Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the sixth 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 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 that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
May 21, 2012

My Beloved Seneca,

It's been just about 6 yrs since that tragic day, not a day passes that I don't think of you. I will always embrace your memory as I carry on each day in your absence. As you rested your eyes, God carried you home. You are safe now away from hurt, harm, and danger. I tell the kids about you often. I miss you dearly and I always will, but I know you are with us still!

Brin
May 17, 2012

Hey Lil Bro!

It's been five years and your spirit and purpose-filled life prevails. It's taken me some time to really accept the reality, but the strength of your family, our years of friendship, and the impact of your predestined life has been a blessing. I appreciate you making the ultimate sacrifice for what you believed in and loved D!

Cope
September 30, 2011

Man, I can't believe it has been five years since we last talked. Your memorial page continues to hang on my office wall reminding me of your sacrifice and the privilege of calling you my partner and friend.

Hock
Friend
June 24, 2011

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada
February 23, 2011

Rest in peace my Brother. Thank you for your service.

Deputy S. Yates
Covington County Sheriff Dept. (Ms)
February 16, 2011

Always remembered & honored 4 his service & his ultimate sacrifice.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEOs
May 21, 2010

It has been 4 years since Seneca left us. After going to Washington last week for Police Week, my feeling of lost for Seneca is fresh again. To Brin and the children keep looking to The Lord for comfort and strength. Seneca was a hard working officer and dedicated to his job of keeping the streets of Norfolk safe.

Sergeant Powell
Retired/Norfolk Police Department

Retired Sergeant
Norfolk Police Department
May 20, 2010

Seneca,

You have, and will continue to be, an enormous influence in my personal and professional life. My thougts and prayers go out to you and your family during this Holiday Season. You will not be fogotten.

PFC Pollard
Fairfax County PD, Fellow Academy Class 69 member
December 16, 2009

You are still in the minds and hearts of those privileged to call you a friend. Our lives may change but our memories remain a true constant in this world. I will continue to remember and enjoy the time we spent together. Your family will always have prayers on their behalf, from this man, if not from countless others as well.

Hock
Friend
May 22, 2009

It seems like just yesterday that we'd talk and joke. I was just thinking about the times we use to share as classmates/co-workers and Brothers in Arms. I just want you and your family to know your missed and we'll never forget you. Your now serving a higher purpose in a better place. God Bless you and your family. Always in my memory and heart.

Detective
NPD-Friend & memeber of grad class 69
January 2, 2009

You were a great officer and a great friend. I see you still as a smart and couragous officer. It has been two years now and your presence is still strong. My prayers go out to your family. I know you are watching over them. You always watched over people. You are like a king who protect their kingdom. Your family and Norfolk was your kingdom. I will always be there for your family. You were truely a great officer! God bless you and your family.

Police Officer II Swenson
Norfolk Police Department-Friend
May 22, 2008

Two years my friend and it seems like time moves so quickly. While time moves on your memories will continue to hold true, never fading to those who had the privilege of calling you a family member or a friend. Your life continues to inspire people who never even met you, that is called a legacy.

Hock
May 21, 2008

We met last Police Week, I hope you and your little one's are well. Please seek me out if you are attending again this year, I'd love to catch up. To jog your memory, I know this because the first year you meet so many and it all jumbles together, I was able to meet you at the off-site hotel when you arrived to late to register, but you made it to the candle light vigil and we registered you the next morning. I think of you often and hope the children are keeping you strong through your grief. Your son must be walking by now. I remember how his little face lit up when he looked at your dad. I hope your parents have been loving and supportive, their grief is not just for your husband but for you too. This is the one thing that a parent cannot fix for their child as you well know for you have your own. But even though you are an adult, your parents will always see you as their little girl and don't want you to be in pain.

Thinking of you - hoping you are coming for more healing at police week and if not, it's ok, you can come when the children are a little older and you can have more time to focus on yourself during the week. Always know that you touched my heart and as I am now a 15 year survivor I pray that you will draw strength from my words.

Jennifer Filer-Orsborne
Survivor twice Montgomery County Maryland

Jennifer Filer-Orsborne
Wife of PO Mark Filer and PO Chris Orsborne
April 19, 2008

For the family of Seneca: My heart always breaks for the loss of a police officer. I only took "the watch" for 12 years but I know the camaraderie between officers and the pain when one falls. There is no greater sacrifice than the loss of life, no matter how it was lost, and God makes the final call even though we are not able to understand his timing or way. The loss of Seneca was horribly unfortunate and I pray that his family will be able to find some comfort in knowing that police officer's all over, from city to city, state to state, nation to nation have shed their tears and that Seneca's lost life will never be forgotten by his family in blue.

roni tomarelli
norfolk police dept/retired
April 3, 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
April 3, 2008

Just thinking about you bro'. Always wishing your family the best. That was a tragic day just about 2 years ago now, when NPD lost a great officer. You will never be forgotten Darden. We gotcha back bro, we'll continue to take your watch from here. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Off. DSV
March 2, 2008

I was just sitting here thinking about you and thought I would drop a line. Brin you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Sen I miss you brother!

Chris Rutherford
January 4, 2008

It has been a year since you have been taken from us and the pain is still here. I hope your family is doing well and I have them in my thoughts and prayers. You have a strong wife and she is the best. You are missed by many people. Your community misses you and the city of Norfolk lost a great person, officer, friend, husband, son, and father. My hope is still that justice will be served one day for you. I have a lot of guilt becauset he day you left us I was on duty. Many nights/days I wish I could of been there to save you as you have always protected me. I remember the talks we had and maybe someday those talks will come to light. God bless you and your family. You was a true Policeman and you live on forever and always.

Catrinna Swenson
Washington PD-Dear Friend and Ex-Coworker
December 11, 2007

Officer Darden

I have wanted to let you and your family know that I have had you and them ( your family ) on my mind ever since the Tragedy. I have just not known how to say what I have on my mind and think I now know how to say it. Without even having met you personally, I have felt pain and sadness. I have so wished it did not happen and that it could be reversed so that you could still be here today! I send all my respect and deepest of prayers to you and your family!

Josh Holcomb

Josh Holcomb, Police Officer Applicant
November 6, 2007

My heart still goes out to the Darden family. I never met Officer Darden, but my family and I were deeply touched by this wonderful and caring young man. From time to time I still think of him and his family. I asked God to let me meet his mother and God granted that request. It felt as if Seneca was a part of my own family. My family and I was in tears. It is our prayers that God will bless his family and continue to strengthen them more and more each day. God granted my request for me to meet Seneca's mother and I know He will also grant this request as well.

Eventhough I did not know him; I thought of him as a brother and a friend and I don't think that I will ever forget him or his family.

Rev.Dr.Hodges,
Suffolk,VA

August 26, 2007

It does not seem that long ago when we would ride in the car together and laugh, or have conversations about work, family, and spiritual things. Your time here was short but wonderfully meaningful to the lives God used you to change and influence. Your family and children can be proud. You will never be forgotten and I look forward to the day I will be called home and hear the same words you did, "Job well done, good and faithful servant."

Jeremy Hockman
U.S. Secret Sevice/Former Partner/Friend
May 22, 2007

ONE YEAR TODAY OFFICER DARDEN. WE REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY.

I PRAY THE OTHER OFFICER INVOLVED IN THIS TRAGEDY HAS FOUND PEACE. THIS WAS A VERY UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT, BUT SOMETHING HE WILL LIVE WITH THE REST OF HIS LIFE. HE WAS A VICTIM ALSO, AND I PRAY FOR HIM.

OFFICER DARDEN, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS
May 21, 2007

On this first anniversary of your tragic death, you and your family are in my prayers. Please know that your dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04
May 21, 2007

May you rest in peace and may those who mourn you recieve His love and comfort.G-d Bless you and them.

May 21, 2007