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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 2, 2012

Jim, I have left other comments when you first died. I have so many days that I still think of life lessons you taught me to carry with me. I just wanted to declare how much I still miss you. As time marches on, you have NOT been forgotten. I regret that I can't pick up the phone or resolve my desire to still chat, laugh, and have such meaningful conversation and time together. You were a friend that really enriched my life experience. You taught me balance between family and a day of work well-done. I carry you in my days still!

Steve Stogdill
Friend Jim made feel like family
February 10, 2010

Captain Baugh was a cop’s cop who had a special knack for teaching new officers the skills they need to survive. I have a story, like probably a hundred other officers have, involving Jim. During qualifications at ILEA my gun started malfunctioning and I probably wasn’t going to qualify which meant I wouldn’t graduate with my class. Jim was at the Academy helping teach the basic firearms class and he saw that I was having a problem. Jim, who had maybe met me once or twice before, broke my handgun down between qualification rounds and fixed the problem and I was able to qualify. I was fortunate enough to attend several other firearms classes taught by Jim and I learned something valuable every time. I know, without a doubt, that there are police officers alive today due to the training and advice they received from Captain Baugh.

R Gambill
Clay County Sheriff's Dept.
March 22, 2009

Captain Baugh,

I had the honor of spending a week with your son Jason during our ET school this week and he spoke very highly of you. He gave me the brief details on the accident and spoke of your dedication to Law Enforcement and how close you were to retirement when you had passed. I know that you are proud of the work that he is doing here, both with his career in Law Enforcement and keeping your memory alive through his volunteer efforts. It was a pleasure meeting him and learning of your story; Please keep watch over him and all of the men and women who serve.

Ofc. Brian Greenenwald
Riverside Police Department
February 20, 2009

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
February 20, 2009

Uncle Jim,
It's hard to believe that 5 years have passed. There isn't a moment that Pete and I and the girls don't think of you and miss you. You are always in our hearts and sitting on our shoulders as our guardian angel. Love you and Miss you
Becky

Sgt Becky Buttram
IMPD
January 12, 2009

This is the first time I have visited your site and I am very moved by your 32
years of service and the number of lives you have touched in that time. You
had a distinguished career and impacted many in law enforcement. Thanks
for leaving a lasting impression. May God, thru our Lord Jesus Christ, continue
to minister healing to all those who dearly miss you.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous
January 2, 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 © 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

Rest in Peace

Dep. Bennett
Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)
January 2, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, N H
December 30, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the family of Captain Baugh as the third anniversary of his EOW has recently passed. Time does not seem to erase the pain of such a loss.
Thank you, sir for your many years of dedicated service. Rest in peace.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04
January 13, 2007

As some time has passed, Jim thoughts about you and your family are still on my mind. Your friendship and guidance will not be forgotten.

Deputy
Clay County Sheriff
January 11, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It's been a while now, but we are sure the loss will forever be fresh in your minds. He was truly a fallen hero who will never be forgotten.

Wanda Sears; Asst. to the Chief of Staff
Norfolk Sheriff's Office
February 17, 2006

My deepest sympathy to the Baugh family for their loss. There are no words that can truely say "Sorry for you loss" I only wish Jim could have enjoyed retirement. I know for the long dedicated career he had in law enforcement, he loved what he was doing and it may be some solace that he lost his life doing something he loved so much. He will always be a hero and will never be forgotten by his loved ones or the Blue Family. Jim, keep looking down on your family and wrap your wings around them to help ease some of their pain. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
www.michaelpgordon.com

Bob Gordon
January 19, 2006

Captain Baugh..you & your family are in my thoughts & prayers during the holiday's & your 2 yr. anniversary with the Lord..please watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..keeping them safe..YOU ARE GONE..BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!

girlfriend of a dpd
detroit, mi
January 3, 2006

Captain Baugh was a very good man. I didn't know him well, but what I did know of him was very very good.

He will be greatly missed

Chief Deputy Jeff McCullough
Centerpoint Police Dept.
July 6, 2005

I Am the wife of a cop, I am caring for his 3 children and 1 of my own. I personally just want to tell you that I am here if you need me. It's hard for me, my husband shot someone, and that is something I am dealing with every day. For some reason, I feel sorry for that family too. Anyway, If you want to talk, I'm here for you. I am so sorry for your loss, I can't even think of th pain you and the kids are going through. If you need me, please.... I will be here.
My name is Debi

IPD
April 17, 2005

May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. May God hold you in a special place and watch over your family forever....................AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
January 6, 2005

Jim, You are missed. Thank you for the impact you had on my life as my friend in my youth and as an adult.

Love,
Steve Stogdill & Family

Steve Stogdill
January 2, 2005

Peace be with you Brother Baugh, and with your family. My heart is saddened, but my resolve to carry on your fight is strengthened.

R. Knotts - Correctional Officer
Alaska Dept. of Correction (Former Indiana State Capitol Police Office
November 7, 2004

LIFE IS ETERNAL

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.

It is an object of beauty and strength. And I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud - just where the sea and the sky come down to mingle with each other. Then, someone at my side says: "There! She's gone."

Gone where? Gone from my sight - that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side, and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her; and just at the moment when someone at my side says, "There! She's gone," there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout. "There she comes!"

Dear Captain Baugh, Please watch over us and protect us from above. Pray for us as we pray for you daily. Thank you for your dedication to make this earth a better place to live and for your ultimate sacrifice. Take care, dear one. We love you.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff
October 1, 2004

Jim was a good man who will be missed by all he came in contact with. He was a supurb law enforcement officer and a great supporter of police training in Indiana.

Deputy Director
Department of Justice - Kosovo Police Service School
August 27, 2004

I met Capt. Baugh when I attended ILEA class 96-127. I later attended a combat shotgun school that he taught. I held high appreciation for him. He was a true law enforcement officer.

SSG Todd Strong
35th military police co.
August 6, 2004

My deepest condolences to the Baugh family. I will be riding in the Police Unity Tour(250 mile bike ride from Virginia Beach to Washington, DC) in memory of Captain James E. Baugh. It would be my honor to meet any friends or family members during this ride or the events in Washington DC May 8-14, 2004. Please contact me with any questions. "We ride for those who died"

Officer Joe Schwartz
Bloomington Police Department (MN)
April 14, 2004

To the Baugh family, friends, and the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, you have lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has one more shining star. Our thoughts and prays are with you all. Thanks Captain Baugh for all you have done for your brothers and sisters; rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland
April 13, 2004