Officer Down Memorial Page

Richard was the best friend a person could ever have! It has been 14 years since he was shot right in front of me,and they say time makes it easier but its not true! If only we had not left when we did then the guys responsible for his death could have gone some where besides in front of my appartment. It was the worst thing the guy who shot Richard! and after all this time I still remember what a kind man with such a big heart, The death of anyone is a very sad thing but a death of a person who only did good for others that was so un nessasary and still makes me sad and for his whole family to have had to fill such sadness and still do. it is just wrong when someone is taken away way before his life was lived a life ended when he was just ready to retire and live a complete happy life. To all his friends and family maybe you have found some way to understand the loss we can never get back but myself I will always love and miss him!

Tammie Busby
was a close friend of mine
May 6, 2012

Cpl Lawrence,
I had the honer of serving under your brother Sgt. L. Lawrence at South East Patrol. If you were anything like Sgt. Lawrence, you were a fantastic officer and human being. I find my self thinking about you when I come to work. Prayers to the family.

PO M. Rushing # 9694
South East Patrol

PO M. Rushing # 9694
Dallas PD
October 22, 2011

Today is fathers day 2011,

I remember you every day. I tell a story, of how you made me the opinionated, independent woman I am today.

Rhett has grown in to a warm loving father, much like you. His daughter has him wrapped around her finger. His son is a happy and a joy to be around. Your sister, cousins, nieces, nephews, and all those too many to mention miss your smile, humor, charisma and charm. How many lives you touched and your legend still touches. We miss you, you were loyal, warm, hot tempered at times but there was none other than you that had a passion for what you did or how you loved. Anessa had so many things for you to do, we all did.

Thank you for touching mine and that void is always a part of me. But I have your smile and memories to get me through.

Brandee Leigh Lawrence
Daughter
June 19, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
November 9, 2009

Richard, I have only now been able to leave this, but I know you know that wasn't because I didn't care and wasn't thinking of you. You are the sweetest memory of my life and there was always a hole in my heart that you once filled. Now that hole has grown. No one will ever be able to take your place in the lives of anyone who knew you. I know that you realized that I would always love you. Our hearts were linked so tightly that the fact we weren't together as a couple and had gone very separate ways didn't mean that the love we shared as kids didn't live on ever young.

Lavetta Beshears
Lifelong Friend
August 30, 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 5, 2008

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

Richard, you taught me, and many other rookies, how to talk to people. I can still remember some really good advice, "It is easier to be nice and talk a man into jail rather than to fight him." But, we did have a couple of fun "snot locks". It was also a valuable life lesson. Thanks for everything....you were a great FTO & ASL, and great friend.

Butch Dunbar
Richard's rookie
August 20, 2007

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

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
May 13, 2006

Brother,
I sure hope those who took you, got theirs! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones, always!

Detective SGT Patrick Yost
Wauconda, IL Police Department
August 6, 2004

Richard,

Every year when duck season comes around, I look around the duck blind that last thirty minutes before daylight and miss your smile and laughter. Darlin, my old labrador is hunting with you now after fifteen faithful years and it gives me comfort to think of the two of you together. I say my morning prayers and lift up your mother, daughters and son every time I go hunting and as often as my human frailness allows. You would be proud of them, they are getting on with their lives. Your younger brother, Luke is still policing and you have three new nieces. Every time I work a Gun Show, someone asks about your family and I fondly recall some hunt or other occasion we shared. Your passion for life and love of your fellow man is still shining after all these years and you are frequently remembered. Its turkey season here in Texas and its been over twenty five years since we drove the alley ways checking buildings and practising to call ole Tom Gobbler together but the memories are still bright and vivid. I miss you old friend, God keep and bless you until we meet on the other side, save me a place in the blind buddy.

Captain Jack R. Bragg Jr.
Dallas Police Department