Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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

September 20, 2007

"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

September 20, 2007

Ray~

When I look at at all that you tought me, I know that I still have so much more to learn...Over the past four years since you were taken I have worked hard to get through everything remembering that you told me that I can do it...And I will forever be thankful to you for that !!!!

I know that you are with Larry helping both of your families get through these times....
Just know that you are dearly missed by everyone that ever had the HONOR to meet you.... (120/257..PPD)

August 14, 2007

I told Larry the story of Pittsburg Police running me out of town in the late 60s. I was a long haired Hippie, a Bum as my Dad called me back then. No doubt in my mind now I deserved it. Had to retire from complications after a stabbing during an arrest. Rest assured Brother you'll never be forgotten and that officers such as yourself make us all stronger. Pain is temporary, Pride is forever.

Darrell Cook
Retired Police, Tennessee

August 13, 2007

Ray this is National Police Officers Week. Joey went to the Wall in Sac and Kayleigh and I left a "light" on your doorstep on Police Officers day, May 15 also Kayleigh's 13th birthday. We talked about you and your family and said a prayer. I know you are watching over your family and you miss them as they also miss you very much. You are thought of often and remembered with a smile and a warm heart. God Bless you. (All our Love Maria & Girls)

Frank, Angie, Kayleigh Lehr
Newark PD/CA , Friends

May 17, 2007

To Ray's family I send prayers and love. I know that Ray's Mom and Dad, sister Regina and brother Leo grieve everyday for their loss. They honor Ray's life by remembering all the joy he brought to thier lives, and living theirs to the fullest. I admire all of you for the way you have conducted yourselves during these past four years.

I worked with Regina when she an OB RN for Kaiser. She was there for Ray and Maria when they delivered thier two daughters. Those were good times and memories to always remember.

I know Regina gave her daughter the middle name Rae, after her brother Ray. It is a name that has brought comfort to all these last years.

Ray,
Please know that you have a friend that thinks of you and your family . Please continue to watch over them. You are always in thier hearts, forever.

April 20, 2007

I may not have known you personally, but I have come to know you by the lives you touched and the pain felt by the many people you left behind. I know you are not forgotten and live on in the hearts of those who knew you and loved you. Not a day goes by that you are not missed. Rest in peace and continue to watch over your family and your brothers.

April 20, 2007

Ray, still not a day goes by that you are not thought about,remembered as a heroe, prayed for, or missed. Frank continues to carry your card in his vest. He is honored to have been your friend, neighbor and brother in blue. Four years ago, I wasn't sure how your family would get through the days; but they are strong in will and faith. The girls are turning into wonderful women, with Christina just about to graduate from college and Jessica finishing her first year. Maria is an inspiration to all of us. As always, she is one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever met. Keep watching over the brothers in blue. God Bless your families. We miss you Ray.

Frank, Angie, Kayleigh
Newark PD/Friends

April 16, 2007

It's so hard to believe you have been gone for 4 years. You and yours contiune to be in our prayers and will always be. You will never be forgotten. May God bless you!

Family member of a Pittsburg Police Officer

April 15, 2007

Inspector Geacomelli you sir will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service. You are a hero. Keep watch over us brother. To the family my sincere condolences and even though I did not know Ray thank you for sharing him with us.

Bobby Boyd
Winston-Salem NC Police Dept

March 2, 2007

You are missed by so many. Just wanted to let you know you are always in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless

Frank, Angie & Kayleigh
Newark Police/Friends

December 14, 2006

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

shannon
Collins Fire Dept. (Mississippi)

December 10, 2006

Your wife and daughters are so beautiful and gracious and your picture is so handsome. Its so unfair that you are not here together with them. Thank you for your dedication to protect and serve all of us.

Carol Espinoza, Mother
Officer Isaac Espinoza, SFPD, EOW 4/10/04

November 11, 2006

We never met, but I know of you from the many people you left behinf who miss you and hurt because you are not here. Your life touched them and you made an impact you did make a difference. You will never be forgotten.

October 6, 2006

You will always be remembered! Not a day should go by without a reflection!!

September 29, 2006

About two weeks before this tragedy, I stopped a DUI suspect on I-5, south of SR-152 near Los Banos, miles from any back-up unit. After I got the suspect out of the vehicle I was greeted by Ray, who had been traveling with his family. Ray walked up, identified himself to me as a fellow Officer and assisted me with the DUI investigation. Though the suspect was roudy, drunk and ultimately turned out to be suicidal, I felt secure having a fellow Officer with me out there. I remember looking into the SUV at Ray's wife and girls and being thankful to Ray for stopping to help me out.

I don't think it was until after I thanked Ray for his help and he and his family were on their way again when I found the loaded .45 cal pistol next to the driver's seat. There also a tazer hidden in a pouch under the driver's seat.

I had been an Officer for about eight months on that day. I was sickened several days later when the Duty Sergeant read the bulletin about what had happened to Ray.

When I contacted that suspect he could have easily done something terrible to me, but I believe that because I had another Officer with me the suspect did nothing. Ray may have been just stopping to help out, but he very well may have saved my life. I only knew Ray for about 20 minutes, but I will be thankful to him for the rest of my life.

Sometimes guardian angels don't have wings. Sometimes they are just traveling with their families and decide to stop and help out a new Officer.

Thank You Ray, God Bless your family.

Officer John Wilson
Los Banos CHP

July 21, 2006

I am a friend of Rays dear sister Regina. I wish to extend my love and prayers to Regina, her brother Leo and her parents. It has been three years but I know the pain is still there for the four of them. No one can replace such a wonderful brother or son. Regina I know what Ray meant to you. You were always there for him and his family. I know how proud you were of Ray and I want you to always remember he loved you too.

always, your friend, jlr

June 29, 2006

happy fathers day!!!

June 18, 2006

ray, Your little girl graduated today, i know how proud you must be. she stould in front of everybody and gave a wonderfull speach thanking you for the great upbringing you gave her and her sister, and i know she will continue to make you proud. 06/06/06

June 7, 2006

Ray, we are always thinking of you and your family and especially this week when we are thinking of so many Angels in Blue. It's National Police Officers Week. Kayleigh turned 12 on National Police Officer Day, May 15 and has always been so proud to be born on that day. We know you watch over your family and friends and your fellow officers at Pittsburg. We weren't able to make your prayer service last month, but Frank and Kayleigh really enjoyed going by to see Maria, Christina & Jessica afterwards. Please remember that you are in our thoughts and prayers always. You will never be forgotten, just look at all the reflections you continue to receive from people. You are thought of and missed very much. God Bless .

Frank Angie & Kayleigh
Friends from Sienna

May 19, 2006

Ray, I can hardly believe three years have passed and almost four since we first met at the Cold Case seminar. Your sense of humor and free spirit brought a "ray" of sunshine onto the world. May you truly enjoy your eternal rest and rest assured you made a difference!

Joe Breister, Bureau Chief
El Paso County Sheriff's Office

May 1, 2006

It has been 3 years since your tour of duty ended, I'm sure it feels longer than that for your family and close friends. I know they miss your smile, warm touch, distinct laugh. Those will forever be in their hearts as you will never be forgotten. Keep watch over your family and protect them. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

April 15, 2006

To Ray, Maria, and his beautiful daughters:

As the Pittsburg Police Dept. family honors your memory with the wreath laying ceremony today, please forgive me for not physically being present. I am in L.A. where I presented Larry's memorial items for the LAPD officer who is riding for Larry on the Police Unity Tour. I am with you all in spirit and have lit a blue candle in your memory today on this the third anniversary date of your tragic death.

Phyllis Loya

April 15, 2006

To Inspector Ray Giacomelli, his wife Maria and his two beautiful daughters, and his other loved ones:

Ray, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Ray. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.
I know that you and Larry have forged a special bond just as our family has done with your family. We know that you guys are watching over your loving wives, your two most beautiful girls and baby Cody, your parents, your siblings, and your fellow officers.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Ray gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 15, 2003.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 18, 2006

Hey, thanks for the help on how to investigate homicides... I can never repay you!! I know your taking care of your family from your hunter's perch. Till we see each other again. Thanks

February 8, 2006