Officer Down Memorial Page

I served overseas with Officer Serna. He was a quiet, consummate professional. I remember him well.

Captain Frank Seminski
colleague
March 10, 2012

Ernie,
It is because of you that I am the person I am today, I think of you almost daily. Your sacrifice put forth the wheels of fate to motiviate many to follow your path. Today, many more men wear a badge and a gun, and its in your honor. In defiance of the evil that took you away from us, good will prevail and you will never be forgotten.

Assistant Chief Patrol Agent, S. Montoya
USBP, Cousin
February 9, 2012

It is going to be 21 years since you left and being an officer's daughter, I can say without doubt that you will never be forgotten. I wish I could have had the opportunity to meet you because I've heard nothing but good. I know that you're 3 sons who are continuing to follow in your footsteps are so very proud of you and your service to El Paso. They are absolutely amazing men and officers. They learned how to be both from you! You are an amazing hero and your memory will live on forever!

Anonymous
El Paso, Texas
January 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
November 12, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
February 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERD TODAYA AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
November 26, 2007

Patrolman Serna,
On today, the 16th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in Desert Storm. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
November 12, 2007

I was happy to see a scholarship fund and a school, bearing Your name.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
November 12, 2007

Ernie,

My friend, classmate and HERO. You are not forgotten. It seems just like yesterday when I heard that you were taken from us. Your son Eloy is a fine Officer!!! You would be proud of him as he is proud of you!!!

Officer Martin Moncada #1324
El Paso Police Department
October 15, 2007

I remember the day I was informed of your death. That feeling changed my attitude and approach to policing for the rest of my career.

Lt. Robert D. Pisarcik
El Paso Police Department
March 30, 2006

im so sorry about what hapend with ernesto serna.

michael cisneros
November 15, 2005

you will never be forgotten!

November 8, 2005

Ernie,
I can't believe it is already going to be 14 years you were taken from us, it seems like only yesterday that I was watching the news and I heard of the terrible tragedy. Just know brother, that I have never forgotten you. I can still remember you were always smiling, even when I would give you a hard time when you were a rookie! You died the way all of us want to when it is our time. So until we meet again on the other side my brother.

Patrolman A. Seelig #1017
El Paso Police Dept.
July 23, 2005

I never had an opportunity to meet you but I now work with your son who has followed in your foot steps. He is an excellent officer and that is a reflection of you. Thank you for your time, efforts and service. You are a hero and are not forgotten.

El Paso Police Department / Central
April 10, 2005

You are a true HERO my friend!

patrol
November 12, 2004

I've been there brother, I was almost killed over a package of bulogna.
Your bravery unequalled, and of the highest order, you are a Hero, and you will not be forgotten.

Retired police officer.
June 17, 2004

Another Hero slain while working a second job to make ends meet. Patrolman Ernesto Serna, You will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace Brother.

August 29, 2003

Rest easy, brother. You are not forgotten. Never. God bless.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)