Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Nivala, it has been 34 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

August 20, 2023

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 20, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Nivala.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 24, 2019

Patrolman Nivala,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Westminster. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

August 20, 2019

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-third 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 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. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 20, 2010

Officer Nivala you are not forgotten by the men and women of the Boston Police Dept. RIP

Det. Michael Kane
Boston Police Dept.

June 30, 2010

Patrolman Nivala, you helped put them away and you worked at keeping them away. In your capacity as a Police Officer and Corrections Officer you served the Commonwealth on two fronts and I thank you for your efforts. On this 19th anniversary of your tragic death I know that you're still on the job up in Heaven and despite not being here physically, never truly left those who knew and loved you.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

August 20, 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

February 18, 2008

In the line of duty, another hero pays the ultimate sacrifice so others can walk without fear.
May you REST IN PEACE.

Correction Officer Scott Boutell
Massachusetts Department of Correction

August 21, 2007

Patrolman Nivala,
On today, the 18th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Westminster. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

August 20, 2007

On the anniversary of your sacrafice, you are not forgotten.

Everett, Massachusetts
Anonymous

August 20, 2005

I was on the job for only 2 years at the time of your death. I vividly remember the news coverage showing your destroyed cruiser. Since then, whenever I have been in a pursuit, I remember the lesson that you taught us all. You did not die in vain, brother.

anonymous

May 23, 2004