Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I moved away from Woodbine in 1975, and I was six years old when the Chief was murdered. I decided to search his name today, out of the blue, in 2023.

I cannot believe it’s been exactly 50 years; I have not heard his name since moving out of state all those years ago. I remember him and how nice he was, and I also remember well the day my grandparents were talking about his tragic death. I think I recall he was “stabbed six times”, but I cannot be certain of that.

I just wanted to share that a then six year old remembered him and his sacrifice 50 years later. That photo of him in the police hat is exactly my memory of the Chief, clear as a bell. Also, I cannot trust this particular memory, but I’m pretty sure he gave out lollipops, or at least gave one to me. It was a Tootsie Roll Pop. Surely with that detail, it’s likely that it happened.

Anonymous
A child living in Woodbine in 1973

December 10, 2023

Chief DeSantis,
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. Army during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 6, 2023

Rest in peace always knowing that your memory, service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 6, 2020

I never got to meet my cousin because he died before I was born and the only thing I know of my cousin is that there is a picture of him in the police station I’m trying to find more information on my cousin where he is buried at may he rip and I’ll get to meet him one day and he’s with the rest of my family and our family in blue

Roger hicks cousin
Elsinboro fire

August 15, 2019

I was a former police officer of Woodbine Police Dept. (1979 -1980). May he R.I.P. and may the town remember him.

Daniel McMahon
Former Police Officer of Woodbine

June 9, 2019

The Attendants name was Kenny McGuire, a friend of mine. Very bad night for all that new these men. Why Ken's name is not in the article above is unsettling ! May they they both RIP and they are missed. I was tasked by Trooper Norm Hoffman to bring multiple photos to the Woodbine scene from the Sheriff's Department ID information on the perp. A night I will never forget along with so many others.

Sheriff's Officer
Cape May County Sheriff's Department

July 31, 2016

He was my great uncle. He is my hero as with all my family.

Kari dukes
great niece

April 1, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

February 1, 2013

Chief, you will always be remembered for your courage and sacrifice. Thank you for keeping us safe.

Cpl. J.J. Picardi #38
Galloway Township Police, NJ

December 19, 2010

Rest in peace brother.

Kevin T Ryan
NJ

August 8, 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

December 13, 2007

God Speed Chief. You are always remembered.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

August 8, 2007

God bless you on this 34th anniversary of your tragic death

Detective
Cranford Police Dept (NJ)

August 6, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
TN

July 20, 2006

"And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow, Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings; I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core. "-W.B.YEATS'S INNISFREE ,THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

PTL CHUCK MCNEELY RET
OCEAN CITY PD, 173RD STATE POLICE MC

November 16, 2005

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU SERVED WELL.

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

August 6, 2004