Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

July 29, 2020

Candy
That's was my nickname for him, he always had candy for me, I was about 5 years old, I rode in the police car with him and my dad (chief police then) many times. Like Andy Griffith days. Remember them telling me Candy had died; to young to understand; but I remember being very sad. RIP Candy. J Seiber

Senior Master Sgt USAF
Friend

August 19, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman Messer.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 26, 2019

He was a very special person. Though I didn't have him very long I will never forget him and I still feel him with me and I still lean on him. I am privileged to be his son.

Joseph E.Messer Jr
Son,

January 3, 2017

I knew my uncle by his middle name Eual I was home on orders from the marines on my way to Vietnam when he was shot and killed. I will never forget him he was a great uncle scared of nothing. After I retired from the marines I have followed in his footsteps.

Chief Lonnie Webb
Homerville police dept

May 7, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 46th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Thank you also for your service to our country in WWII and Korea. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. 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

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

January 22, 2013

Joe's Mother was my Dad's sister. I grew up between Oliver Springs and Oak Ridge, Tn and was born in 1946. I spent time with Joe when he would drop in to visit when traveling thru and after he moved there he lived in the same small apartment building. I even went on vacation to LaGrange with him and his family. Our relatives were closer back then than today. He had an endless number of exciting stories and a dynamic personality. He could walk into a family reunion and in a short time everyone was drawn around him listening to his stories and enjoying his big smile and personality. He and my Dad besides being family were good buddies and they would talk for hours. I left for the Air Force and saw him last just after I came off active duty in 1966 as I was moving to the Detroit area. He died on my daughter's 4th birthday a few months later. Hardly a day goes by I dont miss him and still cry over his loss even 43 years later. A great guy was taken from us before his time. He was so good to everyone including his family. He was cut out to be a police officer In many ways. He was a perfect blend for the role with his talents. We went fishing and even chasing some bad guys with him and the constable when he wsa just starting in law enforcement. My job was to sit in the center of the back seat and improve traction. His dirt track racing really came in handy on the gravel back roads chasing moomshiners and others. He was the best driver I ever knew. He could drive thru a turn so smooth and fast without spinning out. I guess I know him better and spent more time with him than anyone alive now. I am working on a biography about him I will enter in the future or give it to his daughter if I am able to finish it. This note is just to help remember him for now. He was one of the most outstanding people I have ever known and he certainly made the world a better place. In the military he served our country in WW II and Korea also. People die everyday but he died with honor trying to help others and that makes him so special. To those that follow his role, you have made a good choice. Don't let his death discourage or hinder you if you are so inclined to go into law enforcement. Another family member died in a plane crash at age 24 after begining work as an advertising exective a short time out of college. Everyone is at risk of death. Joe would be as proud of you as I and those that knew him are of his service.

Ronald D Pence I
Cousin

March 30, 2010

Well, unfortunately I never had an opportunity to meet you. I was born 14 years after your end of watch. You are my dad's brother and I was told your story when I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. Understandably daddy didn't want me to go into it and knowing that he lost a brother to the job I can understand him not wanting to lose a daughter too. I have been in the business for a little over 3 years now and I love every minute of it. I am currently pursuing a position as a patrol K9 handler. I think of you often and wish we knew exactly what went wrong that faithful night but I suppose we'll never know. On your end of watch day I wear a mourning band to remember you. Rest in Peace Uncle Eual!!!

Dep. Lena M. Moore
Coweta County S.O./Neice

July 7, 2007

I grew up in Oliver Springs, left for the military, then spent the next 30 years in law enforcement Charlotte N.C. There is no bigger loss to a city than the loss of a police officer who spends most of his time trying to assist and protect us all.
I know God had mercy on Joseph for the job well done.

Detective C.E. (Buzz)Boothe
Charlotte Police Department

December 26, 2005

Rest in peace brother.

Patrolman

November 3, 2005

You will always be remembered. Watch over us. Godspeed Brother.

March 15, 2004

I agree with a previous writer who wrote “No officer’s death should be without reflection.” May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. You served us well......RIP brother.

AC