Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Wirt,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 21, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

April 21, 2021

Rest in peace Patrolman Wirt.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 22, 2019

I was born and raised in Harrisonville. I did not know Officers Marler and Wirt personally. But their deaths became the defining moment in my teenage years.

Because of this I have purchased memorial bricks in their honor that will be placed at Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park, Angel Fire, New Mexico. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017. I am told these bricks will probably be placed later in the afternoon.

It has now been more than 45 years since these brave men were brutally slain. But I want to make sure their memory endures.

Concerned Citizen

August 7, 2017

Not forgotten....

Sgt Yoli Trujillo, Retired
Corpus Christi (Tx) P.D.

April 21, 2017

Gone almost 45 years now but ever present in fond memories of my "favourite" brother.

"Frankie" will never be forgotten by family nor those who knew him well. He was an inspiration to each of us when we were growing up and, as I said at his memorial in 2012, he was he best of us (brothers).

"Danny" Wirt
April, 2017

Dan Wirt
Brother

April 2, 2017

Patrolman Wirt,
Sir, as a fellow Marine;LEO I would just like to say on today the 44th anniversary of your death thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served in the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow Marine;LEO

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 21, 2016

My thoughts are often with my big brother Frankie. As I reflect on that weekend three years ago in Harrisonville, where Frank and Don were remembered and honored, my heart and prayers go out to the friends and families of the fallen ones who have recently died through senseless acts of misguided revenge. Their courage and service to our communities will never be forgotten.

Dan Wirt
Brother

May 25, 2015

I met Frank when we were both in the military in California. We were both military brats from Missouri and became dear friends. I respected and admired his integrity, loyalty and compassion for family, friends, the military and subsequently the HPD. Frank lived his short life with honor,courage and humility. I think often of all the things he never had the chance to be: a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle. He would have been wonderful in all of those roles! Such a tragedy. May you rest peacefully with God in your eternal sleep, Frank, and know that you are loved. Thank you for your military and law enforcement service. Semper Fi!

Marie Retherford
Friend/USNavy (Retired)

May 23, 2015

Like my cousin Alena I never met my namesake uncle, but grew up hearing stories about him. I would like to thank this website for honoring the men and women who like my uncle made the utlimate sacrifice.

Francis (Frank) Wirt
Nephew

January 8, 2015

I was Mike Wirt's room mate in California. I met Frank just one night when he visited. I was impressed with his kindness, his humor and his personality.

I would say, even now, such a tragedy.

No rank.
just a friend of Mike Wirt'ts

October 1, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th 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 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 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 23, 2012

My brother Dan and I attended the 40th anniversary memorial service for our brother Frank, his partner Don Marler and Orville Allen this past weekend. It was a wonderful outpouring of love and appreciation by the whole town for the sacrifice these men made. Our thanks especially to Chief John Hofer and the HPD. Don Frank and Orville are indeed fallen, but will never forgotten. We love you Frank. Rest in peace.

Chris Wirt
brother

April 23, 2012

As the 40th anniversary approaches, I reflect on fond thoughts of my brother Frankie. We lost one very kind and loving individual that day. I thank those who have taken the time to enter a kind word here. My gratitude goes out to all who serve our communities and our country by placing themselves in harms way on our behalf.

Dan (Danny) Wirt
Younger Brother

January 18, 2012

I never knew my Uncle Frank, I was born 18 months after his death but my Father, Mike told me so many stories. I regret never meeting you and I honor your memory. You will live on in the stories. I speak for my whole family when I say we miss you. Rest in peace.

Alena Etheridge
Niece

January 15, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 21, 2010

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

Wisconsin L.E.O.

April 19, 2010

My first cousin "Frankie" was the son of my uncle ,Frank Eugene Wirt. I am Glenda Louise Wirt Bell, daughter of Louis "Bud" Wirt. I was 9 years older than Frankie & can barley remember him as we were just little kids then.We never saw each other as adults as our paths went separate ways. It is an honor to be related to him. May you rest in peace Frankie ,as the family you left behind loved you dearly. On April 8,2009 I placed more flowers at your grave."Thank you" to the individual who placed the other flowers at your stone.Most thoughtful. Frankie,you are not forgotten.

Glenda Wirt Bell
first cousin

July 22, 2009

I was happy to discover that a park ws name in honor of those were killed that day.

May Theirs Souls Rest _ In - Peace...

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

April 21, 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

December 6, 2007

May you Rest in Peace Sir.You are remembered.

April 21, 2006

Thank you Sir. Your courage and bravery do not go unnoticed.

Detective T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police Department, CA

April 21, 2004