Police Officer Richard H. Calhoun Houston Police Department Texas Friday, October 10, 1975  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

To Officer Calhoun and and his loved ones:

On this the thirty-third anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today. Rest in Peace, Officer Calhoun. I am praying for solace for your family today and each day of their journey as survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Officer Calhoun gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 10, 1975.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
2008-10-10

"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
2008-02-13

On the eve of the anniversary of your death we remember you and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer is pleased that justice was served so quickly

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2007-10-09

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Calhoun and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Officer Calhoun has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends of Officer Calhoun, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Calhoun is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

SA Thomas Doyle
FBI New York City
2007-02-09

May you Rest in peace and may Our Lord Bless your loved ones.

2006-10-10

Almost 31 years have passed since that day. A tremor passed through me when I heard "RoHo" had fallen prey to an uncaring criminal element whose only goal in life was to remain free to prey on honest,everyday people trying to make their way through life. Yes, even officers do not want to believe it when an officer dies.

We respond immediately trying to do our best to contain ourselves and yet be strong for family and friends. I, like several other officers, were introduced to the Calhoun family very quickly. I remember answering their phone at the house to screen calls. I remember sitting with Chief Mouser at the kitchen table talking about the tragedy. I remember talking with all of RoHo's kids trying to help comfort them.

Then there was the funeral. It always seems to be so short. Can you ever say goodby?

RoHo always had a sence of humor but he was always there to help. If you needed backup, he would respond without hesitation. When he arrived on your scene, he gave you a sense of security like everything would be okay. Then there was the softball games. "Accident Knights" and don't forget the "Throwdowns".

We will never forget. I will never forget.

Capt. Neal Leonard
Ret. Houston Police Officer/Currently with Hedwig Village Police Dept.
2006-09-11

You are my father, and I love and miss you still. The day you died, I was sitting in math class. When the principle took me from class, a feeling of dread filled my heart, and yet I did not know why. I only knew something was wrong. When they told us you had been shot and killed, I didn't want to believe it. I was 11 years old, I don't think I could believe it. I used to pretend within my mind that you had not died. You just went somewhere that we could not go. I entertained fantacies in my mind, telling myself that you had gone to work for the CIA or something where even your own family could not know where you were. Anything was better than believing I would never see you again. Until I was well into my teens, I kept thinking that one day, you would come back to us, and we would be a happy family once again. I finally accepted the truth when I was about 17. Six years of grieving before I could accept your death. Well, maybe not accept it, but at least admit it was true. I don't think I will ever accept it. I am no longer angry with the men who took you from me. I have been able to forgive them, though I could not do that until I was in my 30's. Sometimes, forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. For me, it neutralized the anger that ate at my insides for over 20 years.
You taught me how to ride a motorcycle, and I ride one today. But I can never get on it and start it up without seeing you holding onto the back of that little blue Honda 70, runing beside me and telling me when to shift. You held on for as long as you could, until I was going too fast, and all you could do was stand there and watch, breath held, hoping I would not get hurt. You were an awsome father.
Your legacy lives on though, and you have never been forgotten. You have nine grandchildren and a great grandchild.
Your life impacted so many other lives, and your death did as well. I know of at least five young men who became policemen because they looked up to you when they were young. You were a hero, and you never even knew it. I am so proud to say you are my father and I know that you look down upon us, and are proud of the family you left behind as well.
I love you, and I miss you Dad
Your Daughter,
Terri Lynne

Terri Lynne Calhoun
Daughter
2006-08-25

I remember one morning sitting in our classroom. The office staff from the Junior High came and escorted your daughter out of our classroom. We found out later that day you were killed. I was one of the boys that rode motorcycles with your son. I was there the day he ran into the fence near the Sage store, and you have to fix the motorcylce.

Even though its been 30 years I haven't forgotten you. You were a good father and kind to us neighborhood kids. You were one of the reasons I choose to get into law enforcement. All I can say is thank you.

Deputy D. R. McCool
Harris County Sheriff's Office
2005-12-11

Thank you for your service and sacrifice while attempting to protect the citizens of Houston. You are a true hero for your dedication and you and your family are in my prayers.

DE
St. Louis City Police
2005-07-10

Having been recently told about this website, I immediately typed in RoHo's name. He was one of my first training officers on night shift, and I knew him as a man who loved his work and his family. Sadly, he left night shift to go to days, hoping that he would find a calmer shift than nights were. I know he continues to be missed.

Patrol Chaplain Mike Evans
Montgomery County Sheriff's Department
2004-01-12

I had the great opportunity to have been a partner in training with RoHo as he was called. I remember him today as I did then as a professional. His was a tremdous loss, not just to those who knew him, but also to the men and women of the Houston Police Dept. May he rest in peace.
Joe Willis

JOE WILLIS
ANDERSON CO DIST ATT OFFICE