Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Omlin.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 28, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 11, 2020

Joe and "Big Don" were two of my best friends...and I was their dispatcher ( we also dispatched for Oregon State Police on swing and grave yard shifts ) I was the last person from Curry County Sheriff's Office to talk to Joe that day as he readied himself for that flight. We had talked and he told me where they had intended to fly looking for marijuana and said they might drop into Cave Junction for lunch. As he was starting out the door I called to him...do you have your portable ( hand held radio ) and he said no and went back to the patrol office to pick one up...and said thanks Bake Bake ( that is what he called me ) and off he went...forever. They were lost on my shift ( day ) and we could not find them......USCG brought in a hilo and Sgt. Tom Benz of Oregon State Police flew with them to try and find them...they were my best friends so I just could not leave my dispatch so worked for 36 hours until their plane was located at the Green Wall on the Illinois River. One of the saddest days of my life!! Joe was road patrol Sgt., marine patrol, and search and rescue leader...and he handled all 3 jobs very well. We hired 2 men to replace him. He and Don will always live in my heart with the most wonderful memories. Great job my friends!!

Deputy Karen Baker, Retired
Curry County Sheriff's Office

October 20, 2011

Every Law Enforcement Officer is also a friend, companion and family member to many of us.
Dedicated citizens who will pick up a gun, take to the air, or risk their life for strangers in their communities. To stand in harm’s way, often alone- to avert immediate danger and death, often reducing risks others created.
Joe remains in my heart as a friend of mine. We attended high school together, both served in the Air Force, and Joe was dispatcher those lonely nights when I was on patrol as a Deputy Sheriff. More than once Joe found back up for a burglary in progress or a serious fight. I am certain more than once he rode a cable out of a helicopter in Southeast Asia to save a downed pilot or rescue another stranger in the bush.
His acts of kindness, dedication and friendship to others is his legacy. Saving lives in Viet Nam, and protecting lives in Curry County Oregon, up all night too often, and making a difference, that is Joe’s legacy. He is always with many of us who knew him, each day we stop a moment and remember. Glad I knew him, sad we lost him – one of the great people of my generation. He always tried his very best at anything he sought to accomplish. His soul remains part of the light of each new day.

Dr. Mathias Alfred Jaren, J.D., PhD
Fellow Deputy

August 25, 2011

I had the pleasue or working with both Joe Omlin Curry SO and Don Smith of OSP in the 1970's. Both became trusted friends that were there for anyone seeking help.
Joe became my best friend and saved my life in a sucba diving accident. His dedication in professional life was outstanding and his layed back attitude in his personal life made him a friend to all. Joe loved Scuba diving, and wood cutting. Joe and his wonderful wife Shirley introduced my wife and I now married for 33 years.
I think of Joe and his family often and thank him for passing so many good memories and ideals onto me!

Sergeant Thomas Benz - Retired
Orgon State Police

August 5, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th 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.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 11, 2010

Joe was my uncle, my mom's brother. I spent a summer with my Uncle Joe and Aunt Shirley in Gold Beach. My dad is Jerry Thomas of Gold Beach. He was always so cool and we always had such fun at the beach or up the river!! Love you, Uncle Joe!!
Love, Joanna

Joanna Thomas, neice

February 10, 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 14, 2008

On behalf of the members of the Sutherlin Police Department, I send to you, our heartfelt condolences and prayers in your time of sadness. May your fallen officer’s legacy live on in the memories of his friends and family. Rest now brother, after a job well done. We’ll take it from here.

Cpl. Justin Marquis
Sutherlin Police Department, Sutherlin, OR

August 21, 2005