Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and today we remind you and your family that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your LE brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

July 22, 2020

I went to school with Cliff. He was a big personality, he lived large and he loved large, and I see that reflected in the memories shared here. He is still very much part of our class, but just not the way we wish he was. You are never forgotten, you are always missed and you are always loved, my friend.

Carolyn

Carolyn Cloyd
Friend

August 1, 2017

CLiff,

I met you Jan 1982 in San Jose while you were dating my friend Terri White who has since passed in 2011 from cancer. You were my husbands friend from the cupertino school district where you were a glass glazier repairing school windows. You said you wanted to join the army to be a green beret. I remember your stories of Ranger training and having peanut butter and ants for food while left in the wilderness. The stories of your invasion in Grenada. I still have the green beret hat you brought me back from training. I kept it in your memory. My daughters were 1 month old when we met and now they are 35 yrs old and have children of their own. I remember how Terri loved you until the day she died. She passed saying now she can see the love of her life again!

What a great guy you were - so happy, easy going, great sense of humor, humble, and a darn good friend to everyone.

When I learned of your death it broke my heart. Your sister is on this site and I wish I knew her so I could share my stories with her as well.

You are loved my dear friend.

Katherine (Stoermer) *** remarried to McMinn

Katherine McMinn
na

December 1, 2016

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged 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.

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

January 15, 2013

It is the remembering that is so important. To pass through this life and leave nothing behind but memories... I haven't visited this Reflection since 2009... Cliff is in my heart everyday. I have tried to bring him to life for my kids, so that they can know their uncle. Today I stumbled upon this site and a Reflection from a Mr. Rich Hamack left only a few days ago... Thank you kind sir. Thank you for remembering and leaving a note of reflection. It is so important that people remember, that he is not forgotten... he was such a presence in this life and I worry that his light will go out... then I see something, get a message or run across someone who knew him, and we remember. Thank you.

Bubby, you would have turned 50 this past year, you would have been a grandfather. Your Niece graduated high school and is on to college. She is so much like you it is sometimes scary. Your nephew is built so much like you, tall and big... he has your hands and can disarm you with a wink and a grin... just like you. Your 30 year class reunion passed last year, they shared stories and pictures with me and I was so grateful. It has been discovered however, that your "mooning" from the Stage during study hall has been seen by all at one time or another... You are missed and loved by so many. We have reconnected with Lisa and Angie and I know you would be so very proud. All is well here, just missing you like always. Forever in my heart,

Dyanna
his sissy

March 1, 2012

It seems like yesterday - it's been etched permanently into my memory.

Cliff walked into the GA building wondering what it would be like to become a trooper. I was working at headquarters, and had the good fortune to spend the next 3 hours with him. We had lunch and talked about the job, what he could offer to it, and what the WSP could offer to him. At the end of our time, I handed Cliff an application and wished him well.

Shortly after that, Cliff began with the WSP as a Trooper Cadet in the GA building, where I still worked. We shared quite a bit more time together, and had a lot of laughs. I followed Cliff as he went through the Academy and was assigned to King County.

I remember the day that he gave his life for us. Even this long afterward, it still chokes me up.

On my frequent trips to the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall on the capital campus, Cliff's name stands out among five other friends who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us. In a strange twist, the GA building where it all began is within sight of the memorial.

Words can't express my gratitude for Cliff's sacrifice, and the sacrifice made by his family. Thank you just doesn't seem adequate, yet it's all I can offer.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Rich Hamack, Former WSP 394
Olympia, WA

February 27, 2012

Wow, 22 years ago...there are times that if feels like yesterday, the pain so strong. There are other times that seem a life time ago. Love you! Miss you! Wish you could have met my husband and your niece and nephew. You are thought of often and remembered well by many. Till we meet again...God bless.
Sissy

Dyanna
Sister

July 22, 2009

Cliff, I miss you every day! I can't believe that it has been over 21 years. It seems like yesterday and my heart still hurts. Thank you for all that you did for everyone and especially for me. You have been in my heart for 29 years and will be forever. God Bless You!

Anonymous

January 4, 2009

You were honored on the website tonite. 21 years is a long time ago, but your
sacrifice will never be forgotten. The driving public of the Evergreen State
appreciate what you did and all the other troopers do to ensure our safety.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

October 22, 2008

Thinking of you on the 21st anniversary of your EOW. This is so sad...you were
so young and had so many things left undone. Thanks for serving the Evergreen
State!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

July 22, 2008

I met Cliff while he was in the U.S. Army and in the Ranger Battalion stationed at Ft. Lewis and I was traveling the country ridding bucking horses. He introduced himself to me and wanted to know about the rodeo life. About a year later, I walked in to the WSP HQ building to sign my paperwork to become a trooper cadet. Cliff had already left the Army and was working as a trooper cadet and sitting behind the front desk. I recognized him but didn’t think he recognized me. He did. Two weeks later, he was my first roommate during our Academy experience.

Rarely does a day go by that I don’t think of Cliff. I do my best to ensure that his memory is honored and every new trooper I work with knows his story and those of the rest our fallen officers. I thank our Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation and the Washington State Patrol for their efforts as well. Cliff’s name is on our agency memorial and he formally remembered a minimum of twice a year at an annual memorial service and annual dinner.

Cliff was my friend and I miss him still today and I’m sure I always will.

Steve Johnson
Wshington State Patrol

May 15, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

April 29, 2008

On this, the 20th anniversary of your EOW, let me say you are not forgotten. Rest easy.

EWC John M. Mumper, USNR (Ret.)
Citizen

July 22, 2007

Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Trooper Hansell.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Matthew 5:9

A Citizen

June 17, 2006

You have been and always will be in my heart.

February 18, 2005

Your not forgotten!

September 19, 2003