Officer Down Memorial Page

Stevy, we always did the right things and loved our Job. I will never forget the night the call came in to respond to an Officer Down and I found out it was you. My heart aches for you and the family even still today. Never a day goes by you are not in my thoughts.

I will see you in Heaven as we Police there to and hold those accountable for killing you.

Officer Navaldo Niles #197

Special Operations Police Officer Niles
VI Police Department
March 31, 2012

Officer Hodge

To you and your family.

I could not believe how you died. The "Officers" that did this to you were light years beyond inhumane and cruel. I do not know who in their right mind, Police Officer or not, would target someone who was doing the ethically right and just thing. Justice will prevail in your favor Officer Hodge. Thank you for your service and GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Much respect to you Officer Hodge

Josh Holcomb

Josh Holcomb
Civilian
January 14, 2010

I was only 16yrs.old when they killed you.I remembered it was something so evil, that on the day of the funeral it was cold and rainy. They convicted three young men who were not police officers for the crime. Word on the street was it was fellow police officers who did the hit.I read your bio it states fellow police officers were convicted of killing you.Funny I do not remember that and I lived on the islands years after it happened.I have friends down there and they never mentioned a new trial convicted the real murderers.I don't know what's going on.Justice will be served soon! The police officers that killed you can't run or hide forever. Rest in Peace brother.

Anonymous
April 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifteenth 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 o was murdered in the 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. Rest In Peace.

To read the circumstances of your death was sickening. This must have shaken your department and community to the core.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
March 27, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifteenth 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 o was murdered in the 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. Rest In Peace.

To read the circumstances of your death was sickening. This must have shaken your department and community to the core.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
March 27, 2009

"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 1, 2008

Officer Hodge,
I am honored to say I will be riding for you in the 2008 Police Unity Tour. You were a man of great courage, strength, and honor. Your family, friends, and loved ones are in my prayers! Thank you for being so strong!

Tom P
Roseville PD, MN
March 11, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 26, 2008

Hodge. Your bravery and ethical behavior cost you your life. You are honored here and are not forgotten.

Law Officer
September 5, 2007

Officer Hodge,

You are a true hero for your actions prior to your death. Although your bravery to take a stand against "bad cops" cost you your life, your ultimate reward will last forever in Heaven.

DE
St. Louis City Police
August 20, 2007

Steve, thank you for your courage and honor, the manner in which you were killed is particulary,disgusting and needless, you are a true hero RIP..

perry e duffy
San Mateo Sheriffs office Ret.
August 16, 2007

When I read your story, I was proud. Officer Hodge, you were truly a good person. It is a shame that strong ethics and conviction would result in the loss of one good cop in this way. My condolences to your family, friends and department.
You are never forgotten. God bless.
Neart, Gra agus Onior (Strength, love and honor)

CSS K. Martin B1162
Scottsdale PD (AZ) Crime Scene Unit
April 29, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Hodges' family.
Thank you for your service and dedication.

April 14, 2007

Rest in peace brother. Justice has been served. You will not be forgotten.

Anonymous
Orange County Sheriff's Office,Fl.
April 11, 2007

Thank you for your service to the citizens of the Virgin Islands. You are a hero and will be remembered. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
March 27, 2007

This is a very sad story.This young man gave his life for following the right path.He will recieve many blessings in heaven.For the men who took his life there is a warning.You have all faced justice on earth but Our Lord is the final judge and you will still have to answer to Him.
Officer Hodge, rest in peace.G-d Bless.

March 27, 2007

Officer Hodge,
It has taken almost 13 years, but you are finally being honored. I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the V.I. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
March 19, 2007