Officer Down Memorial Page

You were a Hero Sir, this case is in my heart. I've watched the tv report and read about the changes made to Customs because of your case. May you RIP now agent and you will never be forgotten Sir.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
February 3, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th 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 that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today

.Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 28, 2012

I reported to FLETC, Glynco, Ga. in April, 1980 for basic training as a U.S. Customs Inspector. Richard Latham was one of my classmates. He was a quiet but friendly man, and got along well with his classmates, even though most of us were much younger than he was. I was shocked by the news of his murder, and will never forget what happened to him. It has been almost 30 years since I met Richard at FLETC, and I think of him often. Rest in peace, Inspector Latham, you served your country well and proudly, and gave the last full measure of devotion to your fellow Americans.

Senior Special Agent Robert Castioni
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
January 11, 2010

I was a Border Patrol Agent in Brackettville when this happened. I knew Richard personally and worked alongside his brother Bobby who was also a Border Patrol Agent. It was a sad day on the border, one that I will never forget. Richard was a true professional and a real Texan. I still tear up when thinking of that day. Rest In Peace Richard and may God continue to bless your family.

SSA, Ret., David Blackwell
U.S. INS Investigations
October 10, 2009

I am an officer at the same U.S. Port of Entry that Mr. Latham did and i just wanted to say that he will never be forgoten. His picture hangs with pride for all of us to see and remember. I have lived in this town most of my life and when this happened i was only 11 years old but i still remember. His death was tragic, but it is a reminder to everyone that we risk our lives everyday for the safty of the United States and its people. Thank you for your service Mr.Latham and may you rest in peace.

GS-11 Xavier Galindo
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
August 15, 2008

I just saw your story on FBI Files and your bravery and courage is quite remarkable, but to read this and see a whole additional story involving a relative is astounding. That your relatives still pay tribute and reflect on both of your memories speaks volumes about the kind of person and Agent you were. Rest in peace always and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
April 9, 2008

God Bless you sir. I saw your story on FBI files and it touched my heart and then to read about your Grandfather was very heartbreaking. I thank you both for your service and i pray that you watch over us from up above.

ryan
phx,az
April 1, 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
March 31, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
January 25, 2008

I remember this time of sorrow in our family like it was yesterday. I am proud of the long history in law enforcement that our family has dedicated to our great state of Texas. God bless you.

Nancy Wallen Pennell
third cousin
January 20, 2008

Today, the FBI Files Show aired the story of your tragic death, and the awful things that happened to you. It has been 23 years since that date. May your family and friends, and those that you worked with, find comfort in knowing that your sacrifice has NOT been forgotten, and never will be. Certainly, you are sharing beautiful company in the heavens and enjoying your eternal life. Rest in peace, and God bless you, your family and ALL men and women on the thin blue line, forever and always!

March 17, 2007

Both are GREAT AMERICANS, God Bless You

December 17, 2006

To you Richard Latham, my second cousin, and James Wallen, my great uncle, this is my memorial to you. You both served law enforcement honorably, and I'm very proud of you.

L. Newman
Cousin
September 5, 2006

I offer my condolences to Officer Latham. It was very tragic they way he was shot and kill. Because of some thousand of dollars of jewelry. I think we should have more than one officer to search vehicles at boarder entries from now on. Rest in Peace.

The FBI Files TV Show
Viewer
May 1, 2006

Just watched and learned of your murder on the T.V. My heart go's out to you and you're family / friends.

These guys that murdered showed no class!! No regard for human life!! They could have just as well let you walk. No harm, no foul... May God bless you. Salutes, Slyboy Ricky

An Old X-Con
Bank Robber
July 22, 2005

i was 13 when this happened to insp. latham. i had gone to work with my dad at detroit metro airport and was stuck in the customs office while he was on the line, and found a copy of the teletype about insp. latham. it was then i realized what could happen and why i should be greatful every day for my father. God Bless Insp. Latham and his family.

son of a retired customs inspector
February 16, 2005

Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. You will never be forgotten by your brothers and sisters in blue.

CBP Officer
US Customs and Border Protection
January 30, 2005

Inspector Latham,
On today, the 21 lst anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country and to the USCS. I saw the television story about your murder on the A&E cable channel. It shows how dangerous protecting the borders of the United States can be.
R.I.P.
Anonymous

January 27, 2005