Officer Down Memorial Page

I wanted to repost to correct your eow anniverary. Today is the thirty-ninth year since you and your family made the supreme sacrifice as you protected your community.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 11, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 46th 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.

Time never diminishes respect. You will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. I am sure you are proud that your family has continued the legacy of both you and your father of serving and protecting.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 11, 2012

Daddy, can't believe it's been 39 yrs. Today Officer Jared Francom is being layed to rest. So sad. I love and miss you, daddy. Always in my heart. Give my Todd a big hug and kiss for me, I miss him so bad. Love, Kath

Kathy Clark Koester
daughter, Kathy Clark Koester
January 11, 2012

two days before Percy was killed, he picked up my daughter, Shannon, to take her to lunch. It was two days before her second birthday and because he knew he would be working on her birthday, he wanted to spend some time with her. He took her to MCDONALD'S, a very special day for both of them, grandfather and grand daughter. I remember seeing both of them return that day. It was hard to say who was happier. Percy was an incredible man, whom I greatly loved and respected. I know he rests in peace.

Sharon Adderly
He was my father-in-law and grandfather to my son & daughter
January 10, 2012

Kathy;

I was a Salt Lake City Police Officer from 1965-1972 when I joined the US Secret Service. I remember your dad with the fondest of memories. He was in charge of the police range and I spent a lot of time there shooting. Your dad was a very respected detective and was willing to share his time and talents with others. I remember I had a personal gun that wasn't working and we sat on the porch of the range house while he took it apart and fixed it. It took hours but he enjoyed doing favors for his friends. He was a gentle man and you should be very proud of him. Although he was very senior to me at the time, I was honored to call him a friend.

Special Agent Keith Stauffer
US Secret Service - retired
December 8, 2011

Forever Loved and Missed..

Kathy Clark Koester
daughter
January 11, 2010

Hi darling, another year gone by,another birthday missed.We all love and cherish the memories that have sustained us through the years.The family is doing well,and still growing. Watch over your grandson Lynn who is a police officer in ST. George.I love you and miss you so much.Thank you for the years we had together, and we will see each other again.
loving you always,
Maurine

Anonymous
February 19, 2009

Percy was my first hero.

As a young boy whose family looked after the police range where Percy spent some time I remember my brief time with him. I knew and loved many of the officers from the various agencies who practiced at the range, however Percy stood head and shoulders above them. Not simply because he was tall, but because he was winsome and charming.

I recall doing some shooting with Percy, he had a rifle that I truly loved, it shot .38 Special. It made a lot of noise and made me feel like a man when he'd let me shoot it. (Even though I was just a small boy) One morning he came up to the range to do some shooting, he had brought an entire coffee can full of .38 special to let me shoot through his rifle. It wasn't a week later that his light was extinguished.

Thank you Percy for the impression you left on a little boy so many years ago. I have always enjoyed teaching young men and women the joy of shooting, it's my hope to affect one person the way you affected me.

Steve Heath
Friend
May 22, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 31, 2008

Daddy,Lynn & lori have moved to the warn St. George. They love it, and the girls do too.He is with the St. George police, they treat him so good, they just love him. So dad please keep a good eye on him. He truly looks up to you. Miss and love you forever, Kath

Kathy Clark KOESTER
Father
March 7, 2008

For Justice And Law Good Men Must Die, But Death Cannot Kill Their Names". From the back of his" Medal Of Honor". Daddy, not a day goes by we don't think of you. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take. But by the moments that take our breath away." Today, Tomorrow, Always, Kath P.S. Give my Todd a huge hug and kiss for me. And give Pat's Rick a huge kiss and hug for her. Luv.

Kathy Clark Koester
Father
March 5, 2008

Happy Birthday sweetheart. This is a day we would have been together for a party with all of our family. What a celebration!! You are so loved and the memories keep us going, but the longing for you is still within me every day. I love you so much, and look forward to being with you someday.
Marny Feb.19, 2008

February 19, 2008

I just think that it is so nice to be able to read about him. I wish that had gotten to meet him. He will always be remember. Can't wait till the day i get to meet him in heaven.

Nick Clark
grandson
January 7, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
January 3, 2008

Im the youngest of 7 and i had just turned 4 when my Dad died i remember that night very well. after all these years i have met people that still remember him. about 1 year ago some men with the SLC police dept came in my work and overheard me tell my friend that my dad worked for the slc police dept and when he asked who my dad was he was so excided to meet me. and he went outside to tell the other officers who i was they came in and wanted to shake my hand and they gave me pins, police dog cards, that made me feel so good that these men as young as they are know of my dad. I miss my dad every day and i Love you very much

Melissa

melissa fellows
youngest daughter
March 29, 2007

My heart still aches each and every day.Our family has grown and the grandchildren and the great grandchildren are beautiful to see.You are in our thoughts at every gathering,every function,we do as a family. I love you so very much,and I know I will be with you again.
Love always, Marny

Maurine Clark
wife
March 29, 2007

Daddy, Lynn made it!!! He is a West Valley Police Officer!! I so wish you were still here, to teach and show him the way. You would of been the best teacher. Love and Remember you forever, Kathy P.S. Give Todd a big hug for me, and give Rick a big hug for Pat.

daughter, Kathy Koester
Daughter
September 23, 2006

I will always remember Dt Clark for the way he stood up for my brother when my brother was accused of a crime he did NOT commit....that has always stuck in my mind even all these years after it happened. If it had not been for Dt Clark and others like him my brother would not have been given his freedom.

Thank you Dt Clark

Susan Helton
sister of a young man you helped
September 11, 2006

Dad, keep an eye on your grandson's. Todd is with you, Lynn is going to become a police offcier. Please watch over him. Love you tons! Kathy

Kathy Clark Koester, daugther of Det. Cl
February 17, 2005

Daddy you are missed more every day. We have not ever forgoten you. We still have bad days. We tell our childen all about you they tell there childen all about you too. You are forever missed and remembered & loved. your kathy sue

Daugther Kathy Clark Koester
Rose Park, Ut
February 9, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, may God grant you eternal peace and bring comfort and peace to your loved ones.

Hero....

January 11, 2005

Detective Percy L. Clark
Salt Lake City Police Department
End Of Watch: January 11, 1973

Detectives were investigating a series of robberies and had received information through an informant as to the identity of the bandits. A surveillance was initiated involving officers from the Salt Lake City Police Department, the Bountiful Police Department and the Davis County Sheriff's Office. The identity of the robbers and their whereabouts being known, officers followed the group for several days and observed their daily activities.
On January 10, 1973, the informant indicated that a robbery was planned for that night at the 3rd Avenue Pharmacy, 564 Third Avenue in Salt Lake City. It was further learned that these same individuals had robbed this business previously to obtain drugs and money.

On the night of January 10, 1973, officers followed a carload of suspects to the 3rd Avenue Pharmacy and observed as two people approached the business and donned ski masks. They approached the front door but abruptly left without completing their work. Information from the inside source indicated that they would try again the following night.

A surveillance was undertaken and the group was again followed to the location on 3rd Avenue. Two of the men approached the pharmacy, pulled on face masks and entered the business. Detective Clark, observing this activity, communicated to other officers that the robbery was in progress. Clark then crossed the street and positioned himself behind a large mailbox directly in front of the doorway of the business. Clark watched the robbery take place and as the offenders left with their booty, he challenged them and verbally announced his intention to arrest them.

Michael Mahoney, age 21, abruptly fired his 9mm pistol and struck Detective Clark in the head, killing him instantly. He then ran firing wildly with the pistol. The fusillade of gunfire from the other officers in the area killed Mahoney immediately. An accomplice, 17 year old Brian Johnson, entered a guilty plea to 2nd degree Murder but was committed to the State Hospital in lieu of prison.

Detective Percy Clark was a second-generation police officer. His father, Lieutenant Harold W. Clark, had served 41 years on the Salt Lake City Police Department. Detective Clark was recognized by his charming smile, bright blue eyes and his weapon of choice, a single action Colt revolver.




--------------------------------------

He called them "gentlemen" and they killed him.
By J.L. Smith

He carried badge number 132 and a Frontier Model Colt which resembled a cannon. His associates called him "Perc," but the detectives who were closest to him called him "Dirty Harry" because to them he was indeed the policeman's policeman. His true name was Percy Lindsay Clark and he was 42 years old when he died.

Percy Clark was appointed to the Salt Lake City Police Department on November 16, 1951. Through the years, he saw duty in the Patrol Division, Vice Control Division, Personnel and Training Division and finally, in 1966, he was transferred to the Detective Division where he remained until his death.

What kind of a policeman was he? The best! Percy's personnel file contains several letters of commendation from Chiefs of Police dating back to W. Cleon Skousen. He hadn't missed a single day due to illness during the past three years. He was reliable. According to his commanding officer, Captain Donald B. Pearson, "Percy never backed up a fellow officer, he was always ahead." Captain Pearson went on to say, "If you ever wanted a person on your side, it would have to be Percy."

Percy Clark was a good looking cop. He was 6 feet 3 inches tall, with a slender build. He had blond hair and blue eyes. Some say he resembled Clint Eastwood, the actor who played the part of Dirty Harry in the movie of the same name. Fellow officers looked up to him, he was a cool head. He never worried about who got the credit and he never seemed to desire recognition. He just wanted to do a job. Did Percy Clark do his job? According to Chief of Police, J. Earl Jones, he certainly must have. Chief Jones said that Percy Clark left a "tremendous vacancy." Chief Jones asked, "How do you replace twenty-one years of service? Even if you could, how could anyone ever replace Percy Clark?"

It was natural for Percy to become a police officer for Salt Lake City. His father was one. His father is Harold W. Clark, who retired as a Lieutenant in 1967. Harold served more than forty years with the department and much of his time was as a Detective. (Harold is the oldest living Utah Peace Officer President at this time - 31st and served from 1952/1953) Percy was married to Maurine Clark and they had seven children. At the time of his death, four of the children were married and living away from home. However, there are still three youngsters living at home, one is a little girl only four years old. Maurine Clark has been interested in law enforcement along with her husband. She is a past president of the Utah Peace Officers Auxiliary.

When and how did Percy Clark die? What was the last thing he had to say? Percy died at about 9:00 p.m., January 11, 1973. He was on stake-out with other officers from the Detective Division. A few minutes before 9:00 p.m., he observed two men enter the drug store he was watching and he saw them hold up the clerk inside.

As the two began to exit the drug store, Detective Percy Clark moved in close and took position by a mailbox. When they came out the door, he said, "Stop there, gentlemen, you are under arrest." They were the last words Percy Clark ever spoke. One of the two subjects was apparently holding a cocked automatic in his hand and he turned and fired at the same time. The bullet struck Percy in the right eyebrow and entered his brain. Death came quickly.

After shooting Detective Clark, the suspect ran down the sidewalk and fired shots at one of the other detectives. Then two officers opened fire and killed the suspect. His body fell just a few feet away from Clark's. Why did Detective Percy Clark die? He died because he was a good cop doing his job in the same reliable manner he had so many times before.

Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force (Utah)
January 5, 2005

DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

A Brother In Blue

Anonymous

It is said that Evil flourishes when good men do nothing. Thank you sir for being an example for my life.
As long as I draw breath, This Officer shall not forget your sacrifice.

Deputy Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder County Sheriff