Officer Down Memorial Page

We served in Viet Nam together and subsequently were classmates in IPD's academy. I still mourn your passing.

Steve Garner
IPD
May 8, 2012

Reflecting on what has happened to one of the brave men in Blue from Indy I go back to another “Brave’ men in Blue who was taken from us much to soon.

I was in band with Jerry in HighSchool. Jerry was a great guy you could call him “Mild mannered band member”. I never knew how much of a great guy till one day after lunch.

There was a guy (aka ‘bully”) who would push me into my locker if I got to my locker before he came down the hall. My locker was on the 2nd floor about 15 lockers from the 2nd story stairs near the banister. One day yea he pushed me in my locker and “Superman Jerry” must have gotten tired of “Bill’s” bullying me. Jerry ‘grabbed’ Bill and the next thing we knew was ‘Bill’ found himself next to the banister. About 3-4 of us grabbed Jerry and held him back from tossing Bill over the side (not that I wouldn’t have like to see ‘Bill’ bounce off the 1st floor> ‘Bill’ was not worth Jerry getting in trouble over.. I still can see Bill’s face 40 years later, as he must of thought his bulling days were about to end. Jerry would have never put in over the edge.

He stuck up for me that day. He joined the Marine’s, I was in the Navy about the same time. He is far a better man then I. I met him downtown before he became a cop. He told me he was in the Marines and being shot. Never said he had the Purple Heart>>>and he was Humble. One of the things I regret is I never said ‘Thanks Griff’ for that day after lunch. Always helping people. I’m also sorry I didn’t tell his wife at his funeral about her “Superman” husband.

But the rest is, as they say, is history. Some day when I see him I will tell him>>>”Thanks Griff you’re a Hell of Man”

Anonymous
January 26, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th 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. He was also your fellow Marine so I must say to you, Semper Fi.

To your family: I know the hurt of losing a beloved family member never goes away. The pain and the pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
November 6, 2009

Thank you to everyone that has lent a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen all of your kind words mean alot to us to know that my dad still has others that think of him often is very comforting. I was only four years old when he left us but I will never forget him or the ultimate sacrifice he made to protect the people he served. I wish he could be here today to see the beautiful grandchildren that he has today, between me and my two sisters their are eight grandchildren. We all love and miss you more than you will ever know dad.

Kelly Griffin
daughter
November 6, 2008

I did not know you or your family but I just read your story and was thinking about your daughters. I just want them to know that you are not forgotten. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Patrolman
Franklin Police Department IN
July 13, 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 2, 2007

"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
July 31, 2007

Hey Jerry,

Every now and then I think about our last conversation. You know, the one where I asked you how much longer you had to be on the force before they issued you bullets for your gun. ;)

I know Mike still misses you. You were a good friend to him.

Another time,
Mike's sister

January 2, 2006

Griff:

A lot has happened since you had to step over to the other side. But man, you're still missed!

Rest in peace.

Annuit Coeptis

Lt. S. I. Drake
Indianapolis Police Department
August 23, 2005

May God grant you eternal peace and bring comfort to your loved ones.

January 5, 2005

Thanks Brother for your service.

March 18, 2004