 | Patrol Special Police Officer Joseph W. Boswell
San Francisco Police Department
California
Tuesday, May 3, 1977 |
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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 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
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
2009-05-03
I met Joe in 1971 when I transfered from Park Police Station to the Northern Police Station and it was Joe that broke me in on the foot patrol for Japan Town. We were partners till I transfered to the old Potrero Police Station in 1973. Joe soon wanted to come to the Bayview to work with me on foot patrol on San Bruno Avenue. We had always been close during the Japan Town beat, we almost caught one of the Zebra Killers after they shot two Salvation Army Workers on Geary Street across from the Japan Town garage. We were in that garage when we heard the shots and we gave chase for the Zebra Killers into an apartment complex and searched to no avail. We were good as partners on-duty and were good friends off-duty.
I still feel very bad about Joe walking into a robbery in progress and losing his life for it was that night we had agreed to switch shifts in order for both of us to have an extra day off, we had always walked the San Bruno beat solo. I truly lost a friend whom I respected with all my heart. I thank the members of the P.O.A. for remembering Joe in your Journal.
Love you Joe,
Sam Samuel J. Reyes, Sr.
S. F. Patrol Special Police Officer
2008-05-26
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-05-05
"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
2007-09-20
As I walk beat 72 this weekend I will think of you Officer Boswell. The Patrol Specials are still out there doing what you did for 20 years and others have done for over 150 years. May we never forget you, the citizens you served or our purpose as Police Officers. God Bless your family and keep a watchful eye on my back as I serve.
Dave PSO Palmer 2594
SFPD
2007-01-06
Officer Boswell,
On today, the 28th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of San Francisco.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
2005-05-03
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