Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I worked with Bruce on the third shift and was off that Saturday night when this happened. He was a good supervisor and was ready to help anyone. Visited with him several times in the hospital and nursing home where he lived till he passed away.

Charles Riggs
Ret. Rhea County Sheriff’s Department

January 2, 2024

Sgt. Owens,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Rhea County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 29, 2019

Rest in peace Sergeant Owens.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 9, 2019

Sergeant Bruce Owens you are grately missed! I hope you and Daddy are enjoying yalls time together. He really missed ya! Thank you for being my Hero! I remember as a child you in your police car and turning your sirens on for me and my brother. Thank you for your sevice and the sacrifice you made for all of us! Tell Daddy that i love him and miss him!I love you Uncle Bruce till we meet again!!

Marti Owens Scroggs
My Uncle

December 13, 2018

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 15th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
I pray for solace for those who miss and love you for I know the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 29, 2009

"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 30, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 29, 2007

May you rest in peace, you will always be remembered.

Jeff Hill President Rhea Co. FOP
Rhea County FOP Lodge 68

November 19, 2006

I WAS REALLY SAD THE DAY BRUCE DIED. I KNOW YOU ARE RESTING WITH THE ANGLES. YOU WAS AND ARE THE BEST BRUCE ... MAY GOD GIVE YOU REST .

March 26, 2006

Rest in peace Sgt. Owens.
You have not been forgotten.

December 29, 2005