Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Traffic Officer Harlend G. Orsburne

Dane County Traffic Police, Wisconsin

End of Watch Tuesday, July 24, 1979

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Reflections for Traffic Officer Harlend G. Orsburne

I was working that day as a patrol officer in Fitchburg, WI when the accident occurred. It happened in my patrol area. Still think about it a lot, even though it has been 43 years. It was a very sad day. But at least we got the bad guy. He only got 5 years. Doesn't seem right.

Al S.
Fitchburg Police Dept

October 13, 2022

Thank you for your service and today we take the time to remind you and your family that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your LE brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 24, 2020

Rest in peace Traffic Officer Orsburne.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 14, 2020

It's me again Dad, been thinking about you a lot with all the flooding in LaValle and Wonewoc...you are always on my mind, miss you.

Kris Harbort
Daughter

August 30, 2018

Ozzie

You are missed more than you know, your family,friends and coworkers. You were a good friend, mentor and role model. I owe my career to you and your guidance. I am forever in your debt. Rest in peace my friend.

Sgt. Gordy Disch- DCSO- Retired
Coworker,Dane County Traffic & DCSO

July 28, 2014

I met Ozzie in 1975 when I was studying Police Science at MATC. I then was blessed to be hired by Dane County Traffic Department.
Ozzie, you were always a friendly and helpful person--I greatly appreciated it.
And I still of course remembered the night of the crash. I was just coming on duty and was sent to the hospital to assist in the investigation which was very tragic since we lost you--one of the good guys.

Julie Baglama
Was Dane County Traffic with Ozzie

July 26, 2014

On this anniversary, the members of the Dane County Sheriff's Officer remember the loss of one of our own. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Members of the Dane County Sheriff's Off
Dane County Sheriff's Office

July 25, 2014

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

September 15, 2013

I know you are with me and my family and are watching over us all, I know you have seen my milestones in life, like high school graduation, college graduation, marraige, and the birth of your grand daughters... and our newest addition to the family, your namesake. But I still miss you and wish I could have known you as an adult...I think about you often, I am sorry I wont be there tomorrow, but next year I'll be back.
Love, Kris

Kristin Harbort
Daughter

May 9, 2013

Thank you for your Heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

April 11, 2012

Harlend, so many years have gone by, but I don't think a day goes by I don't think of you. I miss you so much. Things that have happened in the years gone by, so many things to tell you. You are a Grandpa now, two beautiful girls. I know in time I will see you again. Our son worked in the same dept. as you, He always said, you were his guardian Angel. Thank You, for taking care of Him and his two other brothers in the same profession. we love you and miss you. See you, later.

Sharon A. Tyler
Sister

April 4, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 31rst 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. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 24, 2010

"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

February 22, 2008

Soon it will be 28 years ago that you were called away from duty. You have not been forgotten by those that love you nor will the Blue Family ever let that happen as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 19, 2007

You were in my arms when you left us, you have always remained in my thoughts and prayers. An outstanding lawman, father, and friend. Never forgotten.

Cmdr. Dan Bitton
Winthrop Harbor Police

March 1, 2007

To the uncle ill never forget you made our family proud . It is an honor to share the same family name with a man who had such courage to be a policeman . You are dearly missed. live on .......


Nephew

January 12, 2007

5yrs is not long enough.

July 24, 2005

Rest in peace brother
You're gone but not forgotten

Deputy
Walworth SO

December 19, 2003

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