Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 80th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Your memory will always be honored and revered as time never diminishes respect. Like others who have posted on your memorial, I am outraged that your killers were paroled.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
December 29, 2011

Amos,
In 1985 I started researching the events leading to your encounter and subsequent shootout with suspects John Owen and Keith Crosswhite. I learned that while you lay in the hospital fighting for your life, you were encouraged by the successful apprehension of both suspects by a very determined posse comprised of both law enforcement and community members. For awhile, it appeared you were going to fully recover, however infection set in and 73 days later, God took you home.

I'm pleased to inform you that Owen was found guilty of 2nd degree murder and Crosswhite pled guilty to the same charge. Both were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole however something went wrong, and a terrible injustice occurred when both were later paroled after serving only 10 and 18 years respectively.

Today,a memorial plaque commemorating your service to the state of Oregon proudly hangs from the squad room wall of the State Police office in LaGrande. A identical plaque is also on display at the academy in Salem.In addition, a granite marker was placed at the intersection of Adams and Greenwood in LaGrande some years ago to remind people of a shootout that occurred on a cool October Sunday afternoon 76 years ago when a young State Trooper approached two desperate armed robbers and was shot down before he had the chance to draw and defend himself.

Your funeral was the largest ever held in LaGrande and your fellow troopers pitched in and had a bronze plaque placed on top of your headstone. It reads "Amos Lee Helms staunch friend, Able Officer, shot down in the performance of his duties. This plaque inscribed by his fellow members of the Oregon State Police."

You see Amos, despite the passing years and memories that may have faded some, your's is still very much alive and will remain so because the events that took you from us are captured forever as a part of our history.

Rest easy and again, thanks. Bob

Senior Trooper Bob Routt (Retired)
Oregon State Police
May 3, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDNEBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
December 29, 2007

Trooper Helms,
On today, the 76th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of that state of Oregon. Just like some other people who left previous reflections-I can't believe that the scumbags who murdered you were both paroled in less than 20 years.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
December 29, 2007

As Oregonians and Proud Members of the Law Enforcement Family. We would like to Thank-You for your service to all of us.

We know you made a difference in this world, and we are proud of you!

We know you are there to Welcome Our Angels in Blue when they arrive.

God Bless Our Law Enforcement Officers and Those Who Love Them!

Jack & Tracy Van Dolah
Former LEO/U.S.M.C. & Wife in Sutherlin, Oregon
May 28, 2005

Thank you for your courage, dedication and sacrifice. Unlike your killers, when you met our maker, you could hold your head high. May you rest in peace and may your family find peace that you or your story are not forgotten. God Bless You.

Sgt. Scott Ryon
Washington County Sheriff's Office, Or.
April 19, 2005

It is an outrage that any person who kills a police officer would be paroled. I can only say that I hope these two murderers truly had remorse for what they have done to this Trooper. Rest in peace. You are a true hero to your community. Rest in peace Brother.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
June 10, 2004

No trooper who gave his life should be without a reflection..... Thank you Trooper Helms..........72 years later, you're still a hero.........Rest in peace..........

Anonymous
October 5, 2003