Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Officer Kidwell. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
February 5, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 82nd 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 11, 2010

For Officer Lester Kidwell:

Our duty as law officers is never at a point where we are actually off-duty. Either we are law officers or we are not.

When Officer Lester Kidwell observed a violation of the law he chose to act not because he wished to be a hero, but rather to live-up to his title as protector of the community.

What he encountered in the course of his action is not clear, but what is explicit is his daring, his courage and his decision to act. All honorable. All to be admired. All to remind us of his dedication to duty.

That he was able to manage to arrive at the call-box for help demonstrates his immeasurable strength and his awesome will to live. Each of us can only wonder if we could duplicate these qualities under similar circumstances.

None-the-less, a hero was recognized this day. As a former MPDC officer (Class #191) and a retired PA state trooper I am honored to render Officer Lester M. Kidwell a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennylvania State Police
October 5, 2009

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Rest easy Brother, we have the watch...



I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Isaiah 6:8

You answered the call and made the ultimate sacrafice. Rest easy in God's kingdom and watch over us as we continue the battle here on earth!!!

Officer
MPDC
April 4, 2007

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO YOUR COMMUNITY. REST IN PEACE.

THOMAS A. WALDEN
ROANE COUNTY 911
July 21, 2005