Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace always knowing that your memory, service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 17, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Canfield. A hero who suffered greatly while doing his sacred job!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 30, 2020

Patrolman Canfield,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Minneapolis. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 2, 2020

I met Ward Canfield one time, after I became an adult, it was at ANW hospital. He was my father's partner with MPD. My dad painted Robert Fossum's portrait, and it still hangs at the 5th Precienct in Mpls. Dad spoke to me about what it was like, how stressful it was, to go out to work, the night after Bob Fossum was murdered. And, Ward Canfield, was maimed for life. He, Ward Canfield, in the '80s spoke to me about workng with my father, etc, etc. I am honored to have met him, Ward Canfield,. Also, to be a small part of the MPD family.

RN ,EMT-P, CCRN, CEN.
Allina RN

May 5, 2013

My Uncle Ward was a war hero before he joined the force.

Even with all of the pain and suffering he had, he still went on to even more service to his community.

He ran for City council twice, and did public service for the City of Minneapolis until his body could not handle it any more.

His sacrifice inspired many of us to follow in his heroic footsteps.

Uncle Ward You are truly missed.

Shane canfield

November 9, 2012

I wanted to thank all those who have left reflections for my Grandfather. Even twelve years later there is still an ache in my heart when I think of your passing. Today, on what would have been your 91st birthday I not only salute you for teaching all of us the true meaning of love & life, but I want to salute you for all that you gave to the force without a negative word about what happened to you. We miss you and not a day passes that I do not think of you. The lessons you taught me will always be with me and I will make sure the next generation understands that you gave all to protect & serve without a word of complaint falling from your lips.

Corey Canfield-O'Neill
Granddaughter

October 10, 2012

Patrolman Canfield,
On today, the 12th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you and your partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Minneapolis. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

March 2, 2012

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

March 2, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones, friends and fellow officers during this time of remembrance. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

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

March 3, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 9th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. You weree indeed a valiant warrior who fought for 43 years after your injuries. 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 2, 2009

ON OCTOBER 1, 2007 I STARTED THE PROJECT OF LEAVING A REFLECTION FOR EVERY OFFICER LISTED ON THIS WEB SITE. SOME OFFICERS HAVE 1 OR 2 REFLECTIONS, SADLY SOME HAVE NONE.

YOU ARE ARE THE 8,000TH OFFICER I HAVE LEFT REFLECTIONS FOR AND I AM HONORED TO LEAVE ONE FOR YOU TODAY.

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, YOUR STRENGTH AND COURAGE TO CONTINUE ON THROUGH THE YEARS WITH YOUR INJURY ARE AN INSPIRATION THAT REFLECT YOUR COURAGE AND BRAVERY.

THIS WRITER HOPES THAT MORE INDIVIDUALS STOP HERE AND READ YOU STORY AS IT TELLS YOU HOW FORTUNATE CITIZENS IN THIS COUNTRY ARE EACH AND EVERY DAY TO HAVE INDIVIDUALS SUCH AS YOURSELF PROTECTING US. GOD BLESS YOU SIR AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

YOU WILL BE VISITED AGAIN BY THIS WRITER AND YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 2, 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

November 28, 2007

Sir, you were (are) a man of great personal courage.G-d Bless.

March 2, 2007

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero.

October 20, 2004

Rest in peace Officer Canfield. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of god." Matthew 5:9

Patrolman
Minneapolis Police Department - 4th Pct.

August 28, 2004

05/11/04

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 Officer Canfield.

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

May 12, 2004

Ward...the bio of your passing hurts while reading it. God bless & thank you.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

March 2, 2004

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Tonight, March 2, 2004 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Patrolman Ward Lee Canfield who died in the line of duty on this date four years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Patrolman Canfield's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

March 2, 2004

I am a patrol supervisor at Radford City Police Department. Each night we dedicate the watch to a fallen brother or sister. Today we are dedicating the watch to Patrolman Ward Lee Canfield who was killed in the line of duty 4 years ago today. Patrolman Canfield, your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Today we honor your legacy.

“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because tough men and women stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” - Steve Robinson, Seal Team One, 1971-1973

First Sergeant J.L. Slaughter
Radford City Department of Police

March 2, 2004

I met officer Ward Canfield in the mid 60's. A man I was proud to call a friend and though it was only for a few years he was the kind of man that even the with the passage of time you remember'd not only with awe but with a smile.
A man who never let the events of Aug 1957 stop him from living and giving.A man not only his family could be proud of but the city of Minneapolis, A man who litary gave a arm and a leg for his beliefs and for his partner.To his family,his brother Neal I share your saddness in his passing.

Larry Kemling.

We wish to express our deepest sympathy, and gratitude to the Family and Friends of Officer Ward Canfield. Although many decades have passed and many changes in police work have occurred since 1957, some things will never change, dedication, professionalism, courage, and sacrifice. Thank you from a greatful Nation.

"Preserve me, oh God, for I take refuge in you." Pslam 16:1

Officer John D.Sainz
Tucson Police Department

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Mr. Canfield.  Not only did he have to suffer through the loss of his partner 42 yrs ago, but it seems that he had to suffer through a sub-standard quality of health for the greater part of his life.  When people talk about sacrifices officers make in the line of duty, undoubtedly the results of that incident in 1957, that Officer Canfield had to live with constantly for decades, makes his a sacrifice of unimaginable magnitude.  I am glad to know that he lived for many years longer than the cowards that injured him, and I hope that his life was full of love and fulfillment.  I am sorry that, despite the many reported efforts, he was unable overcome the results of his physical injuries.  God bless you, Officer Canfield.  You are finally free of those reminders.  Enjoy your peace and comfort in Heaven.

B.Scott
Columbus Police Department, GA

Officer Canfield's death from injuries he received some 43 years ago made me stop and think.  How many more brothers and sisters are out there in a wheelchair, or a bed from injuries on the job.  How many times they must think that they have been forgotten and worse "no one cares".  May each and every Officer who reads this stop and find "one" disabled Officer, take the time and spend one afternoon with them.   Let them tell you how they were hurt and how it changed their life forever.  When you leave their bedside look them in the eye and call them by their rank and tell them God Bless You and You Will Never Be Forgotten. May God Bless and Keep every Disabled Officer.

Anonymous