Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, co-workers, and agency of this warrior who was taken from us far too soon. Rest In Peace…We will carry on for you…

SGT Mike Allen (Retired)
California Highway Patrol

August 18, 2012

I met Kathy in the early summer of 1982 when she was initially assigned to my squad in the Narcotics Division. As an aside, her husband had been my first supervisor after I graduated from the academy.Kathy worked closely with me and two other officers on a daily basis, but on that night, the three of us had taken off work and she went out with a different group. I could say a lot here about what happened but that's for another venue, and I'll only say that this tragic event was totally preventable. Although I knew her only a short time, Kathy and I had become close friends. I know she loved her children dearly and she was happy in her profession. Kathy was a good person, a solid officer and a close friend. I feel blessed that she touched my life.

Sgt. G. W. Isleib (Retired)
HPD

August 18, 2012

She was a really nice person and a hard working officer. I remember her excitement when she was accepted into Narcotics. It was a really sad thing.

Sgt. C.J. Grysen
H.P.D.

August 18, 2012

Rest in peace, Officer Schaefer. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Houston and the great State of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

August 18, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary year 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 normally would have left this reflection on your actual e.o.w. date, but I came upon your story after doing some research on the death of Lt. Sharon Moore, I felt I did not want to wait until August to pay my respect. We are about the same age and it saddens me to think of all the years that you were robbed of due to this tragic incident. I am sure that it changed forever the lives of all those involved.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 11, 2012

Aunt Kathleen,
You are always in our hearts and in our thoughts. God bless you for all of your dedication to fighting crime. You are a true angel!

Shannon Alexander (Price)
Niece

February 15, 2012

Rest in peace, Officer Schaefer - you're not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

August 18, 2011

i have had kathy on my mind for days now and just typed her name into google. so many great memories and such a deep pain and loss at her passing came flooding back when this page opened. I knew kathy very well, we shared a birthday, though she was older than I i always felt connected to her and safe around her. i am sorry that i lost touch with teresa and lynn i have often checked in on them through others... i am delighted to see that Kristina is the granddaughter. i am certain that kathy would be very proud of her kids and what they have accomplished in spite of suffering through such a tragic and unexpected loss...i send my love out to T and L and your families. i remember and celebrate her every year on her birthday and on august 18th. Kathy was a wonderful friend and great person and is still very much missed. T

tinsley
friend and coworker

July 22, 2011

How these 18 years have passed. I think of you often, the last night I saw you in the narcotics off, the night I heard of the incident, and wonder how your family is doing. May they be blessed with your memory.

Joe Willis
Ex-HPD

September 8, 2010

Twenty-eight years should seem like a long time ago, but it doesn't feel that way. Sometimes it seems like yesterday that I saw you at work.

After reading a story about a Canadian officer's PTSD, and the many friends he lost to violence on the job, it caused me to think of the friends I lost to the job. You were the first friend I lost and so I naturally thought of you.

It's good, I think, that your friends and family still remember you here and elsewhere. The memorial in DC has a quotation that says what matters about the officers memorialized there is not how they died, but how they lived their lives. The remembrances here honor how you impacted our lives in big and small ways that we will always remember, and will always miss.

A friend
Retired HPD

August 14, 2010

I visited the Police Officer Memorial during police week at Washington DC and had the opportunity to meet some members of your family. I met your grandson and actually took a photo with. You have a wonderful and caring family. Thank you for your service and you will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Ray Winick
Orange PD

September 11, 2009

Thankyou for your service OFFICER SCHAEFER, You are a hero for us all to look up too. You are reembered today and everyday and will never be forgotten. God bless your family

POLICE OFFICER 9TH DISTRICT
PHILA PA

December 4, 2008

Aunt Kathleen,
I never got to meet you, I wish I would of though. Oct. 21st will be the 1 year Anv. of my father's death. I was named after you and I feel very honored. I hope you and my dad are watching over me and my daughter. I know the officer who shot you didnt mean to but, I just wish he would of took a little closer look because, if he would of you would be here with us today. Atleast you are with Grandma,Grandpa & my daddy! :(

RIP. <33

Kathleen Cochran
Neice

October 18, 2008

Officer Schaefer,
On today, the 26th anniversary of 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 symapthy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

August 18, 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

I did not know Kathleen. Frequently, on my way to work and back, I pass by the place where we lost her 25 years ago. Most of the time I glance over and reflect. Other times I just say "thank you". Thank you for your service and R.I.P.

Proudly serving for 27 years
Houston area agency

September 19, 2007

YESTERDAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY AND TODAY IS A GIFT.

OFFICER SCHAEFER, YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU DID NOT LOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

THOSE CLOSE TO THIS HERO, PLEASE TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT I, ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS ACROSS THIS LAND, GRIEVE WITH YOU. KEEP HER IN YOUR HEART, AND PASS HER STORY ALONG. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

KRISTINA, WHAT A WONDERFUL YOUNG LADY YOU ARE. YOU ARE SO BRAVE AND STRONG. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK KEEPING YOUR GRANDMOTHERS SPIRIT ALIVE. THE BEST OF LUCK IN SCHOOL THIS YEAR. I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

September 9, 2006

Still remembered...

August 18, 2006

Officer Kathleen C. Schaefer, you are a true warrior and centurion on a quest to vanquish and destroy evil, you talked the talk and walked the walk.
Although I never met you, I know you, because I've been there.
You are a special and brave person.

Retired Police Officer EOW 4-16-96

August 18, 2006

As you all know it is almost 24 years since my grandmother's death. This is one of the hardest times of the year for my family. There are pictures of my grandmother all over my house so we won't forget her. Thank you for visiting my grandmother's site I know every time someone visits this portion of this site her memory is remembered.

kristina
granddaughter

August 14, 2006

Officer Schaefer, Thank you for your service to all of us. I remember the day we lost you. Although I was in Illinois at the time, your loss was felt by my entire squad. God bless you big sister. May you rest in peace for all eternity.

Peace Keeper
SMSgt USAF (Ret)

May 8, 2006

I had no idea that friends and family visited this site to leave a reflection for my mother. Just wanted to say thank you for your kind words. The police officers who worked with and knew her. It is nice to see that those who remember her are kind enough to leave messages and short stories of their time with her. I have heard lots of stories through the years but not all. Mom was my name for her also but I know that their were a few that she truly felt she had adopted, took under her wing and loved with all her heart. With that I also got a few more brothers and sisters. To this day two of those officers have become my second parents. Thank you and love you both. Thank you to those who just visit for one time. It is still special that you took the time to visit my blue angels page. Last but not least the whole famiy would like to say accidental gunfire is just that an accident. We wish the best to all the officers that are still out there fighting with their lives for our safety. Be careful on your beat you are all heroes.

Theresa Daughter

April 10, 2006

I would like to thank all of you kind officers who spoke so highly of my grandmother. Thanks to people like you who help me paint a picture of who my grandmother was. I just want you to know I cried when I read your reflections.

Kristina
granddaughter

April 10, 2006

Kathy was a wonderful person, a good police officer and a true friend. My fondest memory is our trading jokes every night after after roll call and her laughter. She had a quick wit with a sense of humor and a laugh that was infectious. That's a memory that has the power to still make me smile, even now after all these years.

Kristina, I don't know about the other people that read this, but I cry when I remember your grandmother's passing. Most of us that worked with her in patrol were very young back then, and because she was a little older than us we would jokingly call her "Mom". Privately we really thought of her as our older "big sister". We were a small group and very close, but I always thought that she played an important role in bringing us even closer to each other. We cared for her very much and her loss left us all very sad. Twenty-three years later I still feel that way.

Rest in peace big sister.

Lieutenant David Klinger
Houston Police Department

August 30, 2005

First I want to say thank you to Officer Schaefer for giving the ultimate sacrifice. There is no greater person than one who would lay down their life for another.
I want to send a message to the granddaughter of Officer Schaefer,
I come from a law enforcement family. From my great grandfather down the generations through my uncles and brother. Be proud of your grandmother, its hard to speak of our loved ones that have gone before us with tears. The greatest way to honor your grandmother is to keep her story going, to make sure that people don't forget.
I am now 28 years old, a Probation Officer and am so proud of my family. The reason that I found your grandmother's name is bc my best friend Timothy Jake Laird was killed on this very day last year. I know what it feels like to lose.
It takes a special type of person to be a police officer...keep your head up, and walk proud :)
May God bless your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today.

August 18, 2005