Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 21rst 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 heart is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and riends 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 22, 2012

Richie,

Your sister Betsy spoke so movingly about you at a memorial service on Sunday, 6th May. You entire family, the KCSO, and the community has NOT forgotten your loss.

RIP.

Brenda Donner
Washington State Concerns of Police Survivors
May 21, 2012

Richie,
It's been 20 years, I can't believe it!! I miss you so much. Many things have happened since you left us. Know that we all have not forgotten you and that you are in our hearts and thoughts everyday.
I love you brother of mine. Say "hi" to Daddy for me, I miss him very much too!!
Love you both,
ME

Barb Betts
Sister
May 22, 2011

Hard to believe that it's going to be 20 years tomorrow. I remeber you talking in Donald Duck voice to Mom...planning your "surprise" 30th (combined 60) with Daddy (RIP)...singing at your wedding and the day you died. I am sad that you never got to meet my kids, that you never had any...all the things that were promises of your future with Sedonia. My kids are wonderful and I tell them about you all the time. They are proud of you...I know you are fine...riding you motorcycle around up there...I miss your hugs and knowing that you were always there for me, big brother. thanks for always watching out for me and my family.

xoxoxo

Betsy (Cochran) Stratton
Sister
May 22, 2011

Rich, you are missed very much, you lived down the road, and then you moved but you still were one of the good guys.
Some times god has other plans, miss you.

Anonymous
April 18, 2010

I miss and love you Uncle Rich. Man, it's been years and I still think of you all the time. I still have to laugh when I think of your incredible sense of humor. I hold you close to my heart. Always...

Timi

Timolin
Niece
April 12, 2010

I remember. Thanks Richie!

Frosty
March 1, 2010

Richie,
I still remember talking to you the morning that you left us. I have almost 20 years on now, and the thought of what happened still brings tears to my eyes. I miss choir practice, I miss you.

J. Nicolai
KCSO
December 17, 2009

18 years gone....I will never forget.

Anonymous
November 6, 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 28, 2008

Hey Richie, I just stumbled across this site. Hard to believe it's almost been 17 years. I remember.

Bob Carkeek
February 27, 2008

Rich,

It's been over 16 years since your passing. I remember as if it happened yesterday. I was at HMC when "Cooter" walked out of the ER and said you were gone. That day and time is forever etched in my mind!

You are not forgotten.

A Deputy
KCSO
February 3, 2008

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.
May 22, 2007

I was 16 years old when you left your beat. I was a police explorer and rode along with you when you told me your dream of being a motor officer. Now I am a police officer and I think of you and the sacrifice you made almost everyday. I was lucky enough to meet you and from that short time we spent together I learned the true meaning of integrity. In 2004 I went to Washington DC to forever place your name on my wall, as a rememberance of your sacrifices. I have included in the frame with your name, this poem:

The Policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining as brightly as his brass,
"Step forward now, Officer. How shall I deal with You?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my Church have you been true?"
The Officer squared his shoulders and said,
"No Lord, I guess I ain't.
Cause those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep,
Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me, I wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me, Lord, it needn't be so grand.
I've never expected or had too much.
But if you don't I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne where the saints had often trod.
As the officer waited quietly for the answer of his God.
"Step forward now Officer, You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's Streets. You've done your time in Hell."

I will always remember you, for you will always be my brother.

Officer Brian Schamber
Ruidoso Police Department
December 5, 2006

Rich, I still think of you all the time, miss ya buddy. Randy

Randy Pribbernow
December 3, 2006

Rich,

This is just a short note to let you know that you are still remembered.

Still with the Department
November 7, 2006

Richie..Thought it's been a while since you were taken from us, I know that as long as we remember the great times on motors, parties and playing softball, you will never be forgotten. Say high to your Dad for me. We miss him too! Our love to Syd. Bill & Connie

Sgt. Bill Bonar (Retired)
King County SO
September 6, 2006

Rest in peace motorman.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department
August 17, 2006

Still remembered.Thank you for your service.

May 22, 2006

My thoughts and prayers to your family and co-workers. Your sacrifice will always be remembered.

Richland Police Department, WA
December 20, 2005

In loving memory of D.S. Richard
Cochran: 13 years later you are
still on our minds and in our hearts.
God bless you!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

July 17, 2004

I cannot believe it has been 11 years since you left us. I hold your memory close and will always know that you inspired me to become the provider I am today. I wish the best to Richards family and widow. Thanks for your dedication and service to the Seattle citizens, I pray you are at peace and I know that heaven has an excellent police and fire deparment!! God Bless David Sloane (Richards cousin)

Dave Sloane Paramedic
GSCEMS KY