Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You and all of your loved ones, especially you Mom, are in my thoughts on this special day, Police Officer Memorial Day. I know they think of you every day and carry that special love for you in their broken hearts. Continue to watch over them. I'd like to leave this for you Mom:

"The sense of loss does not diminish with time. In truth, the expression, 'time heals all wounds' is a myth. For parents, the loss of a child is permanent and mental scar tissue really does not grow over the grim memory. Rather, all tears are expended and a dull ache remains."

You will never be forgotten

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

May 15, 2010

Thanks for watching out for Saturday in the CPD Run to Remember. My fall could have been so much worse.
You are forever with me.

Love ya!

Mom

May 3, 2010

Do you know why things are so important to people? I don't, but I do know what my most valued possession is. My most valued possession is my uncle's shigh school football helmet.
The helmet is very old. It is white and maroon. It has colossal mount of battle scars from the game. It was given to me after death. I got really teary eyed when I reeived it. It is so important to me because he was my hero.......
We shared great memories. When I look at the helmet, I always remember the grat times we had together. My favorite memory is probably when I stayed all night at this house. When I was there, I had the time of my life...
Also, I get emotional when I look at the helmet. Thoughts race through my mind. It is very hard to realize that I will never see him again. But I know he is smiling down at all of us.........

Austin was 7 when is Uncle Pat was killed.

From a paper written by Austin Welter
Patrick's nephew

March 29, 2010

You are so missed - your smile - your laughter - your caring nature. I thank God for the opportunity to know the real you.

Anonymous

March 25, 2010

Hey Pat,
It seems like just yesterday when we were all at my parents' house during summertime--that had to be maybe 15 years ago?? Oh how us 4 Roth cousins loved you! I still can't believe what happened to you. Tears are rolling down my cheeks now just thinking about it. I can't imagine how your family deals with this. This blog though is pretty neat. After reading what others wrote and now writing something, I really do feel like I'm talking to you and you're listening.
Pat, you are GREATLY missed and remembered with honor. What a true testament to who you are and how you were raised.
Big hugs on behalf of the 4 cousins:)

Emily
Cousin

March 24, 2010

Pub crawl 2010 - what fun! Every year I expect to see you there because this event is so you.
I love you and miss you today as always.
Forever in my heart,

Mom

March 1, 2010

Whats up pal? saw your mom and Big Bob tonight at Catherine and Gonzo"s wedding. It was a good time and loved seeing everyone. Miss u so much pal, think about u all the time!!!

Adam
MPD

January 31, 2010

Tomorrow is Gonzo & Katherine's wedding. This one will be hard. So many of your friends from Markham PD will be there. No matter what length of time passes; your absence will be felt.
My heart still hurts!
Love you forever,

Mom

January 29, 2010

hey big papa..
heard this song today by toby keith for the first time and it took my breath away..it says exactly how it is...you're smile is missed everyday..

I’m gonna miss that smile
I’m gonna miss you my friend
Even though it hurts the way it ended up
I’d do it all again
So play it sweet in heaven
‘Cause that’s right where you wana be
I’m not crying because I feel so sorry for you
I’m crying for me

I got up and dialed your number
And your voice came on the line
That old familiar message
I heard a thousand times it just said
Sorry that I missed you
Leave a message and god bless
I know you think I’m crazy
But I had to hear your voice again

I’m gonna miss that smile
I’m gonna miss you my friend
Even though it hurts the way it ended up
I’d do it all again
So play it sweet in heaven
‘Cause that’s right where you wana be
I’m not crying because I feel so sorry for you
I’m crying for me

Anonymous

January 14, 2010

I can't believe its been 5 years! I think of you often especially now ... your birthday has passed and the holidays are here. You would be so proud of your mom and dad. They keep us all going ... especially with the golf outing. We all love and miss you. Still we wonder why you and now we're left to wonder why Nicki ... I know she's in good hands and you'll both be watching over us. I can't think of two better guardian angels.

Jennifer

December 24, 2009

Hey Patrick, Another Christmas is upon us and your birthday has just passed it is hard to believe it's been over 5 years we miss you so much. Take care of Nikki up there... Love ya

Dad

December 21, 2009

Patrick,
Once again I need to thank you for having such wonderful friends. Others have told me difficult this anniversary would be. But with the help of co-workers-friends (one in the same), I survived. Please watch over these great people and keep them save.
You will forever be in my heart.
Love ya !

Mom

December 2, 2009

Pat,

Your in my Thoughts today. Miss you. I would trade your place in a heartbeat. Tell GOD I said "Whats UP" I'm sure you will remember that joke.. :) From church.
Love,
Christina

Anonymous

November 26, 2009

i can't believe how hard this time of year is. its been five years, but it still feels like yesterday. i see the strength in your mom and bob--and am thankful that you brought all of these amazing people together! thank you for being you! i miss you everyday!

Anonymous

November 26, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 5th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you. The hurt of losing our beloved officers and family members never goes away, but the pain and the pride are both forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 25, 2009

As the holiday season approaches, my heart aches from reliving Thanksgiving 2004. I will never be the same person – sadder but stronger from time spent with you.
Missing you today and always.

Anonymous

November 17, 2009

You would be so proud of Austin - he is quite the athlete. He plays like you - giving 200% - what he lacks in ability he more than makes up for with his understanding of the game. He has no fear which may not be a good thing but very familiar to me from all the time I spent watching you. Please keep an eye on him.
You are forever in my heart
Love ya,

Mom

November 10, 2009

Patrick, Mom and I are leaving for parents retreat in Little Rock tomorrow night. We are going to stay at Shane's then fly out friday morning. We will be with alot of our friends we have met over the past few years who have lost their kids. I miss you so much.

Dad

October 28, 2009

I just read Sam's reflection,you are missed by so many people buddy I had to laugh with tears in my eyes. I love you and miss you.

Dad

October 19, 2009

Sam,
Thank you for sharing your memories of Pat. Missing him as I do, it warmed my heart to know that someone else missing him too. After reading your stories, I can see Pat with you guys at Markham PD - nothing ever surprised me.
Be safe,

Patrick's Mom

October 16, 2009

Hey Pat,

I was in the locker room the other day arguing about college football with another officer and I read some sick but hilarious joke that I can't repeat that you'd written on a locker years ago and man, the memories just rushed back like the time you left garbage on all of our cars in the parking lot. We got you back good by trashing your white pickup truck (you forgot to lock the door). You were such a nut. You fit right in the Peanut Gallery from Day One.

I remember another time when we'd locked up some clown and he said something your mother and I had to practically tackle you to keep you from killing him, saying, "Calm down, Pat. He just yanking your chain. He doesn't even know your mother."

Oh man and what about the time I was going to arrest a guy for body-slamming his wife and looking for someone to go with me. You were the first to volunteer and said, "Lets go!" The guy was bigger than both of us put together but we jumped all over him when he resisted and got him.

And you and Ramon used to go round and round everyday pulling pranks on each other. We really miss your laughter and energy. You were a lunatic and I mean that in a good way. I look at your picture and it must have been one of the handful of times when you didn't have that big smile on your face.

I remember the hell you gave me when I was the watch commander and the director wanted us to wear our hats. I'm practically begging you to wear your hat and you refused because you didn't want to mess up your hair because the ladies loved the Tom Cruise look. I had to make excuses for you when the director saw you without your hat but I couldn't stay mad at you because I knew, at the end of the day, if all hell broke loose on the street, you'd be right there unflinchingly with us in the eye of the storm.

This is the part of the job I never signed up for, having had the pleasure of working with and later having to endure the heartbreak of losing three good, good police officers and even better men in the line of duty, you in 2004, Eric DeWit in 2003 and Sean Laura in 1997.

Here today, gone tomorrow. Joy and pain. Sunshine and rain. Life can deal us some lethal, horrific blows. But what makes me thankful is that the Lord allowed me to cross paths with each of these young men and my life became richer for it. The memories become like treasured jewels that no one can take from any of us who knew these young men.

I'm not one for being emotional and sensitive and I know you'd call me a schmuck for getting sentimental, Pat, but hey, I have to allow myself room to be human sometimes.

Miss you, Brother.

Sam Harris
Markham (IL) Police Department

October 12, 2009

Patrick, mom and A.J. just finished the 25 mile walk in D.C. in your honor. I can't believe it has been almost 5 years now. I miss you so much. love Dad.

Anonymous

October 11, 2009

Friday AJ & I will be flying to Washington DC to participate in the 2009 COPS Walk. When I broke two bones in my right foot Aug 21st, a few people questioned my ability to take part in this year's event. You are my inspiration for all I do - Run to Remember - Run for Cops -C.O.P.S. Walk. How could I not go? I know you will be there with me - just help me get to the finish line.
Love you forever,

Mom

October 6, 2009

well buddy the golf tournament went very well again, great weather and a good turnout looks like we raised our goal again for the scholarships. I love you and miss you. Dad

Anonymous

September 22, 2009

Sometimes the tears from missing you come out of nowhere. Yesterday, the former Chief of Police from Pekin City called questioning a gun that belonged to your Dad. Thankfully, he left a message because I could not talk - I just cried. Why??? not sure - just a sadness from my heart.
On a positive note - last weekend's golf outing when well - in spite of my broken foot. It was great to see your friends - I'm just so busy that I don't have the time to spend with everyone that I would like.
The foot better heal quickly because on Oct 9th I will be starting my 25 Mile COPS Walk in DC - seven weeks to the day that I gracefully jumped when I should not have.
I miss you so much - more than I dreamed possible.
Love you forever.

Mom

September 4, 2009