Officer Down Memorial Page

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
May 17, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
November 9, 2011

Hi Daddy,

Remembering you today. We all love and miss you! I'm pregnant with my first child, so this year is especially hard thinking of you not being able to know your grandchild. But I rest in the fact that God is in control of life and death - and there is a time for everything (Ecc. 3).

Love always,
Daughter #3

Stephanie Rae Duncan Moss
Daughter
November 9, 2011

I never met Russell, but am a cousin to his wife.

Denise and girls, I think of you and Russell every November. He sounds like he was such a wonderful person who was well respected among his fellow officers.

Please know that you are still in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless you!

Cindy Cresswell
Russell's wife's cousin
May 23, 2011

I ALWAYS REMEMBER,
NEVER FORGOTTEN...ALWAYS LOVED!
IN MY MIND AND IN MY HEART. 4 EVER

JENNY
SISTER IN LAW
November 9, 2010

Hi Daddy,

Yesterday would have been you and mom's 35th wedding anniversary. And 27 years ago today God ended your time with us here on Earth. We still think and dream of you and wish you were here with us to experience some of life's milestones. I'm 28 this year, the same age you were when you passed. I too am married like you were but no kids yet-you had 3. I can't imagine...

You are loved and missed - Remembering you today!

Love always,
Stephanie Rae (Daughter #3)

Stephanie Rae Duncan Moss
Daughter #3
November 9, 2010

Russ and I were high school friends in Garden City. We lost touch when I moved in 11th grade to Plymouth. It saddens me to learn of his untimely passing. He was a wonderful friend and I can only imagine what a great man he became. Rest in peace Russ.

Kathy Wilson Fink
Friend
July 12, 2009

Happy New Year! Thanks to everyone who has left kind words and messages about our father. It is so nice to hear stories from people that knew him. I pray you have a blessed 2009!
(Mr. Gutierrez, I would love to see pictures of him!)

Thank you :)

Stephanie
Daughter
January 7, 2009

You're remembered today and I think you for your service. May God bless you and your family, you will be reunited with them someday.

Officer Jake P.
March 24, 2008

To The Duncan Children

I had the privilege of knowing your father many years ago when he was a member of the Michigan State Police. Russ and I attended the State Police Academy together in February 1978, almost 30 years ago to the day. Your father was a member of the Michigan State Police, 93rd Recruit School Class. I heard about your fathers death many years ago and it has never left my mind. I always liked Russ he was a real good guy. Your father was easy to like and had a very laid back cool disposition. I found this site because I was thinking about him this evening and searched until I finally found this nice dedication to him. The last time I saw your father was sometime in 1979 or 1980 in E. Lansing Michigan. Please know that he is not forgotten by his old class mates out here in Michigan. I have some pictures of your father taken when we were in recruit school. If you contact me I will send them to you.

God bless you and your families,
David M. Gutierrez
Michigan State Police
Retired

Tpr David M Gutierrez
Michigan State Police, Retired
January 28, 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
November 14, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
NH
November 5, 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 5, 2007

Officer Duncan,
I can tell you that one of the most memorable accomplishments of my life was the day I walked across the CARLOTA stage to receive the Russell L. Duncan Memorial Award. Your brother handed me the award and shook my hand. He said, “Russ would be proud”. You obviously mean so much to so many people. I pray God gives me the strength to walk in your shadow and motivate others as you have.
24 years after your death, your story continues to promote safety. After all this time you are still walking your beat. Thank you for your continued service to the students at CARLOTA.

Deputy Cody Wilson 1538
PCSO
March 23, 2007

Rest in Peace, Officer Duncan. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
November 2, 2006

Officer Duncan, I just met your youngest daughter this week. She is working in Ann Arbor and myself and other AAPD officers have spent some time chatting with her. She is a wonderful young woman and you should be very proud! Just listening to her I can tell how proud she is of you and your service to the community. You will never be forgotten!

Officer Bill Clock
Ann Arbor, MI Police Dept.
August 17, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Apache Junction Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Duncan deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Duncan is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina
June 10, 2006

Russ,
its been a long time my friend, and not a day goes by that I dont think of you and class # 22. You will never be forgotten. CARLOTA gives the"Duncan" award to only the best that goes through the doors at CARLOTA. God bless your family. Think of us once in a while and keep us all safe.
Jim Walker
CARLOTA class # 22

Sgt. Jim Walker
Coolidge Police Department
February 1, 2006

Brother Duncan,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club
January 12, 2006

I went to high school with Russ. And our familys were friends back in Garden City. God bless Russ...

Steve Takesian
August 28, 2005

I was attending the Reserve Police Officer's Academy at Pueblo College when the training incident ocurred with Officer Duncan. It was the first Law Enforcement death I was to be grieve. I wish it had been the last! Russell, your life is celebrated every May at the Peace Officer's Memorial in Florence. Your Brother does great honors in being your representative.

Tonite, when I pray the rosary, it will be in your name.

Greet the new Rookies as they storm into heaven and keep them under your wings. And when you see Jason Lopez, tell him I said "hey", and keep him in line :)

Belia Fessenden, Retired Deputy
Pinal CO.SO-Retired #112
July 3, 2005

Rusty- my childhood friend and classmate. We played sports together. From Little League baseball to the only undefeated high school football team in Garden City East High School history. You were one of the most balanced, even tempered guys I ever knew. You are not forgotten.

Keith Anleitner, Principal
Farmington Elementary-Garden City Public Schools

May 30, 2005

I am so proud of my dad and his time of service. Thank you for providing this site as a way our family can be a part of the other people who knew him. I thank those that had a part of his life and service and for posting your reflections! I know my father is in Heaven and I trust that having accepted Christ in my heart, I will be reunited with Him one day. I love you! xoxo :)

Stephanie Rae Duncan
February 17, 2005

*read at Russell Lowell Duncan's memorial dedication*
AN INSPIRATION
A man was born into a family legacy-
Like father, like son, an officer to his city.

A man, a husband, a father to three-
One disasterous day and officer fell to his knee.

At the age of one, his youngest had no clue-
How much her father, how much he could do.

Do for her future, influence her decisions-
Her father, her inspiration, the leader of her visions.

Wanting to save the streets & keep the people protected-
She sought a way her efforts wouldn't go undetected.

With little time to set aside-
She kept up her dream, kept up her pride.

She worked with the officers of Chandler P.D.-
Learning the ins and outs of crimes in the community.

With thoughts of her Dad still fresh in her mind-
She still believes, he's one of a kind.

Her hours in the community may be so few-
But her lessons in life, so rich so new.

A proufound interest in the justice of all-
She hopes to stay dedicated, and not let her dreams fall.
-Stephanie Rae Duncan 1998

Stephanie Rae Duncan
February 17, 2005

ITS BEEN OVER 21 YEARS MY FRIEND. REMEMBER THE MT. AND JOE HINES. WE PUSHED HIM TO THE TOP. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP HEAVEN SAFE. YOU'RE MISSED.......PINAL #36. SPD #498......

MPO
SCOTTSDALE
January 27, 2005