Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thanks to everyone for your kind words. My brother and I didn't get to know our father. I had just turned 5 when he died and my brother was 3. It was 54 years ago.

I have been thinking of him often and I believe it is because of the turmoil in our country and especially because of the disrespect and defund police actions. I would hope that if I had a chance to explain to these people about his ultimate sacrifice and how it impacted our family, they would look at their behavior in a different light.

God bless the men and women who still choose to protect our communities.

Sheila Guernsey
Daughter, Sheila Owings Guernsey

October 16, 2024

Nice to see a photo of Vern posted on this page. I remember when he and my father visited my First Grade Class sometime in March/April 1960. They were both in their winter police uniforms.

Ken O’Farrell
The son of a partner of Vern’s.

February 26, 2022

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

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

June 24, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 24, 2018

For three months prior to his killing, my late father was Vern’s partner on the Long Beach Police Department. They both came to my elementary school class in uniform as part of a “show and tell” exercise describing the job of a given student’s parent.

The night of Vern’s killing, my father was temporarily reassigned to work with a new rookie officer in a different part of Long Beach.

Needless to say, my father was crushed when Vern was killed.

The killer, Doyle Terry, was sentenced to death in the San Quentin Gas Chamber, but escaped that punishment years later when the CA Supreme Court ruled the death penalty was unconstitutional. That ruling was eventually overturned, but Terry was able to avoid his death penalty from being reinstated.

Ken O’Farrell
None

May 26, 2018

Although I was born after you passed away I have always known about my uncle Vern who was killed in the line of duty. Growing up in Long Beach myself I know several officers who still remember the day one of their brothers had fallen. You are truly missed

Terri
Niece

October 24, 2016

I had a chance meeting with your widow and daughter last night. You are not forgotten !!!

Lieutenant Scott Creager
Vancouver Police Department

August 6, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 24, 2015

I wanted to remember you on this 52nd anniversary year of your death. We always remember our heroes. I had left an earlier reflection for you in 2009, but this fall I had the opportunity to speak with the executive board of the LBPOA. The officers from your agency that are serving today are awesome and provided much help to our effort to preserve the death penalty in California. My son Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater was killed by a death row inmate; the killers of 43 law enforcement are on death row. Your agency helped keep them there. You would have been proud.

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

November 13, 2012

I was looking for my biological father named Vernon with the LBPD, and sad to have found you in the fallen officers. I am proud and will always love you although we never got to meet.

Teresa L. Williams
forgotten daughter Kamiah, ID

November 2, 2012

50 years later you are not forgotten.

Bill
NJPO

June 24, 2010

Rest in Peace, Officer Owings. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 49th 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

Anonymous

June 24, 2009

No fellow Los Angeles County law enforcement personnel killed in the line-of-duty, should be forgotten.

Officer Owings, may Your Soul Rest-In-Peace

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

June 24, 2008

Although I was very young at the time, I remember this night vividly. We came home to find a policeman waiting for us, to let my parents know that my fathers brother had been killed. I think it stuck with me so clearly because my parents cried. While I don't really remember him, I remember the night he was killed. I may have a picture of him from way back somewhere.

Debi Jackson
Niece

May 24, 2008

MY BROTHER, I AM HONORED TO BE THE FIRST TO LEAVE A REFLECTION FOR YOU. I AM AMAZED THAT THE DEPARTMENT YOU WERE WITH DOES NOT HAVE THE TIME TO HONOR YOU WITH A REFLECTION. YOU ARE A HERO. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. THANKS FOR YOUR SACRIFICE AND SERVICE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL.

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

June 24, 2005

Officer Owings, you are not forgotten

June 24, 2005