Officer Down Memorial Page

ITS VERY HUMBLING TO SEE THAT SO MANY PEOPLE LOVED MY NEPHEW,AND STILL REMEMBER IT TODAY AS THOUGH IT JUST HAPPENED,THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO THOUGHT VERY DEARLY OF MY NEPHEW IRA

SYLVAN FINKELSTEIN
UNCLE
February 9, 2012

I often think of you, Ira and the fun on the midnight shift. I remember playing cards with you and the guys a few months prior to your death. I can still hear the radio catching the sounds of your feet hitting the ground as you bravely chased may of suspects on North Ave. In my 23 years so far, your death has been the incident that stands out the most in mind! You were a courageous man. Thank you!!

Ret. Police Officer/Now Dep. Sheriff
BCPD/currently Harford Co. Sheriff's Office
December 3, 2011

Ira,
I was new to the WD and on an h-day the day you were killed. I remember it like it was yesterday when I heard the news and how I cried upon hearing it. I think of you often. Your passing was my first brush with tragedy in my career. Sadly it was not my last.
Rest peacefully my friend.

Retired Lieutenant Sean Kapfhammer
Retired BPD lieutenant
November 8, 2011

Ira,
As I near retirement just wanted you to know that not a day has past for me in the past 18 years since you left us that I haven't thought of you. I remember all the good times we had in the academy, we had such good intentions and such big plans. There are only a couple of us left on the job now, boy how time flies. It has been discussed since your passing about waiting for your backup, I always was one to point out that you were there first, and must have had a good reason not to wait, and although your decision was a fatal one, you died with HONOR doing what you love to do.
We were so young and full of it. You were a good man, officer, and a great friend! I miss you bud.
Chris ("the bumble", BPD class 88-4)

Sergeant Christopher Emich
Baltimore Police Department
November 25, 2010

Ira,
This is the 18th year since that dreadful day happened. I can remember seeing you at shiftchange on the parking lot of the Western District and the few quick words we said to each other in passing. I was in a hurry to get home and you in a hurry to hit the street like always. You have and will be missed by many. The Department is less of a Police Department since you were taken away from us. Rest in Peace.
All Told !

Retired Police Officer
Baltimore Police Department
September 4, 2010

While I have never met you, I had the great opportunity to learn quite a deal about you today. Today we were conducting a narcotics buy bust operation, the suspect in the case led us into a retirement community. The takedown drew some attention and naturally alot of the residents came outside to see what the commotion was.

While we were completing paperwork on scene, I noticed a man standing close by with his dog watching us. After a few minutes one of the detectives asked him if he needed something. The man proceeded to tell the detective his son was a police officer, I don't know why but for some reason I had a feeling this was not going to be the typical my son used to work for your agency conversation.

I walked over to the man and asked him where his son worked. He told me that his son was a Baltimore Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty in 1992. The Sergeant and I spoke with your father for a while as he told us your story. As we got done speaking I asked your father if I could call him next time I was in the area to take him to lunch, I am sure I don't have to tell you he was more than happy to give it to me.

You made the ultimate sacrifice one can make and for that all of us that continue to fight the good fight are grateful. I just wanted to let you know that as you watch over us, I promise you I will watch over your father for you.

I am happy to say I made a great friend today and sad to say I never got to meet you.

Detective Passman
Broward Sheriffs Office/SID
April 28, 2010

To the family of Officer Weiner:
I wanted to extend my sympathies on your heinous murder in the line of duty. You are a true hero. whose courage and bravery will never be forgotten. My dad was one of NYCPDs finest for almost 40 years. You were taken from your family, community and fellow officers and you made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace officer Weiner. Olav Hashalom

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 24, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th 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
September 22, 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 7, 2007

Ira we spent many of Saturdays bowling at Greenspring Lanes. Never would i realize how brave of a man you would become. When i get to heaven get a lane reservation, i would love to bowl with a hero.

Scott Berger
Friend
September 27, 2006

It has been 14 years and you have not been forgotten nor will that ever happen. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. My thoughts are with your loved ones on this day.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father
September 21, 2006

Thank you for the warm memories. It was a pleasure and honor to work with you while in the W.D.

I still remember that day you relieved me. You took the keys frommy hands in the back lot of the W.D. and as always, you smiled at me and said: "Jerry, have a good day." To my surprise, I arrived home 30 minutes later and learned of the fatal events, which took place.

Although its been about 13-years, I still remember it like it was yesterday. More importantly, it's people like you that makes life worth living. One day I'll get to see you again. In the mean time, I'm sure you're policing the streets of heaven.

I still and will always remember you. I miss you. You live through me in so many ways and you live through those that are in blue.

Jerry Tarud, Esquire (Formerly 7A24)

Jerry Tarud, Esquire
Attorney At Law (Former BCPD)
March 10, 2006

We ask Thy blessings and eternal rest to all our brothers and sisters
Who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of
their duties. Give their loved ones the peace and
Strength to bear the anguish of their loss. Remove all
resentment from their hearts, knowing that eternal
peace and rest will abide their departed loved ones
forever. This we beg, Thy name forever and ever,
Amen.

Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police
November 21, 2005

As you know, Ira,I was your sergeant. Why didn't you wait for 7B23 as your backup on this call? I ask myself this question every day. You are missed.

Lt Gerard DeManss
BPD
October 27, 2005

GOD bless you and your family, officer Weiner.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Deputy Sheriff
POLK County Sheriff's Office, Florida
March 29, 2004

Rest in peace, and thanks for keeping the peace while you were here. You are an inspiration to us all and will never be forgotten. God bless his family and friends.

Pat
Baltimore, MD
February 28, 2004

A remembers man lives forever

Anonymous