Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Paul,

You are always with me.

and I have a dip now. No one could ask for a better beat partner.

I went to Florida to the Hall of Fame for PO. I found you and left a note. The wife also did.

134F
RPD

June 19, 2013

Detective Hale, I will be running in your memory tomorrow in the Run For Our Heroes 5K in Raleigh. I will proudly wear the t-shirt with your name as I feel pride and gratitude for the way you lived.

S.D.
Raleigh Citizen

April 26, 2013

Still dipping and thinking of you. Peace my brother.

134F

MO
RPD

May 12, 2012

Hello Paul,
Though we never met I feel like we have. You see, I met your Connie today. She was in a store and just happened to ask me a question about the store and how it operated. In explaining my role, I mentioned that I was a retired police officer. She then proceeded to tell me about you and ultimately about your sacrifice.

I could tell that you were not forgotten. I could tell that she was proud to have been your spouse. I could tell that you were honorable. I could tell that you were courageous. I could tell that you were dedicated. I could tell that you were dependable. I could tell that you were committed. I could tell that you were a good father. I could tell that you were a good husband. I could tell that you were loved. And I can tell that you ARE still missed.

All these things I could tell because of a five minute conversation with Connie. Now she didn't speak aloud every word that I wrote. A more accurate account would be that I read them..........................in her eyes.

Patrol in peace my new friend.

John Ballard
Lancaster Police Department Ky.- Retired

December 3, 2011

I can't believe it's been 14 years. I have only the vaguest of memories of you -- you were taken from us when I was only five -- but I still get angry when I think about the fact that I'll never get to know you. I know that I would have been just as close with you as I am with Connie, and every time I see her and your family I feel a twinge of regret that you're not there with them. I hate that the only true memories I have of you are associated with your death, but I always found solace in the fact that my godfather was a closer to God than anyone else's.

Matt Archambault
Godson

July 10, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state and the birthplace of my son. 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. Rest In Peace.

In reading your reflections, I can see that you were an amazing person who is loved and missed by many. I pray for their solace for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

This reflection is written with the utmost respect for the service you gave to your community and the citizens of North Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on July 11, 1997

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 11, 2010

13 years as of this Sunday - it is amazing how time continues to roll by. You are missed everyday. I opened RPDNet today and there was your photo on the top of the page, tears tears tears. I know you are looking down on all of us daily, and no one needs to tell you how we all wish we could change the outcome of that dreadful day - but know this - you are not forgotten and I love you man. Think I'll go drink a Dew (I ain't gonna dip though - nasty). I'll never understand how you ate that stuff.

Sgt. Russ Hepps
Raleigh Police / Friend

July 9, 2010

Thinking about you buddy. Sad day in Raleigh today. An honorary PO is with you today. You will love this special gift. His name is Will Bunn.

Love you buddy.

Ps. Yes, still dipping.

Anonymous

July 1, 2010

Paul,

I had a Dew for you today. May GOD Bless Connie, your girls, your folks and the rest of your family.

Officer Russ Cullum
Port St. Lucie Police Dept. (Fl)

July 10, 2009

RE: I too have a picture displayed. Its at a squad Christmas party. Every one is there our wives, husbands and children. The children are playing and waiting for Sarge(Santa) to pass out the gifts to them. Wow its been a while but not forgotten.

This man represented "Father, Husband and he's got my back type of guy".

Much love from me and my ladies, to you and your ladies(Stephie, Jessie and Connie).

MO 134F
RPD/IOD

September 4, 2008

Hello Paul,

It's July 11th 2008 another year has passed. I hear Connie the the girls (grown up Ladies) have kept you spirit alive up in NC and have help others by remembering you. Officers down here in Florida when they see you picture on my wall ask many questions of how and why, but mostly what type of person you were. The how and why brings a tear to my eye, but the type of person brings a smile to my face.
It's time for me to get to work, I will have a DEW and toast you today.
rest In Peace My Friend & GOD Bless Your entire family.
Russ Cullum 156A

Ofc. Russ Cullum
Port St. Lucie Police Dept. (Fl)

July 11, 2008

Det. Hale your work on this Earth as we know it is now done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 28, 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 27, 2007

Thank you for your bravery, dedication and sacrifice. May your family & friends take comfort in knowing that you will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

October 7, 2007

Paul, Where do I began? We go way back to A-Platoon back in 1996...You were my second training officer along with Russ Hepps being the first. I could not have asked for two better training officers. You molded me into a great police officer and shaped me to be a tough little cookie. You taught me how to be best parrallel parker on Raleigh Police. I remember our first 10-80 on Rock Quarry Road. I was on my final two weeks so you were sitting in the passenger side all calm. Of course I was nervous but I had it all under control...I was thinking to myself okay feel free to jump in anytime and help me out. I know you were there, but you left me alone for a reason. To show me that I was capable of doing dual duties such as driving fast under pressure and talking on the radio giving my location and speed. Boy was I glad when that 10-80 was over. I remember when you use to call Connie at least 2-3 times on our shift just to see how her day was going and to say you loved her. I really admired you and Connie's relationship. I always said that if I got married, I wanted my relationship to be filled with the same love and joy you and Connie had. My wish came true, when I married Dave on August 5, 2000. We share a special relationship just as you and Connie. When we got married, I said Thank You God and thanks to you because you were shining down on us in Maui, Hawaii. Hey Connie was one of my bridesmaid and she looked beautiful walking on that pretty green grass in front of the Embassy Suites. We really enjoyed ourselves in Hawaii. My life changed drastically, when Dave was shot on July 29, 2001. I was actually working off-duty myself at the Waffle House so I heard the radio traffic in regards to signal 25, Officer Down. It was like DEJA-VU. Dave was shot five times and by the grace of GOD, he is still here. We spent our first year anniversary at Wake Medical Center. Connie was there for me just as I was when the angels carried you to heaven to be with Jesus. We became very close and have kept in touch every since. She even convinced me to help her with coaching the cheerleading squad at Ravenscroft. Imagine that Paul.
I must say, I have had my times of sorrow as a Police Officer. After Dave's horrific incident, I started to re-evaluate myself as a Police Officer and decided to take a back seat to police work and become the Victim Advocate for RPD. I don't know which one I like best. I miss being on the streets, but this is for the best considering I'm a mother/wife. Yes Paul, I gave birth to two beautiful little girls. TWIN GIRLS, can you imagine that? They are 4 going on 7. Losing you has been an emotional roller coaster for me because I endured the two trials with your parents. Every morning throughout your trial, I use to pick Mr. and Mrs. Hale up from their residence, take them to court and then back home at the conclusion of court. To take the edge off, I use to tell them stories about you training me. Boy did they enjoy that. They are the sweetest and I love them dearly. I see why you were so wonderful. You get it honestly. See Paul, I had the pleasure of meeting your whole family and have bonded tremendously with Betsy, Frank and Katherine. I thank God for putting you in my life because I have made some true friendships with your family, especially Connie who is dear to my heart. I love and miss you very much. Hope to see you one day. Heck, I'll even dip some snuff and drink a mountain dew with you. You will live on in my heart forver.

Rhonda P.

Rhonda B. Powell (153A)
Raleigh Police-Victim Advocate

July 19, 2007

I was just reading an article about you in the Raleigh paper. Your girls have grown into beautiful young ladies and you can be very proud of them. I also have two teenage daughters and I will hug them a little tighter today after reading about you and your girls. Rest in peace brother and watch over the rest of us.

nc game warden

July 15, 2007

Paul you and your family came into my life when Jessie was in Kindergarten at Ravenscroft. That summer I started taking care of the girls during the summers and then afterschool. I felt in love with each and everyone of you, you all are a very special part of my life. You were a wonderful father and husband,you and Connie were so in love and you both loved the girls with all your heart. Whitney and I was so lucky to have been a part of your life, and you and your family was so good to us. There is and always will be a special place in my heart for the Hale family. I love you all! You made this world a better place,I remember Connie saying that you were to good for this earth so God called your home. You will never be forgotten! With love Lynn and Whitney

Lynn
framily friend

July 13, 2007

Paul you were the best father and husband that I have ever known. If only every women could experience the kind of relationship you and Connie shared. Your children were so important to you and you showed it everyday in the way you make sure you spent time with them. When I started caring for Jessie and Stephie,I fell in love with your family right away. You, Connie and the girls were so caring and wonderful to me and Whitney. It is still so hard for me to believe that you gone. But I know you are still looking down on your family and taking care of them. I will never forget you. With much love, Lynn

Lynn
Friend

July 13, 2007

God bless your family and friends and thank you again for the job you did to help keep our community safer. I saw that your daughters have organized a run this weekend in your honor. I hope it raises lots of money for all families of law enforcement and emergency workers. God Bless!

KC
Citizen, NC

July 13, 2007

Family and Friends,Wish we could be with you, but my thoughts are with you all. Rudy and Jim, as offical representatives of us Yankees, do us proud. Memories: Family Picnics, Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners, Paul fishing on our boat, tricking Connie to sing a solo one Christmas, Paul and Connies wedding. As a family we always had great times together. My best memory is still to hard to share.

Aunt Mary
Aunt

July 12, 2007

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY GOD BLESS THOSE WHO STILL LOVE AND MISS YOU. MAY THEY KNOW HIS PEACE THAT IS BEYOND HUMAN UNDERSTANDING. DETECTIVE HALE, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

July 11, 2007

Paul,
Wow 10 years have gone by. You are miss by everyone that knew you. You will never be forgotten by the lifes you touch. I think of you often and always keep your family in my prayers.
GOD BLESS all of us.

Russ (156A)

Officer Russell Cullum
Port St. Lucie Police Dept. (Florida)

July 11, 2007

A decade has passed since you were called away and I know during that time there has not been one day that your loved ones have not thought about you. Continue to keep watch over them and let them feel your presence so they know you are near them. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 11, 2007

While we have not met, you are often thought of by our family as we see your influence in the lives of your beautiful girls.

I trust that it is you that is the spirit that moves me when Connie is in need, continue your watch over each of them and rest in knowing we will be here for them!

Thank you Paul for your unselfish sacrifice so that others you did not know remain safe and free. We honor your memory and keep close at heart your family.

Seanne Holliday
Family Friend

June 25, 2007

I miss you daddy and I think about you everyday... Jessie and I are gonna make you really proud. You still do so much for me. There are sooo many times I know you were with me and protected me even after you were gone. I know there are so many people that look up to you and will never forget you! Whenever I eat the green mint chocolate chip icecream or oysters out of a can I think of you! I love you daddy and I won't let you down!

Stephie
your little girl

June 25, 2007