Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Tanja, I was remembering you today. It has been over ten years since you left this earth, but you have not been forgotten. I remember the last shift you worked as if it was yesterday. The last face to face conversation I had with you was about the experience you had at the Police Memorial in Washington DC and how honored you felt to be there. That was you Tanja, thinking of others before yourself. People like you don't come around very often in life. There was so much passion in everything you did. I pray may children have many of the same qualities as you did.

As your last supervisor at OPD, I was not able to give you your evaluation, but I can tell you that it would have been all superiors.

Lieutenant Russ Waters
Orlando Police Department

October 1, 2010

I only met you a few days before you died. I have never forgotten your smile and your laughter.

Sergeant
Norfolk Police

May 18, 2010

Dear Tanja,

This is a very emotional day for us on the 10TH Anniversary of your "Crossing Over". We Love you very much and think of you every day. God Bless You and may You Rest In Peace. We miss you so much.
Love Forever, Mom and Dad

Tanja's Dad
OPD

May 18, 2010

It's hard to believe that 10 years ago you were so tragically taken. Your memory lives on. Continue to take care of us.

Police Officer Garcia
Los Angeles Police Department

May 11, 2010

Never Forgotten...Rest in Peace

MPO Penman
City of Fairfax PD, VA

November 27, 2009

Dear Tanja, today 9/15/09 is your Birthday,You are 40 today and all of us are thinking of you and want to express how much we Love and Miss You. We thank everyone from our hearts for the love and prayers that we have received since you "Crossed Over". We give our thanks to God for letting us have you those wonderful years, even though your time with us was short. Have a "Happy Birthday". Love Always, Mom, Dad and Family

Jim King, Tanja's Dad

September 15, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the ninth 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 18, 2009

As your 9th Anniversary of your death approaches, I just wanted to say hello. You are not forgotton Tanja. Our LAPD Class 8-95 just lost Manji to cancer and I hope that you were there to welcome her home. Continue to watch over all of your brothers and sisters in blue.

May God Bless your family.

Police Officer Garcia
LAPD

May 8, 2009

God Speed, Sister.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

April 23, 2009

Here it is almost Christmas 2008, and we, Tanja's family want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers over the past 8+ years. It really means a lot to us and again, we thank you. While in Mexico, working with the street children, Tanja met Dr. Israel Castillo and I wish it was possible to contact him.

This is a very difficult time for us because Christmas was one of Tanja's favorite times of the year. We were very blessed for 30 years with her love and kindness. We thank God for the Resurrection. May God Bless all of you and keep you safe. Tanja's Dad.

Jim King
Tanja's Father

December 11, 2008

Eight years since your passing and your memory still touches the lives of all who knew you. May God continue to bless your family.

LAPD CLASSMATE CLASS 8-95
LAPD

June 19, 2008

Remembering you with all my heart
From the city where you touched so many lives including mine

Israel
Mexico CIty

Dr Israel Castillo
Friend

May 18, 2008

Sweet, sweet things said here for a sweet, sweet lady. You've touched hearts
and made the memories bittersweet. What energy and enthusiasm you had
and what a worthy profession you chose. Thanks for serving God and your
fellowman. God bless your families with the sweet moments you shared with
them! Never forgotten.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

May 18, 2008

Tanya,
I just got back to Maine after spending a week at a conference in Orlando. It was tough leaving the 3' of snow in my yard to suffer through the 70' weather!
While touring the Orange County SO HQ, I noticed a memorial painting hanging on the wall. The painting was of you and an Orange County Deputy. It was sureal seeing you and the message it sent out to all who view it is startling.
I will be thinking of you again this coming May. Thanks for keeping a watchful eye over all of us.

Sgt Mike Edes
Maine State Police

January 19, 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 15, 2007

Tanja,
I was just thinking about you today and wanted to stop in and leave my thoughts. I still have your picture framed and on my desk at home. I have retired and moved on...but my memory of you will never fade. Tanja, you were a good person and your memory has touched my heart for over 7 years now. I still miss you and think of you often.

Lieutenant Dan Wellington (Retired)
Orlando Police Department

September 21, 2007

It has been a while, but it still feels like yesterday! You are full of strength and determination- an amazing woman and role model! You continue to inspire me and I cannot thank you enough for that! We Miss You, Tanja! xo

LEO

September 3, 2007

I googled your name trying to get a hold of you since we had not talked for years. The news of your death really struck me. I met you in Mexico City helping street children, that was your heart helping those in need.
My deepest condolences to Tanja´s family from Mexico City where she touched wounded spirits and made a difference
To Tanja my friend and angel

Dr Israel Castillo
Friend

July 15, 2007

IT'S BEEN SEVEN YEARS NOW SINCE YOUR PASSING. I CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FELLOW BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN BLUE. I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THAT YOUR GONE.

YOU WILL FOREVER BE MISSED.

POLICE OFFICER GARCIA
LAPD

June 26, 2007

Miss you!!!

Friend
Orlando PD

May 23, 2007

I only met you once, just four days before you died, but I will always remember your beautiful smile and infectious laughter. I pray time will blunt the memories of pain for your family and friends and their memories will only be of that smile and laughter.

Sergeant NPD
Norfolk Police

May 19, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer King on the anniversary of her passing.
May God continue to give you comfort.
Rest in peace.

The memory of a good person is a blessing- Proverb 10:7

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

May 18, 2007

G-d Bless.

May 18, 2007

Seven years have passed and you have not been forgotten. I know the pain your parents feel as their is no greater loss than to lose a child. Wrap your wings around them and protect them from harm. Also, watch over those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

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

May 17, 2007

Tanja

I never met you....I was working as a communications officer for Orange County SO at the time of your death. Up until about a year ago I had blue C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Surviviors) ribbon around my car mirror to remind me of you. I took it down only because it was falling apart. I was very touched by your death. I am now a Law Enforcement officer. It takes a special person to do what we do. I think it is truly a job you are called on to do. Thank you for all you gave. A Thank you your family for all they gave. We are blesed to have you watching over us. You will not be forgotten.

Trooper Tanya Terrell
Florida Highway Patrol-Gainesville

April 5, 2007