Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We didn't know each other, I was just starting at Deadwood then, I remember searching for your murderer. I pray you rest in peace, know you are not forgotten, when I teach new officers these days I often think of that night and teach so that your sacrifice was not in vain, for the next generation.

Cpt. T. Appleby
BHCPD

November 1, 2012

Trooper Hindman,
On today, the 27th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of South Dakota. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

May 2, 2012

Oren, it has been so long, yet it seems like yesterday when we got the news. I got to know you when I was at State Radio and you were going through the academy. Your smile, everyone will always remember your smile.
Your dedication to the job and those that you served set a benchmark for others to follow. You were a true friend to anyone that ever met you.
You are missed - you have made heaven a little brighter by being there.

Former
State Radio Communications - Pierre,SD

March 6, 2012

Even though you have been gone for so many years, I can remember your laugh and how you made me laugh. You are missed and thought about many days of our lives.

Cindy Van Gerpen
Friend and was married to a Trooper

January 20, 2012

You are truly missed by your friends and family.
I am a rookie on the SDHP

Trooper Johnson
South Dakota Highway Patrol

September 27, 2011

I was merely 15 when you passed, my father a fellow officer, we knew ya well. Those orange water filled barrels on the highways will never be the same. I remember a young man that took the time to be a friend to a young girl and knew he would do the same for anyone. We sincerely miss you, doesnt seem that long ago you met your last moments. Prayers go out to the family and to you Oren, you are greatly missed.

Jacki Arnold
Family friend (my father showed him the ropes on the force)

August 9, 2011

Oren and I knew each other from high school in Watertown. His dad was my accordian teacher. Oren was a year or so older. We travelled together to the National Accordian Contest in Denver as teens. Oren ran on the track team and he would run across town to my house, a good 3 miles away, and then we would run 3-4 miles together. He would drop me off at my home and run back to his home, getting about 3 times the distance done that I had done. Oren was a great musician. His family were wonderful people. He was a true and wonderful friend. A Lieutenant on the patrol told me that Oren had recorded CHARGE, the bugle call, on a tape recorder. When he got a lights and siren call, he would start it by blaring CHARGE over the loudspeaker of his squad car. It would echo through Spearfish Canyon for miles. I miss Oren, even after 26 years. God Bless you my friend.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Eide
Best Friend

August 4, 2011

Oren, you were my best student ever. You were also Dr. Froberg's best student ever. You studied German with me, you studied Latin and Greek in the Department of Classics. We had you go to Harvard, Yale, Princeton upon your graduation. But no! You chose to be a cop, and how proud of you I was when you told me that you wanted to be a patrol officer with the SD-Highway Patrol.

Oren, you will always hold a special place in my heart and in the heart of colleagues, students, fellow humans. One thing about you I shall always admire and respect you for: your deep sense of abiding humility.

I won't forget your smile. Your kindness. Your sense of responsibility. Your hard work. You have served well and have left an indelible impact on all of us who had the privilege and pleasure knowing you, being with you, --teaching you German! "Wir sehen uns."

Love always

Dr. Kitzler

Professor emeritus Werner Kitzler
University of South Dakota

May 22, 2011

Oren, I never knew you, but I am teaching a class today to the staff at the hospital where you died. The class is about how they can help and be prepared if a situation like yours ever happens again. I used your story. I am a firm believer that our fallen officers live on and support us and keep us safe as long as we remember them and continue to learn from their situations. Thank you for your service and thank you for your help today. You are never forgotten.

Officer Jon Tish
Spearfish PD

May 4, 2011

I remember Orin from playing in the Augustana Brass Choir with him, good sense of humor, dedicated, very reliable guy. I thank God for his gifts and for his sacrifice to keep the public safe. Thank you Orin. You made our world a better place and we will not forget this tragedy.

Rev. Matthew Bersagel
college classmate, now living in Colorado

April 12, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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 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 hold your family in thought and prayer today and pray for their solace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 3, 2009

Oren, you will never be forgotten. We found a picture of you today and enjoyed the memories. You never met a stranger and were always willing to lend a helping hand. I know God is enjoying your company, as one day we all will.
We love and miss you.

Teri Todd
Friend

March 15, 2009

23 years later you are still remembered. You were so young. Cheated out of too many years,but the years you were here on Earth,were ones of honor and pride.

Ohio
summit co

May 3, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 2, 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

January 24, 2008

You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace and thank you for your service.

Police Explorer Captain
Watertown, South Dakota

November 18, 2007

Rest easy Brother.

Former Police Officer
Warrenton,VA

May 2, 2007

Twenty-two years today and never forgotten. Praying that you are in peace!

Hardwick Family
Pierre, SD

May 2, 2007

Rest in peace my friend. We shared an uncommon name and the job. God bless your family and your service to us all. I pray you were a brother in Christ as well as a brother patrolman.

Retired Patrolman
Missouri Police Officer

March 22, 2006

You are not forgotten Trooper Hindman. I pray that you are at peace.

Trooper
North Carolina Highway Patrol

February 27, 2006

Your death is a tragedy. Time has not diminished your sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

February 2, 2006

Thank you to you and all of the SD Troopers for keeping the highways safe.

Lyle Bear
Citizen

February 19, 2005

Rest in peace blue angel.

shannon
concerned citizen

January 17, 2004