Officer Down Memorial Page

I served with William ("Sheriff" as we called him) in the 19th SPS at Robins AFB, GA, prior to his assignment to Turkey. I'll never forget the day at guardmount when we were told of his murder. Having ridden patrol with him many times, I immediately remembered how kind and understanding he was with people. You will not be forgotten!

Edward G. Heaslip, TSgt/USAF Retired
USAF Security Police
March 6, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty-first 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05
November 15, 2011

I graduated Security Police Academy with Sergeant Herrington, and It shocked me when I read this. He was our " rope " in tech school. Rest in Peace.

J Carter
Ret USAF
July 29, 2011

Hero's are never forgotten! Continue to rest in peace brother.

Paul Bodenhamer
Police Officer
Dept of Veterans Affairs Police

Former 36th SFS Andersen AFB Guam
Security Forces - United States Air Force
Phoenix Raven

Police Officer - Paul Bodenhamer
Dept of Veterans Affairs
April 10, 2008

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 12, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
November 28, 2007

Rest in peace brother. Still to this day there is a plaque and picture of you at the LE Desk on Incirlik to honor your sacrafice. Thank you!

Anonymous
39 th Security Forces Squadron, Incirlik AB, Turkey
November 20, 2007

William,
On today, the 27th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. At least in this terrorist attack, justice was swift and sure for your murderers.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
November 15, 2007

You are a true hero and I salute you for your dedicated service to law enforcement and to your Country. Continue to keep watch over those still guarding all of us, you will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
November 14, 2007

I remember working Graveyard that fateful morning and when the word came down it was a sad time for us all.

All of the SP's were invited to the Hanging. They got what they deserved.

You won't be forgotten Chris.

Michael "War Pup" Martin
USAF SP Det 193-1 1980-1981
July 28, 2007

On this the 26th anniversary of your end of watch I want to wish you godspeed & eternal rest. Bravo Zulu Air Force!

John M. Mumper
EWC, USNR (Ret.)
November 15, 2006

I remember that day at guardmount on Incerlik. I remember the sick feeling in my stomach, the anger toward the Turkish population and you can bet we were extra careful to every call we took that night. I was unaware that the shooters were caught, I am glad they got their just rewards. He was an excellent Officer and did a great job all the time.

Michael Durell
Federal Reserve Police
September 2, 2006

Chris was a good friend, comrade and supervisor. He had a jovial nature who was loved by many. Buford, GA should be proud of their hometown hero!

The survivor
USAF S.F.
December 7, 2005

God Bless; rest in peace.

JJ
USAF SFS
January 31, 2005

God bless you for the hero you are. Your bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Barbara L. Beland
Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN
November 15, 2004

Such a tragic ending to such a brave mans life cannot and will not be forgotten by all of us who did and do the job every day.
Rest easy for you are the true, and pure warrior.
Your bravery in life and in death show that you are a true hero.

Retired police officer
May 10, 2004