Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Corporal Pendrey.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 26, 2020

Seems like another lifetime but also memories are clear as if it were last week.
You are remembered warmly for your intense dedication to providing emergency care-- ALS --in the streets of Roanoke City.
You gave me some specific advice that made me a better crew member.
You have a permanent position in my memories of running calls.

You are not forgotten, will never be. And I count it an honor to have volunteered with you.
I know you are at peace in a place far better than this world.

Anonymous, Volunteer
Former Member, WRLSC

March 14, 2017

I have been working in Law Enforcement for 6 years now and the last year I have been a proud Roanoke City Sheriff Deputy. Once I stared I slowly began to learn the story of you. Your story is not carried in vain yet in honor and in remembrance of the life and duty we withhold. You are a part of the department in so many ways and live in many hearts a fallen officer that we will all carry. Thank you for all you have done.

Your sister in blue

Sheriff Deputy Crystal Guzman "Guz"
Roanoke City Sheriff's Office

March 11, 2016

You were the first to rise the Lifesaving Crew ranks as a Junior member to EMT-Cardiac.

Like all of us, you were so proud to be a volunteer. I remember how it tore you apart when we could no longer sustain a completely volunteer service. While we may have gained in professionalism, we lost something in our heart. There was something noble about serving your community in day or night, in the midst of danger, just for the sake of your people.

But the memories I cherish are more personal. Borrowing a Marlboro Gold from you. The time I was going to college and you paid me $20 to mow your yard when the going rate was $5. Another time when myself and three other Junior members were about to get locked up at convention for stupidity. You badged the officer and promised to deal with us. Instead of getting locked up, we got chewed out and sent to our rooms.

From that group, there was one who went on to be a Captain in the RCFD, another who became a nurse-paramedic, one cop, and me.

And I remember how cold and clear it was that February Lifeguard 10 flew over your grave while we stood at attention with the winter sun at our back. I remember the look of desolation on Suzanne's face.

When I obtained my paramedic in 1986, I went to work at the jail in the same job you had. I remember walking by the memorial to you in the lobby each day, and how angry it made me.

To think, with all of the good that you had done, the only thing left to remember you by was some little piece of red leather that an inmate had made, probably just to get brownie points from the guards at Mecklenburg.

You deserved better.

Life is funny.

Where your life was cut so short, I was able to serve for 27 years. After nine years, they decided to privatize the medical care - so I transferred to classification.

I spent the last 10 years as an assistant watch commander. My proudest accomplishment during that time is that I never lost an inmate's life or had a deputy suffer a major injury.

I think part of that is because of what I learned from you. And I hope that I passed it on to the ones who came after. I know that we were better at our job by 2014 than we were in 1986, and I truly believe that the kids I left behind are better than I ever was.

So maybe a part of you does still live on.

I'd like to think so.

Sgt Leo B. Watkins (ret)
Roanoke City Sheriff's Office

May 13, 2015

Today Rich and I are attending the parole hearing of the man who killed you. I will meet with your sister and niece. I pray that justice prevails.

Sue Cheney, Mother Tpr Jessica J. Cheney
Virginia Chapter of COPS

March 12, 2014

Today, 29 years after his sacrifice, “A” Shift honors Cpl. Barry Lee Pendrey by dedicating our watch to him. God bless you, R.I.P. brother.

Sgt. Jason Slaughter
Radford City Police Department

February 26, 2014

I was honored to send off my 'No Parole' letter today for you, my brother in blue. Thank you for your sacrifice and may you forever, rest in peace. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!

My prayers continue to be with your family, friends and co-workers.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

January 21, 2014

My "no parole letter" went out today, my brother of the badge. God bless your Family, Friends and Department

Retired Police Officer, Bob Reed
South Lake Tahoe Police Department

January 20, 2014

I am so sorry that your tour of duty had to end like this. I can not believe it will almost be 29 years. I worked for the county for 8 1/2 years. They always remembered you in our training. Rest in Peace Deputy Pendrey.

Rhonda Wickline
Security Officer
Carilion Clinic

December 30, 2013

Thanks for your services.

David

February 25, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 26, 2010

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 7, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 20, 2008

I know killer is coming up for parole later this month. I will write a letter with other memeber of COPS to make sure he stays in jail. God Bless you and your family.

Christina Gernale
Sister of Officer Conrad Gernale EOW9/6/02

February 14, 2007

Thank you for your service and lessons to other officers of the dangers that surround them everyday. I will never forget that lesson..
Thanks

Deputy/Medic

February 14, 2007

Roanoke is my hometown. Our family moved from the city in 1960 to Chesterfield County. I became a police officer for Chestefield County in 1975. When I heard of Barry's death, I immediately requested from my department to attend. I felt honored to represent my department in my hometown and feeling even more proud of the service of Corporal Pendrey. I drove up to Roanoke alone that morning, I remembered it was a cloudy cold day that added to the sadness of such a terrible loss for the Roanoke Valley. I was takened back as we stood at attention at the graveside of the flyover of the Roanoke Medical Helicopter in Barry's honor. I retired with 28 years of service, a wife, two children, one grandson and another grandchild on the way. I have never forgotten that day at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens nor will I ever forget the influence the life and death Barry Pendrey had on my career and life. God continue to bless Barry's family...Amen

Retired Police Officer Hank Holland
Chesterfield County Police Department

May 12, 2006

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

April 14, 2005

We miss you Barry. I think you would be proud of where most of us have ended up in our lives. Your inspiration took us so far, your friendship a was blessing. Thanks for everything you taught us.

An old friend
Former WRLSC Member

October 15, 2004

God bless you for your sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

January 15, 2004

Though I never met Barry, his death reminds me of the job related dangers we face on a daily basis, whether on the roads or working in the jails. Hardly a day goes by that I do not pass the memorial to Barry in the hall and think of that ultimate sacrifice he gave in service to others. Rest in peace my brother and may God keep us all safe in His care.

Master Deputy Brian M. Geiser
Roanoke City Sheriff's Office