Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Phyliss Loya-Lasater

I am so very sorry for your loss. I see you get a lot of support on this site but I just wanted you to know there is a site on facebook called Grieving Mothers that has helped me thru my stuggles of losing my daughter. Just thought Id share with you just in case you are looking for more support. It has about 20,000 mothers who have lost children from infants all the way up to adults who have dies in war. I know it helps me to talk with other mothers who know what I go thru so just wanted to offer it to you as well. Again Im very sorry about your son, I did not know him but he seemed like a wonderful person! Take care!

Kristen
Pittsburg resident

April 24, 2014

I'm thinking of you and Cody - my dear Friend JoAnn.... You know that Larry is so proud of you and the strong woman you have become having to survive raising Cody as a single mother but still instill in Cody his dad's love and spirit. You have done an amazing job as a mother. Personally, as a friend - I am so proud of you and honored to call you my friend. I admire your strength and determination. I wish I would have known Larry. I know I would have liked him and I definitely know he and Jeff would have been great friends. They are probably laughing and having a beer right now - telling stories of how wimpy their wives use to be or laughing at how far we've come.... Stay strong my friend..... you and Cody have ALOT of love and a BIG family surrounding you!!

Crystal Mitchell
Surviving Wife of Deputy Jeff Mitchell - EOW 10-27-06

April 23, 2014

I have never written here but I see your name in Pittsburg on the freeway visiting my daughter I am a close friend of the Espinoza family and Issac was my sons best friend and godfather to my grandaughter. I am so sorry for your moms loss and your wife and son
She writes so beautiful to u and I feel her pain I know you are with Issac and watching over us all you are not forgotten

Marian Caruso
Friend of Issac Espinoza and gamily

April 13, 2014

Miss you more and more each day. I'm so grateful for the support that I have. Without my parents, sisters, and close friends, I would never be able to ride in the Police Unity Tour for the third year. They will all take good care of him while I'm gone.
Cody keeps me going and you'd be so proud of him.

JoAnn
Wife

April 6, 2014

I miss you so much. Forever in my heart. Forever in my soul. Each memory is so precious, and I am forever grateful to be your mom.

Loving you forever and a day.

Mom

March 28, 2014

Officer Lasater,

While I never had the opportunity to meet you, you must have been an amazing person, as your mother is an amazing person, and I believe she passed every bit of it to you.

Ms. Lasater-Loya,

You are an incredibly strong person, and every officer and deputy around the world would be proud to know you and the support you've given us. While I am deeply sorry about what happened to your son, he continues to help people by giving life by donating his organs and through giving us a warrior like you to help families and friends of fallen officers.

Thank you. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Colorado Springs, CO, please look me up with CSPD.

Officer Anthony Podpora
CSPD

February 5, 2014

A Marine Corps Officer and a police officer. You lived more in your 35 years than most people do in a lifetime. A true warrior and "sheep dog." RIP Officer Lasater and thank you for your service. It is obvious by the number of reflections on your page that you made a difference in the lives of many.

Sergeant John Dimitres
Mashpee, MA Police Department

January 28, 2014

Dear Phyllis,
I hope you have found some peace after losing your son Larry. He was a true hero. Thank you so much for leaving your kind words on my great grandfather, James O'Brien's memorial. I pray that all these hero's are at peace.

Mary Anne Herrick

Mary Anne Herrick

January 22, 2014

Mrs Loya, I feel so sorry for what happen to your son but I know hes a HERO! I know how it is to lose a work partner in a shootout on a drug search warrant but i cant imagine how it would feel to lose a son. I found your name and learn about your son on January 8, 2014 when i was posting information on facebook about Charles James and seen you were so kind to post such kind and loving words on his memorial wall. It touched my heart so much it made me cry! Thanks again so much and if you dont mind I would like to remember your son on my facebook page every year.

Detective/Captain Bob Brady
Northwoods P D St Louis Mo

January 11, 2014

No matter how many years have passed, I still find myself asking "How can this be?"

Loving you forever and a day

Mom

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 26, 2013

Rest in peace sir

Officer Shannon Yates
University of Southern Miss Police Department

December 25, 2013

Good Morning Sir,
I visit your page and that of another friend (Ofc. Dan Bessant) whenever I think about you, which seems to be quite often. I guess when you are a great person, you effect a lot of peoples lives and of course they take that with them as they live on. I am not exactly sure what to write today. You would be laughing if you saw me after briefing. Its -13 degrees outside and I was walking to my patrol car, totally slipped on some ice and fell. Luckily no one saw it. I remeber one of the times we were out in the field in 29 Palms, we had to come back to base to do something. Out of no where, you showed up with a box from McDonalds and passed out burgers and sodas to everyone. That was awesome. Well, Sir. I know you are in a much better place looking down on us all. I know you saw me fall and I am sure you were laughing. I am greatfull that I was able to know you while I was in the Marines. Till next time my friend.

Deputy James Gehris
Lincoln County S.O.

December 10, 2013

Feeling your everlasting pain Phyllis. Wish we weren't joined together in this neverending agaony.

Jane Melchionda
Mathhew's Mom

December 8, 2013

Another Thanksgiving without you physically here, but there is never a day that you don't fill my thoughts. I treasure each precious memory just as I mourn all the memories not being made. Mom loves and misses you so much. I see the infectious grin of your son and it is so much like yours...always imprinted on my soul.

Loving you forever and a day, Mom

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 29, 2013

I have read this account of your heroism through reading a reflection that your mother had left on my husband's grandfather's page (Glenn Ray Hunter). I want to thank you Officer Larry Elwood Lasater, Jr. for your service, dedication & heroism not only as a police officer, but also as a US Marine. Then, after all that you already sacrificed, you donated your organs so that others could have a 2nd chance at life. My husband was a recipient of a liver & we were so grateful for the gift. I pray that your family is doing well & I know that your memory will live on because you are a true hero.

Mrs. Mary (Glenn) Gagnier

November 7, 2013

DEAR LASATER FAMILY,
I HAVE SEEN THE DAMAGE THESE MURDERERS CAUSE AND HAD LOST A BROTHER BECAUSE OF ONE. I HOPE THIS REFLECTION FINDS YOU WELL! PEACE BE WITH YOU ,LASATER FAMILY AND MAY GOD BLESS OFFICER LASATER! THE FAMILY OF JOHN TUCKER # 9168 CHICAGO POLICE DEPT EOW 08 OCT 1968.

P.O. T KUCHARSKI # 11902
CHICAGO POLICE DEPT

November 7, 2013

I have read this account of your heroism through reading a reflection that your mother had left of another officer who had fallen in the line of duty and I was moved in more ways than one. Being the father of a son who needed a liver transplant in order to live I am touched by the fact that it was your wish to have your organs donated so others could live. From all of those around the world who have been on the waiting list for organ donations, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Unfortunately, a liver didn't come for my son, however I was able to donate part of mine and he is thriving today. Again, thank you Officer Lasater, you are a true hero.

Senior Constable C. Hay
Queensland Police Service (Australia)

October 14, 2013

Officer Lasater... Although we have never met I would like to thank you for your service. You are a true hero in every sense of the word. On more than one occasion I have come across a passage written by your mother in memory of you. I have also read many of the posts your wife has written for you. You are clearly a great man who was loved by many and is missed by all. This post is made with the utmost respect for you and your family. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Rest easy brother...

Sgt. R. Lacher
North Charleston Police Department, South Carolina

October 8, 2013

Today is day of remembrance for me. I came to this site that honors so many and found a reflection left by your mother to my husband, a man she never knew. Her words touched my heart and I realized that we who carry on share a common bond. Time may help diminish the pain of those left behind, but the wounds remain. I did not know know you but your courage and dedication is known by your actions. Words fail and can never voice the gratitude and respect felt by those left behind. God bless and hold you in his arms.

Donna
Widow of Sheriff James Posey

September 29, 2013

LL-

I am on FTO...AGAIN, lol and I can't help but laugh at some of the calls I have already gone to and thought about how you would have loved to have a code three run on these county roads! Even though I roam these roads of Boise Idaho, I know you are looking out for us all... I can still hear the "RDUUUUUB" shout out in report writing. Keep watching over us all.

Deputy Ryan Wilkie #5409/ PPD #265
Ada County Sheriff's Office

September 20, 2013

You are always remembered and remembered for being a good man.

Chris Zammit
USMC, Scout Platoon

September 17, 2013

Semper Fi Officer Lasater. As a former marine myself, it makes me proud to read of your service as a marine and peace officer. You are eternally loved by your brave mother who shows her love for the families of so many fallen officers on this site. RIP hero, you will never be forgotten.

Chief (RET) JA Millan
NCPS, Avery Dist. Campus

September 15, 2013

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greaer Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

August 19, 2013

Missing you! Only a few more days of summer vacation left. Cody had a great summer. Went on a couple of trips and spent a lot of time with his favorite cousin Dominic. He's so blessed that my sister lives right around the corner so Cody gets lots of cousin time with Dom and Daniel. He's excited that I'm going to the Spouses Retreat so he gets to stay with Dominic or my parents. Hoping the retreat will bring me some peace. Love you

JoAnn
Wife

August 18, 2013

A priest read this at the funeral of Colorado Deputy Jason Schwartz who was brutally murdered in 2001. I thought it was a good accounting of the responsibilities and sacrifices of law enforcement officers. Loving you forever and a day, Mom.

An Answer to Why

I am sometimes asked why anyone would voluntarily do what I do. There’s no simple reason. But, I can tell you that over the years I’ve learned there really are people out there that prey upon others; people who hurt, maim, or kill for little or no reason. People who would smash their way into your business, your livelihood; taking your tools, your money, and your way of life. People who would violate your home; leaving the broken bodies and crushed spirits of your family. Taking what they want, destroying the rest.

Who is there to stop them?

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You can call for us. We are always here.

We feel your fear when you’re afraid. We feel your anguish when you cry out in pain. We feel your anger and your despair when you, or the ones you love, are violated. When you lay dying, we hold your hand and then bear the worst news possible to those that love you most. We wear the badges you have given us, but sometimes their weight is so, so heavy.

We have often been questioned or criticized, but we keep going. We have learned to tolerate the questioning of those who do not know, nor ever done, and the criticisms of those who could not, nor would not, do the things you have asked us to do. What else can we do? Quit? Turn our backs on our oaths? Or, turn our backs on you? NEVER! We will not abandon the people we love, or the ideas we hold most sacred and dear.

We have made solemn promises to stand against those who steal, hurt and kill. We have seen the broken child’s body, seen death and pain come in their worst, most horrible forms. We have seen eyes full of fear, questioning if the intruder will return. We have stared into the nightmare and we too have been afraid. We have been hurt and injured doing what we do. And, we have attended the funerals of the many that have fallen upholding their oaths and this line of duty. But, we continue to do what needs to be done; what you’ve asked us to do. Because, we wear the badges you have given us. These badges are symbols of our laws, of your faith in our society and of your faith in us. They are also symbols of our own convictions. Their spirit strengthens us, even as we gather the courage to turn the next corner and enter yet another dark alley.

Everyday parts and pieces are torn from us and left with the victims of our communities. Our hearts go out to them all. But, twenty-four hours a day, everyday, you can call for us. We will pull together the pieces that are left, and we will always be there when you need us.

Is there a better reason for us doing what we do than that we do it for you?

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

August 9, 2013