Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Patrol Officer Griffin.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 29, 2022

Hi Gene,
We’ll time for another round with the parole board to free your killer. Hilda and I will make the trip back to Raleigh to argue not to free the man who shot and killed you with a shotgun. It is unbelievable that this is necessary and I wish for many letters requesting no parole from this site. To all who know and love Gene, God Bless You.

I love you and Hilda loves you too. She refuses to join the 21st century with computers.

Paula

Paula Forest
Sister-in-law

May 25, 2022

Another year, another Police Week. Stopping by to say Thank you! While I am scrolling through all of the reflections I just can’t stay focused on reading, because my mind continues to slip back to the Red Roof Inn and to all the amazing Officers who are no longer with us today. RIP my friend.

PS: I just found HP on FB, and I’m looking forward to telling her what you asked of me.

Ret. Officer Beverly Stroupe
Charlotte PD

May 14, 2022

My letter went to the parole board today. I hope it makes a difference. My condolences go out to Officer Griffin's friends and family.

Anonymous

May 30, 2020

Gene, I think of you every year on Nov22. Not long before that awful night, you saw in the break room downstairs in the old LEC. I was down and having foubsout whether I wanted to have a career in law enforcement. You stopped for a few minutes and chatted. I don’t remember all the words but I do remember that you made me feel like part of the “ family” and a valuable member. You told me how much you appreciated what I did as a dispatcher. While 5 years later I left Communications, I remained for my 25 years.im round f my career and feel like I made positive contributions I don’t think I would have made but for how you made me feel that night. God bless you for the man you were and thank you for your kind words and service And sacrifice. Never forgotten!

Eloise Ganey
Telecommunications/ Management Analyst, CMPD (ret.)

November 21, 2018

Eugene was my uncle, one of the only I really ever got to know in the family. I remember years ago getting the news, attending the funeral and I have visited the location he was shot at and the memorial for fallen officers at the station. I am conflicted but currently reading the transcripts to figure out what to do. I looked both suspects up in the system, the trigger puller that murdered Gene has a horrible track record and behavior and will for sure send in a no parole request on him. The other guy Bryan I am not sure about until i fully read the actions as told in the court records on that horrible night. He has been what seems to be a model prisoner for 23 years. I believe in some second chances "except for the cold blooded murderers" so there is my conflicted feelings about the other kid at the time. Cop killers are the worse type out there and this makes me feel like I am going to request no parole for both.

I don't really know Hilda nor really remember meeting them. I have two cousins I have no memory but wish I did as I have extremely fond memories sitting in a recliner at my uncles house watching and re-watching Charlotte's web. If Hilda or my cousins happen to read this feel free to contact me.

Laura Griffin
He was a loving Uncle

August 3, 2017

To the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Griffin: I just want to let you know that I mailed a "NO PAROLE LETTER", today, on Officer Griffin's behalf. I am sorry for your loss. Officer Griffin's service and sacrifice will never be forgotten! He is a HERO ALWAYS! God Bless you all!

Allie
Supporter of Law Enforcement
Wife of Corrections Deputy

July 19, 2017

I remember when this happened at the hotel on Archdale. It was the first time I heard of a police officer being murdered in cold blood in Charlotte. And then it happened to Officers Burnette and Noble. You have an often thankless job, but there are still many of us who support you whole-heartedly.

CW3 John Olsakovsky
United States Army, Retired

November 23, 2016

November 22 is coming. Its been almost 24 years.

I copied this poem, it is not mine. I hope the writer will not mind that I share it here. I am posting this on my Big Brothers site. I think it says best what we are and what he still is. His last medal of valor was for saving a newborn. His last active assigment was serving as a School Resource Officer. He was always thinking of others and his family. I Love you and miss you.

I'm Just Like You
author unknown

I have been where you fear to be;
I have seen what you fear to see;
I have done what you fear to do;
All these things I have done for you.

I am the one you lean upon,
The one you cast your scorn upon,
The one you bring your troubles to,
All these things I have been for you.

The one you ask to stand apart,
The one you feel should have no heart,
The one you call the "man in blue";
But I am a person, just like you.

And through the years,
I have come to see
That I am not what you ask of me.
So take this badge, take this gun;
Will you take it? - Will anyone?

And when you watch a person die
And hear a battered baby cry,
Then do you think that you can be
All these things you ask of me?

Sgt. Larry Griffin
Matthews Police Department

November 20, 2015

I will never forget that dreadful night responding to your 10-33 call. I did everything I could possibly do to help you. I'm sorry. I think of you and my other friends John and Andy Nobles who also left this world to soon. Thank you for your service and all the wonderful advice you gave me when I was just a rookie.

God bless you and your family.

Beverly Stroupe ( CMPD)
Charlotte Police Dept.

March 11, 2015

I miss you everyday. I know you are watching over me like you always have as my big brother. Its hard to believe that You first talked me into riding with you and Mike Callahan in 1974 as a soldier from Fort Bragg. I tell people all the time what a wonderful big brother I have. When I need to make a big discussion I still think of you and what you would say. I Love and miss you big brother.

Sgt. Larry Griffin
Matthews Police Department
Brother Of Officer Gene Griffin (Charlotte Police Department)

December 7, 2014

Mr. Griffin. Today during the course of my shift I came into contact with a family member of yours(I work for an agency about 40 minutes outside of Charlotte). She informed me about you, and we talked for a good long while and the conversation made me to come on here and look you up. Just wanted to say thank you for your service and Rest in Peace

M, Patrol Officer

August 29, 2014

Rest in peace brother, you have earned your reward. I thank you for your service and I will be mailing my "No Parole for Cop Killers" letter off on Tuesday. God bless the family, friends, and co-workers who are still feeling the loss of this officer and hero.

Senior Patrolman Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

May 26, 2014

I was honored to send off my 'No Parole' letter today for you, my brother in blue. Thank you for your sacrifice and may you forever, rest in peace. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!

My prayers continue to be with your family, friends and co-workers.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

May 24, 2014

While the citizens of Charlotte slept peacefully in their beds that fateful night--you were walking the hero's path--standing up against evil to protect us all. We can never thank you or honor you enough. I believe God gently and painlessly takes his fallen Warrior's to their eternal home; I pray your family knows this and that they'll always feel the touch of God's calming hands, especially my friend, Sgt. Larry Griffin. "Lest We Forget"

Retired Sgt. Vernon Teague
Metro/Nashville Police Dept.

February 8, 2014

Gene is never just a memory. He is and will always be my big brother. I have lots of memories and they all seem like yesterday. I constantly run into Gene's friends. They always want to share a story that included him or a ride they took. He loved his motor cycle and the many ridding friends he had. All of you know who you are. I miss seeing all of you and will be forever indebted to his many friends. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU BIG BROTHER (you have a lot to do with who I am today, thank you so much) and Mike to.

Sgt. Larry Griffin
Matthews Police Department Retired

November 22, 2013

every day I see the # 909 (Gene's badge # on the Charlotte Police Department, Always with love, Rabbit, Tony & Michelle

Cynthia
ex-who still loved u

November 24, 2012

RIP Gene. We will never forget your sacrifice. I get to see Larry everyday and think about you and your family all the time.

Detective Sergeant David Harrington
Matthews Police Department

November 22, 2012

Gene,
I met your brother Larry today. Hes retired but still doing what he does best. Being a Policeman, instructing the DARE program in Charlotte, NC schools.

Gary Leopard

June 6, 2012

Gene,
I'm sorry I am a day late with this, Brother. 20 years...seems like yesterday. You are missed and thought of often.
-Nick

Nick Vukich
CMPD ret.

November 23, 2011

Hi Gene,
By now, you and Fred are already strategizing how to get Harley's up to heaven. Take care of each other. We sure needed you both more down here than you can imagine. Amanda and Savannah miss you.
Love you. Paula

Paula Forest
CMPD Ret.

February 26, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state and the birthplace of my son. 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. Larry was also your brother in green as well as blue, thus I also commend you for your service in the Corps and bid you semper fi.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 22, 2009

I pass your resting place twice each day, and as I do I remember, and I pray for those who were left behind, as well as for those of RL Smith whose resting place isn't too far from yours.

Each year as the weather starts turning colder, the memories of that morning come back, the shock, anger, resolve, duty, and the deafening silence.

All too quickly you were joined by your brother, and over the years I noted as more family joined you as well. I watched as people left small mementos, cards, flowers and such.

Today there is little evidence of the hundreds of people who stood by your grave that day. Just the eerie silence.

You are not forgotten.

Rest easy, Gene-o

Ray
Former CSI

November 21, 2009

Gene, I write to you following another Marine Corps Birthday, knowing how good it would be to have you here to celebrate. We didn't really discuss our time in the Corps or Vietnam we were so busy with a career our paths seldom crossed. You are sincerely one of the nicest guys I've ever met. I'm away and retired now and still into training and buddy I was in iraq this year and you would be proud of our Marines..........Semper Fi brother...RIP
Ken Hancock

Ken Hancock
CMPD (ret)

November 12, 2009

Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD

June 8, 2009