Officer Down Memorial Page

From the niece who never had the joy of meeting you, I recently had the pleasure of meeting your family (my Aunt, cousins, 2nd cousins and so on) left behind to celebrate your life. You would be very proud of the people they have become and you would have been honored to see the legacy you created before your passing! I'm sure the love they have for you is every bit as strong today and it was when they were forced to say "until I see you again"! I feel privileged to have witnessed it at the memorial they had for you! Love, Melissa (Ramona's daughter)

Melissa Benton
Niece
May 3, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 50th 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 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
April 1, 2012

To My Uncle Ben from your nephew Jesse Herrera. Wasn't born yet would have loved to have met you. You looked so much like my Dad there was a time when I was younger I couldn't tell you too apart. To my cousins wish we could have stayed in touch all these years gone by and don't remember anyone. Love you all take care.
Jesse Herrera son of Delphine Herrera.

Jesse Herrera
Nephew
March 25, 2012

My dearest father - today is the 49th anniversary of the day that changed my life forever. I truly miss you and wish you were here to see all of the grandchildren and great grandchildren we have blessed mom with. I love you dad - with all of my heart. Stan

Anonymous
March 31, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 31, 2010

Grandfather,

I've spent weeks trying to think of something to say that is poignant and meaningful. I still find myself at a loss, because to describe how appreciative and thankful we are of you and all that you have contributed to us is not really anything of which to say in a simple paragraph or two. I continue to find myself in awe and inspiration because of you and your life. I could only imagine the stories that you could have told about your experiences.

I find you so much of an interest, even after having heard some of the stories about your life by those who knew you, the police report on this sad event, and everything else that I've been able to find out. I thank you for doing what you did, in WWII, as a school principal, as a police officer, as a father, as a husband. You sir leave a great life of character which we will carry on and pass down to our own children and grandchildren. Thank you always and forever Grandfather. It is an honour knowing that you still live on in our spirits and mind.

Anthony Herrera
Grandson
June 18, 2008

Dad,
I have always felt so honored to be your daughter; I am so grateful for this gift, a gift that not even death can take away. Physically you are gone, spiritually you continue live in each of my brothers and sisters. The older we get the more I see you in them. Your presence with us has given us strength to endure, no not just endure, to thrive!
Thank you for the legacy you left us, may we pass it on to your grandchildren and your great-grandchildren.
I love you,
Your daughter, Valerie Victoria (Herrera) Kwietniak

Valerie Kwietniak (Herrera)
Daughter
May 26, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR POLICE AND MILITARY SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 28, 2008

I can't wait to talk to you.............

Your Son
Mateo

Matt Herrera
Son
February 19, 2008

Grandpa,
I was given this website by Chris to review the reflections of your life and what it meant to all of us "your family". As you know, we all have to live our lives without you in person, but still have you in our parents and spirit. As you know, I am following in your big footsteps and have been with the Farmington Police Department for 4 years. I have read numerous articles about the tragic incident and wish the outcome was different. In fact, I deal with a lot of violent people who hate Police and have intentions to hurt or possibly kill Officers. I was involved in an incident where a DWI suspect fled from me, fought me, and tried to take my gun away. With all the training that has been provided to me, ie SWAT, etc... I went home that night and thank God everyday for that. I know you are with our heavenly father, and I will be able to meet you someday. I have been involved this last year in the giving out of your annual award "Ben Herrera distingushed award". It was an honor to hold your award, let alone give it to a deserved Patrol Officer. I do this job with dedication as you did and hope to receive your award one day. I know you are watching over Chad and I as we continue to keep the "bad guys" off the streets and serve our respectable community. Grandpa, I love you and can't wait to see you in spirit.

KEITH HERRERA
FPD/ GRANDSON
February 15, 2008

My dearest Grandfather,

I don't even know where to start...I guess I would be perceived to be a stranger to you, although we are related by blood. It's unfortunate that due to the selfishness of one mans actions, cost a lifetime of heartache for MANY others. You couldn't justify a man's life who gave his just to spare the lives of others. I know Jesus keeps you close to him, for he did the same. What seemed like a domestic call that would end in an arrest for disorderly conduct, ended the life of my grandfather Ben Herrera. He was a husband and father of six, all of who he would never see or speak to after leaving the house that evening. He was something to everyone, I remember people that were introduced to me that would say "I knew your gradfather, he was a great man". It would fill my heart with pride. I did attend the ceremony when they awarded you with the "metal of honor" many years later. It was an honor to be there and be associated with you. This hits so close to home because as you know my brothers have decided to follow your footsteps in law enforcement. Keith was honored to be the presenter for the award in your name, given this year. I just ask that you keep a close eye on them as they roam the same streets you once did. So ten years passed after March 31,1962 and one man gets his life back, and maybe even his family back. However, there is a wife and six children who after ten years only had memories of there husband/father and have to wait until another life time to see him again. We all have the upmost respect for you and take pride in the one thing you left us all with, the name of Herrera. I await the pleasure to meet you.

Love,
Tamala aka Mater

Tamala Herrera
Grand daughter/Daughter of Mark Herrera
February 12, 2008

Grandpa,
I know we have never met but I feel you are with us everyday. Not a day goes by that I dont think about you or reflecting on my own son who also carries your name. Its amazing that I still meet people who know my last name and have nothing but nice things to say and have the highest respect in what you accomplished in your life. I will always hold you dear in my life and take the teachings that you passed to your children from my father always. I know that one day I will see you... you are never gone nor forgotten...

Christopher Herrera
Grandson
February 11, 2008

Father,

You are and always will be a part of my life. Every breath I take is part of you. I see you everyday in the eyes and spirits of my children and grandchildren. I know you are here with me and have always been. I am and always will be very proud of you; your compassion for people filled your everyday. I love you so very much. I will see you one day.

Deborah A. Macdonell/Herrera
Oldest Child/Daughter
August 28, 2007

My dearest father,
As I reflect upon the last 44 years, your memories are still a part of my everyday life. I can appreciate your love of life, family and God. Your dedication to your community and country will never be forgotten.

I only wish you were alive today to see all of your grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the happiness they have brought to me and my siblings.

We will continue to take care of your wife, our dear mother and will never forget all that you taught us during your life with us.

Thank you for who you are and what you have given me in my life.

Your son,

Stan Herrera

Stan Herrera
Oldest surviving son
May 14, 2006

Officer Herrera,
On today, the 44th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but for our Country as well when you served during WWII. I think it's a crime that your murderer served only 10 years, for killing you and wounding your partner.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

March 31, 2006

Officer Herrera, you are not forgotten

March 31, 2005