Officer Down Memorial Page

Gene,
I'm sorry I am a day late with this, Brother. 20 years...seems like yesterday. You are missed and thought of often.
-Nick

Nick Vukich
CMPD ret.
November 23, 2011

Hi Gene,
By now, you and Fred are already strategizing how to get Harley's up to heaven. Take care of each other. We sure needed you both more down here than you can imagine. Amanda and Savannah miss you.
Love you. Paula

Paula Forest
CMPD Ret.
February 26, 2011

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 to my home state and the birthplace of my son. 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. Larry was also your brother in green as well as blue, thus I also commend you for your service in the Corps and bid you semper fi.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
November 22, 2009

I pass your resting place twice each day, and as I do I remember, and I pray for those who were left behind, as well as for those of RL Smith whose resting place isn't too far from yours.

Each year as the weather starts turning colder, the memories of that morning come back, the shock, anger, resolve, duty, and the deafening silence.

All too quickly you were joined by your brother, and over the years I noted as more family joined you as well. I watched as people left small mementos, cards, flowers and such.

Today there is little evidence of the hundreds of people who stood by your grave that day. Just the eerie silence.

You are not forgotten.

Rest easy, Gene-o

Ray
Former CSI
November 21, 2009

Gene, I write to you following another Marine Corps Birthday, knowing how good it would be to have you here to celebrate. We didn't really discuss our time in the Corps or Vietnam we were so busy with a career our paths seldom crossed. You are sincerely one of the nicest guys I've ever met. I'm away and retired now and still into training and buddy I was in iraq this year and you would be proud of our Marines..........Semper Fi brother...RIP
Ken Hancock

Ken Hancock
CMPD (ret)
November 12, 2009

Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD
June 8, 2009

Gone but never forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Deputy Petree
Hendricks County SD
January 27, 2009

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service.

gordon hobbs
nc game warden
August 12, 2008

Officer Griffin, thank you for your service and dedication. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
April 4, 2008

Every day you are still in my heart. Every day Tony misses you & Michelle wants to talk about you. You carried our hearts with you. Rabbit

Rabbit
mother of Gene's children
March 30, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR CHOSEN PROFESSION.
YOU'RE THE TRUE HERO.......

CPL. JW LOWDER
UNION COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
January 12, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
December 26, 2007

rest in peace hero

vandenberghe
nh
November 29, 2007

OFFICER GRIFFIN, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
November 22, 2007

Wow, I didn't even know this place existed until now! To the Shelton and Clark families, my family will keep you close to our hearts. To my police family, I have missed you all more than you will ever know.

To Gene, I know you grieve in heaven over what has become of our personal family here. Please continue to watch over us. I wish I could be at the next roll call that all of you cops in heaven have as you initiate your two newest members, Jeff and Sean. I can only imagine the pranks being played on one another.

As I listened to the descriptions of these officers over the last two days it occurred to me how much you all have in common. Tim, Robert, Terry, Gene, Andy, John, Scott, Sean and Jeff...you are missed, make no mistake. But I know you all are in a heck of alot better place than we are. I'll see you soon. Love ya. lil sis/fellow officer and frm. Marine

Paula Forest
sister-in-law/fellow officer
April 6, 2007

Gene, as two more Charlotte Officers serve their last tour, April-07,I think of you. I remember as I used to work out in the weight-room, you would come in for one of your workouts and talk about your love for your motorcycle and your wife (also an Officer). I love and miss you.

Calvin McRae.

SPO3 C.E. McRae
Former Charlotte PD Officer
April 5, 2007

Gene

You have been in my thoughts so much today as we deal with yet another senseless loss. I know you were there at the gates of heaven yesterday morning with your arms open wide to wrap Jeff and Sean in a huge bear hug.

You were, without a doubt, the best training officer a girl could ever have. Teach these newest rookie angels the ropes in heaven as I know all too well that you can.

We love you and miss you all and will forever carry a piece of you in our hearts.

Kim

April 2, 2007

The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've 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 here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

G. HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA
June 9, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
April 5, 2004

God bless you and your family.

Anonymous