Officer Down Memorial Page

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. 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.

I pray for solace for all those that 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 friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
May 8, 2012

Although, I have never had the pleasure of meeting you, I feel as if I know you. I have heard many stories about your life from the officers that were fortunate enough to have known you. The officers that you worked with have since retired and the torch has been passed to a new generation of Burton Police Officers. There may be new faces patrolling the City of Burton, but we wear the same badge as you, brother. We are reminded everyday of your sacrafice when we look at your name on the wall in the roll call room. We hope you will continue to look down on your fellow officers and keep us safe from harm. You life will be remembered for generations to come and your family will always be in our prayers for you gave everything to protect the citizens of the City of Burton.

Officer Eric Freeman
Burton Police Department
January 17, 2011

It's hard to believe it has been thirty years since we said good-bye. My children are all grown now; and they all know of you, and what you meant to me. They hear the sorrow in my voice, and see the sadness in my eyes whenever I speak of you.

I know what an honor it was for you to serve as a police officer; but I was truly honored to have you as my friend. I wish I had conveyed to you how much I respected you, and what an influence you had in my life.

I truly miss your quick wit, your enthusisim, and your smile. I will never forget you Rusty.

Anonymous
April 29, 2010

i keep your memory alive all the time, at the time of your death, several of us made promises to never forget you. it is still a prevailing thought today. every time we meet and talk, we discuss you and terry and wonder how the department would of been with you instead of knowing how it was without you. you are still greatly missed rusty and the good times we had on our shift together is what i will always remember along with how much fun you were. you will never be forgotten!

Anonymous
January 13, 2010

"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
November 13, 2007

May you rest in peace.

May 8, 2007

It was an honor to work for the department who still honors your life and death. You have not been forgotten and never will be. Thank you and keep watch over all of us.

Former BPD Officer
March 25, 2006

25 years ago today and still remembered. Thank you!

patrol
May 8, 2005