Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 5, 2010

Sir,
Thank you very much for your sacrifice to a vet from a vet!

Anonymous
March 17, 2009

When Belle Center lost Chief Griffin they lost a dedicated officer and a good friend to everyone. Many a night he missed dinner with his family, got called out as he was leaving on a family outing or got a call in the middle of the night because an elderly neighbor woman lost her dog. He never complained because this was the job he chose to do for over 20 years. How do I know this? Because Chief Murray Griffin was my father. As of this date, the case is still unsolved.

A Brown
daughter
April 29, 2008

Sir,

WWII veteran, 25 year veteran and Chief. It saddened me today when I seen that this case was still unsolved. I hope your case is still being reviewed and maybe Logan County can place the badge on this website that you pinned on your chest when you served.

March 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
December 31, 2007

Chief Griffin,

I was only a small child when you were taken my brother in blue but you were a true cop thru and thru. I wish you peace my friend, the suspect(s) will pay for what they did perhaps not on this earth but they will answer for what they did to you. God bless you and your family.

Chief John Puckett
Port Jefferson Police Dept.
December 26, 2006

your family will never forget this injustice we will do whatever means possible to find your killer and justice will be served

co mj paugh
odrc mci
June 2, 2004