Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year buddy !!!!! I know it's a little late but you know you are NEVER FORGOTTEN....

You are now one of 'My Heroes' on this beautiful ODMP site. My thoughts and prayers are still with you and your wonderful and beautiful family Darryn. I miss you buddy...

Mitch Cheselka
Sergeant
CA-OR (Retired)

January 4, 2012

Hey Darryn, My grandbaby and angel Jalyn Isaiah Ratliff-Hawkins is in heaven with you now. Please take care of him for us. We will see you all again....

Love you

Vanessa Ratliff
Sister

August 30, 2011

17 years today buddy and it still hurts....We have not forgotten !!!! Sure hope you and all our fellow LE heroes have a Merry Christmas from above !!!!

Mitch Cheselka
Good Friend and Fellow Deputy

December 25, 2010

Hey Darryn,

You'd be really happy to hear this! Bobby Jr received a full athletic scholarship to attend Washington State Univ playing football in the Fall 2010. We are so proud of him!! Guess what else? Officer Randy Simmon's son also received a football scholarship to WSU. Of course we didn't know Officer Simmons personally, but he is Law enforcement family, so be sure to tell him about your nephew and congratulate him on his son's accomplishment! You both have two fine young men to be proud of. The boys don't know each other yet, so imagine their suprise when they discover what they have in common. Love and miss you so much!

Vanessa Ratliff
Sister

March 15, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 30, 2009

It's been 16 years today 'bro and I remember it like it was yesterday....I'll never forget coming in to work pretty happy after a nice Christmas, hearing the terrible news, and then driving to the hospital to find everyone crying, in shock and disbelief. I haven't forgot about you my friend and I never will....

Our times at 'the main' and working the streets in Lake Forest will always be held close to my heart and bring a smile to my face....Your memory and spirit is still alive in my soul and I miss you buddy !!!! I hope you're enjoying patrolling the streets in heaven and welcoming all of our brothers and sisters who have fallen since your tragic death....Merry Christmas Darryn....you and your wonderful family are still in my thoughts and prayers !!!!!!

Mitch Cheselka/Sergeant
OCSD/Polk County SO (Ret)

December 25, 2009

Hey man' We truly miss you. So many good times we would have had. You would be at our house all the time. I know you would. We love you and miss you so much. The kids are growing so fast. They would be so happy to have you visit them and tell all their friends you are their uncle.
Much love'

Anonymous

February 8, 2009

I still remember this like it was yesterday.
RIP sir.

Anonymous

November 2, 2008

DARRYN, I'M NOT AN OFFICER BUT A DISPATCHER. I WAS TELLING THE OFFCIERS OF MY DEPARTMENT ABOUT YOU YESTERDAY- HOW COOL YOU WERE, LETTING ME PLAY IN THE PIGEON CAGE FOR HOURS AND SOMETIMES EVEN WAVING THE 5 CENT FEE. I'LL NEVER FORGET. KELVIN BOAGNI, LOS ANGELES COUNTY POLCE DISPATCH

DISPATCHER KELVIN BOAGNI
NEIGHBOR

April 12, 2008

Off. Randy Simmons was lost in the line of duty yesterday (02/07/08) and it took me back to our tragic day 15 years ago. I'm sure you're watching Melissa and couldn't be more proud of her. I talk about you all of the time to my youngest son that we named after you! He was meant to be named "Darryn" as he was born on your birthday (1996). He has this same picture of you in his room and he says you're his hero. I often think of when we were kids and the funny things you did! You always made me laugh! Remember the garage and the firecracker! You have never left our hearts and will always be loved.

Vanessa Ratliff
Sister

February 8, 2008

Thank you for your service.

You are missed
LASD

February 4, 2008

Spending much of today down in OC Court, I ran into many OCSD personnel. So, naturally I mentioned You, Bro....

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

December 26, 2007

So much has changed here in OC and with the OCSD since You left.

The one thing that has not changed - my refusal to allow You to be forgotten.

Rest - In - Peace, Bro.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

December 25, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH

December 23, 2007

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 1, 2007

Deputy Robins,
It is always heartbreaking for me when I read the many,many reflections left on this site for Officers who gave their lives protecting us. I think about how great of a sacrifice they made. How they were cheated out of so many years,birthdays,Mother's Days,Father's Days,Summer Vacation's,births,Graduation's,Weddings,and of course every Holiday,and Christmas with their families and loved ones. Officer Robins got up on Christmas morning in 1993 and went to work. I am sure it never crossed his mind that he would not be returning home that Christmas afternoon to his family. I pray that as we are once again preparing to spend Christmas with our loved ones,we remember Deputy Robins and his Family. May they find some comfort in knowing that he will always be remembered.

Ohio
summit county

November 19, 2007

Never forget!!

Lt. Bob NeSmith (retired)
Orange County Sheriff's Department

August 17, 2007

Scary - Yesterday, here I was on this website discussing an accidental shooting of a fellow officer. Later, I was informed that at approximately the same time that I posted on yesterday, one of our fellow officers was shot by a fellow instructor during a training exercise.

I forwarded what I posted yesterday on this website to our Academy staff. Fortunately, the officer was shot did not suffer a life-threatening injury. Needless to say, all involved are bummed right now.

To all, let Deputy Robins' tragic experience remind us as trainers to go the extra step to be safe during training.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

June 26, 2007

On LAPD, it was so common for the old-timers on graveyard shift (back then we called it Morning Watch before the compressed schedule), to take the time to perform training with a partner, when there was a lull in the action out on the streets.

Many California agencies implemented/changed policies after this tragic accident. I was assigned as a Primary Tactics Instructor at the time, and I remember how after Deputy Robins' death, I would find myself checking my weapon far more times than I had done in the past, prior to a training scenario. Today, only replica guns are used.

As a resident of O.C. for the past 25 years, Deputy Robins, I thank You for Your service. Your death caused much grief/controversy. Although I never had the opportunity to meet You, I hope that perhaps one day Your Family will read this and know that I discuss this tragic incident quite often, and that You are by no means forgotten.

May You Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

June 25, 2007

This was the type of person Darryn was...after working a double shift at the jail he came to my house and helped me move from HB to Lake forest.

Darryn, you were my big brother. You made dayshift in Lake Forest the most fun I've had in patrol. The best times working were spent working with you. I hope they are feeding you steak and rice just the way you like it up there because you are an angel.

I remember in my imature days you told me just after your daughter was born to grow up, get married and have some kids. I remember how proud you were when you showed me her pictures.

Well buddy, I hope you can look down and see my family and how life has changed. Big Bro...I hope I have made you proud. I miss your smile, your dance, and even your ragging on me. I will tell my children of your legacy.

God Bless you, and your lovely family

Sincerely,
Trish (Davis-Kipps)
Midlo Virginia...OCSD retired.

Deputy trish Kipps
OCSD retired

December 27, 2006

I think of you often. Not a Christmas goes by I do not remember being with you at the hospital. I miss you ragging on me.

george Kluchonic
OCSD

March 16, 2006

Deputy Robins,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this Christmas Day. Twelve years have passed and we remember. God Bless.

Sergeant Tim Milliman
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.

December 25, 2005

I pray for your family and the other deputy involved.
Rest in peace Deputy Robins. Continue your duty in heaven.

December 25, 2004

We worked together, we laughed together, we complained together, and never does a day go by that I don't remember how lucky I was to have known you. My thoughts and prayers are always with your wife and daughter. RIP brother

Sgt. Keith Benjamin
Chandler Police Department

December 1, 2004

rest easy Deputy Robins

Anonymous

November 4, 2003