Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th 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.

Reading the circumstances of your death was heartbreaking. I can see from the reflections left that you wree an amazing man and father. You must be proud that your family has continued your legacy of protecting and serving. I pray for their solace on this Thanksgiving Day for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05
November 24, 2011

John,
Thinking of you today...may God continue to bless you and your family.
Hondo

Sgt. Robert Henne
JCPD/Retired
February 24, 2011

John...
This was a particularly difficult Christmas for all of us; it's the first one that Robert is with you and no longer with us. I can only imagine the reunion that the two of you had! We've been missing you for so long, and now you have not just Mom and Dad, but also your best friend and brother with you. I know you were out in the ocean with us in August when we spread Rob's ashes...I saw the rays coming through the clouds. You told me to watch for them whenever I especially needed you to be with me, and you've always been there when I needed you the most. I miss you and Robert more than I can say. Dance on...Robert will sing for you.
Love always,
Kathie

Kathie
Sister
December 27, 2008

My last contact with John was at headquarters. He was finalizing paperwork with the fiscal office. I walked in and he greeted me with a smile and we shook hands and hugged. I asked how he was doing and he replied, somberly,
O.K. All I could do after seeing the courage he displayed was say: John, it's been my pleasure knowing you, and may God Bless you. We clasped hands again, and that was the last I saw of him. Even today, my prayers for John and his family remain the same. God Bless.

Retired Police Officer Bob Verney
Jersey City Police Department
November 24, 2008

Dad,
I know that you have been watching over me and keeeping me and my family safe since you've been gone. There are so many things that I wish I could say to you and there are so many things that I wish we could still do together. I think about you every day of my life, especially when I look at my 2 boys. I want them to know how great a man and father you were. I try to emulate you as much as I can and I hope that I am the father to my sons that you were to us. I hope that you are proud of me for what I've done and I hope that I continue to make you proud as I grow older and raise my sons with the same values that you taught me. I wish you could be here to enjoy your grandchildren and so they could be with you but most of all, I wish we could still do things together. I cherish all my memories that I have with you and those memories carry me through both the good times and bad times in life. You are forever in my heart and my mind.
Love,
Your son, Tim

Det. Timothy John Laughery
Woodbridge Twp. P.D.
June 2, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
December 12, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
November 26, 2007

Rest in peace my brother, you are not forgotten.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex-New Jersey Cop
November 24, 2007

May John continue to Rest in Peace.

Det. Tim Dowd #D-98 (Retired)
Jersey City Police Department
November 21, 2007

Uncle John,

I really miss you even though I never really knew you, but I feel close to you. You are my Godfather. I wish that I could have gotten to know you. Everything is great in the Laughery family as usual. You are missed by your family, friends, and your country!

Nephew
May 23, 2007

God bless you for the sarcrifice you made. My prayers are with you and your family as your sons get into law enforcement. Stay safe guys.

Ptl. Donny Carruth
East Brunswick PD
May 13, 2007

Dad

It's been almost 15 years now, and not a day goes by that I don't think or speak of you to my friends or our family. You really would be very proud of all of us as everyone has already said. Your a Grandfather of 2 now! I have made my way into Law Enforcement also with the DOC, but as you probaly know, I won't stop until I am a Police Officer. I'm stopping by to thank you. I know you were there in Iraq with me at some of my weakest moments. There were times when I did not think I was coming home at all. I know you were there watching over me to make sure nothing happened to me, and that is exactly what you did. See you again one day. We all miss and Love you...

Jack

Cpl. Jack Laughery USMC- Your Son Boogz
April 10, 2007

May G-d Bless you and your family.

November 24, 2006

Thank you for your sacrifice... and I'm so glad to read that your children are doing so well... God bless everyone and be safe

LEO fiancee and friend of Peter Grignon, EOW 3/23/05

LEO fiancee
LMPD, Kentucky
December 26, 2005

Rest easy Sergeant Laughery...Officer "Timmy" is serving the family name well.

Patrolman
WPD
July 14, 2005

Your service will not be forgotten. Rest in peace brother and best of luck to your children who are going to be following in your shoes.

S/A G.Rowe Jr
RR Police Department NJ DIV
October 2, 2004

Hi Daddy,

So much has happened, Timmy got married, him & Maria had a baby, Nicholas, so cute!!! Timmy became a cop (following obvious footsteps). Jack & I both got really good jobs also, working for the federal government, and also Jack joined the Marines! Bryan is also doing very well for himself, working his way up in sales, and of course Mom is stronger than ever! Jack & Bryan are also trying to get into law enforcement. I know every day you're with us, watching us, and smiling with us. We miss you so much and can't wait to see you again. We love you and think about you every day. Even though it's been almost 12 years, it feels like just yesterday you were with us. We'll always remember you.

Love,
Daddy's Little Girl,
Melissa

February 23, 2004

John,

More than ten years have gone by since you left us. I wish you could still be here to see how your children have grown and matured. your oldest son, Tim, is almost halfway through the Police Academy, and cannot wait to begin his life in police work. You would be so proud of all of them, John. There is so much of you in all of them. Very soon, you will be a grandfather, and I am sure there will be some of you in the baby too. I really miss you alot, John, and can't wait until we can all be together with Mom & Dad in heaven.

I love you brother,
Kevin

Kevin Laughery (brother)
Elizabeth,N.J.
September 3, 2003