Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was thinking of you today Dad, as I do on most days. I love you to this day as much as any son can love his dad. I miss you more than anyone will ever know. We have your back always and have kept your killer in prison. He has come up for parole 13 times and has been denied every time. Your family will fight this till the day he dies . Love your son

Donald Jack Sowma Jr
Second and middle son

December 10, 2021

Sergeant Sowma, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 26, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother. You are remembered and honored on the 41st anniversary of your E.O.W. Thank you and your family for your service and sacrifice.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

November 19, 2017

Thank you for your service to our country. My prayers be with your family and brothers in arms.

John Haseltine - Civilian

October 24, 2016

9-22-16. Murderer has been denied parole today. He will never be set free.

Tim Liddell
CA Hwy Patrol (retired)

September 23, 2016

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 19, 2009

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Sowma. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Sarge your murderer was denied parole. He has atleast 5 more years. To your family who I know still is living with the pain of your loss...bless you all.

officer
Phoenix PD

September 30, 2008

May you rest in peace, Sergeant. I pray your family feels your loving spirit each day within their hearts. I further pray your murderer is NOT paroled. I just signed the petition to keep him where he belongs. God speed, and thank you for your service.
Sister of Fallen Hero

June 19, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 27, 2007

No fellow California law enforcement personnel killed in the line-of-duty, should be forgotten.

Sergeant Sowma, may Your Soul Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

November 19, 2007

"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

August 28, 2007

05/15/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Sgt. Sowma.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 15, 2004