Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I am 26 today. This year i am spending it in the middle east, alone. We try to make the best out of living in tents, walking miles to the nearest bathroom and it being hot as hell in May. My friends made a birthday cake, it was really sweet considering it was made out of ice cream with cookies crumbled over it. It was a good day overall, busy and thats all you can pray for. Because its the quietness that kills me, most nights. But tonight its diffrent. A week from today it has been 5 years. As i start to drift off to sleep i thinking about you.

I think about what you would think of me now, if you were to see me all suited up, not to play war this time but the real deal. I think you would have told me "Its time to kick a lil ass", hit me on the helmet and wish me well. I know that if you were still here i would be telling you about all my adventures, you would tell me the history of it, and papa would tell the storys behind it all.

I reflect on all the things you taught me, and how we are all apart of something bigger then ourselves. You were the kind of person who didnt have to be blood related to call someone family, there wasnt a favor someone had to return in order for you to consider them a friend. And the last time you kissed the ones you loved goodbye and or good night they never knew that it would be the last.

I am grateful for the time we spent and regret nothing of the way we spent it. Time is never time at all, you can never ever leave without leaving a piece of you. That is where i will always find you suspended in time, in a memory. Forever, until we meet again

As my day finally comes to a close and my eyes are getting heavy, tonight i know i can sleep peacefully because you are watching over me.

Being a lover of History, Myself a lover of writting, i stumbled across this quote and thought you might like it. It reminds me of you, and how you lived.

'War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.'

John Stuart Mill
English economist & philosopher (1806 - 1873)


Love always
K

K
USAF

February 12, 2010

Hey Big Man. There is no special reason for this ...I was just thinking of you after an officer in Utah was killed today. Plus, I saw Davey today and did some training with Robbie and Janit B. today too. Couldn't help but think of you. I talked to your dad this week. He always gets quiet when we talk and I know he is thinking about you. Our agency put out a yearbook a while back. The book had two pages about you. I wrote the text...I hope it was OK. It made me cry to write it. I still cry when I read it. I'm going to come visit you and Rogee this week. I haven't been up there in a bit....I know you both know why. Keep the campfire going boys...I'll talk to you soon.

Proverbs 28:1

A

A

January 5, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifth 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 am mesmerized by your smile...it must have lit up a room and anyone with a grin that infectious must have lived their life with total passion. You sound like such a great guy who is loved and missed by so many.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Lasater

May 11, 2009

5 years JW and still miss you every day, please contiune to watch over us . I miss that smile and ugly teal shirt.

Davey
Deputy

May 11, 2009

J DUB, its been four years and it still hurts, miss you man and visit you often , can't drive up 395 without giving you a shoutout. i know you still watch over your girls and the rest of the fellas.. god speed sir , your smile said it all
Davey

davey

May 11, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones. I know they will get through this day as they have in the past and will be thinking of you as they do every day and don't need a special day. You will forever be carried with love in their hearts. Continue to keep watch over them and protect them. You have not been forgotten.

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

May 11, 2008

I turned 25 on Suday and couldnt help to think about how you would think of me now, im sitting here in Colorado, like you were many years ago being a cowboy. Than I got to thinking about the last time we talked on the phone was my 21st birthday, and the last time I saw you was on that sunday before you passed.

I think back on my life like we all do every year. I wonder if you would be proud of me, and who I have become. Sometimes I wish that I could go back to where I would just play ball in your back yard, drink strawberry kiwi soda, and play 4 kings in a corner...remember looser has to pick something up and put it away. I think I get the sore looser part from you...remeber when Keith finally beat you in risk and you walked off. Just the other day I lost a wallyball game and didnt talk to anyone for the rest of the day.

I really miss that time in my life. June 10th 2002, was a real hard day...Tommys funeral, I never thought that I would stop cying, until you told me....'Hey he wouldnt want us to cry' and you made jokes and told stories. You made me smile a bit and that was enough to get me to just breathe, and not be so consumed. I'm real sorry that i couldnt be that way at yours, it was just too hard.

Do you remember when Grandma Wiberg passed and we were sitting at the viewing for what seemed like forever to a kid...and Keith, Krsitine and I said we want to go home,and you said to us...'You never leave untill they make you leave. You dont leave them here to be alone, for all the times they were there for you, thats all you can do now'and than you told us to promise to never leave you there alone. I didnt know that it would have to do that so soon.

When Tommy passed away and we all said our last good byes I was the last to leave. When we left the funeral I was the last to leave. and I did it for you. I stayed to the end. that doesnt make me special or worthy of an award. i did it because i love you. and eventhough it was hard at the time i didnt leave, because i really couldnt be anywhere but there, with you...i couldnt stand to leave you there alone.

After that it took me a long time not feel so broken. and even after i joined the AF, i still couldnt fix it all. but that changed just alittle bit ago. I have a husband(almost) and a daughter who looks a year old, but who i'snt quite 7 months. Reminds me of another chubby baby. she has a bubbly personailty, and it is the greatest feeling in the world to know I have people I can come home too.
I can now see why you would drive 4 hrs to see me play ball even if i did sit the bench. you still were proud that i made the team. you were proud of me. and when i would dissapoint you which i know i did a time or two, but i can remember you always saying 'i always thought of you as my first born, thats why i'm upset' and the last vist that i had with you smoothed over 2 yrs of anger and hurt, just by me saying that i was sorry and i loved you. being a parent now i do see the world diffrent...and loving someone unconditionally like you loved me, like i love my 'first born' is all i really need.
I left 3 yrs ago, to make my life my own although the govt likes to remind me that it really belongs to them :) i can say this...you did what you wanted to do, left home, travled, and made a life. you fought the good fight, and were a friend to anyone you would meet.
The last time i hugged you, it felt like it did when i was young and with you....the world was my play ground, people were still good, and heroes were still cowboys.

May 7, 2008

Johnny,

Been thinking a lot about you in the past couple weeks. Had a chat with your daughter the other night. they are all growing up. Man, would you be proud. Coming up on 4 years gone. sometimes it seems like it was just last night. I miss you brother, keep a watch on the fellas

1484

March 9, 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 11, 2007

It has been a little over three years since you were taken from us. The times have been hard, somedays good, somedays bad... I can assure you that your girls are doing great, Leysa was awarded with highest honors in ROTC being given the Junior Superior Cadet Award as a Freshman in high school, Rebecca is an honor student going into 6th grade,she has so much of you in her, her sarcasm, her personality, and her love for reading and history. Heather is just like you, her smile and love for life is infectious to everyone she meets, she is also and honor student as she heads into 4th grade, and Victoria... She is an amazing child, she stives to do her best at everything she sets out to do, she is a bit on the uncoordinated side, but is again a joy to everyone she meets, she is in the top of her class as she heads into 2nd grade. One look at your girls and anyone can see that they are a reflection of and on you... You raised those girls as your number one priority and it is evident. In my experience with them, they have been not only a pleasure and a joy, but very respectful and proud of who they are. That reflects on both you and your wife in your efforts to raise the girls. Times have been a bit tough on the rest of the family, your wife thinks about you every day, even though she has moved on, we all know that you would not have wanted her to raise the girls alone, most of your fellow officers have held to their words of always watching over the family. Your true friends have been there for both Dena and the girls as they continue to live their lives with you in their hearts and not by their sides.

You are loved and missed by many, and as I am sure you have seen, you are respected by all!! Your wife and girls are doing well, your friends doing their jobs to protect and serve all of us, your family strives everyday to make the most of what is to come!

You live in all of us who have known you, you will never be forgotten, your name is a permanent and constant among us!!

I love you and miss you much!!!

a close friend to the family

June 7, 2007

Johnny,

I miss you man. It was funny, I haven't been here in some time and yet, here I am, looking through the internet at our last name and I see yours. I click on the link and it takes me to someone's page that remembers the fallen officers every day of the year. I scroll down to you and bingo, I see your smiling face and I feel joy and sadness all at once. It takes everthing I have to keep it together and to make this entry. I know it was a while ago, but I made it to the Super Bowl between your team and mine, on your birthday no less. You must have been there blocking for ol' Willie Parker because that was the longest run in SB history. Good block cous.

Your Cousin

May 15, 2007

Three years have passed since Deputy Wiberg's physical presence was taken from this earth. I know some days feel like it's been forever since you've seen him, other days, well, it feels like yesterday he was coming around the corner.

Know that you are not alone in your mourning of this great man. The police community as a whole grieves with you as if he were our own husband, our own father, our own son, our own fellow officer. He is not forgotten.

Deputy Wiberg - keep watch over the thin blue line. It's getting thinner...

Wife of an officer

May 11, 2007

JW, its been three years today, and I still think of you everyday, its strange I hadn't seen KT for a while and under strange circumstances last night we met on a call in the valley. I miss you JW .. Keep watching over us ..

Davey

Deputy
WCSO

May 11, 2007

Thank you for your service.

wife of a michigan dep

May 11, 2007

Your smile says everything about you.I bet it sure brightens up heaven.G-d Bless.

May 11, 2007

Well JW I cannot believe how much time has passed by for the past few years. I was in the Evidence lot the other day and saw your vehicle and it brought back lots of memories. It is so weird that just 3 years ago I went to bed on May 10th and my phone rang on May 11th and I got the news that you had been injured in a vehicle accident. As I sit here and type this I look at your photo and I believe Davey said it about your infectious smile and he was right. This is my first rotation off of Graveyard during the month of May. I know that my fellow brothers and your best friend KT will come and visit you tonight. I pray for you and our brothers every night and I miss you. One day I will see you again.

Dep. Robbie Cook
Co-worker, Friend, Fellow Fatty

May 11, 2007

Johnny- - where to start. Funny you always said " just gimmee the first word.." An unconditional hug and direct eye contact had me telling you all. You ALWAYS said something witty, and reflective....alleviating my stress, at least for the moment. It's almost 3 years..today is the Hoff Memorial, 2007. Victor has spent 3 days getting his uniform ready, he's in the Lab now ( Forensic Investigator ) so digging out the pants that fit was...well
really not a big deal- - he's lost weight.It was Very important to have all his stripes and chest lettuce, though. He misses you like " an amigo-rasa " a brother God gives that is a friend. I wish I could say that i no longer cry, but I think I'll cry for your absence until we see each other on the other side.
Thank You, for choosing us as a part of your life. We'll
see you when it's time.
Always ~w

NoRank/JustaSpouse
My Husband's Partner WCSO

May 4, 2007

John, I finally visited DC and the memorial. It is a beautifully sad place. I etched your name from the wall. I hope you and Rogee know that even though I don't visit and sit on the bench (because it makes me cry) I still think of both of you every day, miss you both everyday and love you both everyday. The rodeo was here last week and although I couldn't see you two, I knew you were both in the stands cheering and dreaming of being cowboys. Little Tone was right...I am the last of the Three Amigos. I am certain though, that we will laugh together again, cowboy up together again and ride together again one day.

"In Valor There Is Hope"

A

June 26, 2006

I was the lead paramedic on John this might. I tried to do everything in my power and devoted all my skills to him....I am so sorry I failed in resuscitating John. I am sure he was a great husband, and Dad, as he was a patrolman. Please know that he put up a valiant effort to survive his injuries. His memory will always reside with me. Be well, Michael Opp EMT-P

Michael Opp Paramedic

May 22, 2006

I can't believe it's been two years already. You were so kind and generous to help my family out by watching my son so we wouldn't have to pay for daycare and never asked for a thing in return. It's that heartfelt kindness that I remember most. I know you are watching over your beautiful girls and wife and couldn't be more proud. I think about you and your family often. My thoughts are with them on this anniversary, but I know you are there with them in spirit.

Andrea Laughlin
family friend

May 16, 2006

J DUB !, I tried to write this last night but couldn't, Its been two years and not a day goes by I do not think of you , a song, a trip by the accident scene , or a stop at your final resting place reminds me. you are in my thoughts and heart to this day ! thank you for being my friend JW .... Davey

Dave Deputy

May 12, 2006

You and your family are remembered in prayer on this second anniversary of your tragic death. Rest in peace, sir, and thank you for your service to the community.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

May 11, 2006

A man so remembered with love and respect will always live on in the hearts and minds of others.May Our Lord shower your loved ones with special Blessings.May you Rest in Peace.

May 11, 2006

It has been 2 years since your tour of duty ended. I know the broken hearts are still there and always will be with your loss. They will live with yesterdays every day and will keep you in their hearts always as their love for you will never die out. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

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

Bob Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL

May 10, 2006

John...you were like my 2nd dad growing up! i miss the whole family! im in san diego now but when i heard what happened i lost it. i miss you girls too! you were awesome.

Jamie McGehee

March 28, 2006