Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family, friends, and fellow officers who served with Patrolman ‘Pat’ Lewis,
Please know others have not forgotten Pat, (aka ‘Red’ to me and my co-workers) and his dedication and sacrifice for the citizens of San Diego. His exuberance for life, great sense of humor, love for family and friends, and his passionate dedication to Law Enforcement are remembered, and should be celebrated, always. In memory of his service and due to the desire to see justice served, a few years after Pat passed, I moved to the East Coast, and graduated from a Police Academy there as one of the first female police officers in the United States. I later became a mother and a teacher and told the many thousands of students I have had over the years the story of ‘Red’ - his dedication and ultimate sacrifice -and that they should respect Law Enforcement Officers and recognize the sacrifices made by all Police Officers and their families.
Truly, he is not forgotten and remains an inspiration always.

Sandra Witham
Friend (and former V.B.P.D. Officer)

February 6, 2021

Patrolman Lewis,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of San Diego. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 29, 2020

50 years ago tonight. I unfortunately am cursed with a Flawless memory from most of my life, and the night you were killed is etched in my brain. Today was very difficult for me, as it was 50 years ago tonight. The open wound will never heal

Brian Lewis
Brother

December 29, 2020

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 29, 2017

I met this Officer's brother this morning and learned of Officer Lewis' commitment and loss through casual conversation. Happy to be remembering him and his service to the community as I read about this tragedy over 46 years later.

Lt. Scott Zimmerman
Metropolitan Public Safety

February 9, 2017

Since I had law enforcement in my family, I had a police radio as a kid. When I was around 12 or so, I heard the entire call over my police radio when Officer Lewis was killed. I remember I was in my bedroom, and I totally went ballistic. I ran out of the room, hysterical over what I had heard.

I didn't know Officer Lewis, but I didn't have to. In my eyes, he was a brother. I remember being completely devastated and wanting to go to his funeral to honor him, but my parents were worried about me because I had already been devastated over the shooting of a good friend, SDPD Officer Frank Wilson not long before Officer Lewis. Officer Wilson lived, but never came back to me, so my parents wouldn't let me attend the funeral for Officer Lewis.

I remember running down the street, trying to reach the funeral, but I couldn't run fast or far enough.

I have NEVER stopped thinking of Officer Lewis over the years, and I will never forget him. He is a hero.

former SDPD Explorer Captain
san diego police explorers post 250

November 30, 2016

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Lewis. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 22, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I am sure you are proud that your family has continued your legacy of proecting and serving. I pray for solace for those who miss and love you for I know the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 29, 2009

I am the Nephew of the Patrolman James P. Lewis and Brother of Officer Tyler Lewis (below); I know I can speak for our family with a single voice. We are proud of both of you and will stand beside you in the fight wherever it takes us!

Tim Lewis
Nephew

December 7, 2009

I MADE IT, I BELIEVE YOU HAVE GUIDED ME IN MY STRUGGLE AND JOURNEY THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. I REFUSED TO GIVE UP AND I WAS SWORN IN AS A POLICE OFFICER ON 07/20/2009. I HAVE NOT AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU SACRIFICE. I HOPE YOU FIND THIS QUOTE FITTING.

"TO LAUGH OFTEN AND MUCH; TO WIN THE RESPECT OF INTELLIGENT PEOPLE AND THE AFFECTION OF CHILDREN; TO EARN THE APPRECIATION OF HONEST CRITICS AND TO ENDURE THE BETRAYAL OF FALSE FRIENDS; TO APPRECIATE BEAUTY; TO FIND THE BEST IN OTHERS; TO LEAVE THE WORLD A BIT BETTER WHETHER BY A HEALTHY CHILD, A GARDEN PATCH OR A REDEEMED SOCIAL CONDITION; TO KNOW EVEN ONE LIFE HAS BREATHED EASIER BECAUSE YOU HAVE LIVED. THIS IS TO HAVE SUCCEEDED. "
- RALPH WALDO EMERSON

OFFICER TYLER LEWIS
BRAWLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT (NEPHEW)

July 26, 2009

38 years ago today. Very sad. Unfortunately, our world hasn't gotten any better. Time has not diminished your service nor your sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

December 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 29, 2007

"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

September 20, 2007

After 33 years, I have started to rehash my brother's murder, and am expressing many emotions now, that I couldn't then. At the time of the murder, I was just 12 years old. Many of the feelings I had were bottled up. Recently I spoke with Jack Mullins who was the detective that arrested Pat's murderer, and had an emotional talk. I also just found my self two weeks ago on a fishing trip, sitting next to the attorney who defended the murderer. Through conversation, we realized who each other were. After a period of uncomfortable feelings, we had a good talk. Afterwards, I had a good cry.

Upon seeing this reflection section, I read the note from Pete Van Patten, one of my brother's fellow officers. Pete was a pallbearer at the funeral. My mother used to have Pat and many of the officers, including Pete, up to the house for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners when they could take a code 7. Pete, I appreciate your kind words, and for remembering Pat. He loved you, Bill, Ron, Mike, Ed and the others very much and loved being a Cop. Would love to hear from you to talk about Pat.

Thanks for making this reflection forum available

Brian Lewis
Brother of Slain San Diego Patrolman
James Patrick Lewis 12/29/70

Brother Of Slain Officer

November 26, 2003

Even 31 years later I have many fond memories of "Pat". As a reserve, I worked many hours in the Ocean Beach Area of San Diego with him. We experienced good times, hard times, and difficult times of the late sixties when it was not so popular to be a cop. I will always remember his warmth and dedication to the public he served.
The good truly do die young, too young.

Commander, Peter Van Putten, Reserve
San Diego PD Reserve, Retired