Officer Down Memorial Page

As a 25 year old man at the time of Sgt, Mitchell's death. I can say this man was/is a man's man! He truly made a difference in peoples lives. I am one of those. Because of Sgt. Mitchell's involvement in my younger life, I can proudly say that I am now a 51 year old male that has no criminal record what-so-ever, and it is because of the way he handled my situation when I was younger and so much dumber.
Police Officers and Law Enforcement can and do make a positive impact in individual's lives. If only more were like Sgt. Mitchell, its been 26 years since his murder. I think of him often. This is a great man I believe and thank him for his impact on my life!
I would have done anything to help this man. He cared about his fellow man, and I am proof that he cared enough. I can not say enough about this man. I wish more law enforcement were like him !

Mark K. King
A Friend
January 7, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
November 11, 2009

Sgt Mitchell Jr. I just wanted to say that I will always be very Thank ful for your unselfish Service. Thanks for everything. I will be praying for your family and friends. Semper Fi.

SGT JOHN S. CONRAD Jr.
Dandridge Police Dept TN.
December 24, 2008

I came across your story when I was researching some information on the TDCJ site. I read your killers last statement and it was very clear to me that not only did he not have any remorse for what he did, he naturally blamed what he did on everyone else. It's never their fault is it?
I was born and raised in Amarillo and although I was only 8 when your life was taken, I completely understand that pain from losing an officer and the grief your family had to endure until your killer was put to death.
I am married to a police officer and in 2006 we lost two of our own to the evil that walks the streets. Devastating doesn't seem to even scratch the surface. Neither does saying thank you. I dont mind saying I am glad your killer was brought to justice and that my home state gave him what he deserved. I know that nothing will bring you back and there never really is "closure" but I hope and pray that your family has found some peace.

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and to APD. "Live as brave men, and if fortune is adverse, front it's blows with brave hearts." Rest in peace Sgt. Mitchell and thank you for your service.

Erin Gibson
Wife of a CSPD Officer and daughter of a TX CO
May 21, 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
January 30, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH
November 5, 2007

Sgt. Mitchell,

You were a good friend of my father, Ret. Sgt. Ronnie Luetkahans. I have faint memories of you, but I will never forget you as I pass your memorial at work everyday. Justice has been served, rest in peace Sarge.

Recruit Jeremy Luetkahans

Recruit Luetkahans
Amarillo Police Department
June 17, 2007

I was thinking about you today. The last time I saw you you were wanting to go eat breakfast. You made me laugh because you were starving. I didn't even know your killer was dead. It was all so senseless. I know I am not the only one who remembers you, but I had to let you know.

twyla graham Dispatcher
DeSoto now Amarillo then
December 3, 2006

We remember Sgt. Mitchell...Lest we forget!

Sydney, Australia.

-
April 29, 2006

05/23/04

Your killer was finally executed but not soon enough. You died a hero and America has been made better by your dedicated service. Rest in peace Sgt. Mitchell.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
May 24, 2004

I just learned of the death of Sergeant James D. Mitchell,Jr. on ODMP. I am so sorry for your loss, he will never be forgotten. Like so many others we have lost, he was just doing his job and protecting the citizens of Amarillo. Thank you for your service and dedication. Our prayers are with his family.

Sincerely,
Lyndell & Elizabeth Taylor
Parents of
Deputy Sheriff
Morris Lyn Taylor (Douglas County, Oregon)
EOW 9-14-02

March 22, 2004

Just doing your job...Just doing your job.. what a senseless death.. Rest easy justice has been served.

Robert Arrington
USA
September 19, 2003

Sgt.Mitchell,
Thank you for your service to your Country and your Community. I just read the newspaper today(02/01/02). The scumbag that murdered you finally got his justice yesterday(he was executed by lethal injection) It's too bad that scumbag got to breathe for over 16 more years before justice finally caught up with him.
Rest in Peace Sgt. Mitchell and thank you for your sacrifice.

Anonymous