Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Darla, we never met but the day you were taken away from my Correctional family was one day before I left corrections for good. A part of me wished he had met before you were taken away so tragically. Your final day will always be tied to my final day. I pray that your soul has found peace in the arms of our maker. Continue the cause by guarding the golden gates in case one of the bad guys makes it past us. We'll see you on the other side one day.

Randolph Merritt Correctional Officer
Jackson Correctional Institution and Gwinnett County Sheriff Office

December 9, 2023

God bless you

Mark Mottola

June 11, 2020

Thank you brave Sister for your ultimate sacrifice protecting our communities. My prayers go out to you and your family, May you walk with Jesus. R.I.P

Deputy Sheriff (Detention) Paul Diaz
Hendry County Sheriff's Office Labelle, FL

April 15, 2020

Rest In Peace Sister LEO. Thank you Hero and your family for your sacrifice and service. Never forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 11, 2019

Rest in peace Correctional Officer Lathrem.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 27, 2019

We hold the line, man the tower and guard the wall
We stand together strong but sometimes fall
We respond without regard for the "officer down" call
And we all mourn deeply when one gives all
Rest in peace and thank you for your sacrifice.

CO Jennifer Anderson
Blackwater River Correctional Facility Milton

April 6, 2019

May God bless Darla and help bring peace to her family and fellow officers. She belonged to a family of officers who have a bond which can never be broken.

Glenn E. Sellers. Florida DOC Insp.
Florida Department of Corrections/Inspector General's Office / Retired

June 13, 2018

Rest in peace Correctional Officer Lathrem. A wonderful lady and a truly honorable heroine.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 9, 2018

Mrs. Bruggeling,
I'm so sorry that its taken soo long to get back to you. I have been out of the correctional business since 2006....I worked with Darla at Charlotte. She was a friend and fellow Christian and I really looked up to her. She was a God fearing woman and looking back, I could say that I loved her like a sister. As the sniper on the hostage recue team, I was among the first to be recalled back to the institution. We found her shortly thereafter. I thank The Good Lord that I had combat experience because I saw her there, and it still drove me to my knees. The sad thing is that I had extensive experience of the inmate that did all this. I had him out of his cell every night to clean up....hindsight....
May he meet with the defiler as sure as Darla met with our savior!

C.O.Sergeant
Florida Department of Corrections

March 2, 2016

I remember it like yesterday. Went to her funeral.So sad a young life was taken ,her family has our deepest sympathies........peace officers are loved by God. May she rest in peace now.

ethel bruggeling
mom of officer

June 17, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

In anticipation of National Police Week 2015 beginning this Sunday, I know that God did not lead my sister, Darla, into destruction in vain, but I so wish she had never applied for the job at Charlotte Correctional Institute where three psychopaths who had nothing to lose were allowed by the administration @ CCI to take her life trying to escape. Thanks to all who have left reflections, they sure mean a lot to my family and I! We sure miss Darla

Janet Best
Darla's sister

May 8, 2015

To all who care so much & are so kind & have done many wonderful things for our family, we appreciate it very much. You and God have carried us through this storm and knowing we will see my sister, Darla, again some day in heaven will get us through these days. We all miss her everyday. God Bless you all!

Carol Lathrem Miller
Sister

May 8, 2015

I reflect on all the laughs we had in the mornings. I remember you laughing so hard during our last conversation. I still talk about how great of an Officer you were and the impact you made in my life and the lives of many. You are missed and I will never forget. R.I.P. my friend.

Deputy Ivan Nelson
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

June 12, 2013

Continue to rest in peace hero. Time does not heal the pain in the hearts of those left behind, but I hope that your parents know that there are many prayers going to them today and always. Correctional Officer Lathrem, we will never forget...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

June 11, 2013

DEAR DARLA AS WE APPROACH YOUR 10TH ANNIVERARY I STILL REMEMBER THE EVENING OF 6/11 03 . IT IS BURNED INTO MY MEMORY AND I WILL TAKE IT TO THE GRAVE WITH ME. I RETURN TO CHARLOTTE EVERY YEAR TO HOLD A MEMORIAL FOR YOU SO THOSE THAT WORK THERE NOW CAN NEVER FORGET WHAT WAS DONE TO YOU. WHEN YOU LEFT I KISSED YOU GOOD BYE. I AM GLAD I WAS THERE TO SEE YOU OFF ON YOUR JOURNEY TO HEAVEN.BOTH NANCY AND I ARE BLESSED TO HAVE YOU TOUCH OUR LIVES. GOD BLESS GERALD &NANCY BEHRENS RETIRED CO'S 5/13

G. BEHRENS CO RETIRED
CHARLOTTE C.I.

May 10, 2013

Darla...your always in my thoughts. RIP!!

E.Claudio

March 17, 2013

We had you as a neighbor and a friend. You were an inspiration to my wife and helped her to feel good, you gave her comfort when she needed so much. You gave your heart to others. We will never forget you. My wife keeps your bible close at all times. We will always remember you Darla. We will always love you.

Steve and Virginia Noble

steve and virginia noble
friends of darla

February 17, 2013

It's been 9 years and it's still hard to believe this horror happened, the pain has not lessened, but as I posted earlier D.O.C. has an angel watching over us now.

Lt. T. Davis
Fl. Dept. of Corrections

August 8, 2012

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. 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

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

June 11, 2012

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. 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

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

June 11, 2012

Although I was never blessed to have met you...your memory lives on through your beautiful sister Janet and darling niece Lindsay!! They love and miss you very much! Rest in Paradise Auntie Darla!!!

Patricia
friend of family

June 11, 2012

My prayers are with your family today and always. May you continue to rest in peace CO Lathrem, we will never forget the sacrifice that you made for all of us. HEROES live forever, and you are a hero....

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

June 11, 2012

Rest in Peace, Correctional Officer Lathrem. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

Thank-you for your brave service. Rest in Peace.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department

December 22, 2010