Officer Down Memorial Page

Roy, you were my reserve partner at Sierra Madre PD and we had lots of fun. You liked that I called you 'partner.' Then I went to L.A. Sheriff and convinced you to join me as a regular. You left a good job to join the sheriff's dept and this happens to you. So many days I regret talking my partner to join me. I offered my apologies to Marilyn, your wife, but that has not settled in my heart, grief and guilt. I miss your partnership Roy. I miss not seeing you. So sorry Marilyn...

Deputy Leonard Yniguez [email protected]
Los Angeles County Sheriff
March 21, 2012

Roy,

I think of you from time to time and remember our days together at FPK Narcotics. Great times and great memories, thank you.

Sgt Ed Huffman
LASD Narcotics Bureau
October 27, 2011

i wish u were there when i was born n i wish u were here now i love u wish u were here.

mykaila chester
grand daughter
August 4, 2011

i love u grandpa and wish u were there when i was born n u were still here to be with me one thing i would want is to meet u love u n wish u were here.

mykaila chester
grand daughter
August 4, 2011

I remember well, my first night in patrol, you the T/O and me the Trainee. The lessons, tactics and techniques covered over those months we spent together saved my life many times over. Rarely did a night go by that you did not share with me the joy and happiness that your family brought to your life. I cherish the many personal conversations we had and reflect on them often. As the years passed, we became good friends. I was amazed at the things you could remember in every detail. I think of you often and will never forget that little "smerk" in your smile when something was up. I was shocked the morning I first learned of your death. I continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. God bless you.

Sgt. Dale J. Tullio, Ret.
L.A.S.D.
July 19, 2010

Rest in Peace, Deputy Chester. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
October 23, 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
November 29, 2007

To the family and friends of Deputy Chester and his fellow officers:

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Deputy Chester, along with other brave law enforcement officers, tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash.

May you continue to be comforted by the caring and support of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. Our family grieves with you and for you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of service Roy gave to his community and to his country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 24, 1988.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

October 24, 2005

I'll always remember you and Jake Gray hookin' and bookin'. What a team the two of you made. The memories may fade but the name lives on.

Rest in peace.

Industry Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
September 2, 2004

My deepest condolences to the Chester family and the deputies and staff of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department over the tragic loss of Deputy Roy A. Chester. I remember I was on duty working the field when the news came when the California Army National Guard helicopter that Roy and four other deputies were riding in crashed taking all of their lives and the lives of the Army National Guard pilots. I was in shock. All of those brave men taken at once. It was a very rough week that week in Southern California for law enforcement. You are all still remembered Roy after all these years and you all will be remembered always.
May our brother Roy rest in peace. Never forget the fallen hero!

Ofcr. Dan Winger
LBCCPD, Ret.
June 3, 2004