Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Wayne and I worked Rampart Division, LAPD in the early 70s. One of the best partners I had. But, he wanted to work Motors and the wait for L.A. was too long, so he transferred to Downey. Was very sorry to hear of his passing. Wayne, you are one of the good guys and I fondly remember working with you and the conversations we had. Don’t know if there are Motors in heaven, but if there are, I am sure you will be on one. Bruce Janis

Detective Sergeant
LAPD Retired

November 30, 2024

I’m sorry for the loss to all that knew and loved him.I’m looking for information on Timothy David young who supposedly was best friends with Wayne .

Anonymous
[email protected]

July 16, 2022

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

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 10, 2018

Thinking of you today Wayne. Miss you.

Carolyn Arzac

Thinking of Officers, Wayne Presley-1981 and Rick Galvez-2015, both fine officers from Downey PD.

God Bless You Both
Carolyn Arzac

January 25, 2016

Hey Dad just thinking about you in these troubled times

Mike Presley
Dept of the Army (civ)

November 20, 2015

Dear Police Officer R. Presley
Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.
R.I.P Motorman

Wm Jean-Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP, Trafic & Escort Unit

November 20, 2015

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

November 19, 2015

Rest in Peace brother in the Arms of Our Lord. Prayers for those left behind

Chief Deputy John Tomaino Sr.
Retired Mahoning County Sheriff's office

April 10, 2015

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

Matthew Cristea
Downey Resident

March 11, 2013

Dear Wayne,

I remember it like it was yesterday. By all rights I was still a rookie and you a salty motor cop. But you were always there with a warm smile and the most calming, gentlemanly affect on situations when we needed back-up (and even when we didn't.) I remember the procession to the grave site. The streets lined with what seemed like thousands of people paying their last respects to a true servant. I admit your death changed me and made me treat life and people differently. Thanks for leading me by example and know that you will be remembered!

Paul Jacobs

Lt. Paul A. Jacobs
Formerly Downey, Retired from Kalispell P.D. Mt.

September 23, 2011

The unveiling ceremony for our fallen officer memorial in honor of Officer Presley is scheduled for Thursday, September 22, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will take place in front of the police station/city hall and should last approximately 45 mins. to an hour. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions.

Stephen Garza, Captain
Downey Police Department

July 16, 2011

We have received the memorial statue and are keeping it out of view until the memorial ceremony. The latest construction time line leads me to believe mid to late September as being a probable time for the memorial ceremony to take place. Thanks to all who have contacted me expressing their desire to attend. I will update with a firm date soon.

Stephen Garza, Captain
Downey Police Department

Captain Stephen Garza
Downey Police Department

May 31, 2011

Plans are currently underway to erect a Fallen Officers Memorial in honor of Officer Presley. A ceremony will be held for the unveiling, probably sometime in May 2011, depending on how soon we can receive delivery of the statue. All retirees, family, and friends of Wayne are invited to attend. We will try to get the word out when dates are finalized. If you have any contact information for any of Wayne's family members, please call or email me so we can make sure they are notified. Thanks.

Captain Stephen Garza
Downey Police Department

February 14, 2011

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

May 19, 2010

Wayne,

Just want you to know that I think of you often, Everytime april comes around I remember that awful night, when you were taken away from us by a three-time convicted drunk driver, who shouldn't have been driving in the first place. for years, everytime I drove through the intersection of Lakewood and Florence, it would remind me of that night.

I remember a couple of weeks before that, you and Barry Halterman woke me up out of a dead sleep wanting to "B.S." and have a beer or two, but I was too tired and sent you guys on your way. I wish I could relive that night and could have had that beer with you.

We did have one hell of a choir practice though I know you'd never miss one of those and you were there in spirit.

May God bless you and your family.

-Bill

Bill Gough
Downey Police Dept (retired)

May 19, 2010

Wayne,
We were best of friends and hung out together when we were stationed at Pearl Harbor 1969/70. I remember before we parted ways you had said you were going to be a police officer in California. After my return from Vietnam in 1972 and was discharged, I've tried many timnes to find you but to no avail. I am saddened to find you now at this time. But yet, in a way I am glad so that I can honor you and your family. I too come from a law enforcement background and I know what a struggle it is for your family, friends and department. To you my friend,
my prayers follow you, and we'll be seeing each other again someday.

Brian F. Regimbal (Reg)
USN RM3

November 19, 2009

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

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

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 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.

To his family: I hold you in my thoughts and prayers today and hope to meet you sometime at a COPS function.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 10, 2009

Don Peters JR, Hi this is Sharon Cepek(Leiplein) looking for you, please e-mail me and let me know you're ok...sharon I remember your dad serving downing police dept. You guys went to southgate church where we meet your family, thinking about all of you.....

sharon cepek
friend

December 15, 2008

Wayne,

I'm sorry that we never got to meet. I've always been told good things about you.

I am honored to carry on your name.

Lt Jacob Wayne Presley
United States Air Force

October 26, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 1, 2008

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

Officer Presley, on the 27th Anniversary(sic) of that fateful day, may Your Soul Rest-In-Peace

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

April 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

November 25, 2007

I enjoyed meeting you and remember your mom, Pearl, your brother Jim,and the rest of her family hanging on your every word. We still have a loving, respectful and proud regard for you. Your death happened before our oldest son was born. There was no hesitation in giving him your name. Ironically, we hear he reminds people of you.

Barb Presley
nephew Denny's wife

January 8, 2007

Uncle Wayne,
We were all together with your son this weekend and he told us about this site. What an awesome tribute to you and all of the other officers!We are so proud of what you stand for. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We miss you and love you!We have some great memories and have kept you alive through them. Your neice, Debi

Debi D'Angelo
neice

December 13, 2006