Sergeant John Edward Hatfull Indiana State Police Indiana Monday, April 13, 1987  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-second 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.

I hold your family in my thoughts and prayers today. You are loved and missed by so many.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
2009-04-13

"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
2007-10-23

Sir, you as my father and all of your brothers and sisters are true heros and we thank god each and every day for all of you who put your lifes on the line for our safety no matter what the circumstance is. Your son Jay is a good friend and I wish that I could have met you on earth. Thank you for the friend you gave me. Son of Fallen Deputy John D. Landrum Edgar County Sheriff Department.

Chad Landrum
Family friend
2007-04-20

John and I were brother Troopers. He was and always will be a great police officer. Think of him every day, may he be with god.

ret. master tpr. Jerry mooney
Ind state police / form sheriff knox county
2006-12-22

John was my big brother and my hero. From the time we were little he would look out for me. I miss him terribly even though thousands of miles separated us as adults. He is always in my heart.
Nina

Nina Hiscock (nee Hatfull)

2006-03-27

You will always be in the hearts & minds of your fellow officers,loved ones, & friends. It's been over 18 years now & I can still remember the summer heat boiling down on the long lines of officers which stood outside of the church on that fateful April afternoon. I was among those officers who was there that day to pay tribute to a fine man & a fine officer. Little did I know that in 2000 as police chief in Oakland City that I would face yet another police funeral-that of one of my own officers. My prayers & thoughts go out to his family & loved ones.We will never forget their sacrifice.

Mike Nichols/Retired Police officer
Oakland City Police Dept.
2006-01-05

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.



Master Trooper Dave “Stumpy” Miller

Indiana State Police Dist 13
2005-12-19

Honoring you on the 18th anniversary of your murder.

You will not be forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff
Indiana
2005-04-13

I thank you for your service and salute you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace, Hero.

2004-09-27

I honor you troop. You will not be forgotten. With brotherly love and respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
2004-08-03

Although I did not know Sgt. Hatfull personally, I did know his family Micky, Rene, and Jay. They are a loving family that have suffered and perservered. John would be proud.
Micky helped me through many difficult times after my husband was killed in the line of duty and continues to be an activists for benefits for police officer's survivors. God Bless. The Artz Family

Linda Artz
Friend