Officer Down Memorial Page

Its been over thirty years,I was in the military when I heard the news of Antonio death.We lived in the same neigborhood SE DC.I wished I could have been a friend of yours but,that was then this is now,RIP Antonio I'm sorry for all of the bad and' if I knew then' what I know now it would be so different.

CPL Sterling Tidline
US Postal inspection Service Police
February 19, 2012

May you RIP Sir, you are honored today.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
February 2, 2012

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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and 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 today.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
February 2, 2012

Remembering you on your anniversary!

Citizen NJ

Anonymous
February 2, 2011

30 years is a long time but it seems like only yesterday. I remember you talking to me as you left the McDonald's in Coral Hills perhaps a week before God called you home. yet, to this day, I am always proud to say I knew you. as the song says, "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant, Well Done."

Vernell Hill
Friend
June 29, 2010

My Dear Tony,

It's hard to beleive that today marks 30 years since your passing. It seems like yesterday when our entire family's life changed forever. I still miss that million dollar smile. I often wonder what you would be like, if you would be married and have a bunch of kids. Fate is often cruel and we don't understand but I do know and believe that we shall meet again.

I will love you forever.

Your Cousin,

Lorita

Lorita Kelsey Childress
Cousin
February 2, 2010

Tony, you were one of the most generous people in the world. Your smile could warm up a room. I, being much younger, remember a lot about you, and I know that the people that you touched with your personality, have never forgotten you. I miss you and wish you were still here, but GOD needed you more...Rest in Peace

Love you always
Kelton Ellerbe/ cousin

Lieutenant Kelton Ellerbe
DCFD/ Cousin
July 7, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
January 28, 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
November 7, 2007

Tony,
I remember that last telephone conversation, mere minutes before your life was cut short. We were joking around, because you said you were "giving me part-time" (calling in an off-duty work assignment). I asked, "Are you giving me the money?" You were always cheerful, even as a cadet, when you'd drop by the Communications and teletype offices. I still think of you, even all these years passing.

Debbie
PG Co. PSC (formerly PGPD Comm Div)
February 8, 2007

Though we will always remember you as a true hero, today we salute you and say thanks for giving the ultimate sacrifice.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
February 2, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
November 23, 2006

Tony
I like Karen Cambell enjoyed the times we used to laugh and play while we were growing up. Even after so many years, It is still hard to look at your picture on this page. I am proud to have known you, if even for a short while. It was an honor to have known you. you were taken away from us to soon. May God grant you peace.

Lt. Mark V. Carter Sr.
Friend/Classmate MPD
August 10, 2006

Wow Antonio. Hard to believe your picture is here. I have fond memories of us growing up--same schools, same neighorhood, same church. I am glad that our paths crossed at time when there was so much happiness in our lives, and I am glad that we experience together learning the value of public service. Thank you and others like you for making the ultimate sacrifice so the rest of us can be safe.

Karen Campbell
Friend/Classmate
April 26, 2006

Dear Tony,

It seems like yesterday when I received the call saying that you were killed. My heart broke into a million pieces.

I remember all of the good times that we had together when you and Allegro came to Pittsburgh to visit grandma and granddad.

Well now grandma has joined you in heaven. I pray that all of you are together and watching over all of us.

I wish that my daughters and now my granddaughter would have known the wonderful, loving man that you were.

I think about you often and miss you so much!

Until we meet again my dear Tony, I pray that you are resting in peace.

Love always,
Lorita

Lorita Kelsey Childress
Cousin
April 19, 2006

Brother Kelsey,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club
December 16, 2005

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

April 14, 2005

~~~~~The Broken Chain~~~~~

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name.~~In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.~~It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.~~You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.~~Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the Chain will link again.

Anonymous

January 2, 2005

Rest in peace. I am grateful for Officer Kelsey's service and sacrifice for Prince George's County and Maryland. The war on drugs will never be over because heroes like him will never give up on our country and its citizens. His cold-blooded killer showed another example that drug offenders will do absolutely anything to whoever gets in their way.

I hope to be a police officer someday, and will always remember the fallen heroes of Maryland. God bless his family and friends.

Pat
Baltimore, MD
February 4, 2004

I still remeber the night they called my father Tony's uncle to break the news to him. After giving the phone to my mother I heard her start to cry and then a news bulliten came across the screen that a PG County officer had been shot and killed while working part-time. I was around 13yrs at the time but because my father was a Sgt. on MPD I already had thoughts about being a cop and when this happened I knew then I had to pick up where Tony left off. So I join MPD on December 19, 1988 and became a D.C. Police Officer trying to be like my cousin Tony I still read the news paper clippings to this day asking my self why Tony.

I love you Tony I know your in a much better place my you continue to rest in peace.

Love
Ross Gilmore

Former Ofc. Ross Gilmore
MPD

The world lost one of it's best. I happened to be away at the time of his death. I didnt find out until much later. I was crushed. The lost of Officer Kelsey is sad. He will be missed. I always knew he was destined to be a Leader and that he was, from his earlier days as a devout and loyal Boy Scout to his admission to one of the best High schools(Bishop McNamara). He was always a thoughtful and caring freind. Because he always remembered me, I will never forget you Antonio. Even till this very day, you are missed. May Heaven embrace you noble man.

Anonymous