 | Officer Florentino M. Garcia Jr.
Houston Police Department
Texas
Friday, November 10, 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
I pray for solace for those who love and miss you. Rest In Peace. Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
2009-11-10
"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
You are rememberd today and thank you Sir for your service VAnDenBerghe
Manchester, Nh
2007-11-05
Like so many young hopeful future HPD officers florentino sat next to me at the police academy class 124. He and I would talk of what the future holds for us. I really liked him because he was soft spoken and had a gentle demeanor about him. After graduation I would see him at the accident div. everything was going great until that horrible day. Just dropping you these few lines to let you know, although you are gone you are not forgotten. blain
HPD
2007-08-29
It seems impossible to believe that terrible day was so long ago. We have miss your smile and funny stories over the years. I enjoyed working the night shift in Accident Division with you. Our thoughts and prayers still go out to your family. Lt. Richard Anderson
Houston Police Dept.
2007-08-06
Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten. Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.
2006-11-10
I worked the night shift Accident Division with Florentino for several years. Florentino was a kind man who always seemed to have a smile and good thing to say about others. Florentino was a top notch patrolman, he volunteered for the radio calls and always checked by as a back-up for his brother officers.
Rest well my brother. We are all better for having known you.
Houston Police Department
2005-01-11
Rest in Peace Brother....you will not be forgotten
CPD
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