can see what a handsome young man he is turning out to be (just like his dad). How I wish you could be here but, I know you are watching out for him. He is just like you that same smile and bear hugs just like you used to give me. I thank god everyday for keeping him in our lives (thanks Lesa you've done a great job). Keep watching over him Mijo we love and miss you deeply. Tia Diane

Anonymous
July 21, 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 31, 2008

You are remembered today and thank youSir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH
December 24, 2007

Mijo - Happy Birthday - Richard your son invited us all for a memorial service to remind us that you are not forgotten ever he's growing up to be a wonderful young man you would be so proud. Gloria and Alex your daughters are both beautiful I know that they miss you very much. It's very hard for us with both you and your Mom leaving us almost at the same time and we're still trying to cope who ever said that time heals did not know you. We love and miss you so very much. Hugs and kisses to you both.

Love Tia Diane

Diana G. Garza
Aunt
December 12, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
October 8, 2006

Remember Richard Garza Jr, " Bless are the Peace Makers for they shall be called the Children of God".

Trevino
peace officer
August 22, 2006

Rest in peace Brother, May God Bless you and your family.

Patrolman
June 29, 2006

You are being highlighted on the
website today. You are not forgotten.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

January 20, 2006

Mijo - we're celebrating your favorite time of the year Fiesta not a day goes by that we don't think of you. Remembering how you and your Uncle Rick were so cheap in order for us not to pay parking we would park at your work and walk to all the festivities. Your son Richard and daughters Alex and Gloria are so big now and miss their daddy so much but, don't worry they are being well taken care of. Kisses to both you and your Mom (Syliva we miss the Fiesta party). Loving and missing you.

Tia Diane =:)

Diana G. Garza
April 21, 2005

In loving memory of D.S. Garza: We
are thinking of you and your family
on the 1st anniversary of your death.
May God continue to comfort and
heal those who are still grieving. God bless.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

December 26, 2004

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

(Author: Unknown)

December 26, 2004

Dad I will always love you and I know that I will always have you in my heart. It's almost been a year with out you and next week is your birthday. Dad I will always miss you, and I know Alex and Gloria do too. I know now that I will take care of my sisters.

Rest in Peace
Badge #1357,

Love your only son,
Richard Garza

Richard Garza
November 30, 2004

I just wanted to say that Jesse (Chuyo) Garza was not only my cousin but a great friend. He will truly be missed by many people. He was a man that loved his job and his family. He was always there when anybody needed him. And he was always there to make me laugh. I miss him so much and am so glad that he is with my Tia Sylvia looking over me and my family. I love you both and miss you both very much. Rest in peace. And know that I will be here for the kids if they need anything. I love you.

A1C Erica N Gonzales
USAF
May 25, 2004

You have left a void in our hearts loosing your mom Sylvia was hard enough but, to loose you at the prime of your life was even harder. We think about you everyday. The hardest part is having to watch your kids grow up without you especially Gloria (Daddy's little girl) but, not to worry like your Tio would say we'll watch out for them and Sandra your wife. Like Gloria would say my daddy's an angel in heaven watching over us. We love you mijo (Chuyo) and miss you so very much. I know now you're safe with your mom right beside you smiling down at us. Big hugs and kisses to the both of you.

Tia Diane
March 31, 2004

There is not one day that goes by that I do not think of you. You were always my big brother, and my childhood was one never to forget because of you. I know you are safe and happy with your mother whom we all still miss, but knowing you all are together again brings some happiness to me. I will always look over your wonderful children and remind them how wonderful and loving their father was...

Isabel

February 9, 2004

Rest in peace sir.

Shannon
January 19, 2004

From your brothers and sisters of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, you will be deeply missed Jesse. God rest your soul and bless your family. We will meet again.

Bexar County Sheriff's Office
January 8, 2004

Rest in peace brother in blue.
The watch is ours now.

God bless your family and your department.
Thanks for your dedication and service.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
January 7, 2004

Day is done,
gone the sun.
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh.

Godspeed to you and your family

LT. JAMES A. WILLIAMS
N.Y.P.D.
January 4, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Jesus did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Jesus be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Garza's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Jesus is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Jesus was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Drakesville, IA)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)
January 4, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Deputy Garza for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous
January 4, 2004