Officer Down Memorial Page

I'm working on the ribbons I do every year at this time to honor the 51 Oakland, California police officers that died in the line of duty. We put the 51 blue ribbons on a tree outside the Warehouse Bar and Grill on the anniversary of losing four of our officers in 2009. It reminded me of Lakewood's loss. I was honored to bring a Mermorial Quilt I made to honor you and Officers Richards, Griswold and Sergeant Renninger to the Lakewood PD. A small group from Oakland came including an Oakland PD officer. As I have family in the area I asked that they be a part of the presentation as well. The Lakewood PD gave us a tour and served us lunch and small tokens were exchanged. I hope that our being there the week following the first anniversary Oakland's loss helped your fellow officers cope with the upcoming first anniversary of Lakewood's loss. I'm not sure what brought me to Lakewood. The fact that we lost four and you lost four. That I was born in Tacoma and have ties to the area. That I was in the area a week after the tragedy to attend the funeral of a loved one. Somehow it all came together and it seemed the right thing to do. So as I sit at my computer and enter the names of Oakland's 51 I think of Lakewood's four. May God bless you all and may you rest in peace and know that you are not forgotten.

Anne Richmond
Oakland, CA
February 24, 2012

Miss you everyday Ronnie.

Anonymous
December 9, 2011

Ronnie, you were always a fun person to work with. You were a big guy but you never resorted to fighting first and I liked that about you. Do you remember when you went with me to the Wysteria Walk Apartments to confront that guy that was getting his car towed and jumped up on the tow truck and backed it off? We knocked on his door and a huge muscular guy answered and was already yelling at us. I thought for sure we were going to have to tase him and take him down but you calmly spoke to him and before it was over, he was thanking you. That was your charm. I enjoyed your arguments with Mark in turnout of who the best athletes were, who the best bands were, and who was the best Nascar driver. You guys were always sure to settle it with Wikipedia. Like Greg, you always found something to laugh about. Thanks for being a friend and a good partner.

Officer Adam Leonard
Former Lakewood Police
December 7, 2011

Thank you for you service Officer Owens. You and your three fellow fallen officers are major reasons why I want to become Law Enforcement. You have inspired me. You will NEVER be forgotten. RIP

Future Officer
November 29, 2011

Rest in Peace Officer. Thinking of you and your brothers at the Lakewood Police Department on this day.
You have not been forgotten!

Future Law Enforcement Officer
November 29, 2011

Remembering you and your brother officers today. You are all heroes and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
November 29, 2011

You are missed. You will never be forgotten.
May you continue to rest in eternal peace......

Anon
November 8, 2011

Hey Ronnie, I have been thinking about you a lot. With the help of Greg's wife and daughter we are going to open up "The Thin Blue Line Espresso" stand in my student store at GK. It is being dedicated in the honor of all of you and will open on November 29. It is an honor to be able to do :)

Tanya
Friend
November 2, 2011

Just stopping by to say hi trooper, thinking of ya...

Anonymous
Lakewood PD
October 1, 2011

Thinking of you this Christmas. We miss you.

Anonymous
December 24, 2010

"They are true heroes not because of how they died, but how they lived" reading your other reflections this statement i leave couldnt be more true, you Sir left a positive impact on many people and it shows, you lived the life of a hero and dedicated yourself to hard work, now rest easy and patrol the streets if gold. Godspeed

Just a Cop
Georgia
December 8, 2010

Remembering you and yours today, a year later, while attending the funeral of another fallen brother...

Detective Mareshah Hale
Colorado Springs Police Department
November 29, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the first 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.


Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
m
November 29, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the first 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.


Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater
November 29, 2010

Tommorrow will be the first anniversary of your senseless murder by a monster that should never have been let out of prison. Even though I did not know you, I think of you often, and pray that your family, fellow Lakewood officers and Washington State Patrol troopers, as well as your friends can somehow find peace knowing that you will never be forgotten. God bless your soul!!

Anonymous
November 28, 2010

To Officer Ronnie Owens: We know that you are in a good place and still watching over your family. Never a day goes by that our family doesn't think about the sacrifice that you and your fellow officers made for our community. Thank you just doesn't seem enough, but we do thank you from the bottom our hearts and still pray for you and your family every day.

To Officer Owens Family: Thank you for sharing Ronnie with the community. It is a much better place for us all because you did. The pain will never go away but hopefully it will ease it bit. There are reminders everywhere in our community that show what a great man Ronnie was.

God Bless you all from another WHS Proud Patriot Family.

The Pace Family
Citizen
November 25, 2010

Its coming up on a year since the dates of the Lakewood Officers and not a day goes by that I don't remember the serice to our community and the sacrafice they have made. I am just one citizen that appreciates and supports the law enforcement officers of our communities. I pray that no other officers have to endure what these officers and the family members continue to endure. We will not forget you!

Bert Gooch
Citizen
September 18, 2010

Hey R-Dub,

I still find it hard to believe that I can't pickup the phone and call you and set some time aside to go tear it up on the dirt bikes. I still to this day open my e-mail and expect to find one of those crazy e-mails you would send me. I miss you buddy. But I know that you are in a better place. I just wish we could have hung out one last time. You are a great friend and you still bring out the best in all of us that had the privelege of knowing you and working with you. You are a true hero in every sense. I know I speak from every one in the state patrol when I say you will never be forgotten and you will always remain in or hearts. Rest in peace my friend.

Anonymous
August 3, 2010

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Officer Ronald Owens,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We wish we could be there in person to offer support. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. During the holidays remember those special moments you have shared together and the love you shared. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Officer Ronald Owens is a hero. He will live on through all of you forever.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous
March 28, 2010

Ronnie,

It’s been over three months since I last saw your goofy smile. As I sit here firming up my travel plans for the National LE Memorial visit, I can’t help but to sit in my patrol car and come nearly to tears. Last week we went to your old HS where they named the baseball field in your honor. I continue to be overwhelmed by the community support and I want you always to know that your little angle will never need anything. I still remember when we started with Lakewood, coming from the state patrol they thought it would be good for us to partner up. I remember sitting in the driver’s seat with you in the passenger seat. I looked at you and asked you if you knew what you were doing being a city cop and you said "nope do you". I said nope but I guess we will find out!!!!! I always looked to you as a big brother. Not just cause you were bigger than me but because you were bigger than life. You will always be my big brother!!!!!!

Officer Manos
Lakewood Police
March 4, 2010

It's been 70 days and it feels like only yesterday and it also feels like a lifetime. You and your family are in my prayers and will not be forgotten.

Anonymous
February 7, 2010

Comrade in Arms

When we were young we played cops ‘n robbers,
We argued who would be the one in blue,
‘Cause the good-guys always won,
And before the day was done,
The bad-guys always got their due.

There were’nt no shades of gray in ol’ Dodge City,
Our TV heroes kept it black and white,
Marshal Dillon always knew
Exactly what to do
And in the end things always turned out right.

And we were always strong and ever fearless,
‘Cause we could shoot our way out of all harm,
And we were quite a team
As we shared our childhood dream,
Me and you, my comrade in arms.


As we grew up we never did quit dreaming,
And then one day it finally came to be,
I pound those busy streets,
As I walk the city beat,
And you became the sheriff’s deputy,

We went from cocky young-guns to old soldiers,
With time we learned how much we didn’t know,
At our favorite all-night diner,
Our war stories grew finer,
Like fish-tales, with each time they were told.

Though we never found the glory we once dreamed of,
We swore the lives we lived were somehow charmed,
And we were quite a team,
As we shared our childhood dream,
Me and you, my comrade in arms.

Now today the flag’s half-staffed down at the courthouse,
And our badges, like our hearts, they bear dark scars,
We cried when they played Taps,
In the church yard as you passed,
And I walked your sobbing widow to the car.

Though I can’t recall a time I felt so weary,
A certain comfort bears me through this painful storm,
‘Cause I know we were quite a team,
And we lived that childhood dream,
Me and you, my comrade in arms.

Me and you, my comrade in arms.

©Tom Doran

tom Doran
fellow cop, nearby agency
January 10, 2010

Officer Owens,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you to you and your brother and sister officers for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Lakewood. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
January 7, 2010

Life will never be the same in our home. We miss you terribly everyday. We talk about you and tell funny stories. We laugh at the memories but it always ends in tears. You really were the happiest person we knew. You always knew the bright side of things and never let lifes troubles get you down. You were the most loyal friend anyone could ever have. We love you and will forever honor you.

WSP
Friend
January 6, 2010

Ronnie... We will miss you! I always thought you were amazing! I never saw you without a smile on your face! You were always welcome back here at Traffic Operations! I hope you're family knows how much you were loved and appreciated!! Rest in peace Ronnie!

Sandi Casey
Pierce County Traffic Operations
January 3, 2010