Officer Down Memorial Page

I first meet Paul at Ft Stewart, Georgia. He was serving in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman. We served in the 298th MP Company. As I remember Paul was senior to me. He was in the Traffic Unit. He was looked up to by all. His humor and character were well known. I do remember that he was a dedicated family man. I as well as the rest of the MP’s that served with him knew about his getting out of the Army. We heard he had gone to Witchita to be a policeman. The news of his ambush shocked us all. He was and always will be one of the best. His time as a son, husband, father, and friend was cut short. One day we will see him again. “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.”

Lieutenant Jimmie Turner
Glynn County Police Department Brunswick, Georgia
March 2, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th 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 those who love and miss you.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
November 8, 2009

I first met Paul in 1978 when we were MP's together in the 298th MP Company at Ft. Stewart, GA. He was senior to me and was my FTO in the traffic unit. Paul and I became good friends and shared many laughs together. Paul left the Army and became a Witchita police officer. I was still an MP in Germany when a friend wrote and broke the news to me that Paul had been shot and killed in the line of duty. I couldn't believe it. It has been almost 29 years since Paul's death and I've already retired from law enforcement. I have never forgotten Paul and have thought about him and his death quite regularly over the years. I will always remember him for his positive and upbeat outlook, his professionalism and the humor he brought to the job. A good man was taken from us much too early. He left a wife and a young daughter who, as I remember, were his entire world. Rest in peace Paul, I was able to finish my law enforcement career and retire, I only wish you had been able to. You have never been forgotten. Rest in Peace; I'm looking forward to seeing you again in heaven when my time comes. Pete Kusek

Lieutenant Pete Kusek
Orange County Sheriff's Office, Orlando, FL - Retired
October 20, 2009

It has been a long time but many of us still remember. RIP

Former Detective
Wichita PD
May 12, 2009

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
NH
November 3, 2007

I was so young when you were taken from me and I have spent many years avoiding the hurt and emptiness your death has brought me and our family. I will never forget all the years of crying and begging God to please send you back to me only to wake up and realize you were still gone. I want everyone to know that you were not only a brave officer but a wonderful son, loving husband and the best father that walked this earth. My sons and I talk about you always and your memory will never be forgoten.

Christy Garofalo-Hieatt
Daughter
December 21, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Wichita Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Garofalo 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 Garofalo 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 15, 2006

Paul, two days before your death I last saw you stuck doing turnkey duty in the jail. You were laughing and joking just as you always did, and wanting to be out on the streets. I never pass Kellogg and Hillside without turning toward your grave and paying my respects. You have been gone a long time, but you are not forgotten in the memories of your fellow officers and the Department.

Capt. Darrell Haynes
Wichita Police Department
April 24, 2006

Officer Garofalo,
As one officer wrote in another fallen officer's reflection-"No fallen officer should be without a reflection." I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Wichita.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

July 28, 2005