Officer Down Memorial Page

Well Babe, it’s been so long. I’m so lost—Still. I wish so much to just touch you, hear your little snickers, or you singing in my ear, Lonestars song, Amazed. You said this was my song. Just to say, I can’t bear to hear it now, because it sounds so much like you and you up against me singing this song in my ear. That hurts like nothing that has ever happened to me. I try to avoid those moments but they are there whether I want them or not. I do believe if all the color was off my hair I would be completely grey. I guess it’s that you are not here and I’ve had some really rough years and it shows. I guess that’s just the way it is.
You wouldn’t believe our family we created, our Daughters are all grown up and beautiful, both married with all boys, four of them, you would be in “hog heaven”, I wish you were here to talk to our kid, I don’t know anymore, what to do or say. So I’ve just stayed away. It’s killing me not to be a part of your grandsons life, all three of them. I’m tired of walking on egg shell around her. So she has decided to keep the boys away from me. I’m not worthy.
I still have Garrison he is grey all around his mouth, he whines constantly. He is like a little boy. LOL
I can’t write any more, I love you Babe and miss you like crazy.

You’re Wife Cathy

April 23, 2012

Cathy Tatum
Wife
April 24, 2012

Rest in peace, Deputy Tatum. You're not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.
December 28, 2011

Lester lost his life serving others. That's the kind of man he was.

Karen Jones
friend
December 11, 2011

Time marches on, that is true. However for so many it seems to stand still, when a loved one is taken from us. It seems like it has stood still in this case then I look and it has been 6 years. You are gone but never forgotten. You live on in our hearts, your wife, children, and most specially your grand children. You are so loved.
RIP Lester
Bobbie Sue Tatum-Warren
Cousin

Bobbie Sue Tatum-Warren
cousin
December 10, 2011

I cant believe how long it has been since I lost you! You were a huge joy in my life and a joy to be around!! I miss you so much. I am about to start highschool. I alway pray that you and granny are looking down and taking care of me when i am not aware that you are. Uncle Lester you dont know how much i love you. My heart sank when i was told about your death. I cried myself to sleep many times. All i see in my head and heart is you smiling when you looked at me. I wish i could have another chance to say goodbye to you. I still cry. I am writing from my heart and i feel the pain. It is so hard not to have you around. You listened to me when no one was. I miss everything about you. Your laugh, your smile, the way you hugged me and told me that you loved me. I wish were here with me!! Sometimes i hate the world because it took away so many great people that i loved. You were an amazing uncle. I miss you dearly. From the bottom of my heart I LOVE YOU!!!

Calllie Rose Tatum
Great niece
August 21, 2011

It’s May 19 2010, this December 28 will mark five years since we lost you. All my experiences have shaped the woman I am today and I believe you would be proud of me. Losing you catapulted me into a wilderness of the mild that I was not accustomed to. Immediately after I lost you my world was hell, I was so lost completely and my every strength was tested. Out of that hell I brought a lovely little boy name Jude into the world that I just know you would have adored. He’ll be three years old in October.
I work with Karen again and I love it!! I still need to challenge my mind so when I get bored I take some college courses to remind myself I am capable of intelligent thought. I recently bought a little house on the Scenic Loop and we lead a very peaceful life. I know you wouldn’t approve of the location but I’m a tough girl and I don’t fear much. We go to church on Sundays as a family and sometimes even on Wednesday nights; I bet you never would have expected that would you? Lliam is five and he will start kindergarten this August, it’s just one of the many things you’d be proud of!! I miss you so much.
Daddy you made me the tough as nails girl I am today and I am so thankful for you as a father figure. You raised us like your boys and you taught us right from wrong, you taught us to fight like boys and use our wit before violence, you made sure we took pride in ourselves and made little men out of your daughters; you were an amazing parent. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not reminded of your brilliance. I love you and I find my peace knowing that you’ve found yours.

Rebekah tatum/Clark
daughter
May 19, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 4th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

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

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
December 29, 2009

Lester was an awesome man and friend to all who knew him. Such a loss is still a shock years later. He will never be forgotten and always remembered for the laughter and smiles he made. We will forever miss you. Darlene

Darlene Brockus
Cousin
March 2, 2009

You were highlighted on the website today. Time has not diminished your
service nor your sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous
January 9, 2009

Today makes 3 years since we lost a great officer and an even greater friend. Hopefully time will eventually make the pain and hurt easier for all your loved ones; as for now it still seems like yesterday. We all have lot of good and fun memories (such as Lawnmover Racing)which will always bring smiles to our faces. I will always remember the positive impact you had on James and how it changed him, we will never forget you.

Love to my friend and his family.

Betsy

Betsy Drew
Friend
December 28, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 5, 2008

It has been 2 years and you are still missed.

Sgt. Stephen Ener
Harris COunty Constable Pct.4
February 27, 2008

Thank you for your service, and we remember you on this 2 year anniversary of your EOW.

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05
December 28, 2007

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
December 27, 2007

We were not the best of friends but, you will not be forgotten. For your friends and family, I am truely sorry.
God Speed,
Bill

Bill Cunningham
Polk County Constable Pct 2
September 28, 2007

I went to the Capital today to honor you and your family. May God keep you close as I pray for those you had to leave behind.

Terry Donovan,spouse of Amy Lynn Donovan EOW 31 October 2004

May 7, 2007

I know it has been a very long year for those that love you and there have been many silent tears. You have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones, protect them and guide them on lifes path. Also, keep watch over those still out on patrol guarding over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
December 28, 2006

Today has been a year since the death of Deputy Tatum. Just wanted to let the family know that he has not be forgotten and that others like you that have lost a loved one in the line of duty are thinking of you today.

Stephanie
Dennis Wright eow 11/17/2006 mother to his son
December 28, 2006

Lester worked with me at two extra jobs when he was the constable for Polk County. He was so excited about police work and was enjoyable to work with. He will be missed greatly.

Officer E.F.McKelroy
Houston Police Department
June 19, 2006

Lester was a man that was very dear to me. He was my double first cousin and cousin-in-law. I remember over 23 years ago, when he discussed his dream to become a law enforcement officer. He spoke of it with a sparkle in his eyes. It wasn't an easy task for him. He had a family with 2 small children and going back to school was tough to do. He acheived his goal, took his job very seriously, and loved every minute of it. Knowing that he was making a difference. I know he is looking down on us wanting us not to mourn his death, but to celebrate his life. I am very thankful for his time and impact that he had in my life, and will never forget him. I miss him and love him very much. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren. May god bless them, Cathy, Becky, and Jessica. I love you all very much.

Bobbie Sue Warren
double-first cousin
May 3, 2006

Lester was my nephew and a loved member of the family. I broke my heart and saddened me to let him go as I know it did many people who knew him. It gives me comfort to know that he left us all doing the thing he loved to do, because he wanted to be a law enforcement officer and he achieved that goal. There aren't that many of us who can say they accomplished that in life.

I know we will all miss him greatly and that Cathy and the girls will be at such a loss for many years to come but they can have the comfort of knowing that they were the most important people in his life along with the Grandchildren that he was so crazy about and the son-in-law that he was friends with.

I love you all,
Mary Daniels

April 12, 2006

To Deputy Lester Tatum, his loved ones and his fellow officers with the Trinity County Sheriff's Department:

I was so saddened to learn of the death of another dedicated officer in the line of duty. On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences for the grievous loss you suffered when Lester was tragically killed.

Lester, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
In reading the reflections, it is obvious he was a great family man, friend and cop.

Lester, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Deputy Lester Tatum.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Lester gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on December 28,2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 8, 2006

To Deputy Lester Tatum, his loved ones and his fellow officers with the Trinity County Sheriff's Department:

I was so saddened to learn of the death of another dedicated officer in the line of duty. On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences for the grievous loss you suffered when Lester was tragically killed.

Lester, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
In reading the reflections, it is obvious he was a great family man, friend and cop.

Lester, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Deputy Lester Tatum.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Lester gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on December 28,2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 8, 2006

Just a note to say my prayers and love are with you! I am sorry to hear about Mr. Tatum. I pray God's love will shine through for you guys...Also being a K9 lover and advocate of handlers of K9s...I know he had an amazing love for not only his family, but his partner! God Bless you all and I hope you find peace!

Chance Britt
Dawson Co EMS (volunteer/student)
February 18, 2006

It's been weeks since your funeral, so this is later than it should have been. It's 1:00 in the morning and i can't sleep. I keep thinking of you, missing you, still thinking you'r just working an extra job and you'l be coming home soon. But daddy im not fooling myself i know where you are and i know the next time i'll see you won't be soon. I miss you soo much, i miss you playing with my son, i miss you picking with me all the time, sometimes driving me crazy. Your grandson said 'pawpa' a day or two after you passed. You would have went wild, we all just cried. And iv been strong dad, i really have. I helped plan your funeral just the way you would have wanted it, but know i hated every minute of it. Bill was responsible for most of the detials, he misses you too. Hell who doesn't
I just wish you were here, is all. but in my heart i know where you belong and thats where you are. i can't write anymore dad, i love you soooo much

Daughter, Rebekah Clark
January 18, 2006