Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Detective Norman R. Eckles

Los Angeles Police Department, California

End of Watch Thursday, April 20, 1989

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Reflections for Detective Norman R. Eckles

Rest in peace Detective Eckles.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 13, 2020

Just seeing this for the first time and profoundly moved with emotion. I didn’t know Norm before he was wounded but, I knew him afterwards. He was a devout Christian and loved the Lord. I distinctly remember him saying that if he had not known God when this happened that he would have never survived the aftermath. He made such an impression on me to “press on no matter what the circumstances” and I carry that with me even to this day for his words are a great encouragement in the strength of Christ. Phil 4:10-13. Norm and Cindy both are/were extraordinary people for law enforcement is a way of life and a great partner is invaluable. What else can I say but we loved Norm, he was so dedicated in many ways and I am deeply thankful for this amazing man. He baptized both my sister and I in his backyard! Wow! Right?! And I still have the Bible that he and Cindy gave me all these years later (2020). Lord knows it’s been the most remarkable journey to say the least. All this to say Norm was such a super man of faith and among all things that he did, I genuinely believe he would say “trusting God” was the best one. With deepest respect and honor we remember Norm, for he was such an incredible man and definitely made the world a better place.

Catherine Moon (Gonzales)
Family Friend

January 13, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 20, 2018

Thank you A. Rios I am his widow and I never knew there was a Memorial to Norm at 60th and Crenshaw. I am blessed to know that. Cindy Eckles-Banks

Cynthia Banks
Widow of Norm Eckles

December 8, 2015

I saw the memorial street sign on the corner of 60th and Crenshaw for this detective. I came here and read about his perseverance after he was shot. Just felt the need to acknowledge him.

A. Rios

September 5, 2014

Rest in Peace, Detective Eckles. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

11169

January 14, 2012

I am so touched, by the kind thoughts, twenty-two years later. My children and eighteen grandchildren, are Norm's legacy. We are forever, grateful, for all the kindness we have received.

Cindy Eckles Banks
Wife

September 22, 2011

Det. Eckles,
Sir, even though it has been 22 years since your end of watch you are still remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Los Angeles. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

April 21, 2011

Detective Eckles - I remember the morning of your being wounded and the resulting help call - many miles away but broadcast city-wide. You took a heavy blow and fought back, refusing to sit in a wheelchair quietly. Thanks for your service to the people of Los Angeles. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 20, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 20, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 20th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 21, 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

September 17, 2007

Norm Eckles, "Blackie" Sawyer and Kelly Key:

At least the likes of the great ones like Chief Daryl Gates and other "old-timers" did not allow Your Honor go unrepresented during DEA ceremonies held on 05/11/2007.

I will continue to share the sacrifices You made while proudly serving the LAPD.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

July 10, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

February 17, 2007

As a child I fought him, only now as a man, I can truely say, "I miss him". Not only was he a great officer, but a great father too. Norm Eckles is and will always be a true Hero. Thanks Dad, I Love You. Keep walking with me.

Jay

Norman Jason Eckles
Son

September 11, 2006

Norm - it was always a pleasure to work with and around you. Your courage and dedication was true to the era. God bless and rest in peace brother.

Sergeant Bill Forman
LAPD

January 3, 2006

Thank you and God bless.

616
SPD

November 1, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

December 29, 2004

We shared good times and bad in the academy LAPD 6/70. I'm retired now safely enjoying my grandchildren, you paid the price, God bless you and your family....

Anonymous

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