Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Officer Hart. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
October 22, 2009

I was born just over a year after my Uncle Gary was killed. My mother and grandmother spoke of him often and it was through them I learned what an exceptional, kind, and honorable human being my uncle was. Although I was never able to meet him I am proud to call him my uncle.

I didn't know this website existed until today, and I was touched by all the kind remarks. It is comforting to know that he is still remembered and honored in this way.

Jillian Hughes
Niece
June 29, 2009

I just found this website and I will be working on getting a picture of my Uncle Gary posted.

I was born in 1979 a couple of years after my Uncles death, but was always told of how good of a person he was and how driven he was . I was always drawn to Law Enforcement from my family's story's of my uncle along with his military service in the ARMY during Vietnam. Thank You Uncle Gary, It is because of what you did in your life that has helped shaped mine.

A1C Owen J. Hart, USAF Security Forces
Nephew
June 14, 2009

Officer Hart,
On today, the 22nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow officer for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of California. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
June 1, 2009

On the 32nd anniversary of Officer Hart's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Hart is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department
June 1, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my alma mata. 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.

What a devastating blow to your families and your agency to lose two officers in one incident, especially under these circumstances. I hope to meet your family at a NorCal Cops meeting.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
May 31, 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
August 20, 2007

iam sorry that that happend iam not a police officer yet but iam going to collage to be and it hurts when i see a police officer die so unnececarily like this aspecialy by the hand of another.

Robert Johnson
February 2, 2006

1977 was a long time ago but though pain sometimes lessens, the pain of loss is never really gone. What makes loss bearable is knowing that the one we lost is still with us in spirit. I'm sure the family, both at home and work, still feel him with them.

Thanks Officer Hart, Rest in Peace, brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
September 30, 2005

To the family and friends of Officer Gary Hart and officers of the Cal Sate Hayward Police Department, and most especially to Officer Hart:

I was shocked to read your memorial page and the awful tragic circumstances that caused your death. I graduated from Hayward State in 1979 so your death really hit home.

Please know that although 28 years has passed since your death, your memory is still honored and revered.

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences to Officer Hart's loved ones on the grievous loss you suffered when Officer Hart was so tragically killed.

How sad that this dedicated young officer died so young. What a senseless act.

May you all be comforted by the warm embrace of the circle of love and support from the law enforcement community, and other police survivors.

Our family shares your agony as we lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg, Ca Police Dept. when he was fatally shot during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers. We grieve for you and with you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Gary gave to his community and the citizens of California, and the supreme sacrifice which he and his family made on May 31, 1977.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

September 7, 2005

Gary as one of your Rio Hondo Police Academy Class #35 classmates.I am numb and in total disbelief at hearing of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Rest in Peace.

Fred A. Corral, Lieutenant
L.A. County Dept Of Coroner
July 27, 2005

I am shocked to hear from this tragic event. you are a true hero, god bless you.

R.I.P.

Detective Paul van den Assum
Amsterdam PD, Holland
April 4, 2004