Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Mrs. Phyllis Loya and all the family of Officer Lasater I would like to say I'm sorry for your loss as well and thank you for leaving the kind words on Keith's refection page. You don't know how much it means to me to see new postings on it. You were right, Mrs. Loya, Keith was a special person as I am sure your son was; as well as all of the fallen heros on this website. I thank God that Keuth was not shot to death, and at the same time wish that it never had happened to your son or any other officer. I could not imagine anyone deliberily taking Keith's life. Words cannot express my sorrow I feel for you and your family. Please let James know that he is not alone, that we are now the club that no one wants to join together. I hope he is going to the siblings retreat that COPS will be having next month in Missouri. I would like to meet him and let him know that I'm praying for him. I also hope your will be attending the parents retreat at the end of next month. My parents will be there and I'm sure they would love to meet you. Please let James know that the way I get through my pain is have faith in Jesus to see through on a daily basis and I keep his memory alive by remembering the good times, sharing stories, responding to posts on this webpage, and praying for others who are in the same situation. Keith was my only brother. I had no sisters. I will never get over the loss, as I am sure James will never get over his loss either, but believe me trusting Jesus really does make the difference! If ever I can do anything for you and your family, please let me know. If James ever needs a friend to talk to, I will be more than happen to talk and listen - I can relate. I can be reached through the head of the South Carolina COPS director, Beverly Coats or you can leave contact information of Keith's webpage. May God bless you all.

Kevin Cannon
Brother of Keith Cannon EOW 5/4/05

August 22, 2005

You'll never be forgotten. You touched more lives in your 35 years than most people do in their lifetime. You really lived life to the fullest. Your ambition was amazing. I can only imagine what you would have done if your life wasn't cut short. You did almost everything that you wanted. The only thing you didn't get to do is to be a father. That is heartbreaking. What an amazing dad you would have been.

August 21, 2005

As the sun sets on us we again lose another officer. A man that stood strong willing to protect us as we sleep. A man that had compassion when children needed kindness. A man that has a family. How can we as simple men and women express our loss of a brother? How can we ever begin to show our hurt for his family. All we can say is that we will not let them beat us down. When it is our time to replace our badge upon our chest and step out into the night we will remember men like Larry Lasater. And so many others that fall. We owe it to them and to their love ones.

Officer Brett A.Bruner

August 20, 2005

As I read the reflections your friends and family have left you it brings tears to my eyes. I didn't know you, but we as law enforcement care about one another. It's quite obvious that a great guy is now looking over his loved ones from the heavens above. I had a partner that attended a SWAT School shortly before your death; he thought very highly of you after spending a short time with you. God bless you and your family; rest in peace brother.

Detective Doug Sullivan
Fresno County Sheriff's Dept.

August 19, 2005

I miss you

August 19, 2005

Seeing your headstone yesterday was so hard for James. He loved his little brother so much. The reality of seeing your name and your pictures made the finality of it sink in for him, and it was too much for him to bear. He has cried a river of tears for you since that awful night of April 23rd. It was always the two of you, and so it will be forever more in his heart and mine. He called both of your grandmothers and your Uncle Ron and read them the inscription. His agony was hard to see. Loving you forever and a day.

August 18, 2005

Today your headstone was placed on your grave. Jo Ann did such a beautiful job designing it and it turned out in your words "awesome". It was hard because none of us ever envisioned standing over your grave admiring your headstone. If I could have traded places with you, you know that I would have instantly done it. At the same time, I know you would gladly have given your life for the safety of any of us that were there this morning. I think it is a real tribute to your character that you are so loved by your in-laws. Your academy motto that Pride is Forever is so true. We will always be so proud of you, and nothing can ever diminish the love we have for you.
Loving you always until we are together again.

August 17, 2005

Ms. Loya,

I just wanted to thank you for the reflection you left for Sgt. Roger Motley, EOW 10/04/1993. Please know that all of us who carry a badge with honor are part of an extended family that stretches from coast to coast. Each time one of our brothers or sisters are taken from us, a part of each of us goes with them.

I was a young deputy sheriff finishing college when Sgt. Motley was murdered. I responded to the scene that day in October 1993 and will forever be haunted by what I observed. I am also haunted by the memories of transporting his murderers to and from court and having to look into Lyon's eyes each time. I had never stood in the presence of such evil. Although I know it will never bring Roger back, I too am glad that justice was finally served last week.

I was also there the day Larry's life was honored in Concord. Although I did not know him, I knew that I had to be there. I shed tears with everyone as you spoke, as his best friends talked of Larry's life and addressed Cody, as your other son spoke of his wonderful brother. There was no mistaking that not only was Larry a hero, he was a great friend, husband, son, brother, Marine, and Police Officer. I wish I could have had the honor of knowing him. His life is an example of how we should all strive to live.

May God Bless you, Jo Ann, Cody, all of your family, and the men and women of the Pittsburg Police Department.

Mike, Special Agent
FBI

August 16, 2005

The credit belongs to the one who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if they fail, at least fails while daring greatly. So that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

Terry Donovan
spouse of Amy Lynn Donovan Austin P.D. E.O.W. 31 Oct 2004
2005-05-10

August 13, 2005

I am missing you so much today, but then I miss you every minute of every day. Losing you was like losing a big chunk of my heart. Those fatal shots also killed a part of everyone who knew you and cared about you. Everyone is trying to be strong for each other. I look at my note from you that was meant to strengthen me during a time of trouble and it says, "Keep your chin up". And I am trying, Lar, but my heart is breaking. You have to know how we all love you. JoAnn and Cody look so beautiful together and I scream inside at the unfairness of you not being there with them...with us. Please watch over us.

August 13, 2005

Larry, we had such a nice evening with little Cody last night. I took him to football practice to watch his big cousins, Joseph & Vincent practice. He loves being wheeled across the grass in his stroller - we say he's 'four-wheeling'. The bumpier the ground, the happier he is! He's your son - he likes the adventure. The boys love pushing him around in his stroller. Then, after practice, we went to the sporting goods store. Joseph & Vincent wanted to buy him his first football. Vincent insisted we buy one in 49'er colors; Joseph insisted we buy one in Raider colors.... The boys finally agreed since they could not agree, that they should scratch the football idea and buy Cody a soccer ball, so, Cody got his first soccer ball last night! Cody is such a good baby. You would be so proud of him. He already holds his head up so well! He's such a joy to have around. I love being his auntie! Joseph and Vincent have been working all week on 'your' football team. They are going to make your picks this year for your fantasicy football team. They are actually working together on this... They want you to have the best team ever! They know you loved picking your team. Jo Ann is going to take the boys this Saturday to make the picks with all the other officers. I'm sure you will be there with everyone in spirt.
Forever in our hearts,
The Ferrante's

L.Ferrante
Sister-in-Law

August 9, 2005

Your son is so adorable. You would be so happy right now, we all would. I can't help but torture myself with thoughts of what should have been.

Still missing you and loving you. I will mourn you forever.

August 9, 2005

Our family misses you terribly. You are in our thoughts and prayers every minute of every day. The boys pray at night and talk to you. I hope you can hear them. Daniel sings songs about his fallen hero. Nicholas wants to play basketball at North Carolina State to honor his favorite uncle. Dominic talks about you and how sad he is that you are in heaven. We are all so happy to have Cody in our lives as a constant reminder of you. We will never forget you, brother, uncle, friend.

D. Lucido

August 6, 2005

Time does not heal all wounds.... Sometimes time makes wounds hurt more and more.... Larry, your family misses you more and more each day. I know you live on in your beautiful, beautiful, BEAUTIFUL baby boy, Cody. He is such a special gift from God and you. We all treasure him. He looks like his wonderful father. I see you in your wonderful nephews. They miss you terribly.... I know they will honor you forever by striving to become like the wonderful man you were and the honorable adults you would have expected them to become. Vincent tries to run fast like you, Joseph tries to take care of Cody. They both promise to teach him about you and your love of life and all that is good. They also promise to teach him all that they know about sports, just like you would have done. Our entire family is so devastated by your death. I see no end to our pain. Everyday without you is just a further reminder of how much you were a part of our lives... I know you are in a very special place in heaven. In our hearts forever, The Ferrante's

L.Ferrante

August 5, 2005

To the Lasater family, loved ones and the Pittsburg PD family,

As we at the San Leandro Police Dept mourn the loss of our officer, Dan Niemi EOW 07-25-05, my heart goes out to you all over again. I was shocked, sad and angry when I first heard of your loss back in April. I, like so many others who had never actually met Larry, wept as I watched the news feeling outraged that some crook could take the life of a hero in blue. Until July 25th I could only imagine the depth of your loss and grief. Unfortunately I now know firsthand.

I had never even heard of this website until doing a search on Dan Niemi's name. It was so touching to see a reflection from Jo Ann Lasater, Larry's wife. Thank you for your kind words. You've honored both Larry and Dan's memory by continuing to support your family in blue. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with your family. May Larry's son always be reminded that his father was a true hero.

Dispatcher
San Leandro Police

August 5, 2005

I miss you with all my heart. I'll always love you and will forever miss your sense of humor, your smile and your love of life. You're my hero and my best friend. Your son will know what a remarkable man you are. All my love, all my life...

August 3, 2005

I come to the Officer Down site a number of times a day and always hope that a new name will not appear but we all know that as long as there is darkness in this world and individuals like you, Jeff Hewitt and my son Michael who have taken up the job to carry a torch into that darkness, other names of brave police officers will continue to appear here. I have added your picture to several other police officer heroes also killed in the line of duty that I light candles for as a way of thanking you for your sacrifice and that you are not forgotten. Your family has a tough road ahead of them, as all of us do. We can only take one day at a time and keep your memory alive. I see that a new baby has either arrived or is close, I know you will be with that baby every day of his or her life watching over the child. Your wife and proud grand parents will let your child know all about you and that you are a true hero. I can not express my appreciation in words to your Mom for visiting and leaving reflections for my son Mike. I know her pain and what she feels every day and some days we don't even know how we will make it, but we do. I know you have met up with Jeff and Mike and you vets are telling your war stories not to mention your police stories. My Mike was quite a story teller and will keep all of you laughing. Take care, I'll stop in agan for a visit.

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

Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, Illinois

August 3, 2005

You lost your life protecting others. You are a true hero. I never got to meet you, but I feel as though I know you through the loving words of your wife. She loved you so much. You may be gone from our site, but you will never be gone from our hearts.

Wife of a Concord, CA Police Officer

July 26, 2005

Another senseless murder of an officer just carrying out his duty occurred last night in San Leandro. It was like losing you all over again. It seems as if this madness will never stop. We will try to honor his sacrifice in the same way your sacrifice was honored.

July 26, 2005

As I visited the memorial page of our son, Sgt. Jeff Hewitt-eow 04-04-04-my heart was filled with sadness to learn of yet another mothers grief. Larry, your mom's reflection meant so much to us as we still struggle each day to cope with our loss. We know Jeff has one more "brother" with him in Heaven and we know we'll be with you all again someday but for those of us left behind the grief just never seems to ease. We will hold your mom, your wife and baby in our hearts and in our prayers always as they face each and every day without you. We were in D.C. this year for the Memorial services as each fallen officer of 2004 was honored and their name placed forever on the Wall. What an awsome and overwhelming experience.The numbers are staggering and they just keep growing. We heard so many stories of broken lives an shattered dreams. we are losing so many young men and women in their 20's and 30's. Jeff had just turned 34 in March and we lost him in April. Your family lost you at age 35. You were both "former Marines", because as Jeff always said, there are no X Marines. He served 6 years as an MP and served time in the Gulf during Desert Storm. He loved law enforcement just as I am sure you did, giving his all to keep others safe only to have some crazed person take your lives so senslessly. I know your mom will be surrounded by so much love and your "brothers will be there to see to her every need. We have been so blessed with such a wonderful, caring "family" as the Sheriff's dept. walks beside us each step of our journey. Mom, keep the faith and never, ever be afraid to shed your tears for years to come. I still cry at the most unexpected times , just as his dad and sisters do. We have lost our sons and we will never get to hold them again, to tell them we love them and let them know just how proud we are of them. Just as we light a blue candle for Michael Gordon and Jeff we will light one for Larry. God has chosen our sons to patrol the streets of Heaven and someday we'll understand why. Please take care and know you are not alone in your grief. May God bless you always.
Bill and Pat Hewitt
Parents of Sgt. Jeff hewitt,
Buncombe County Sheriff's Dept.
Buncombe County, N.C.

July 17, 2005

To Joann and Cody. Welcome to our community, baby Cody. Your daddy served it so well. I know that your daddy is looking down now and is so proud of his family. There are lots of people that care about you. Your daddy was a wonderful man. God bless you.

Concerned citizen

Grateful citizen

July 15, 2005

Larry-I have never left more than one reflection on any one site other than this one and my friend, Officer Larry Cox. But I just read several reflections that your mother has left for other officers. Your mother reminds me so much of my Larrys mother. They both seem so strong, so supportive and so loving of their sons.

You and Larry Cox try to watch over all of us, I have a feeling that the two of you have already met. You are so much alike in many ways. We all three know that.

You sir, are nothing less of a hero. Rest easy. May God watch over all of our families.

ROSS COUNTY OHIO SHERIFF DEPARTMENT
CHILLICOTHE OHIO POLICE DEPARTMENT

July 14, 2005

Officer Lasater, I read the reflection your mother left on Sgt Hewitts memorial page and it broke my heart. She misses you dearly and is reaching out to other families to remain close...we'll take care of her, I know you will too!

We lost Jeff last April, also by gunfire, and our dept still carrys the pain, I'm sure we always will. Jeff was our brother, as you, and all other officers are.

I am so proud of you and the job you did for the citizens you swore to protect....god speed brother, we'll take it from here.

To your family, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, where we keep Jeff's family, and may God give you the comfort you need.

Sgt Helen Hall
Buncombe Co Sheriff's Dept, Asheville, NC

Sgt Helen Hall
Buncombe Co. Sheriff's Dept.

July 12, 2005

Officer Lasater, you are a true hero. Your Mom left a beautiful reflection on my son Michael's page, I thank her for that. I know the pain she is feeling right now and the broken heart she suffers from. My wife has not yet posted on our sons page, it is too hard for her yet and I totally understand. My son has 4 children, the youngest is his daughter who was 6 months old when he was killed. She came premature and we almost lost her as she weighed only 2 lbs. Was she sent to him early so he could see her? We like to think that as he prayed for her in the chapel at the hospital every night. She has his smile and his 6 year old son is like looking back 25 years ago when our son was his age. Some times its hard but we wouldn't trade them for all the money in the world. Your Mom, wife and Cody are now part of a club no one wants to be a part of, Gold Star. We all know the pain involved in losing an officer. I spent 30 years on the job and got only a few scratches and I never dreamed I would have a son killed in the line of duty. Me the macho cop has cried every day for 11 months and I'm sure there will many more days ahead as I will never forget him. If posible, I will try and get a letter to your Mom and family to try and give some comfort, they are not alone. You will be honored next May in Washington, DC, you deserve it as you are a true American Hero and you will never be forgotten. I also salute you for your dedicated service to your department and to your country. God bless the Lasater family.

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

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

July 10, 2005

I recall first meeting you in the academy. You were a steller cop and a first class person. You will be missed, but don't worry we will take care of those that need taking care of. Your mom misses you and wishes to pass on how proud she is of you.

Deputy Sheriff
Contra Costa County Sheriff

July 9, 2005