Officer Down Memorial Page

You were "one of the good guys" in every way. After 36 years I still love you and I still miss you.

Sue Harl
Widow
September 10, 2011

Thank each of you for your kind words. Although it has been over 35 years, our family misses Gary every day. He was a good police officer and a wonderful husband, son and brother.

Sharon Walker
sister
September 25, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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 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
July 16, 2010

My Dearest Family and Friends

Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.

The Day I had to leave you when my Life on earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan. Theres so much we have to do to help our Moral Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad. I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.

Please don't be afraid to cry, it does releive the pain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.

To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.

So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that with my life. it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know Im walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentel breeze or wind upon your face thats me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.

Anonymous
November 5, 2009

"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
January 30, 2008

As we learn and prepare to serve this great city, may we always remember the trails you blazed and the sacrifice you made. Thank you, Sir.

Recruit Class 35
Arlington PD
September 9, 2007

In Honore et Dignity.

Jack Chaney, Former APD Officer #173
fellow employee
July 2, 2007

I found Ofc. Harl's memorial today. He left this world the day I was brought into it. I can't say that I could ever take his place, but I will continue to help hold the line down here while he watches us from above. May God bless the spirit of Ofc. Harl, and may He continue to offer comfort to the family and friends who feel his loss every day. Though three decades have passed, you are not forgotten. "Heroes Live Forever".

Corporal R. Keeton
Panama City Police Department
August 9, 2005

Officer Harl,
I read in some of your reflections that you were a Former Marine and Vietnam veteran. I would like to say thank you, not only for your service to the citizens of Arlington, but also for your service to our Country and to our Corps.

Semper Fi Devil Dog,
A fellow LEO;former Marine

April 1, 2005

gone, but never forgotten. Although the city has grown, the job is still the same. Thank you for your service.

Officer
Arlington PD
March 28, 2005

Rest in Peace, Brother! Know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten, nor will the fact that you served this country in the Viet Nam war as well as the war on the street. May your family know that although not all of us knew you, you are still a hero to us all. Take pride in the fact that you were called Home to serve under God as one of his proven warriors.

"...Ever looked on Heaven's scene,
They would find the streets are guarded
by United States Marines!"

Semper Fi!

A Squad
Woodbridge CT PD
January 31, 2005

You are not forgotten. Semper Fi

Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ

I knew Gary Harl when I was a dispatcher for the University of Texas Arlington Police Department. I monitored the Arlington PD (KKG466) in addition to our own traffic and listened to Gary get dispatched to a report of gunfire at the corner of Cooper and California. Shortly thereafter I heard his request for 10-28/29 on a motorcycle plate. The next thing I heard was my good buddy Rudy being dispatched to the same scene as a back-up. Rudy arrived on scene only to find Gary's lifeless body in the front seat of his cruiser, microphone in hand. It was one of the saddest nights I have ever experienced and I will never forget it. I hope Garys family has done well. I recall he was an ex-Marine and Viet-nam vet so we had something in common. He was a very professional and pleasant man who was serious but kind. His murderer shot himself the next morning after being surrounded in Ft Worth. God bless Gary Harl and the Arlington PD.

Civilian, S. Wesley Smith
n/a