Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Officer Phillips. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
January 23, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 7th 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater
January 29, 2011

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

Steve, you are always in my heart. You will never be forgotten. I look at your police picture all the time and I am pround of knowing you. I think of the good times at Vandenberg AFB. You had a huge impact on all of the younger guys on the Law Enforcement Section in the Air Force. Most of us became police officers. You taught me alot about being a good person and being a police officer. When my day comes I want people to look at me like they look at you. You will be missed but remembered.

Neil

Detective Neil Vadnais
Long Beach Police Department
February 6, 2009

Thinking of your loved one today on the 5th anniversary of his EOW and letting
his loved ones know he is remembered and admired.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous
January 29, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to watch over them and protect them. You have not been forgotten as true heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
January 29, 2009

I am with some of Your former "OC Cohorts," while in the local "watering holes." You were the "First," for the City of Westminster.

Officer Phillips, may Your Soul Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
January 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
January 26, 2008

While on a visit to California in 1990 I was invited to go on a ride-a-long with Steve. I only knew him for the brief period of the shift, and for a few drinks after, but we hit it off well. I was shocked and saddened when informed of his death by a friend in the HBPD.
Deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

D Williamson
Former New Zealand officer
December 14, 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
December 6, 2007

Steve it has been 3 years I will always have you in my thoughts and will always remeber you. While at Vandenburg you were fun to work with. I will always rember you stopping by to check on me while I had gate duty in the Air Force. I have your picture hanging up in my locker to remind me how precious life is and I just wanted to say thanks again. My prayers are with you and your family.

Police Officer Neil Vadnais
Long Beach Poilce Depatment
June 9, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 3rd anniversary of your end of watch. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a hero and will never be forgotten.

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

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.
January 29, 2007

Still not forgotten on the anniversary of your EOW. Thank you for your service

January 29, 2007

Remembering you today, Officer Phillips, on the third anniversary of your EOW. Thank you, sir. You will not be forgotten.

A grateful citizen
Pennsylvania
January 29, 2007

Please know that you remain in our thoughts and prayers as the third anniversary of your EOW approaches. Your will forever be remembered as a hero.

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

We will always remember Steve. It is still hard to believe he is not with us but thinking about him brings a smile to my face. Thanks for the memories brother.

Sgt. Darrick Vincent
Westminster PD
December 6, 2006

Tomorrow is the day of your Memorial Ride, Steve. It's one more occasion to remind us of what a dedicated Officer you were, and how honored all of us were to have served with you. I am sorry to say that I won't be on the ride this year as I sold my bike and haven't yet gotten another, but I'll be with them in spirit and thinking of you.

Your Friend,
Don

Sgt. Donald E. Kerr, Retired
Westminster PD
June 4, 2006

Thinking of you and your loved ones on this day. Thank you for your service and dedication. You are a hero!

Tracie
Friend of Nick Sloan EOW 1/30/04
January 29, 2006

It has been 2 years since you left us
and time has not diminished your
sacrifice. I am so sorry you never got
to enjoy your retirement. My thoughts
are with your wife, your family and your department.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

January 29, 2006

Remembering you today.

January 29, 2006

Remembering you on this your second anniversary. R.I.P.

Anne
Citizen
January 29, 2006

You adn your family are in my thoughts and prayers as the second anniversary of your tragic death is observed. May you rest in the peace of your loving Creator.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04
January 28, 2006

Please know that we remember and honor your sacrifice as the second anniversary of your tragic accident approaches. Rest in peace, hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04
January 28, 2006

It will be 2 years that you were called away. I'm sure many tears have fallen by those that love you and they keep asking why as you had so much left here for you to do. You dedicated your life to the law enforcement community and for that I thank you. You set an example for all officers to follow. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

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

Bob Gordon
January 20, 2006