Officer Down Memorial Page

RIP, Kit. Before my time but never forgotten.

Cindy Williams
Civilian
May 25, 2012

RIP Kit we have not forgotten you. The Kit Hurst plaque is still awarded to the honor graduate of each academy.

Major Larry Carter
Norfolk Sheriffs Office
May 24, 2012

I cannot believe it has been 40 years since you left us Kit. Your memory is still fresh and you have inspired me in my career.

Vincent Rose (Captain - Retired)
Gloucester County Sheriff's Office - Virginia
May 23, 2012

Thank you for serving and dedicating your life to our city. My father, Arthur Haddaway Jr. worked on the force with you. He use to tell us all kinds of stories. I know now you two are sharing lots of stories while watching down on us.. Sadly, the day you passed, we had a blessing in our family, my brother was born.(they almost named him either Lewis or Kit for you, but decided against it because they were still in shock) My daddy would tell us, that he thought that you moved on through him..

Over the years when officers pass away in the line of duty, I always think of you.. I may not remember all the other officers names, but yours I will always remember.. and I always say a prayer for them.. as well as you and your family.. Please know that you will always be in the hearts and minds of people you have never meet. Again, thank you for serving our city and giving the ultimate sacrifice.

Wendy Haddaway Palmer
family friend
May 5, 2012

I have just come upon this page and have read the touching words about my son. Thank you all whoever you are for the thoughts. It has made my day more meaningful.

Billie Hurst
mother
July 19, 2011

You were a good cop, just like your father. Rest in peace.

Bernard Flint
June 28, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
May 24, 2010

My dear brother. Never a day goes by that I don't think of you. I miss you so much. Till we meet again.

Anonymous
May 1, 2010

While I never had the honor to meet him, he had to be a good person because is father was. I have a severe bone disorder and when Lew Hurst Sr. was head of the Va. Crime Commission,he helped me pass a medical marijuana bill which Gov. Dalton signed. Today I am the longest surviving federal medical cannabis patient and doing well. I want to thank him for what he did for me.

Irvin Rosenfeld
Your father was special
October 17, 2008

So young and brave to protect the city.RIP fine officer.

Anonymous
September 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
April 3, 2008

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
December 23, 2006

Now that your dad has joined you and now feel his love. I will soon join you for a one on one basket ball game. You were always a sucker for my fakes. I love both of you and miss you so.

Stanley Hurst
uncle
October 17, 2006

Rest in peace Officer Hurst. You will not be forgotten.

October 3, 2004

I salute you for your service and honor your for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

September 30, 2004

I knew you and your family from the day I was born, as our fathers were best friends and partners who climbed the ranks over the years on the NPD. We visited your parents and brothers and sisters often after your death, even after they moved to the mountains but life was never the same. Your death took more than just one life, it took the spirit and joy of your father. You took that call that night for my dad, and as I patrolled the streets many years later, I never forgot you and your sacrifice. A tragic accident, a search warrant gone bad, but your death was not for nothing! I wonder if your family has any idea what an inspiration you are to each graduate of the Norfolk Police Academy? I wonder if they know what an honor it is to have their name placed on your plaque. You made a scarifice that gave me my father for so many years and I never knew how to say thanks other than following in your footsteps. The newspaper clippings (although yellowed) stay in my clipboard and remind me that each second of life counts. Now your father rests with you in heaven, and I think of each of you and your mother so often. You gave honor to the badge before the World even experienced 9/11, and I will never let your death be in vain.....even after all these years.

Anonymous
NPD
September 29, 2004

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

September 28, 2004

He was a special guy that I cared very deeply for. From camping days to the police work he entered. He really thought he could make a difference. If he knew how much his last act on earth affected so many, he would be so pleased. His late father, Lewis W Hurst Sr. and mother Billie knew that from the bottom of their hearts as I still do. May we never forget the many fine officers that gave their all for our safty.

Stanley Hurst
Family..Uncle
December 28, 2003

Thank you very much for your service and your ultimate sacrifice. You are truly an inspiration to us future officers. We see your name on the plaque for the Kit Hurst award for best student every day as we walk into class.

Recruit Class 69
Norfolk Police Department