Deputy Sheriff John Mark Dial Richland County Sheriff's Department South Carolina Friday, April 17, 1992  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Thinking of you 17 years later. I still see that smile. At the time you may have been thinking of doing a part of the job but you had dedicated your life to something more. May our nation always have many sons like you, not slide into the mud of selfishness and entitlement.

Retired
Richland County Sheriff Deputy
2009-04-18

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventeenth 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
2009-04-17

Thank You for having served the Carolina Community.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
2008-04-17

What a terrible thing. Even more so is that this person who chose to drink and get behind the wheel of the car that killed Officer Dial,is that they are more than likely out of prison now. Officer Dial was 25 years old. Cheated out of so many years. Yet this person is free. Something is wrong.

Ohio
summit co

2007-10-07

"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.
2007-07-10

John:
I think of you frequently. The picture does not do you justice. You were almost always smiling. I wish we could have worked together longer, you were good backup. It was great having your mother helping, but you know about that. Put in a good word. I need it.

Retired
Richland County Sheriff's Department
2007-07-03

Fifteen years have passed since you were called away from duty but you have not been forgotten. My son was also out on patrol and killed by a drunk driver but fortunately the individual that caused all our pain was also killed. The indvidual that destroyed your family is probably out of prison by now, I just hope he has to live with the memory of all the lives he destroyed. You are a true hero. Continue to watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2007-05-16

Thank you for your service to your fellowman. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
2007-04-17

Deputy Dial you are remembered.You are a Hero still, years have passed but the loss to us all is still real. God Bless your loved ones left here.

Sr. Trooper Keith Miller
Oregon State Police
2004-07-24

GOD BLESS. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.