Corporal Raymond Gerald Armstead Jr. Maryland State Police Maryland Wednesday, March 25, 1998  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
2009-03-25

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-02-25

"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
2008-02-18

Well my young brother, the discussion we had has come to fruition. I am now a fellow law enforcement officer. Your enthusiasm for the job you so loved was infectious. I remember the nights when you used to visit home and we would go out to listen to music at Copley Place. You would always somehow manage to slip in how much you loved your job and that I should look into law enforcement. Well I looked into it and you know what my Brother, you were right. I do love the job. Good looking out. Me and Cousin Steve both love being in law enforcement. I talk to Steve alot. We both miss you. I only wish that you could be here so that we could trade stories about our profession. You have been watching over us and I thank you for that.

Officer D. Sanders
Christopher Newport University PD/Brother inlaw
2007-07-06

Ray, I think of you often. I remember the day you got your acceptance letter from MSP and I saw how excited you were. I know how much you wanted to served as a police officer from our many converations while you were an applicant. I know you are in a better place but your warming smile is often thought of. I will always pray for your family and friends.

Your Brother in Blue

Corporal Michael Williams
Howard County PD
2007-07-02

Rest in peace my friend and know that you will always be remembered.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
2007-03-25

Armstead, you will never know how you have blessed my life. By knowing you, I now have a new wonderful family, your mom and dad are a great blessing to my life. I guess I simply want to say thank you for being my Angel, and you are and forever will be missed.

Sergeant Cynthia Brown
Maryland State Police
2006-07-26

Ray I lost another friend to the job, his name was Gary and you would have liked him a lot. Please watch over his family for us. You are missed, rest in peace brother.

N. T. ALmond U120
Chesterfield Co. Police Department, friend
2006-05-06

Our class will be honoring a fallen trooper in a special memorial
ceremony on Friday March 24, 2006 at 12:30pm. We invite you to join us in
remembering the ultimate sacrifice made by a fellow brother, TFC Raymond
Armstead.
>
> You are cordially invited to attend this special ceremony at the Maryland
State Police Academy at 6852 Fourth Street, Sykesville, Maryland 21784. An oral
presentation will be given in the classroom, and conclude with the class placing
a rose in his memory. Please know that we are committed to remembering TFC
Armstead and his sacrifice.
>
> On behalf of the entire 3rd squad, it is our hope that you will be able
to attend and share in this time or tribute. Please feel free to extend this
invitation to anyone who knew TFC Armstead to attend also. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact Patty Garrish.

126th Class, 3rd Squad
MD State Police Academy
2006-03-08

Ray,

We still see your Mom and Dad from time to time, and you always come up in conversation. You have touched many people in the short time you were with us. You will always be remembered.

CPL Marc Fountain, SCSD

Corporal Marc Fountain
Suffolk County Sheriff's Department Boston, MA
2006-01-23

Corp. Armstead you are remembered.

2004-12-25

05/27/04

Rest in peace Cpl. Armstead. You are not forgotten.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
2004-05-27

Ray, I miss you. I distinctly remember you wide smile in the academy. It permiated all who saw it and let us all know that upon graduation, we would be doing the right thing. Just to let you know, we ( your classmates in the 108th ) stand taller to have known you and keep your memory in each of us. I was honored to be on the honor guard for your viewing and hold that day very close to my heart. And Ray,... thank you sir.

Corporal Mark S. RIVERA
Maryland State Police

Ray, the days have slowly turned into months, then into years since that faithful day.... My wife and I still carry your drive for life in us. Thanks for watching over me that May evening on that same stretch of interstate that almost took my life nearly 2 years to the day we lost you. My wife said that you have become my guardian......

We love you.

Trooper First Class K.B. Duncan
Maryland State Police