Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jesus Christ, during His Sermon on the Mount, proclaimed, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

February 22, 2021

Rest in Peace Major Gates. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gates Family and the Memphis Police Department.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey

November 24, 2020

Maj. Gates,
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 Memphis. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 7, 2019

Rest in peace Major Gates. Terrible tragedy!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 29, 2019

May his soul forever rest peacefully in Heaven. Major Gated will never be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired
New York State Police

January 10, 2019

Terrible tragedy Major Gates. A Memphis police hero of honor and bravery forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 31, 2018

I was fortunate to have known Rufus as a good friend who was always trying to help the children of this city.

Thomas Southwell
Friend

June 28, 2018

A horrible turn of events led to your death. I am so sorry. This was a terrible unforseen incident. My thoughts and prayers to your family. SCSO Deputy Sheriff.

anonomous
Law officer friend shelby county, tn.

August 27, 2015

Very unfortunate loss to the family, the department and the community. RIP.

Special Agent Darin Paul
Federal Bureau of Investigation

November 7, 2014

Father I know this world has been so different without you here guiding us through our manhood. It is a difficult task to wear Blue in this country. I miss you so much and although it has been over 17 years, it still hurt that we (The citizens of Memphis, TN) lost not only a hero but a male role model to the community. You would be so proud of your two sons of the accomplishments they have achieved over the years.

God has you by his side protecting those who have come across your life and even though we should not hold back the tears, today I shed mines for they are tears of happiness. Happiness to know that one day I will meet you at the heavily gates with open arms.

I love you dad. Your life will always live deep within my heart.

Sincerely,

Christopher Tate

Christopher Tate
God Son of Major Rufus Gates

July 8, 2011

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 a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

You are loved and missed by many, especially your family.
The pain and the pride are forever. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

November 7, 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
Nh

November 3, 2007

I pray that you are still resting peacefully and hope that you are watching down over us.

Cpl. Egendoerfer
Mishawaka PD

November 7, 2006

Major Gates,

On this the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sense we pay tribute to your spirit. Tonight the Evening Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department’s North Precinct will hit the street in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entire shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

November 7, 2006

Twelve yrs. later--gone but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

October 27, 2006

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 13, 2005

Tragic.................God Bless

concerned citizen