Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

In 2005, I was aboard Train 102 behind my friend LASD Bill Alexander on Train 100. Also aboard Bill's train was Deputy James Tutino who I occasionally also rode with. That was the day a man left his car on the tracks and murdered Deputy Tutino and 10 others, nearly killing Bill and so many others.

It all came flooding back in a bar in Moorpark, where I stopped with my son enroute north to celebrate my wife's birthday. It was two hours after the crash. The newscasters didn't tell me your name then, your family had not been notified.

It is clear from the articles that you were a gift to your family and people of Los Angeles. You were the model officer. You were a leader in the finest tradition of the LAPD. In my dreams I see you leading the 24 other souls who perished with you to the promised land. Ride now with Deputy Tutino and the angels. May your memory be forever a blessing.

James M. Grant, Crime Analyst II
LAPD Van Nuys Division

September 24, 2008

There but for the grace of God go I........

Lord take the soul of our sister Officer Desha into your tender loving care. There to spend eternity in your presence, singing your glory until forever.

For her family, take comfort in the fact that Spree was doing a job she loved, because you only have two choices in this job, and Spree decided to love what she did. I am sure you will remember the great and good things about Spree. That is what I am sure she would want you to do.

God bless you all.

Officer Doug Wiencek
Metra Police Department, Chicago, IL

September 21, 2008

Thank you for your service, Officer Desha

NC EMT-P

September 21, 2008

Thoughts and prayers are with your family and your agency. RIP Sister in Blue.

Police Officer D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)

September 21, 2008

Spree,
Senseless and tragic are two words to describe your passing. No one knows the reason except for God. Godspeed.

Laura,
Words cannot describe our heartfelt sorrow for your loss. As life partners, we too have chosen this profession. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Spree will always be in your heart and will be watching over all of us from heaven.

sisters in blue
Alameda County Sheriff's Office

September 20, 2008

Our prayers and thoughts are with the family, fellow officers and partner.
Rest in peace, you will not be forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

September 20, 2008

rest easy, fontana california resident

Anonymous

September 20, 2008

The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name,
in life we loved you dearly,
in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone,
for part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, your love
is still our guide, and though we cannot
see you , you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one,
the Chain will link again.

A hero lives forever in our hearts, she will never be forgotten, she is now a beautiful angel in blue.

sister of Officer Lizarraga EOW 2/20/04

September 19, 2008

Rest in peace you have done your job well.

PSC 3791

September 19, 2008

Sleep easy with God, Spree. We thank you for your Service, Ma'am. You will NEVER be forgotten.

Sr. Corporal Trey Pellizzari
Texas Dept of Public Safety/Commercial Vehicle Enforcement--Rockwall

September 19, 2008

To the Desha family I send my thoughts, and prayers for your terrible loss. To laura, I cannot even imagine the pain and emptiness that fills your heart at this time. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I know you must be a strong person since you have chosen the path to serve and protect. May your inner strength in time bring you peace. To my sister in blue, spree, thank you for your years of dedicated service. Know that you will never be forgotten. Rest easy, and in peace. Please watch over us .

P/O R. Popelka #7903
Chicago PD

September 19, 2008

R.I.P. sister....

Officer Christine Poncia #171
Newport, RI

September 19, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE..YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN...YOUR SIS IN BLUE

PFC/DIST. IV/OXON HILL
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, MARYLAND

September 19, 2008

Officer Desha:

Thank you for your service and dedication to the profession. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace. We'll take it from here.

Officer D. Abbott
Peterborough, NH Police Dept.

September 19, 2008

I praise God for this Officer's time and service and pray for the peace to cover the family. In Jesus name. Amen.

Lt. Gary Langston
Choctaw Nation Tribal Pice

September 19, 2008

Rest in peace Officer Desha. My thoughts are with your family, friends and the members of LAPD during this most difficult time.

Lt. Joseph Ward, Ret.
Jackson, NJ PD

September 18, 2008

I know of no words that will suffice. No words that are adequate. I just want the family, friends and co-workers of Police Officer III Spree Desha to know there are people all across this country that will lift you up in prayer before the Almighty.
May you each experience the eternal love and endless blessings of our Lord and Savior in the coming days.

Special Ranger Doug Hutchison
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

September 18, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Ofc. Desha as well as her brothers and sisters of the LAPD. There is no justified explanation for such a tragedy. I saw her funeral on the news tonight and no doubt she was very much loved not only in life but in death. Rest in peace sister in blue.

Helen Legall (retired detective)
Gainesville Police Dept. (Fla)

September 18, 2008

My thoughts & prayers are with you. Rest Easy.

Cindy, Arkansas
Sister of slain Officer Randy Basnett, EOW 9-24-1976

September 18, 2008

Police Officer III Spree Desha,

Each of us knows not the day nor the hour that we might leave the presence of our family and friends. That we spend our lives in law enforcement further increases the unpredictablilty of this factor. Knowing that, we should endeavor to concentrate upon enjoying our life and strive to make life good for others. Officer Desha's departure from this world is a tragedy, but as fellow soldiers-of-the-law we deem her a hero because she chose a profession dedicated to making life better for others. In doing this, she brings honor to herself, her friends, and her family...which includes each of us who is sworn to uphold the law. We honor you, sister, as we render a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

September 18, 2008

My thoguths and prayers are with your loved ones at this very difficult time. Please know that your dedication and sacrifice will always be remembered.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

September 18, 2008

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones as they face this terrible tragedy. Wrap your wings around them and help them with their grief and protect them from harm. You will never be forgotten.

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

September 18, 2008

I know that Angels carried you high into the Heavens above. Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to your family, friends, and entire department. May you rest in Peace. God Bless!

Dispatcher Sara Singleton
Howard County Maryland Communications 911 Center

September 18, 2008

Thank you so much Officer Desha for your service and dedication to the City of Los Angeles. I pray that your family and friends will be comforted and given peace in their time of need.

Civilian
LAPD

September 18, 2008

Rest In Peace.

#2959
U.S. Marshals

September 18, 2008