Police Officer III Spree Desha Los Angeles Police Department California Friday, September 12, 2008  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 72 of 73 of 74 of 75 of 76 of 77 of 7

By what I've read of her reputation, Ofc. DeSha is a model of excellence for all Officers. She and Laura are role models for myself as I begin my own LE career.

To you both, thank you for your service and life example.

Cadet

2009-11-18

Your heroism and service is honored today, the first anniversary week 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 and I hope you are having some great dances in heaven. To Spree's parents and to Laura, I hold you in my heart's embrace today.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

2009-09-18

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man/woman they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Desha, especially to her life partner. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face book. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Spree, she sounds like she was a great woman with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew her in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Spree's life and the WOMAN that she was. Remember that Spree's life was about so much more than the way she died. Spree will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember her.

Officer Desha, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost seven years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
2009-09-13

Office Spree,
Maam, on today the 1st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Los Angeles. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

2009-09-12

To Officer Spree Desha, her family and her fellow officers with the Los Angeles Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Desha’s tragic death and we honor her for her valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Desha and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff
2009-09-12

Remembering you and thinking of your loved ones on your EOW anniversary. Thank you for your serivce Officer Desha. Your dedication and sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten.

Rest easy hero...

Deputy and Firefighter
Southwest Florida
2009-09-11

Rest in Peace Officer Desha.
Laura, Stay strong sister, God be with you and your families

Detective Ilan Lancry
Highland Park Police Department, New Jersey
2009-07-30

Spree--you were my best friend, and the one I could always turn to. I miss your ability to help me see the other side of things and to set me straight. I miss your spirit and sense of humor. I have such tremendous respect and adoration for you and what you have accomplished in your life. I am so happy you and Laura found each other and got to experience such a great love. I know she meant everything to you. She misses you so much, and I wish I could take away her pain. I'm grateful for the many happy memories I have of us hanging out together and with all our other wonderful friends. Those memories will never leave me, and I will always cherish them. I love you! HEAD.

Heather Byrne
Friend
2009-07-10

Spree,

Thank you for your service and dedication. You will be truly and deeply missed. My condolences and biggest hugs to your love and family. Say Hi to my Scott for me.

Laura,
I know all to well what it feels like to lose the love of your life. I just want you to know you are not alone. If you like we are here for you. Just search me on facebook.

Big Hugs,
Monica Verdusco Sise
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit
Moderator
Officer Down Significant Others - facebook and yahoo groups

Anonymous

2009-03-15

The wicked fleee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

May God be with you and all who mourn you. May he give them the strength to carry on.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

2009-03-06

Spree ...I never met you but I did meet your Mom & Dad last Saturday. We talked a lot and probably will meet again in DC. My son was killed in the 1st Metrolink crash,so I know how painful this is for your family and your partner. I've been sitting here tonight crying yet again for the loss of my son.It is very hard to lose a loved one,but a child seems to hurt more. I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts.

Maureen Tutino
Mom of Deputy James Tutino EOW 1-26-05
2009-02-25

I will always remember what a Hard Charger you were at Wilshire but even more, what a wonderful, nice woman you were to everyone there. You are very missed....

Detective
LAPD
2009-01-18

I remember that night i lost you my friend. When i heard it was you we lost i broke down. I couldn't believe it at first and sadly had to hear it again. I miss your smile and how you would light up the roll call room with it. I MISS you Spree, and you will always be DESHA-HEYHEY to me.

J.G.
LAPD
2008-12-28

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders
and said, "No Lord. I guess I ain't.
Because those who carry badges,
can't always be a saint."

"I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough...
and sometimes I've been violent
because the streets are awful tough."

"But I never took a penny,
that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep."

"And I never passed a cry for help,
though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I wept unmanly tears."

"I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear."

"If you've a place for me here, Lord,
it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But, if you don't...I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne,
where saints had often trod,
as the policeman waited quietly
for the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets.
You've done your time in hell."


God be with your family.

Det. Matthew Holloway
Fort Smith Police Department
2008-12-18

Rest in Peace Officer Desha. You have made the ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Los Angeles.

Sgt. James F. Chadwick #1110
Rock Island, Illinois P.D.
2008-12-09

Spree,

It has been two months, to the day, that your young and cherished life and our dreams, tragically ended. The day I stood by that train and waited to learn our fate was, by far, the absolute worst day of my life. That was the day I lost my spouse, partner, friend, confidant, support system, hero, hope and my whole world. Your loss has changed my life forever. I can not explain the amount of hurt and pain this has caused me and the ones who loved you. I can't imagine happiness without you and simply try to find a reason to wake everyday and breathe.

I feel like so much has been taken from me since the day I lost you, but no one can ever take the memories of the wonderful life that we shared together.

You were everything to me. You allowed me to grow in my own time and made me the person that I am today. You saw potential, when so many had given up on me. You touched so many lives in such an incredible way. The gentle manner in which you spoke and loved made others evaluate themselves and seek out their own compassion. You caused so many smiles and with a simple hug, you would envelope a persons soul and make them feel like the most important person on earth.

The time we spent together was like a dream, so pleasant, so warm, so perfect, but yet, so short lived.

I am so blessed, honored and proud to have been the most important thing in your life for the last six years. Spree, your spirit will always be with me.

I love you Sweet Pea

Motor Officer, Laura Gerritsen
Partner / Spouse
2008-11-13

I never got to meet Spree but I met Laura at the Police Unity Tour in Washington, DC in May 2008. She was there along with a huge contingent of LAPD officers to honor those who died for us. I am so sad to be here writing this....God bless you Laura and Spree's family. I,too,have trouble in my heart when I see a Metrolink train.

Donna Culwell,Friend
Sister of Duane Johnson, LAPD, EOW 12~19~84
2008-11-02

Hi, Sis:

I doubt that I will ever be able to look at another Metrolink Train, without thinking about You....

Semper Fi,
"Major Pain"

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
2008-10-28

May God lay his healing hand upon the family of Officer Desha and may they know he will never be forgotten. Thank you Officer Desha for your dedicated service to the people of California and the United States.

James Sheppard
Father of Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
2008-10-17

May God watch over each and every person that you have touched within your lifetime. May your famiy, friends, and co-workers find some kind of solace somewhere. God Speed.

Heather
Ross County Ohio Deputy Sheriff
2008-10-16

REST IN PEACE, SISTER.

F OFCR WINSLOW
FEDERAL POLICE
2008-10-11

May you rest in peace Officer Desha. You were so tragically taken away too soon. You will be missed by all who knew you. To Laura, family, and friends, I will pray that God gives you the strength to make it through the tough times.

Police Officer Garcia
Los Angeles Police Department
2008-10-05

RIP.Your tour of duty cut short but you will never be forgotten by all those who love you.

Anonymous

2008-10-04

Thank you for your service, rest in peace. To Laura, it is with our deepest sympathy writing you this message, my partner is a police officer as well and I pray everyday she comes home safely. You are living my greatest fear. God be with you and your families.

Leigh Brandt
911 Dispatcher Panama City PD Florida
2008-10-04

Officer Desha,
I lost my father due to a train accident. God Bless you and your family. Protect us from above...God Speed

Deputy Tutino

Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Tutino
LASD
2008-10-03