Officer Down Memorial Page

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

Officer 11169
January 21, 2012

You're not forgotten brother.

T.A. Nicassio, Captain
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept.
July 31, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state. 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 31, 2010

It is hard believe that it has been twenty three years since the untimely death of Donny. He was a good friend and I miss him. I hope Mary Lou, Donny and Kristy are doing well. "Fly on brother."

Tony Nicassio, Captain
San Bernardino Co. Sheriff's Dept.
August 6, 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 5, 2007

Don was my beloved brother in law. It was because of Don's constant nudging that I too entered law enforcement. I was in my second month of academy and in class when I was pulled out to go to my sister who was working at Irvine PD and had not been notified yet. That day changed all of us. Not a day goes by that I dont remember Don with great affection and thank God for the blessing of his presence in our lives, if only for such a very short time. His Son Danny is living in Oregon and his daughter Kristy is living in Arizona, both are doing well.

Officer LindaSu McDonald
Seal Beach Police Dept
May 19, 2007

I flew with Don with the 3/4 Cavalry in Hawaii. We shared many exploits and I will always remember Don's mischievous smile and his happy go lucky personality. He was the new officer for our formal "Dining In" Stag Cavalry gathering and as such he was required to recite the poem "Fiddler's Green" the the rest of the Squadron. He was classic, on top of the piano at the officers club. I wish his family well.. I actually found this site because Don's son Danny popped into my head recently and I was compelled to search a little for the family of my good friend, long lost. This website has my permission to forward my email address to Don's family.

CW2 Mike Coverdale
US Army (past)
June 13, 2005

I worked with Don at Fountain Valley PD and knew he would not be happy until he was flying helicopters for a law enforcement agency so when he transferred to San Bernardino SD I knew he was doing what he wanted to do. When I moved on to Irvine I was able to work with his wife and stay connected. I was shocked when Don died and very saddened that not only Law Enforcement lost a fine officer, but that a wife and kids lost a great husband and father. I also lost a friend that day and I think of him every memorial day and visit his grave when I can. Don you are remembered and will always be missed.....Dave

Sgt Dave Mihalik
Irvine PD