Officer Down Memorial Page

I was a 23 year old rookie when this happened and you were the first person killed in Washington after I became a police officer. Your memory is still alive and I wish I would have had the privilege of working with you. Rest in peace Lito. Brett Grieve - Seattle 6853 - SCSO 1505

Deputy Brett Grieve
Snohomish County Sheriff
August 20, 2011

As I seat here in your room, I can only wonder how life would have been if things was different. Rest a sure your room has been kept up to your liking. We think of you often and miss you dearly. Life goes on, but only with heavy hearts. You are not forgotten Son. Sleep with the angles until we meet again. We all miss you...Keep watching over your siblings.

MLAlvarez
Mother
May 28, 2011

Merry Christmas Lito!! I thought of you today, as I often do. I bet the the celebration up there blows whatever we do down here out of the water. Always thankful for your service and your sacrifice. Whenever I see SPD I say thank you, you remind us how we take those that serve and protect for granted.

Christine
Friend
December 24, 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 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 those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
August 13, 2010

Your birthday is coming up...would have been your big 3-0. As usual we will celebrate it the same place we last celebrated it with you 4 years ago.

Happy Birthday Lito!!! We love you!!

Your Family
June 24, 2010

You were thought of today. You are still missed.

JB
SPD
January 11, 2010

Thank you for keeping our streets safe while on patrol. You, and others who made the ultimate sacrifice, will always be missed.

Adam
August 15, 2009

Thank you very much Lito, you are not and will not be forgotton. You are missed very much.

A HERO TO MORE THAN HE KNOWS. ©2004

Emory - Ephrata, WA
brother of Ferry County WA Undersheriff Matthew J. Lane, EOW 5/30/03
August 13, 2009

We live on…
To help others remember…
The sacrifice you made.

Anonymous
August 13, 2009

To Officer Joselito Alvarez Barber, his family and his fellow officers with the Seattle Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Barber’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Barber and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc.
Members and Staff
August 13, 2009

Thinking of you and your family tonight.

You are not forgotten; rest in peace.

Brenda Donner
Washington State Concerns of Police Survivors
August 13, 2009

Happy Birthday Lito!

Your dad, Jong, Rio and I are gathering our family and friends to remember your 3rd 26th birthday.

You are always in our hearts, our thoughts and in our minds. We hope you are in peace out there.

We love you so much.

Your family
June 26, 2009

You are forever in our hearts and thoughts.

cassandra wilton dispatcher2
seattle police dept.
February 8, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones during this holiday season. I have decorated the outside of my home in all blue lights for the holdiay season in honor of all fallen officers. One of those blue lights burns brightly in your honor every night. Wrap your wings around all of your loved ones and protect them. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
December 20, 2008

RIP.Your tour of duty was short but you will always be remembered by all those you helped during that time.You will never be forgotten by all those that knew and love you.

Anonymous
October 13, 2008

Saw your Mom on tv yesterday. I know those who knew you are still trying to
adjust to the pain and loss. I remember seeing your patrol car on the news. It
hurt to look at it. It takes a special person to be willing to put themselves in harms way everyday they don the uniform. There aren't enough words to show my gratitude. Thanks for serving the Evergreen State!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous
August 14, 2008

See you out there Lito

JC
SPD
August 14, 2008

You have been dearly missed for the last 2 years. I will always remember you and what you mean to me and everyone that you knew. When a person passes away you see the dates... as in 1980-2006. Someone once told me that it's not the years that are important it's the dash in between those years. The DASH will always live strong within me.

Anonymous
August 13, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. I know the daily struggle they face without you for I walk in their shoes. There are no magic words of comfort to offer them except that you are a true hero and for them to keep your memory alive. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
August 13, 2008

Godbless to his loved ones. I just want to leave my condolences to your family. godbless all of you for having such a bright young man serve seattle police. I feel your pain especially when you loose a son.

Chris ex seattle cop
None
June 28, 2008

Hey Lito,

Happy Birthday!! We're thinking about you today as we do everyday. Hope you're celebrating up there while you watch over your loved ones...

Til we meet again!!

C.

Christine
Friend
June 26, 2008

My dear Lito,

May 2 was another heartbreaking day for me. While an officer is being honored in Olympia for the Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Medal of Honor ceremony, you were also being honored and remembered at the Mother and Son Graduation Brunch at your Alma Mater and your brother’s school. I can’t help but break down when you were being honored as I remember clearly ten years ago when you and I were in the same event. I was so proud of you then and my pride for you never lessened since. I am glad that your brother is holding you in high esteem and had made himself highly regarded both by the teachers and staff as well as his peers during his years at O’Dea. I am so proud of him. Like you he is leaving a very good impression and I know you would have been proud of him as well. Keep watching over your brother and sister. They are all we’ve got now.

We miss you so much!!!

Your Parents
May 7, 2008

Lito,
Today is May 1st which marks the beginning of many Police Memorial Events including National Police Week. Also, many will again see your name on the Memorial Wall in Olympia as the State presents Medal of Honors to your fellow hero officers. I don't only remember you this month but every month, day of the year. Continue looking down upon us and keep us safe.

Missing You Always

Family
Family
May 1, 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 29, 2008

Hey Lito,
Just wanted to know I was thinking of you. You are never far from our thoughts; and each time I see an SPD, or any officer for that matter, I make sure to remind my kids to be thankful for their daily sacrifice of putting their lives on the line for us each day they wake up. I think of you often and I hope you are at peace. I pray for your family and for Amber and hope with each day it hurts a little less. Continue to watch over them and us- until we meet again.

C.

C
Friend
April 23, 2008