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.

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 am sure that you are proud that your family is continuing your legacy of protecting and serving


Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 8, 2012

Everyday I am on-duty I think about how many other police officers that are also on-duty that possibly kissed their families and loved ones goodbye for the last time just like you did that morning of January 8, 2004. I was just a freshman in high school, but now I have a fire under me that wants me to continue to make you and Dad proud. I try every day that I go 10-8 to be the best I can be. I look at the Officer Down Memorial Page all most every day to see if any of my fellow brothers or sisters lives were taken in some kinda of tragedy. It makes me sad to see a new name and face when I get on and see a fellow LEO has been killed. I look back at the time and date they were killed and think back to what I was doing at that time when they were experiencing their last moments as one of our nation's heroes. We will never forget the fallen police officers that have fallen. We love you and you will always be remembered Uncle Sidney.

Officer Chase Zaffuto
Hammond Police Dept., Louisiana (Nephew)
September 8, 2011

Rest in Peace brother. May your family find comfort and strength in Gods love knowing that you are resting now in the arms of the angels. You will never be forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Dorsey
Piyy County N.C. Sheriffs Office
January 8, 2011

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
January 8, 2010

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

Worked with Sidney for several years. You were good friend and co-woker. Wish you could watch these U.F.C. fights, you would love them !

agent M.Faber Jr.
C.D.C. Intensive Probation /Ret.J.P.S.O.
January 20, 2009

I am saddened to read of Lt. Zaffuto's passing but certainly the world is a better place because he lived. As I read of the situation surrounding his death, I am reminded that all LEOs are indeed a family and I am encouraged that ultimately the good guys - like Lt. Zaffuto - will win. May God bless him family and everyone else he left behind.

Anonymous
August 10, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice. You are a hero for us all to look up too. You are not forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA
March 19, 2008

Sidney was my martial arts teacher and friend. I attained the rank of black belt under him at age 16 in 1986. His first taught black belt. He was a mentor and I respected him so much. Through my 16 years in law enforcement and 4 years in the Marine Corps I never met anyone any tougher. I was close friends with his son, Sidney Jr. God Bless you Sidney and to the family always remember you will see him again.
One day we will be able to spar once again.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
Bible, 2 Timothy iv. 7.

Cpl. Chris Stewart
BRPD
February 26, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
January 2, 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
November 1, 2007

Yo wuzz up DAD...well i just wanted to let you know that i still think about you every day & night,and that you will alwayz forever be remembered in my heart.... LOVE YA!

Andrew Meidna
Step-son
February 7, 2007

Please know that your sacrifice has not been forgotten as the third anniversary of your EOW has recently passed. You will forever be remembered as a hero.

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

man we had some good times together at work and details seems just like yesterday i keep the obuitary of u in my pocket and show and tell everyone i work with harrison county how good of a man u are

FTO Zeringue
harrison county sheriffs office
January 9, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 3rd anniversary of your end of watch. You have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over your loved ones and protect them.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
January 8, 2007

May you Rest in Peace.

January 8, 2007

In 1983, I started training in martial arts and Sidney was my first Karate instructor. Sidney taught me how to fight and defend my self. Many times Sidney and I sparred and it got to the point to where I mirrored his technique. Today, I'm still fighting and so many times I go back to what Sidney taught me. Sidney was a courageous police officer. Surely he will be missed by all.

Rest In Peace My Brother!

Chuck Badon
New Orleans Police Dept. (Ret.)
March 3, 2006

You are a true hero and will never be forgotten by your loved ones nor will the Blue Family ever forget you. Keep watch on your loved ones and guide them through their lifes journey. I only wish you could have retired after the long dedicated career you gave to law enforcement and enjoyed some quiet time in your life that you earned. Law enforcement definately lost a professional and dedicated individual when you were called away. Keep protecting your family.

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

Bob Gordon
January 20, 2006

I had the privilege of working with Sidney for a period of about 5 hours as a friend of mine, Brian Lanigan, and Sidney were making a martial arts training video and needed a director on short notice which is where I came in. Brian had affectionately talked about Sidney a lot and when I finally met him in that short time I felt as though I had known him for years. We had a lot of laughs making the video that day, which I did pro bono, and Sidney was a very hard working person who wanted to convey the importance of self-defense in the world today...A concept I agreed with 100%. When I heard of his death I felt that I had lost a friend. He had that type of personality. I can only imagine the loss felt by those who knew him longer.

Jeff Hollins
JeTi FILMS
January 15, 2006

To the family of Lt. Zaffuto,
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you honor Sidney on the second anniversary of his death this week. Thank you, Lt. Zaffuto, for your service and sacrifice. Your courage and dedication will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04
January 12, 2006

Please know that you, your famiily, friends and co-workers are in my thoughts and prayers on your second anniversary in Heaven. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten and you will always be thought of as a hero.
Rest in peace.

Linda Lamm - LEO Wife and Sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04
January 10, 2006

Lieutenant Zaffuto..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers as they honor you on your 2nd anniversary with the Lord..continue to watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE..BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

girlfriend of a dpd
detroit, mi
January 10, 2006

Just sending my thoughts and prayers to your family and loved ones on your 2nd birthday in Heaven. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Tracie
January 8, 2006

you did a lot of good while you were at opp---pistol range -pr24--etc--i miss you hanging out at broad gate--while monotoring visitation --your pal --gagne

deputy gagne
opp--opcso
November 17, 2005

I went through some training with Sidney he was a very good man and his love for Law-Enforcement protection was what he lived for. God Bless Sidney my thoughts and prayer for you and your family will be forever!

Sgt. Michael Barron
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office
October 11, 2005