Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hello Sir,

I just want you to know that I thank you for your service and that your daughter, Dawn, is a true blessing in my life as well as in others. I know you are smiling down on her and all her accomplishments. She was raised with all the love for you and finds compassion within everything she does. It is a true privilege knowing your daughter; thank you.

K. Cushman

October 23, 2024

Trooper O’Neal,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 10, 2024

I was a new hire for Hinesville PD GA. Then less than 5 years, Police Officer, a “yankee” from Wisconsin. Oh the fun everyone had listened to me for vehicle stops, communications… dispatch forever getting a smile

I met Ronnie once at a Post Christmas party 1983 … a kind man, a proud Trooper.
His loss was devastating, my 1st Officer funeral.
To this very day, every January for the rest of my life … I will remember that day (10th ), the patrol radio communications echoes often in my mind. It will brings a tear to my eyes.
If I could say one thing to Ronnie today, I’d tell him … “you made a difference”
Always in my prayers and often in my thoughts brother. Eternal Peace
BlueBlood family no boundaries

Patrolman
Hinesville PD

January 7, 2023

Ronnie O’Neal was a wonderful friend to my father who loved him like a brother. He always “clocked” my sister, brother and I to see how fast we could run or pedal our bicycles. I’ll never forget the night my sister came running in the house right after she got her driver’s license. She was yelling “I didn’t do anything wrong” because you followed her home in your patrol car. She didn’t know you were coming to eat dinner with us that night. We all had a good laugh at Tammy’s expense over dinner that night. The Westberry family’s hearts were broken the night we lost you.

Pam Westberry Powell
Friend

April 28, 2022

I remember you … You changed my life forever.
A rookie Patrolman on duty the day you passed. My first LEO funeral … my 1st lost Blue Blood Brother.

You made a difference
Eternal Peace

Patrolman Lita Blum
Hinesville PD GA

January 21, 2022

While traveling I went under the overpass named in Trooper Ronny O'Neal's honor. I was able to learn a tiny bit about you. I appreciate and respect you Trooper Ronny O'Neal. May you live on in the memories and hearts of those who had the honor to know you and those who learn of you.

Diane Pearson
Diane Pearson Athol MA

December 3, 2017

He was an incredible man, husband, and officer... But more importantly, an incredible Dad to me and my sister, Beverly. Thank you all for sharing your kindness and sweet reflections. We miss him more than words can say ... Until we meet again ~ We love you! ~ Dawn

Dawn O'Neal DeLoach
Daughter

August 31, 2013

Ronnie,
You were such a great teacher to such a young trooper as I was when we were in Hinesville. I learned so much from you. It has been over 29 years since you were taken away from your family and your brothers and sisters in blue. You will never be forgotten.

Ret. Sgt. B.J. Kennedy Leopold #817
Georgia State Patrol

January 24, 2013

I passed under the over pass named in your honor this week while on vacation and just wanted to stop in and reflect on on happened to you. Thank you for your service to your community.

As time passes wounds will heal but your loss will be remembered.

Tandy Dunn

June 25, 2012

Rest in Peace, Trooper O'Neal. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 30, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th 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 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. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 10, 2012

26 years and 6 months later it still seems like yesterday. I had known Ronnie for a few years and was a co-worker for 40 days when he passed away. The events surrounding that and the following days made a lasting impression on me as I came to realize the bond shared within the LEO community. Most impressive is how Ronnie's surviving family (and subsequent grandchildren) were and are looked after to this day. Ronnie would be very proud indeed. Ethel Kennedy once said, "Life is not made up of milestones, but of moments". Thanks for the "moments" of your life that you shared. Redeye, you are still remembered.

CEO R.L. Howard
GSP

July 8, 2010

Trooper O'Neal,
Sir, 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 the state of Georgia. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

January 10, 2009

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. RIP.

April 14, 2008

TROOPER O'NEAL, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

January 10, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 3, 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

December 26, 2007

just took my family from PA to Disney and seen the sign erected in your name. You will never be forgotten, a hero never is.

Your brother,

PSP Trooper.

Sgt. Gary Thomas
PA STATE POLICE

June 25, 2007

May Our Lord bless you.

January 10, 2007

Following the untimely death of another Trooper recently, I have had special thoughts of you and all the times we spent together. Your memory has not left the thoughts of the men and women at Post # 11 as the memorial hangs just inside the entrance to the building. Thank you for all you have done and what you left for all of us. With all our love,

Fellow G.S.P. Trooper
Retired

Fellow Trooper
Post # 11, Hinesville

September 3, 2006

I was a trooper at Hinesville when Ronnie came onboard and became his friend as well as a trainer. He was affectionately known as "Redeye" because he always looked like he hadn't slept in a week! He was a fine trooper and a loving husband and father.

Special Agent (Ret.)
Defense Security Service

June 3, 2006

Although, we have never met I recall the night that you passed away. I heard the pursuit on the radio. A mutual friend of ours, Rick Ernst a soldier and a reserve with Hinesville PD let me know that you were a good man and a fine trooper.

I just wanted the world to know that you have not been forgotten. To Ron's family, may the Lord bless you all.

To the Troops of the GSP and the GBI, thanks I appreciate your work and the risk you take every time you put on the hat and take to the street

FR Gublo
24th MP Co det to Game Warden Office 1984-85

September 7, 2003