Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Larry David Griffith

Lassen County Sheriff's Office, California

End of Watch Thursday, March 2, 1995

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Larry David Griffith

Hello Big Brother

I finally have internet service again so I can come and visit you more often again. I have moved again, but guess you already know that as you are with me where ever I go. I am hoping that I can build an interesting life here in Tennessee; so far things are going well and I know that you would love the mountains and country side.

I was happy to see that Trooper Griffith was here again, and I am hoping that someday I might have the opportunity to meet him and his Griffith Clan in person. His words are good for my heart and eases some of the constant ache that lives in there. I hope that when he reads these messages again that I can tell him they are always in my prayers, and I know you watch over them. I know it means a lot to you that they care.

I think about you every day, and I miss you so very much. It doesn't matter how much time passes the love in my heart never diminishes; it seems to only grow stronger and brighter. I still cry and I know time won't take that away either; I know that we only hurt as much as we love. Giving up the hurt would also mean having to give up the love, and I am not willing to erase either one.

You are always my hero big brother, and I will love and miss you forever.

love always
your baby sister
Terri

Terri Griffith
Sister

January 31, 2012

My father ( W.R. Griffith) and I will continue to strive to make you proud of the last name as I'm sure you are watching over us as we speak...we do the job we do for men like you. The ones who have gone before us and did the same thing. I wish I would have had the honor to meet you personally but I know for sure I will one day brother. My prayers are with your family....thank you sir

TFC J.L. Griffith
South Carolina Highway Patrol

October 10, 2011

Hello Big Brother

Your birthday was a few days ago, and as always you are in my heart and thoughts. I miss you as much as always, and not a day goes by that you are not a part of everthing that I do.

I see that Todd left a message here, and that was nice to see. It means alot to me that you are remembered by others. I hope that life is treating him well.

I love and miss you so very much. So often I just want to hug you, to hear your laughter, to see your smile, or just hear the sound of your voice. My life is just not the same without you.

I never forget Big Brother and you are always my hero.

Love always
your baby sister
Terri

Terri Griffith
sister

August 25, 2011

Dearest Larry....."Happy Birthday" my sweet son. Thank You For Coming Into My Life And Sharing It With Me. I am writing to you tonight even though you were born last night years ago. It still seems like yesterday I first looked down at you all snuggled in my arms looking up at me with those big blue eyes and your blond hair listening to me talk to you like you understood every word I said. You seemed so content in my arms like we had already spent a lifetime together. It is still a beautiful moment in my life just as it was then. Well the kids had such a good time last year they decided to come again this summer. Most of them stayed a week and as usual a "Great Party" was had by all. Craig and family could only stay 2 days so later I took the train and went up for a week as I am "Bonding" with the twins as they are seven now and Craig wants then to have Great Memories like Matt has of times with Grandma.. Boy did we Bond. 2 days at the beach "boogie Boarding, 2 days at the pool swimming, We baked over 140 Choclate Chip Cookies. Craig and I mixed them and I showed the boys how to spoon the dough onto the sheets ( 5 sheet going all the time) I would take them out of oven and when they cooled they would take them off the sheets and then stack them up. 4 hours later we had cookies everywhere. Ha. I could feel you there as that was one of your favorite things to do. We saw "Planet Of The Apes", and on and on.I took the train back on Sunday, woke up the next a.m. and thought someone "Pulled The Plug On Me".felt the bed and knew I was still alive so I just rested and smiled at all the sweet memories all day. Being with the little grand kids ls always like "Going Back In Time" to memories of when all you kids were little and reliving those days all over again. What wonderful children and life God has blessed me with. I would do every moment over again but if possible loved everyone of you even more. Well I love you "Baby"...Happy Birthday again.... Your Mama Mary.

Mary Griffith
Mother of Deputy Griffith

August 24, 2011

My friend.
Kind of a slow day at work today so I got online and looked up websites on you. It has been more than 16 years and yet in my memory it was yesterday. I read the entries in here, made by your family, and I can vividly remember each of them during the days after your death. You were so loved by those of us who knew you and time has not changed that. I think of you often and for the most part they are great memories. I can't imagine a better person to have shared my law enforcement career with than you. Every day was an adventure and those are the memories I hold onto. The days following your death were some of the hardest I have lived through and they certainly changed how I looked at the world and law enforcement. I miss you my friend and you are always remembered with a smile. Todd

Todd L. Daugherty Retired,
Susanvile Police Department

July 16, 2011

Dearest Larry. Just a note to let you know that you are not forgotten on March 2nd each year and every day.I just dont know where the time has gone. Here it is 16 years and it still seems like yesterday.But I know you are around checking to see what everyone is up to. You are always letting us know "Hi Here I am Everybody" and using "Your Higher Power"Ha. You can give the family a break with all these twins you are sending the family, 4 sets in 7 years are enough. Well after 3 sets of boys at least this new set that is due soon has a girl and boy for a change. Yes we are all excited about it and thanks for making it your kids this time. Your "Law Buddy" said to thank you for his but pass on him as his set is enough for them. Gee his made 5 sets. I think you better find another hobby.. How about using your Higher Power and let me win "The Big Lotto".Remember when you were here and always told me if you won you would share it with me? See I could share it with all the family to raise all these kids you keep sending us.Ha. Yes I know you had this thing for kids( I was going to say but your not here to play and put them up to stuff like the old day's but I forgot you can really run the show now) Well We all miss you and have wonderful,happy memories of all our great times together and love telling "Larry Stories" and know you are here with us and loving the the times we share with you in memorie.Thanks for watching over us all these years. We all miss your smile, your laughter,your warmth.. But we know and feel your love every day. Thanks For Coming Into Our Lives And Sharing "YOU" With Us Every Day And Leting Us Know That You Have Never Really Left Us... All My Love "Baby"... Your Mama Mary and All The Family.

Mary Griffith
Mother

April 19, 2011

Hello Big Brother

I finally made it here once again. I may not get here as often as I wish to but I never stop thinking about you. You are always in my heart and thoughts, and not a day goes by that I don't share it with you in some way. I love and miss you so very much. More than my words will ever be able to express. You are always my hero, and because of you I always live life standing tall.

I love and miss you forever and always.

your baby sister
Terri

Terri Griffith
Sister

September 24, 2010

Dearest Larry...Well today it is 15 years since you left us and it still seem like it is "That Day" I dont sleep the night before as the clock ticks so loud waiting and that hour comes that you leave your house, that you die and then they come and knock on my door that morning and then I am here packing to fly up there in the morning. I relive it over and over every year.No matter how hard I try it is the same every year. I tell myself it wont come back each year but it always does.Yes I knew you were here with me all last night and all day today. Your presence is so close I can feel the warmth of you wanting me to know you are here just like when you were a little boy and loved to snuggle with me.It is a mixture of comfort and sadness that I can't really hold you and I know you are here beside me.I dont know if you heard from your sister Terri as she hasn't had a computer for a while but she now works for law enforcement in Texas so watch over her. We always know you watch over us.It meant so much to us that we finally were able to go before The California Supreme Court for the Appeal. And in December we were told that they upheld the death penalty for your killer and it was unanimous. Craig said "Thank You Larry for the Christmas Present". We knew you were with us through it all.Well My sweet son I hope you got the rose's today that were put on your snow covered grave to keep you warm and remind you that you were not forgotten.We all Love and Miss you. Well it is late and time to go to bed now that I have had a chance to tell you we all Love and Miss You... Sweet Dreams... Your Mama Mary

Mary Griffith Mother of Deputy Griffith

March 3, 2010

Larry,

Tomorrow is the anniversary of your death. I was thinking a lot about you today. You see, we sent two more to be with you this week. One just this morning. The way it all happened was surreal. It was Ravendale all over again. A little trailer in a town of less than 100. He opened fire and killed one when they hit the door. The other from a distance on the perimeter an hour after the first. I really miss you and your jokes. You taught me so much in our short time together and always had a smile for me. Say hello to Joel and Javier. They were honorable men, just like you. Rest in peace brother. Rest in peace.

Officer Tony Bettencourt
Friend / Fresno PD

March 1, 2010

Dearest Larry...Well just a note to let you know I am thinking of you and missing you very much.Lassen County had their yearly Service for Victims of Domestice Violence a couple weeks ago and as usual you were remembered with a wreath on your memorial in front of their court house for giving your life for all of them.They have been able to form an excellent much needed S.W.A.T team since they lost you and also more benefits to help and care for their Victims which I know would make you happy as these people and their safety were so Special and Important to you. They also have a special group that help care for,train and find homes for all the stray "Furry Friends" now since you are not there to take them all home with you. Ha. So know that "Your Memory Lives On There Forever" in that town you loved so much.So I had special things this month to remind me again how much "You Are Deeply Loved And Never Forgotten". Also Our Family has the "Sweet Notes and Wishes" to read on this page from "Our South Carolina Griffith's" and that they also remember and miss you always which means so much to us.We just wish we could contact and keep up with their family more as seems both our families are soon going to have our own Dept. of Law Enforcement officers as last summer we just added our 13th when Krystal got married. Your life and values have made all these younger family members want to follow in your foot steps.Terri finished her Law Enforcement program there in Texas and got her certificate and will send it to me to put on The Wall with Larry's things.She is so proud she did it as some of it was hard for her. Well I guess that is it for tonight. "I Just Wanted To Call And Say I Love You And Was THINKING SPECIAL THOUGHTS OF YOU TONIGHT".I LOVE YOU BABY.....Your Mama Mary

Mary Griffith. Mother of Deputy Larry D.

October 28, 2009

Rest in Peace, Deputy Griffith. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

Dearest Larry.... Well here it was your birthday yesterday. I have been gone from home for most of the last two months and just got back to the computer. So here I am writing you late.Hard to believe that it is 14 birthdays that I havent been able to call you and wish you a "Happy Birthday" but I know you got my card and flowers that were put on your grave for you as I have in past years.I wish I could have given them to you in person. Well Craig,Denise and the twins were here at the beach for a week so I stayed there with them.Little Larry and Derek are 5 yrs old now and so big and cute.I know you would have a great time with them. You could sit and watch all the old Disney movies with them and wrestle with them like you did your kids. Also you would have a ball as they are trying to learn to body surf and Boogie board. It takes me back to the days in Coronado when you and your brothers were out of bed at summer vacation and off with your surf boards on your heads "Hitting For The Beach" at the break of dawn. They are "True Griffith Surfer Boys" like you boys were Ha. They are "Born Water Babies" just like you kids.Larry told me he wants to be an actor.He is a "Real HAM" already. Loves to put on costumes and play Superman,Derek has to be Batman while Larry directs the show. I am sure you would be the Joker Playing right along with them. Remember when you kids played things like that when you were little. I swear sometimes that you are up there teaching them all this stuff and laughing your butt off. Ha.Derek is more serious he want to be a policeman.Reminds me of Mike as sometimes he just looks at Larry and shakes his head like Mike did with you. Like "Ah Give Me A Break". They are so like you and Mike when you were little it brings memories and tears to my eyes. Jenny was here from Alaska last month with Claire and Max but had to get back for start of school for her kids so couldnt connect with Craig's kids. We have lots of new babies being born this year. Steven and his wife had twin boy's a couple months ago.Tom and Julie expect a girl in October. Jimmy's and Richard's each had one since I last wrote which has been a long while. Matt finished up his year doing research in India and is back in the U.S.doing his rotations for his last year of Med School so Mike and Judi are glad he is back from there.So next June we will have our doctor in the family. Your Baby Daughter is now a U.S. Marshal.David is still with the sheriff's dept. and Terri is doing classes with the police dept.in Texas and doesnt have a computer now so that is why you didnt hear from her for a while, But she has you in her thoughts as always. She called me last night and talked about your birthday and how she missed you also.We finally got our Memorial Wall built and dedicated this summer to our officers here in San Diego County. So I was happy to live to see it done after 14 years of being involved in it's process and all the problems we had getting it done. God we all miss you Sweetheart,there isnt a day that goes by that I dont think of you and wish you could call or be here to hold me in your arms and say "I love you Mama". Some years are very hard for me without you and I always think it cant get worse but I think this last year is the worst I have ever had. The pain is so bad its like someone stabbed me in the heart and seeing the blood run out of me all over the ground. I dont understand how with all this time that has gone by that it could get any worse but it does some years. Well Baby it is real late and I am so tired but wanted to let you know I did remember your birthday and I remember you always. You are tucked in "That Special place In MY Heart" but I still love and miss you so much. "I Love You Baby"... Your Mama Mary

Mary Griffith Mother of Officer Griffit

August 24, 2009

Mary and Terri, Just wanted to let you and the rest of your family know that the Griffiths out here in South Carolina were thinking of Larry and you on March 2nd. The 3rd generation Griffith S.C. Trooper made it back from Herlong and is patrolling Lexington county S.C. He has made his Grandad and Dad proud. We are trying to live up to the name. We all three or I should say all five will always remember our Brother Larry and his family....... Lt. W.R. Griffith Sr.(Retired) Sgt. W.R. Griffith Jr.(Retired and Reinstated as Trooper W.R. Griffith Jr. and Trooper Jared Griffith) also my brother C.L.Griffith Sr. DEA Miami Fl. and nephew C.L. Griffith Jr. U.S. Border Patrol, Calexico Ca.

Trooper W.R. Griffith Jr.
South Carolina Highway Patrol

March 16, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 14th 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.

To Larry's Mom Mary: Reading your reflections was like looking into a mirrow for I was seeing another mother's longing for a departed child. A mother's love never diminishes. I understand the meaning of a life forever altered. You are in my heart's embrace today as are Terri and Larry's other loved ones.

Rest In Peace, Larry. Your memory and sacrifice will always be honored and revered.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 2, 2009

Deputy Griffith,

You gave every last ounce of your sacred honour, and we thank you Sir for a job well done.

Father of a Deputy Sheriff

January 11, 2009

Hey Big Brother

It is me once again. First of all I want to thank Trooper Griffith for his wonderful and kind message. It means a great deal to me when other people leave messages like yours, and it helps me to continue healing. You and your son will both be in my prayers daily, and with my hopes of the Angels in Blue to watch over you.

I also have some great news to share with you....even though I am sure you already know.......and I can already hear the flap of your wings. Your little baby girl is getting married on the 5th of July........and she is getting married to a police officer.......so we will have another officer in the family. How wonderful is that???

I wish so much that you could be here for this special day, that you could be walking your sweet little girl down the aisle and giving her away, but I know you will be there in spirit for every moment. David will be taking your place in that honor as it should be....after all he is the big brother........so I know he will make you proud. I will write and tell you all about it once the knot is tied.

I love you and miss you with all of my heart......I don't ever forget.......you are always a part of each day....a part of my heart....and part of who I always strive to be.

love you forever and always
your little sister
Terri

Terri Griffith
Sister

June 20, 2008

I came across this memorial while looking up info about Lassen county and Susanville. My son Cpl. Jared Griffith is out there as I write this with the U.S.M.C. at Herlong. He told me about going to Susanville and how beautifull it is out there. After reading the reflections left by friends and family I see that Larry David Griffith was a man of compassion, honor, and bravery and also a big heart. His legacy gives me even more honor in having the same last name. That Griffith boy out there in Herlong now will be coming home to S.C. to start trooper school in July ,08. God bless the family of Larry David Griffith. I will remember him while I perform my duties here as a trooper in S.C. and make sure my son reads his memorial and reflections so he may strive to be an officer like this man who carried his same last name.

Trooper William R. Griffith Jr.
South Carolina Highway Patrol

June 14, 2008

Hey Big Brother

Today is the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day. Of course you are in my thoughts and today I honor you even more as a Law Enforcement Officer.....not just as my big brother.

The Memorial, the COPS organization, and web sites like this one are such a big help to the survivors who are left behind. They may not replace our loved ones but they give us a place to share our thoughts, a place of rememberance, and the knowlege that we are never alone.

I know it helps me to know that there are people out there in this world who care, and give to much of themselves to these efforts to honor the sacrifices of so many officers and the families, friends, and co-workers left behind.

Today I stand tall for you and strive to someone you are just a proud of. Remember always how much I love you and that you are a part of each moment in my life....I never forget.

love you always and forever
you are always my hero

your little sister
Terri

Terri Griffith
sister

May 15, 2008

Dearest Larry.. Well here I am again. Another year has gone by since you left us and it still seems like only yesterday. I don't know why but this has been the hardest year I think I have ever had since I lost you. The nightmares,the hole in my heart,the deepest wanting of just wishing you could take me in your arms and take all my pain away with one of your "Bear Hugs" and make all these "Horrible Past Years" go away and have " Our World and Family Back Again Like It Used To Be". But I know that is all gone forever never to be had again. I try to just think of all the "Good Times",The Parties...(Ah The Parties)any excuse to have one so we could all have the laughter,dance,sing,hug,all getting together around a fire ring at night roasting marshmellows,making "SMOORES" etc at the beach after you boy's surfed or we were water sking all day.Then later years when we would all sit around another fire ring and tell all your own little kids the same Ghost Stories you all used to scare the "Hell" out of each other with when you were little. You would love it now Larry as we have a "Whole New Batch" of little ones in the family that you could sit with like you used to and watch all your favorite Disney movies: The Lion King,Wizard of Oz,(Oh how the twins love that one,the scarier the better)and wrestle with all of them until Lauri would be yelling again "All right you kids knock it off and quit making all that noise" and all the kids would yell back "Thats not us it"s Dad/Uncle Larry")Ha. and all that love for each other passed down and taught to your our young children. And in "One Second" all our lives were changed forever,never to be shared with you again. I try to thank God for at least we still have All These "Beautiful,Wonderful Moment and Memories which so many people never have a chance to make. But some times even those memories are so painful my heart bleeds as the wound is so deep.The tears in my heart and my eyes make it almost impossible to see the pages to write anymore. I keep telling myself "I know God Has a Plan" and I keep telling your brothers and sisters that also but some times it is just not enough to heal my heart and help me to understand and believe why his plan has to give us so much pain and what is he trying to teach us. I know we have all gotten even closer together if that is possible and I know we all "Live One Day At A Time" as your death has taught all of us that is really all we have. Larry you taught us that "No We Never say Good Bye,It's see You Later". But we never dreamed this "See You Later" would last so long before we would ever see your smiling face again. Maybe that is why the pain is so much worse this year. Maybe I am finally realizing just how long this "See you Later has become and is going to last". Mike,Judi and I went to Mass and communion for you this morning as my church had a mass in memory of you.( Each one of your brothers and sisters are always there for me more so when this day comes.)Mike took me in his arms this morning at mass and gave me one of "His Special Hugs" and held me close to comfort me.It hurts me so deeply to see the pain in my childrens eyes and I cant help them or take it away. That is what mothers are suppose to be able to do and I can't. People can never understand when they tell me "Well you still have five other children" I find myself thinking I dont know about theirs but each one of you were "Unique,Special,Beautiful Little Human Beings" to me before each of you were ever born. You all brought your own "Special Qualities" to this world and my life and no one can ever take any one of "Your Special Places" in my heart not even each other. A mother "Knows Her Child" and even though they had to do the things they did so we could look at you Larry,I touched your arms,your hands,your chest and I knew you were my child and only then could I accept and willingly give you back to the care of God. So I find my life is like the surf in the ocean we used to walk and play in. The tides of pain come in with a crash that I feel will almost drown me and sweep me away and some days it comes in very soft,slow and calm and I find peace in my heart and the warmth of you there to touch my hand. ...Remember Larry.. "I Love You Baby" and miss you with all my heart... Your Mama Mary.

Mary Griffith. Mother of Deputy Larry D.

March 3, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 2, 2008

Hey Big Brother

Today is another anniversary. It has been 13 years now since the day that you were shot and killed. I guess it doesn't matter if it has been 13 seconds, 13 minutes, 13 days, 13 months or 13 years because it all hurts the same and time does not erase some wounds from our hearts. We have learned to move forward, found things to smile about again, but we are not the same as we were before this day 13 years ago.

The years have not been easy as we make our way through the justice system, and struggle to understand everything. It doesn't always help us find peace but we still try to believe and have faith in all the things that you gave your life to uphold. But in spite of our stuggles as a family we all try to give back something good to this world to balance out the bad so that the sacrafice you made will never be in vain.

I think about you every day. You are always a part of everything that I do in my life because your spirit always lives on inside of me. I love and miss you with all of my heart and there is always a bittersweet place where I keep all of my memories. You are always my big brother, always my hero, always my best friend, and you are never forgotten.

Love you forever and always
your little sister
Terri

Terri Griffith
Sister

March 2, 2008

Deputy Griffith,

Today as I scroll through the ODMP for todays date as I start my shift I will not forget the sacrafice you made to protect the citizens of your county. After reading these reflections you must of been a remarkable man. Rest In Peace Brother!!!! you are not forgotten .

Officer Joshua Howe
Northfield Township Police, MI

March 2, 2008

HAPPY NEW YEARS BRO !!!! It is New Years Eve, and the ending of one year and the the beginning of another. They seem to go so fast these days, and I wonder where the time has gone. It is often hard to believe that in another few months it will be 13 years since that day that changed all of our lives forever......it doesn't feel like it has been that long.

I share each moment with you, and I keep you close in my heart. I know you are flying close to the ground tonight and sharing this moment with me.....and watching over me as always.....so here is a kiss upon your cheek !!!

I love you !!!!

love always and forever
your little sister
Terri

Terri Griffith
sister

December 31, 2007

MERRY CHRISTMAS BIG BROTHER !!!!! It is Christmas Eve and I wanted to share some of the holiday spirit here with you. This was always the time that we spent together as a family when we were growing up, and when we all opened our presents, and then waited for Santa to show up. So it only seems natural and fitting that I would share some of this time with you......along to talking with the rest of the family on the phone later.

I wish that I could close my eyes tight, make wishes with all of my heart, and when I opened my eyes again I would find you hidden among the presents under the tree. It would make my Christmas perfect and complete. I would give anything to be able to share these moments with you again. To just be able to hear your voice, your laughter, and all of your usual jokes. To see your smile, the sparkle in your eyes, and to wrap my arms around you with a great big hug. But for now all I can do is touch you in my dreams.

I miss you so much. I am not sure if anyone else really knows how much except you. We shared so much, so many moments that were just between us, such a strong bond lived between us, and I miss that more than words can ever say. I don't have anyone who calls me "kid" anymore......such a simple pet name.......that I miss hearing.

I have so many feelings that rush around inside me, and sometimes this overwhelming sadness that I just don't know what to do with. There is still this big hole in my life where you are suppose to be, and nothing else can ever fill it up. I try so hard to be brave and strong, to stand tall and to keep being the person that you loved, but sometimes I am just a little girl who hurts and misses her big brother.

You are part of my Christmas Spirit.....and you are always my hero, my big brother, my best friend, and part of the most awesome family on the face of this earth. I love you till it spills all over my shoes........forever big brother!! I don't ever forget!!

love you forever and always
your little sister
Terri

Terri Griffith
Sister

December 24, 2007

It is time for me to remember the blessings in my life, and all the things that I am thankful for. I don't ever forget how blessed my life has been to be born into our wonderful Griffith Family, and I am always thankful that you were my big brother. We have such a special family and there is so much love that holds us all so tightly together, a bond we share that is for all eternity.

I love you so very much, and I am thankful and blessed to hold so many wonderful and treasured memories of you in my heart. You are a part of every day....you are always in my heart.....and you are never forgotten.

love always and forever
your little sister
Terri

Terri Griffith
Sister

November 21, 2007

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