Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Always in our memories. You are never forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff Los Angeles
County Sheriff

December 27, 2020

I REMEMBER THAT DAY LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY. WE ARRIVED ON SCENE AND TWO OFFICERS WERE CARRYING KELLY AROUND THE CORNER OF THE HOUSE AND WE LAID HIM ON THE GURNEY. THE FIREMEN AND POLICEMEN ARE BROTHERS. SOME THINGS YOU NEVER FORGET.

m. "Jim" jacobs
LAFD FIREMAN AMBULANCE ATTD.

June 25, 2020

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim

December 27, 2019

Remembering Kelly Key today and admiring his efforts to continue to contribute to society after surviving a debilitating shooting. To Brian, I know your Dad is your hero and I believe you were his hero for your devotion to him. It’s a blessing that you were able to build a relationship with each other as you grew up.

Nancy
Surviving spouse of LAPD Officer Roger Warren (eow 5/8/67)

December 27, 2019

Rest in peace Detective Key.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2019

I have also passed by the memorial sign several times at Imperial and Croesus dedicated for Kelly Key. We still remember his ultimate sacrifice. To his family, we will never forget his service.

Deputy Sheriff Los Angeles
County Sheriff

December 27, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 27, 2017

75th birthday today. This year has been extraordinarily difficult this year, as this month I reached the age at which you passed. As I learn more about you from others it makes me smile and my heart warm. Still miss you; always love you.

Brian
Son

December 26, 2015

RIP Kelly Key.. Never forgotten

Sergeant Jerretta Sandoz
Lapd

March 4, 2015

25 years: it seems like yesterday that I watched you pass. You are always on my heart and mind. Yesterday would have been your 74th birthday; it was a very difficult day for me. I'm trying to make your life into a screenplay; we'll see how that goes. Your story deserves to be told for people to acknowledge, respect, and admire. I will always remember our last conversation and I hope I can continue to make you proud.
Love always,
Brian

Brian Key
Son

December 27, 2014

As I patrolled the streets in the area of The Imperial Courts Housing Developments, I drove by a sign that appeared to be a street sign posted out of place. There was no street where I saw the sign. The sign was on Imperial Hwy W/O Croesus. As I came closer, I saw it was the name of a person, Kelly Key III. As I still came closer to it, I now noticed there was an LAPD badge next to it. Now I stopped my police vehicle and read the now clearly visible sign. Police Officer Kelly Key III, LAPD Officer killed in the line of duty. EOW 1989. I was taken back a bit. I do not have a lot of time on the job, but I do remeber the two Officers killed in the line of duty at Southeast Division. Officer Key did not ring a bell. As soon as I had a minute, I went on line to research this Officer. After all your plaque is in my Division and you were a Police Officer that payed the ultimate price. I read your Bio. Now I know.....Thank You Sir for your service and sacrafice.

morning watch patrol officer
LAPD/Southeast Division

October 14, 2014

Love you and miss you always. This world needs more like you!

Brian Key
Son

December 27, 2013

I met Kelly when I was about 9 or 10. My mom was one of his nurses, (Maurine Hicks) My mom worked the morning shift and took us kids to work with her until we had to go to school at 9 am. (Amestoy) right across the street from United Church Care Center) Even on his bad days, he had a smile and a kind word. My mom once told us that he was one of her favorites.. RIP my friend, Always Carla!

carla hicks

October 23, 2013

Brian,

Your father will always have a place in my heart and the hearts of so many others. They may not be with us today but legends never die.

Brian Sawyer
Son of Gerald "Blackie" Sawyer

September 25, 2013

God bless.

J. Jaynes
Canyon Country resident

January 17, 2013

Brian, my heart goes out to you and your family.

Michael K.
Friend of son

January 4, 2013

Today, as I reflect on your enormity in life, I love you always and miss you still...

Brian K. Key
Son

December 27, 2012

God Bless Detective Key, his family and the men and women of the LAPD.

Special Agent (Retired)
NCIS

December 27, 2012

Rest in Peace, Detective Key. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

11169

January 14, 2012

LAPD holds a special place in my heart as my dad's agency...he was a rookie back then. Remembering your service and sacrifice on this day. Wishing you an eternal peace, and, for your family, comfort from treasured memories.

M. Walker
Surviving Spouse, CHP Lt. Mike Walker EOW 12-31-05

December 27, 2011

It's that time of year again: to put my love for you into words for perpetuity. Love you Pop...

Brian
Son

December 27, 2011

Detective Key - You took a heavy knockdown blow and used the remainder of your life to lift others up. Thanks to Stan Nelson for sharing your story with us. Thanks for your service to the people of Los Angeles. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 20, 2010

I have read the reflections left by others and they are very touching. I am writing this to let you know you may be gone from this earth but you are definitely not forgotten! May God bless you and your family and friends....Thanks for your service and sacrifice. God Bless

Det.L.Gauthney
Columbus (OH) Police Dept.

January 19, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twentieth 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.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 30, 2009

Kelly, I have not forgotten you. Every week you have prayers supporting you. I remember, and always reflect to others during your years of handicap after the shooting that you showed such character, strength and how much you gave of yourself to help other less fortunate people and instill pride in theirselves.
You were one of the most outreaching and kindest people we had in narcotics. Two days before you were shot, your wife a deputy county marshall was unanle to watch Brian, then about 4 yrs old. So, you met us near the surveillance site and we played football (catch) with Brian. Then you left and we continued the surveillance on who would be your killer.
On that early morning in June, 1970 when the first shots penetrated through the walls towards us from that small Willowbrook cottage, I heard Vince Maga, and Loie DelRosario yell; "Kelly's hit!" Never wanting anyone hurt, Kelly was the last I wanted shot.
"Blackie" Gerald Sawyer (killed on duty 11/6/73), Willie Capps and I began a fierce battle with the shooter who had more weapons that a marine squad in this barricaded cottage. The killer, and his girl friend were both shot.
At St. Francis Hospital, Sgt.Horkin removed Dr. Crosby who was attending the killer with 11 rds in him to facilitate Kelly's survival.
Kelly, as a paraplegic you must have attended every Dodger game there was. I watched you take a busload of kids to their first meal out ever. I watched you give people hope when they seemed none was there. You were a true disciple of God to all.
Those barbeques every 4th of July at your home were fantastic, folksy and more fun than I can ever describe. I finally gave your uncle enough beers to give me his much protected famous barbeque sauce recipe that made his restaurants famous. My barbeques have been a great success since that day.
When we sadly watched you leave at Christmas, 1989 from your old gunshot wound, I knew the Angels in heaven would welcome you as a true hero.
God bless your memory always.

Detective II Stan Nelson, ret'd
LAPD 1962 Narcotics Division 1969-1993

March 26, 2009