Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was an off-duty Detroit rookie. I showed up at the scene to assist in anyway I could. It's been more than 50 years, but the scene is still extremely vivid in my mind.

Rest in Peace, brother.

Jim Orlando
Detroit Police Department

February 7, 2024

Officer Pakula,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC in Vietnam where you earned the Purple Heart when you were wounded in action. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 16, 2024

I have a vivid memory of this incident that occurred just before I turned 11 and along the route I used to walk to school. I was a safety patrol at Robinson Elementary and this was near my Beat. From the bullet holes in the side of the house, to the blood stains on the ground from the fallen officers. I will never forget this incident nor the ultimate sacrifice that they made on that fateful day for the community and citizens they served!

Fire Marshal M. Albo
Southfield FD

January 15, 2023

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

January 16, 2021

I became his sisters friend for a short time in the old neighborhood, after her loss. Kathy did get to smile again and when I was 16, she a bit older, she got engaged and moved out of state. I often think of her. I just loved her red hair. Her Mom was also very kind to me in a neighborhood that was not very safe. Miss you sweet girl! Your family gave everything to keep us safe.

Kim Guzek-Bachner
Friend to His Sister

May 18, 2019

Officer Edward Pakula Jr. will never ever be forgotten. I thank him for his service to our nation as a United States Marine. May his soul rest in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

February 16, 2018

Officer Pakula,
Sir, as a fellow Marine I would just like to say on today the 44th anniversary of your death thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 16, 2018

Rip. Thank you for your service.

Future Detroit PO Ali .
Dearborn, MI

January 16, 2016

When Officer Pakula was shot and killed. I went to school with his sister at Farwell Junior High School. As a class we went to his funeral. It was a moving emotional time. The Honor Guard was amazing. He was one reason I went into Law Enforcement. I have lost contact with his sister long ago. I pray that she healed. She was a mess. I often think of her.

God Bless,
C/O Steven C Sharrett, <><

C/O Steven C Sharrett
Michigan Department of Corrections

March 13, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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. He was also your brother in green so I also bid you semper fi.

Your memory will always be honored and revered for time never diminishes respect. 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 16, 2012

When I visited the family home in Detroit in '71 you were still on patrol. When I returned in '75 you were gone. I have had the privilige and pleasure of meeting your old partner, now LAPD Captain Nick Zingo. We often speak of Detroit when we meet. He continues to honor your memory and so many other fine Detroit officers who have sacrificed their lives to protect the people of my second home.

My family lived in the 5th precinct and this native Californian always loved coming to Detroit. My family is gone but if I am ever back I will look for you at DPD headquarters. May your memory be forever a blessing.

Jim Grant, Crime Intelligence Analyst
Los Angeles Police Department

April 7, 2011

It has been a long time my friend since you left this earth to rein in Heaven. I think of you often when I remember my youth. You were kind to me and I should of listen to you. Sleep in peace my friend and someday we'll see each other.

Kathy Kaminski
friend

January 12, 2011

In death a hero, as in life a friend !

Anonymous

February 6, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year I was hired. While it's been a long time, I'm sure those you left behind and served with disctinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thanks for your service and for looking out for us you left behind. Rest in peace Officer Pakula.

Sgt. Robert Mau, Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 16, 2008

Ed - I still remember you today. We were both so young. You were my partner, and I was in court the day of the shooting. After I heard that there was an OIS in 15th PCT., I responded to Detroit General Hospital where they transported you. You were the best partner an officer could have. You were gentle, kind and a damn fine officer! The Detroit Police Department was lucky to have you wear their badge and protect and serve the city!

REST IN PEACE!!

Lieutenant Nick Zingo
LAPD - prior Detroit Police officer

May 7, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 6, 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

November 13, 2007

The brave die never, though they sleep in dust:
Their courage nerves a thousand living men.
~Minot J. Savage


Never forgotten Eddie.
A brother in blue

January 13, 2006

My God keep you safe.

EMT

July 28, 2004