Officer Down Memorial Page

George was such a sweetheart with an incredible singing voice! We worked together at Southern Ohio College NE before he joined APD. I was heartbroken when I saw the news story on TV about the crash that killed him Rest In Peace dear George, I was honored to have known you!

Nancy Price
Southern Ohio College NE co-worker
December 17, 2011

I worked with the Akron Police Department from 1984-1990. I transferred to the Atlanta Police Department in 1990.

Actually George lived across the street from me, while growing up. Sadly, I was not able to see George in full uniform.

I just read that the same guy that took his life, just got charged with another DUI.

RIP George.

Michelle Hightower-Gray
retired | previously with APD
August 15, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
November 5, 2010

Thank-you for all you were and all you did. Rest in Peace.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department
October 13, 2010

I was so sorry to read today that the man responsible for your death has been arrested again, for the 2nd time since his release from prison for charges related to your death, for DUI. You would think that causing someone else's death would've had an effect on him, but apparently it has not. But one thing that is obvious is that your life (and death) has made an impact on many people's lives. That your little girl cherishes the few memories she has of you is a true testament to how much she loves you. God Bless You.

A 911 Dipatcher
Houston County 911
December 18, 2009

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous
October 18, 2008

Dear George:

I will never forget the time you played the recording of your singing and I thought it was Billy Ocean. You were so thoughtful and helpful at Southern Ohio College. I also will never forget your asking back then whether I thought you had anything to offer APD. I told you I thought you had more to offer them than the dangers of the job had to offer you. I am so sorry to have been right about that to the extent that you died in the line of duty. I take comfort in knowing that you died doing something that you really wanted to do. You made everyone so proud to know you!

I am sure that your sweet spirit lives on in your daughter. I look forward to seeing you in the Heavenly choir, yours is such a beautiful voice!

Maranatha!

Nancy

Nancy Scarberry
former co-worker
May 14, 2008

Dear Daddy,

I don't even know what to say. I miss you and love you so much. I still think about you all the time and wonder what life would be like if we could have been together. The few memories that I do have of you, like you picking me up from elementary school, will always remain in my head. Just looking at your picture which I have not seen in a while makes me see just how much that I look like you. As broken hearted that I am that you had to been taken out of this world I know that you are still in your heart and that everything I do today I am able to do because of you. I love you and I can't wait to see you some day.

Your daughter,
Cassandra

Cassandra Knaff
Daughter
April 25, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
December 31, 2007

Officer Knaff,
I remember that day,November 5,1994, when you gave your life protecting the citizens of Akron. That was over 13 years ago. I pray that your family will find some comfort in knowing that you are a true hero. You will always be remembered.

Ohio
summit co

December 27, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
November 1, 2007

God bless you, Sir. Peace be with your family always.

HPD Wife
Houston Police Dept
March 24, 2007

Fallen but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's
October 27, 2006

i am sorry that you died becuase i am thinking of becoming an akron police officer and who no's maybe i would have had the priviledge of meeting you i am 15 and live in akron and i jus want to say thanks for your service to this community and country god bless you patrolman knaff

john "beans" sylvester
i am a resident and supporter of akron and akron police
September 13, 2006

GEORGE, WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH, THINGS JUST AREN'T THE SAME WITHOUT YOU. A GOOD MAN, BROTHER, AND A GREAT AKRON POLICE HAS BEEN TAKEN AWAY. MOM AND DAD WOULD BE SO PROUD OF YOU. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND ALL THAT YOU DONE FOR ME. I LOVE YOU ALWAYS YOUR SISTER DENEEN KNAFF

January 14, 2006

George not only was a fine Officer but the best of friends. I recall giving him advice about Law Enforcement when he was contemplating police work. He felt strongly about persuing this career despite it's, sometimes, dangerous nature, which aided in his total dedication. You are truely missed.

Det. Fred L. Stevens
Akron Police Dept.
May 17, 2005

George was known as a positive upbeat officer. He loved to sing and he always had a smile and a song for you. He is greatly missed.

Detective Joseph W. Smith
Akron Police Department
April 13, 2005

10/29/04

Gone but not forgotten. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace sir.

Captain Robert W. Cannon; Retired
Vermilion County Illinois Sheriff's Dept.
October 29, 2004

George worked for me when I was the midnight commander, I had already left the shift when he was killed. George was one of the "good guys",well liked and respected by his peers.

He always wore a smile and liked his job. He was a good man and sometimes I think that that is most important of all.

Captain (ret,)
Akron, Ohio PD