Officer Down Memorial Page

A Hero is honored today, RIP Sir

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
March 30, 2012

You were a hero Sir, I remember you and this day like it was yesterday. I was young working a security detail in Brookfield when the call came out of an accident at the range. RIP now Sir, you will never be forgotten.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
February 15, 2012

it seem like for ever but in my heart like yesterday i think about you every day and when i look at your son i see a little peace of you but it still doesnt help your not here i go to were your resting place is even though i know you arent there its the only way i am close to you some times i wounder when is it gona get easyer and if ill ever love any one in my heart as i did you i know that isnt far to say but i gave my heart away only once god id give any thing to hear your laugh see your smile why is it always the good who leave so fast some times i go to bed praying to just be able to see you in a dream i miss you more then i could ever exsplain to any one or they could under stand you are a grandpa an your be pround of your son he look spitting im of you love and never for gotten rest save a spot for my till then teresa bavers

Anonymous
November 10, 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 as another year passes. May they know that you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 30, 2010

they just had police week and i think of the first time andrew and i went i thought back then if i didnt see your name in the rock it wasnt true and it just wouldnt be the first night i got all the way there on the buses they take us on and made the man take me back the 3rd night i met some really nice people also wis who told me i had to see your name an didnt want to she took me by the had and sat with me while i just sobed and sat there next to your name ill never forget those people and ill never for get my first trip to washington DC miss you always and forever
teri

Anonymous
May 19, 2009

Today seems like its been forever since ive seen you and like it was just yesterday since i got the punch in the gut call i wanted to yell and scream at my friend who called me that she was lien and hang up on her but we all know that whould not of made it any unless true i miss your funny ness and jokes and the smell of you but every day i see it in Andrew J God he looks just like you so i guess you could say i never really lost you or thats what people tell me it took so long to have it get easy and not to see you and cry at a song a thought and any thing that reminded me of you and now id give any thing to just have you in my dreams when i close my eyes at night i miss your laugh your jokes and just plain miss you some day ill be seeing you again but for now its to long i miss you more then i could ever say or any one could ever know but i know i have a angle on my side up there in you love ya miss ya always and for ever teri

Teresa Gagliano
Mother of his son
March 31, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the sixteenth 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 who was murdered in the 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
March 30, 2009

Hello Jeff,
I only met you a couple of times, but could tell that you were a good man. You left this earth way too early and that makes me very sad. Your son Andrew Bavers was only 6 years old and never got to know you. Andy is now 22 years old and is in college. You also have a beautiful 5 year old granddaughter named Cierra Lynn Bavers. Yes, Andy became a father very early in his teen life. He alone choose to keep and raise Cierra Lynn by himself. You would be proud of him. I hope you look down from heaven at your son with great pride. Thank you Jeff for blessing me with a wonderful grandson and great-granddaughter. God bless you.

Jeanne Bavers
Grandmother to Jeff's son
September 22, 2008

Corporal Gusinda your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
June 19, 2008

Your EOW was 15 years ago, but time has not diminished your service or sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

March 30, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 29, 2008

Hi Jeff, just thinking about you on this sunny day. I hope all is good at the big P.D. Remember to save a job for me. Rest in peace. Mort

Captain Terry Martorano (ret.)
Waukesha county Sheriff Department
February 23, 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
February 22, 2008

Hi Jeff, just wanted to say hi as it has been some time since we worked together at the Marriott. You were going to teach me how to fly. Now your the one looking down at us and keeping us safe. Save me a job at the P.D. upstairs so when I get there we can again work together. See you when I get there. Rest in peace. MORT

Chief Terry Martorano
Town Lisbon Police (FRIEND)
May 9, 2007

G-d Bless.

March 30, 2007

What a tragedy. Hopefully we have all learned from this incident. I hope the reason you have no reflection from your own department is because they don't know about this site. You are now resting eternally in God's Kingdom. You are a hero.

Wisconsin L.E.O.
August 21, 2006

J.J., you are still remembered by those of us that knew you. Almost 13 years have gone by and you are still in my thoughts as one of the Good Guys. Rest easy my friend.

Sgt. Daniel F. O'Toole
Menomonee Falls Police
March 9, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, we honor you for your service and for your sacrifice

March 30, 2005

Rest in peace brother in blue
You're gone but not forgotten.

Deputy
Walworth SO
December 19, 2003