Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th 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

Anonymous
August 4, 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
December 26, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE AND SERVICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MY BROTHER, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT.S.C.
August 2, 2007

I hope that you family may see this someday. I was there the day you were killed and I have never forgotten the Sundays when we would meet in the Aulander PD to eat some doughnuts, you had picked up. I was there that long night and I still can hear that one gunshot and we ran over to where you had gone and seeing you on the ground made me want to run away. I knew your wife was pregnant and today being a father I know what you have missed, for I too have a little girl. I hope some day I can meet your daughter by now she is a grown woman. I would love to tell her that her father was a great man and she should be proud.

SPO J Hathaway
Wilson PD
December 9, 2005

Deputy Cherry:

Although you were taken from your family and friends in 1979, your sacrifice is not forgotten. You gave all. Thank you Deputy Cherry for your service to your community. Rest in Peace.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater of Pittsburg Police Dept. eow 4/24/05, who was also a North Carolina native

Phyllis Loya, Mother of fallen officer
July 18, 2005

Don't grieve for me for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I've found a peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you all the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored so much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
for God wanted me now, He set me free.

Semper Fidelis....(Always Faithful)

December 1, 2004

As a law officer in North Carolina I just wanted to let you know that your sacrifice was not without recognition. It saddens me to hear of another officer being slain in the line of duty - today, tommorrow, or years ago. Many thanks for your service to America and it's citizens. Rest in peace brother.

Det. Akins
Liberty Police
March 5, 2004

As a former Georgia Police Officer and a current California Police Officer, Deputy Cherry's tragic death reminds us all, it is never code 4 until the very end. Always use a cover unit whenever possible. Don't let Deputy Cherry die in vain. I never knew Deputy Cherry, but I am grateful for his dedication and service.

Officer
CVPD, CA
November 23, 2003