Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lt Laseter. I had the honor of serving in the USMC with you years ago, as well as being in your Platoon. I will never forget my time in 1st Platoon all those years ago as a Corporal. You were the finest example of a Marine Officer I have ever met. I would follow you anywhere.

Semper Fi

Master Sergeant Smith, B. W.
USMC

May 11, 2012

My cherished son, how we all miss you. This year's annual wreath laying ceremony was held, and your memory was honored as always. Cody and all his little friends, many of them children of your best friends and fellow officers that were born after your death, were cavorting and playing until the ceremony commenced...then they all became very serious and respectul. I couldn't help but reflect on the differences between the children of fallen officers and military fallen, and civilian children for our children already know the meaning of sacrifice and of honor.

I attended the state memorial services to pay honor to our California law enforcment whose names ore on our wall. As always, it is heartbreaking to see the little children left behind.

In the last few weeks, I have been fighting for justice by defending the death penalty now under attack in California. I was honored to work with Sacramento County D.A. Jan Skully to co-author an op-ed piece and to appear on a talk radio show yesterday to discuss this important issue as we defend the sentences judges and juries gave the many Califiornia victims whose killers are on death row, including the murderers of 41 law enforcement officers.

All that love you honor you in our own individual ways. I am sure you share the pride we all feel in Jo Ann riding in the police unity tour this year. She is riding in honor of you and four other officers and I am sure you are with her for each and every mile.

You are missed...you are loved...you are longed for...you are forever in our hearts and souls. Loving you always, Mom.

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

May 9, 2012

Thank you for your continued service in heaven. I really thank you for your guidance and example. Your Wife, Mom and Family are always in my prayers and more so this time of year.

It is a Full moon and Cinco De Mayo...I am sure the streets are crazy nuts in Pitt and you are watching over every officer tonight as always.

a police wife
east bay

May 6, 2012

Today as I was leaving a reflection for Officer Robert Targosz, I saw this beautiful poem that his wife Bridget had posted and I did not think she would mind if I shared it with you.

"Should You Go First"
by Robert Rosswell

Should you go first, and I remain
To walk the road alone
I'll live in memory's Garden dear,
With happy days we've known.
In Spring I'll watch for roses red
When fades the lilac blue,
In early Fall when brown leaves call
I'll catch a glimpse of you.
Should you go first and I remain
for battles to be fought
Each thing you've touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot
I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile
Though kindly I may grope
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope
Should you go first and I remain
To finish with the scroll
To make this life seem droll
We've known so much happiness
We've had our cup of joy
And memory is one gift of God
That death cannot destroy
Should you go first and I remain
One thing I'd have you do,
Walk slowly down that long lone path
For soon I'll follow you
I'll want to know each step you take
That I may walk the same
For someday down that lonely road
You'll hear me call you name.

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

April 30, 2012

I just wanted to say thank you to Phyllis Loya, mother of Ofc. Lasater, for writing on my husband's page. Even though it is very unfortunate that our officers have very close EOW dates, I'm glad we can still rely on each other for strength. Please know that I am praying for and remembering you, and all of our LEO families, as we remember our fallen heroes.

Laura Gibson-Szerokman, Surviving Spouse
of Ofc. Allen W. Gibson, Jr. EOW: 04/25/98

April 27, 2012

Lasater family! I was going back through recent posts of my father, Daniel Rice, Bethlehem PA. My father was killed in a line of duty accident on 4/25/97. In reading the posts I came across a message from Larry's mother. Her words touched me deeply. I want you to know that although it is a great misfortune that is our common link you are not alone. As I continue to keep my father in mind each day, I will say a little prayer for Larry as well. God bless you all=)

Carolyn Meral
daughter of Daniel Rice, Bethlehem, PA

April 26, 2012

Thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

Retired Deputy
ACSO

April 25, 2012

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones, wrap your wings around them and protect them from harm. You have not been forgotten and that will never be the case as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Watch over your Mom also.

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

April 25, 2012

Thank you for your service to our country. I visit a friend, Philip Davis EOW: 12/4/09, on this site a lot and I see your mom's postings to many other officers. I just want to say to your family that they are thought of as well. I almost feel like I know them and many times I wish I could reach out and hug them. I wish I could take the hurt away. I am sending my love and prayers to Phyllis, JoAnn, Cody and Daniel and the whole family. I am so thankful for the work your mom is doing for the law enforcement community.

Donna Grayson
CBP

April 25, 2012

Thinking of you and how dearly you are missed by so many. Seven years later and your Memorial is filled with even more family and friends. You continue to bring people together, and that's a beautiful thing.

Sharon

April 24, 2012

God Bless you and your family on this 7th year anniversary of your death rest in peace brother.

George
Brother of Niles,IL P.D. Steven Zourkas

April 24, 2012

God Bless you and your young family. You have made the ultimate sacrifice. We pray for your family today in rememberance of your heroism and commitment in both the Marine Corps and Pittsburg Police Department.

We also appreciate the kind note of rememberance left by your mother, Phyllis Loya on the memorial page of our loved one.

Also, I was surprised by my 8 year old son who inquired about what I was doing. We read your reflection together and he was moved by your story. After some discussion, he asked me to tell your, now 5 year old, son to always remember that your father loves you and is with you always. He also said to cross your arms around you for a hug from him. (I'm always amazed by what children can understand and the beauty of their insights).

Sandra Keen and Family
Daughter of Captain Thomas Joseph Albert Sr. NOPD 2/21/79

April 24, 2012

We remember today your sacrifices, Officer Lasater. We remember you as we remember our own, Sgt. Tommy Harrison, KLD 1-15-93. Thank you and thanks be to your family who have made the sacrifices in supporting you in your efforts to keep us safe. We will not forget.

Richard Walker
BIN and brother to two KLDs

April 24, 2012

-7 Years ago today we remember you-

As I held him close, I began to cry
Wondering and hoping our friend would never die
I could see the whites of his eyes, as he held me tight
The wind whisked through his hair, as we saw the light

He cried no more as we fell to the ground
His one single tear, would never be found
Cry not my friend God will take you home
The Angels in Heaven will not be alone

You're safe and well as a child to his mother

You will always be remembered as
OUR FALLEN BROTHER

Christina Jensen
.

April 24, 2012

I was looking on this web site for a specific person, when your sons name and picture came up and I realized today was the April 24, 2012.

My name is Carole Sparks, my husband was a Police Chief here in St. Louis County Mo. He died at home in 1986.

My son was also a Police Officer in the same area. He is retired, thank God. At his retirement party and since then I have felt so guilty when I hear of men like your son giving his life for the welfare of others. My worries are over now, but I have two times when I got that knock on my door with two Officers standing there to escort me to the emergency room
at our nearest hospital, I already knew he was hurt because for thirty years I listen to the police scanner in my home, I didn't want too, but I had just had too. Now that Keith is retired I never listen to the police radio.

I just want to thank your son for serving his Country, and serving the people in the community he worked for. I know you are so very proud of him.

Please know that my heart goes out to you his Mother and the rest of Larry's family.
I will keep him in my prayers and that I offered my devotion at mass in honor of your son.

Carole Sparks
A mother and a wife of Police Officers

April 24, 2012

I still remember that day like it was yesterday, not 7 years ago. I am so sorry JoAnn, Cody, and all of your family for their loss. We as your Law Enforcement family lost someone special as well. I remember I had talked to you on the phone the day before regarding a call and you were always so polite! Always calling me ma'am, which I hated but was so nice. Thank you for who you were and all you stood for. You are remembered today, and everyday. We miss you.

Dispatcher
Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office

April 24, 2012

I've always loved this poem... R.I.P. Officer Lasater, you will never be forgotten!

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

A Dispatcher
CCC Agency, CA

April 24, 2012

Thinking of you and your family today. May God give them the strength to remember the wonderful memories of you during this difficult time. You are not forgotten.

Janell

April 23, 2012

Two days from now will be the somber 7 year marker of your passing. May God and wrap your loving mother, wife, son and all those who held you dear in his loving arms. I will look up to heavens and know that you are shining your light of love down on us all.

A friend
A Friend

April 22, 2012

You my Son
Have shown me God
Your kiss upon my cheek
Has made me feel the gentle touch
Of Him who leads us on.....

(written by Grace Coolidge upon the death of her son)

Thinking of you and your family

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/2004

April 20, 2012

A son only holds his mother's hand for a little while, but he holds her heart for eternity.

Loving you always, Mom

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

April 19, 2012

A chill runs down me when I hear a bulger sound Taps. I was aware that Taps originated in the Civil War and that the melody was composed by General Butterfield. Taps now honors military and fallen officers.

The lyrics of one verse of “Taps” is "‘Day is done, gone the sun, from the hills, from the lake, from the sky; All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.’

‘Your sun shall no longer go down… for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended.’ Isaiah 60:20.

Loving you forever, Mom.

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

April 18, 2012

If lives are measured by their valleys and their hills, our valleys are deep because of your death But there are hills in memories of you and they are magnificent.

Loving you always, Mom

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

April 17, 2012

Thanks to all who have left reflections for our beloved Larry. They are so appreciated.

Yesterday I left a reflection for Deputy Sheriff Jessie Browning who is being honored in D.C. this year, the 95th anniversary of his death serving the citizens of West Virginia. A beautiful prayer was posted, and I wanted to re-post it as it is so moving and eloquent. The author is unknown.

"It was only a moment, but in that moment of madness our lives an the world changed. Hearts were broken and names previously unknown are now spoken with reverence. The moment passes, but in that moment we mourn for the life that was taken and grieve for the family survivors. Remembering the sacrifice made to protect and serve. It was only a moment-but he is gone, a sacrifice made to give us a future. We pause in our sorrow reflecting what might have been-but then we press on for, by the grace of God, his memory still stands. Amen

Maria and her daughters and other family members and friends are remembered today on the ninth anniversary of Ray's death.
She has been such a blessing to all of us on this journey, especially to Jo Ann. I pray that Ray and Larry will be the last officers lost in our department. It would be so wonderful if no family or department ever had to endure a line of duty death, but sadly that is not realistic.

Loving you forever, Mom

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

April 16, 2012

Thanks to all who have left reflections for our beloved Larry. They are so appreciated.

Yesterday I left a reflection for Deputy Sheriff Jessie Browning who is being honored in D.C. this year, the 95th anniversary of his death serving the citizens of West Virginia. A beautiful prayer was posted, and I wanted to re-post it as it is so moving and eloquent. The author is unknown.

"It was only a moment, but in that moment of madness our lives an the world changed. Hearts were broken and names previously unknown are now spoken with reverence. The moment passes, but in that moment we mourn for the life that was taken and grieve for the family survivors. Remembering the sacrifice made to protect and serve. It was only a moment-but he is gone, a sacrifice made to give us a future. We pause in our sorrow reflecting what might have been-but then we press on for, by the grace of God, his memory still stands. Amen

Maria and her daughters and other family members and friends are remembered today on the ninth anniversary of Ray's death.
She has been such a blessing to all of us on this journey, especially to Jo Ann. I pray that Ray and Larry will be the last officers lost in our department. It would be so wonderful if no family or department ever had to endure a line of duty death, but sadly that is not realistic.

Loving you forever, Mom

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

April 16, 2012