Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Winston James Rawlins

Houston Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Monday, March 29, 1982

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Winston James Rawlins

Officer Rawlins,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Houston. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 29, 2022

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

March 30, 2020

I first became acquainted with W.J. when he was a rookie officer working evenings out of North Shepherd station. He was the kind of man who stood out among his peers - quiet but obviously very smart, even-tempered, knowledgeable, articulate, good-natured and blessed with a good sense of humor. I was extremely proud of him when he became the Solo Motorcycle Detail's first African-American officer, and he represented HPD in a way that made all of us proud to have him in the family. He sat straight and tall in the saddle of his cycle, and seemed to glide along the freeways like he and his cycle were one. He was a gentleman in the truest sense, and always treated others with respect and dignity. After so many years, I still cry when I think about him, but I also understand that God had other plans for him. I look forward to seeing him again in eternity.

Officer Alan Johnson (retired)
Houston Police Department

February 10, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Rawlins.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 28, 2019

Officer Rawlins,
On today, the 36th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Houston. I can’t say it better then the people who have already said it here in reflections left for you-you are a true HERO sir. Your last act was to push a citizen to safety. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 29, 2018

Heroes live forever, Officer Rawlins, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Houston and the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

March 29, 2013

Rest in peace, Officer Rawlins. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Houston and the great State of Texas is not forgotten. Thank you so much.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

March 29, 2012

You are thought of often.

ML Sampson, Retired Police Officer
Houston Police Department

March 9, 2011

On the anniversary of your death,You are being remembered in the Badge&Gun. You are gone but never forgotten, the DPT has changed a lot since you where there, it is more diversified now because young men like you where trail blazers and made it easy for the rest of us. I am sure the citizens of Houston thank you for you work, and I Thank You. God bless, until we meet again.

Reynolds Blain
HPD

March 30, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th 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 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

March 29, 2010

Now that is a hero.

Anonymous

June 3, 2009

The day is coming up and just wanted to let you know you are not forgotten... I didn't know you personally, but my husband Dep. Ricky A. Yates knew you and respected you.. He also, died from a tragic motorcycle accident .. You left such an impression on him the short time he knew you .. Rest in peace and know you are missed.... Charlotte Yates

Charlotte Yates
Friend

March 17, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 26, 2008

"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 13, 2008

You were young and full of courage.

God Have mercy.

reynolds blain
HPD

February 11, 2008

Rest in Peace.

March 29, 2007

You are a true hero, my brother.

NJM
Seattle PD

November 12, 2006

Rest in peace Brother Winston, you are a true hero and will be honored forever. Your courage and dedication to duty shall always be remembered. Thank you for being there for others.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7.15.73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham Retired
Sand Springs Okla Police Department

March 2, 2005

Rest In Peace Brother.

August 29, 2003

Officer Rawlins, I want you and your family to know that the way you sacrificed yourself for a citizen, was the ultimate example of heroism. Rest in peace my brother.

M.W. Davis
Omaha, Ne. Police Department

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.