 | Special Agent Gary Robert Degelman
Illinois State Police
Illinois
Friday, May 5, 1989 |
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 20th 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
2009-05-05
YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-05-06
I miss him. He's my hero. I have no memories of him but plenty of stories! Erin Degelman
i'm his daughter!
2008-04-10
"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
2008-01-07
To the family, friends and former coworkers of Agent Degelman - know that he was a hero. His life was cut short but his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. On this anniversary, know that you are not alone in your mourning.
Agent Degelman - your sacrifice is not forgotten, even some 18 years later. Continue to watch over your brothers and sisters in blue. The thin blue line continues to get thinner every day... say hello to Officer Hoffman (EOW 4/27/2007) and tell him we all miss him terribly.
Rest easy.
Wife of a Maryland officer
2007-05-05
You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out guarding over the Thin Blue Line. My thoughts are with your loved ones today and everyday. Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2007-05-05
Farewell my friend
Departed but never forgotten Friend
Friend
2006-10-20
Policeman's 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
His comforting hand reduces fear to naught;
He makes me walk through streets of crime,
But He gives me courage and peace of mind.
He leads me by still waters in the path I trod,
And He says in Romans I'm a "minister of God,"
He leads me in righteousness as He restores my soul,
For His name's sake He keeps me whole.
When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door,
I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more;
For Thou art with me every step of the way,
As thy rod and thy staff protect me each day.
He prepares a table, especially for me,
As I work daily among life's enemies;
He gives me authority to uphold the law,
And He anoints my position in the midst of it all.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
Each day of my life through eternity;
As I long to hear Him say, "Well done...,"
When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun.
Author Unknown P.O. Chris Welby
Bridgeton,Mo PD
2006-05-05
05/11/04
Rest in peace, Agent Degelman. You are not forgotten. Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
2004-05-10
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