Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God rest your soul, Trooper James Bava. May your family, friends, colleagues, and community find the strength and resolve to carry on in your physical absence and continue to spread the goodness to which you were so selflessly committed. You were among the best humanity has to offer. Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten.

Investigator Christopher Port (Ret.)
California Highway Patrol, Valley Div. MAIT

June 9, 2025

I just miss you so much, still... and yes, I'm still angrier than ever.
I only hope that this horrible, traumatizing event has helped to prove, even more so, the importance of motorcycle safety on the road.

Trooper Bava did not need to die this way, nor did any of our other LEO brothers and sisters that have fallen due to the same mere senseless, selfishness, and complete disregard of another human's life other than their own- every single person that has ever got behind the wheel, who shouldn't couldn't have, due to the simple fact that neither of them could handle the responsibility, nor accountability, of the fact that their poor decisions and actions do in fact affect others, whether intentional or not.

There is absolutely no reason, nor need, to exceed 100mph in any vehicle or situation, unless your are a first responder...

There is absolutely no need to put yourself, or another person, at risk for an "adrenaline rush".

A simple reduction in speed would have saved my fiancé, my James... I wholeheartedly believe that.

Abiding by the speed limit signs posted, instead of racing or driving wreckless is something very basic that we as the public can do in order to ensure that such tragic, and completely AVOIDABLE, fatal crashes- like the one Trooper Bava was in- never happens again.

I love you forever, James... I'm just so sorry that I couldnt take your place instead... and knowing we had such a pure, amazing soul taken by something so deliberately irresponsible just breaks my heart even more...

Rose Sanders

June 8, 2025

Rest in peace Trooper Bava.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 13, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 28, 2020

It's been 5 years and we continue to pray for Trooper Bava's family. NEVER FORGOTTEN!

Proud Moms from
Moms Back the Blue of the
St. Louis County Police Family Association

August 28, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you Hero and your family for your sacrifice and service. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

November 30, 2019

Rest James Bava. You died a hero. I wish I met you. You seem like a great guy. I hope your family, friends, co-workers, and etc have peace. Rest King!!!!

Ambreya Eddins
Missouri Citizen

November 14, 2018

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 7, 2018

Another year in Heaven my brother. May you continue to have total peace in a much better place than where you served. Watch over your loving family and all your friends, and keep them safe. Until we meet.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

August 28, 2017

May you rest in eternal peace brother. And may you watch over your family and your blood brothers and sisters in blue.

N.Y.PD. Lt.(ret.) Ray Flores
Retired

August 28, 2016

Only the Good die young.

Jim

August 26, 2016

Hey bro! I haven't been on here in a while and wanted to say hi. James it's been almost 10 months since you been gone. It seems like only yesterday that I would order 2 large pizzas and P and I would have to go to the back for either a fight or go process someone in, by the time we get back to control you already ate a whole pizza! I stay in contact with your parents and Rose. I have to say brother that girl is still posting pics of you all together on fb. She really was the perfect girl for you. We all miss you brother! Every time I walk by the patrol office I look in there hoping to see you sitting there typing a report. You always used to get me in trouble cause I would have work to do and you didn't know how to shut up! I wish we could have them talks again... I miss you brother!

Justin
Friend

April 21, 2016

Thank you for protecting the citizen of the state of Missouri, Trooper Bava. You are a true hero, and heroes are never forgotten. I'm glad that the person responsible for your death was caught and will be brought to justice. My heartfelt condolences go out to your family, friends, and to all the brave men and women of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Taylor Ramerth
Citizen of Chandler, Arizona and supporter of law enforcement

April 1, 2016

i made a memorial candle for trooper bava if you would like to add a picture of the candle to your website let me know and i will send it to you.

lisa henneberry, bail bond agent,
peak bail bonds

January 20, 2016

My condolences to Trooper Bava. I pray that Trooper Bava's family, friends, and fellow colleagues take comfort from God's words recorded at John 5:28,29 "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out."

ECS II Lem Toatley
Orlando Police Department

December 11, 2015

May your family know that your brothers and sisters in blue will never forget you and will pray for your family! Rest in Peace Trooper Bava.

Tina Swanno and Tommy Morris
Retired- both served with NCPD and NYPD

November 25, 2015

RIP brother

Sgt. Mike Edes
Maine State Police

November 24, 2015

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when James was killed.

To the Bava family, fellow troopers and all who call James beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace. I hope that your family knows that a nation mourned for you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Trooper Bava gave to his community and the citizens of Missouri , and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 28, 2015.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD

November 9, 2015

Happy birthday brother! We finally have your picture up in the lobby at the sheriff's office! You are definitely missed bro.

Justin
friend

October 23, 2015

Thank you for your service. May God hold you and your family in his loving arms.

Tanya J. Berry
mother of deputy sheriff

September 14, 2015

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO! May God
Give the family and friends the strength and faith to deal with this tragic loss. Words can not express my sorrow!

"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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright BMI © 1993 - All Rights Reserved

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 10, 2015

I was able to attend your funeral. I was incredibly impressed to see how many people showed up to honor and remember you. Your dedication and sacrifice won't be forgotten.

KMH
Civilian

September 9, 2015

I will never understand someone this young, being gone from life so early!!!! Trooper James Bava was simply doing his duty that fateful morning and his sacrifice to protect others will never be forgotten!!! He has went to his heavenly home but we will be thankful for true heroes like him who protect us daily!!!!! God bless you and rest in peace!!!!

Becky Hunt/A Caring Citizen
Mother in Law/ Patrick Richardson, Boone Co. Sheriff Deputy, Missouri

September 3, 2015

May you rest in peace Trooper Bava. God Bless and thank you for your service in our area. Thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

DKS
Citizen of your patrol area

September 3, 2015

God bless you brother. Rest in peace. It seems these reflections are growing every day. It's distressing and makes me worry more about my brothers and sisters here going out every day to protect the public. My are with your family.

Cpl. Investigator (retired) Angela Gray
Gcso

September 3, 2015