Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Tuesday, January 2, 1996
Reflections for Police Officer Lauretha Arnetha Vaird
Laurie introduced me to cool jazz. I ended up "inheriting" 2518 car. Her death profoundly affected me. A VERY NICE LADY
PO Stuart Geisler, retired
Philly PD
October 27, 2022
It’s just a summer day today July 2022, I read about the struggles Officers are dealing with and I thought of my coworker, Officer Vaird, killed in the line of duty. it was an unusual thing in the 90s for an Officer to be shot and killed unlike todays confrontations. I’m retired now but still pray for my brothers and sister on the job and for all the families who have lost loved ones. RIP Laurie, I will never forget you.
Retired Detective Anne Marie Cleary
Philadelphia Police Dept.
July 25, 2022
Lauretha was a wonderful person. She was my training officer.
PO Stuart Geisler
Squadmate Philadelphia PD
March 14, 2022
I still think of you often my friend, I still pray you are at peace and still guiding our thoughts and actions. You served with an exceptional heart & always with exemplary intentions.
Castle
Phila Police Dept
February 10, 2022
Officer Vaird,
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 Philadelphia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
January 2, 2022
Trying to take a few minutes to browse the ODMP site as I try and do most days, I came across a true hero whose untimely and heroic death I remember all too well. Officer Vaird, your memory, service, sacrifice and heroism will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always and God Bless your family.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 19, 2020
Laurie,
You are always in my thoughts & prayers. We shared so many stories working together in rock #2518 and they will always be remembered & cherished. As you know, I visit your burial site at least 4 times a year and I will never ever forget you...Badge #5897 GOD REST YOUR SOUL!!!
Bill McKenna Former P/O 25th
August 8, 2020
Rest in peace Officer Vaird.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
January 2, 2020
Rest In Peace Sister in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 23rd anniversary of your EOW.
Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA
January 2, 2019
Just thinking of you today Laurie as you are never forgotten
Retired Detective Anne Marie Cleary #860
Philadelphia Police Dept.
July 25, 2018
Its 2017 and again I have thoughts of the day Officer Vaird lost her life. I am retired now as many of us who worked with Laurie have moved on to new lives. I too am moving on and putting the past behind me. God Bless You Lauretha Vaird, I will never forget you and the sacrifice you made to the people of Philadelphia. I have ended my service and look back with mixed memories but I will always remember you.
Retired Det Anne Marie Cleary #860
Philadelphia Police Dept.
January 9, 2017
I play this song for my high school students each year and I explain the narrative. I grew up listening to G Love and the Special Sauce and that’s how I found out about Officer Vaird’s story via his song “Slipping Away”. I think everyone would be impressed with the student dialog that occurs - especially the support and respect that my young high school students verbally express for our law enforcement officers. It is a far cry from how the young perspective is portrayed in our media these days & I thought it was important to share.
David Burnham - Teacher
Cedar Cliff High School
December 9, 2016
I was looking online to see whatever happened to the rapper Cool C. I had to read where he was convicted of robbing a bank and killing a police officer. I then search for her and came across this site. My heart goes out to the Vaird family. This man still sits in a cell and breathing. I don't understand that. She will never be forgotten. RIP.
Deputy S.C. Scott
Forsyth County Sheriff Office (NC)
November 27, 2016
Dear Officer Vaird, I never knew you or your family, but I think about the day you left this world. I think about the day your sons lost their mom. I think about your parents hurt. Your siblings, nieces and nephew. I just want to Thank You for your bravery. I will never forget you and yor service. I pray that Stephen and Michael are making you proud. RIP with our Lord and Savior.
Carla
April 17, 2016
I put this application on my iPhone after a colleague in blue passed and came across your name. We went to the police academy together and I was so shocked to see your name and photo. My deepest condolences to your family for paying the the ultimate sacrifice. God bless you.
NA II Whitney Middleton
PA/OAG/BNIDC (ret)
February 8, 2016
Rip Officer Lauretha Vaird. My condolences go out to your family. A couple of years ago my cousin Moses Walker was murdered as well ....He work for the Philadelphia Police Department as well he was about to retire and two men took his life as he walked home from work.
Egypt Edey
Homeland Security
February 4, 2016
it's 2016, 20 yrs later and I thought of Laurie on the anniversary of her death. As I look through the ranks I see many of us are no longer with the Dept. And those I still see still show that bond we have, working in the 25th District and sharing the pain of this day, 20 yrs ago.. We have a few commemorative events going on including the Philadelphia Police Guardian Civic League sponsoring several basketball games in Feltonville 1/9/16. Laurie portrait remains on the mural along the wall of the Rec Center. it's hard to believe so much time has gone by yet such a vivid memory remains. as always, I will never forget.
Det. Anne Marie Cleary
Philadelphia Police
January 4, 2016
I worked with Lauretha Vaird in the 25th District. She was a class act and a nice lady. While patrolling, she introduced me to cool jazz in our patrol car. I shall never get over her murder....it affected me profoundly.
Police Officer staStuart Geisler
Philly PD
September 1, 2015
May God continue to blessed those who you served and look over. It's because of people like you that we can walk safely at night and sigh with a breath of relief.
In deepest love and condolence to the family, friends and memory of a great woman
Capt. J. Johnson
NSA Bahrain Fire Dept
April 12, 2015
Rest in peace
Police Officer Charles Waters
Philadelphia Police Department
March 17, 2015
Eternal rest, grant unto P/O Vaird, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Amen.
Thank you for your service!
Retired P/O
Proudly served Philadelphia Police Department
January 7, 2015
I read about you just today. It is very sad what happened to you, I know there's a lot going on in the world today. I pray that your children are doing well and that your family is doing well. Rest in peace!
"Tish"
civilian
January 7, 2015
And justice will be done.....soon..Rip Officer Vaird..
karen-
January 7, 2015
Laurie,
The person who took your life will now have their life taken tomorrow, Jan. 8, 2015. The courts will make them pay for the suffering they caused others and for the loss of your life!
Rest in Peace. Take care of the other brothers & sisters in Law Enforcement we have lost since your life ended.
Thanks for your service
Sgt. J.R. (retired)
Dept of Defense
January 7, 2015
Rest in Peace.
Avi Naik
NA
January 7, 2015
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