Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer William R. Berte

Springfield Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Monday, January 8, 1973

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer William R. Berte

Officer Berte, it has been 54 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your military and 3 years of law enforcement service

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

January 8, 2024

I miss having you in my life.

William D Berte
Son

September 16, 2023

I tried to fill your shoes and failed. I think of you every day. I will see you soon and I love you even though I don't remember meeting you. Your loving son. Respectfully Submitted

William D Berte
Son

July 4, 2023

Officer Berte,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Coast Guard. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Paratus!

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 8, 2023

Officer Berte, it's now been 49 years since you were taken from this world. You are still remembered and honored. Continued Blessings from God and eternal rest.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

January 8, 2022

It has now been 46 years since your senseless death. God Bless you, Brother and thank you for those 3 short years.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

January 8, 2019

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th 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.

Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for aolace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.


Rest In Peace

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

January 8, 2012

Officer Berte, today marks the 35th anniversary of your death. It’s heartbreaking when a fellow cop dies, but when that cop dies at the hand of another cop, it’s most especially tragic. Thank you for your three short years of service to the people of Springfield and the people of the Commonwealth as a whole.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

January 8, 2008

Officer Berte,
On today, the 35th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Springfield. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

January 8, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 2, 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

November 8, 2007

You are never far from my mind and my heart. I often wish you could have met your beautiful grandchildren. You would be so proud. You will never be forgotten.

all my love and respect,
Dion

Dion Berte
Daughter

January 14, 2007

Dad, You have made us all very proud. I hope that we have done the same. You were taken too soon and your smile and sense of humor will never be forgotten.

Love Always
Dana

Dana Berte Almeida
Daughter

November 6, 2006

Dear Poppie, I never got yo meet you but I know the angels are taking good care of you.

Love Kyra

Kyra Almeida
granddaughter

November 6, 2006

01-08-2004, MAY GOD BLESS YOU MY BROTHER. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

January 8, 2004

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