Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Toot was a hero and virtually the only official in the Richmond jail that day that showed any courage when Robert Mais and Walter Legenza shot their way out of the city jail. He was gunned down on the threshold of the jail door in an arm's-length gun battle with the two murderers from Philadelphia. The entire RPD turned out for Toot's funeral at Oakwood Cemetery, where his tombstone notes "DIED IN DISCHARGE OF DUTY."

Selden Richardson
Richmond historian

April 15, 2022

On this actual anniversary of your untimely departure I would like to reiterate my previous reflection in saying that you will never be forgotten.

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

September 30, 2020

Sometimes amidst all of the other senseless and horrific criminal activity LE sees on a daily basis, domestic and homegrown terrorism makes it's way into the path of our dear and heroic LEO's. This was no doubt one of those instances and you and all of your LE brethren who sacrificed everything at the hands of these thugs will forever be remembered for your service and heroism. God Bless and rest in peace knowing that time will never erase your service and sacrifice.

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

June 9, 2020

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 79th 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. How nice that your grandchildren discovered this site.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

August 11, 2013

RIP.You may be gone but you will not be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 8, 2008

I never got to meet him, have heard lots of storys on how he was shoot. I've heard he was a good man. Thanks you great granddaughter Juanita Atkinson

great granddaughter

February 24, 2007

I never had the honor of knowing him, but am proud that I am his great granddaughter. God bless you. Jo Ann

Jo Ann C. Tomes
Great Granddaughter

December 26, 2006

Thank you for you service, dedication and sacrifice. You will always be remembered as a hero. You will not be forgotten.
M. Bartholme
(Former Richmond Police Officer)

M. Bartholme
Fairfax Police Department

March 30, 2005

03/19/04


Each day I read the ODMP. Today I read the story of your death. Every officer who gave his/her life for us need never be forgotton. Rest in peace, sir.

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

March 19, 2004

Marie,

You have every right to be so proud of your Grand Daddy. He was a hero in how he died and in how he lived. I honor his name, his 28 years of dedicated service and his sacrifice. My brother and sisters in blue will not forget. Thank you for helping to keep his memory alive. God bless you. Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Policeman (1972-1975)

Special Agent Jim Crotty
ATF (SA, Retired)

February 25, 2004

I'm back to vistit my grandfather again,being able to visit this site makes me feel a little closer to the grandfather who was taken away from me before I was born from every thing I've heard he was a fine man. Love you grandpa , your granddaugter Marie

Patrolman William A Toot was my grandfather I never got to meet him ,have heard alot of storys on how he was shoot He served 28 years as a patrolman ,he must have been a fine person He had been cited for gallantry on number of occasions during his career.If any one as any thing on my grandfather Iwould love to see it I never seen him or his son my father or even a picture of them ,they were both killed and no one ever had a picture. this lets me be a litter closer to them .