Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Ret.

April 22, 2024

George(Tiger), I remember the day that MPD called your mom and told her that you had missed a couple of check calls, she called all of the family we all gathered at the home waiting on news. I called my sister, she is married to a police officer in another nearby city, he then joins in a search for you, officers and volunteers all over the field where you were found, after that, it all became real. The kids responsible for your early death, are all now free. It’s all unfair, but God had a plan. Sis in law. Cindy

Cindy
Sister in law

December 2, 2021

I visited your grave today… had no flowers so I left a dime so your family would know someone visited and cares.
I will never forget the tragedy and how it affected so many. Thx for everything you gave Officer Raffield!

Kennedy
resident

August 1, 2021

Rest in peace Patrolman Raffield.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 22, 2019

George,

From the hijinks we lived and you helped create at my first real job at Minyards, the amazing times in Orchestra and of course the play hard times outside of work and school, I have never forgotten you. Most importantly, I have never forgotten your zest for life and your unending motivation as you entered the world of law enforcement. Your mindset could truly never be equaled; you would have been a force to be reckoned with, a good cop and a leader who would have inspired many. All was not lost, as I owe you an eternal debt of gratitude. As a retired police officer, being able to traverse the challenges and pitfalls of a law enforcement career, I owe you so much. Much of the direction, details and situations I deliberately embarked on, and more importantly the outcomes; much credit must go to you. While I truly feel that I have more than a few guardian angels who have helped to guide me down the right path and work through the most difficult of challenges; I have always felt your presence.

You are so very much missed and shall never be forgotten
Rest in Peace friend

Sgt. Brian Weir (Retired)
BHPD

October 24, 2018

We were walking in the cemetery and saw Mr. Raffield's grave, and the Midlothian badge on the headstone. We realized he had been a young man at the time of his death, and we were saddened to learn the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. God Bless him and his family and that he is not forgotten.

Tracey and John Friedmann/ Adult Probati
Dallas County CSCD

August 4, 2017

Cody thanks for sharing. I was junior in high school when this event occurred. At the time I did not realize the impact that your uncle's heroic actions made that day. But, now after watching the story on the ID channel, I totally understand the impact. I really hope that your students is taking in what you are sharing? Thank you for sharing. God Bless you and your family.

Sidney Davis

December 20, 2016

I was only 2 when uncle Tiger passed. I only have small "episode" like memories of my times with him. Growing up in the Dallas area, I can recall many years of Red Ribbon week in October, watching the same footage of the news coverage of my uncle's story. Yearly like clock work i was haunted by the same footage of my uncle in the field. Several times I had teachers recognize my parents in the news story and point it out to the class. I have not had the opportunity to honor George's memory by becoming an officer, or join the military like many of my family members. But I carry on his memory through my students in my classroom. I teach Officer Raffield's story to my classroom each year. And every year I am sure to "forget" to show the old news footage to my students, but instead I teach them who Officer Raffield was, and that he gave his life to protect each of the 26 of them from the dangers of drugs. Year after year I will tell your story until many many more years pass and I join you in the presence of God.

Cody
Nephew

May 30, 2016

I was about 10 and we had just lost my stepdad to a heart attack. George was my sister's best friend Martha's fiancé. I remember them both at our house a lot during our time of loss. He was always so nice to me. I just remember Martha telling me he was going to be a police officer. I couldn't really understand when he was gone and we were all so sad again. I was angry when I was able to find out the truth. I will always remember George for his kindness and genorosity and making me feel safe as a little girl. Thank you George.

Kimberly Bennett Solorzano
Friend

February 7, 2016

"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

October 22, 2015

I knew George , we were in the Texas Dept. of Public Safety Explorer Program at the garland office. George and I wanted to save the world as police officers. I was sadden so bad , when our advisor Trooper Russell Deaton called me and advised me that we had lost George. I had just graduated the police academy in March just a few month prior to Georges death. I have continued my career in law enforcement in Texas and now in the State of Arkansas for the last 28 years as full time officer trying to do as George and I wanted to do as young men in the program. George and I was able to fill our dreams as becoming a law enforcement and we bought knew about the danger it didn't matter we were for the long hall . I went to the academy with a young man who's brother was the one that found George. I felt that my friend was with me even in the academy. I wish George's family all my prayers and most of all my friend George "Rest in Peace ". I have tried to full fill our boyhood dreams.

Major Joey Martin
Poinsett County Sheriiff's Office, Arkansas/Friend

March 6, 2015

What do you say about such a thing? I grew up in Red Oak where George served for a little while. I was only 7 at the time, but we saw George around town from time to time. It always makes you think about situations like these more so when they happen so close to home.

I read a comment from his sister regarding an apology from those involved in the murder. As hard as it is for you to forgive these people you must do it. God will judge them according to what they have done lest they repent and bow to the cross. Thank you for your service George.

Nathan Pullin
None

August 11, 2014

I learned of the death of George last week by a Sunday magazine that reports on important events that happened in previous years here in Caracas Venezuela.
The truth that even having spent so many years and I found out fading away, moved me greatly, as it was a person too young to face such a dangerous mission and did so with courage. Today I congratulate you and may God rest his kingdom.
Those murderers hopefully, never give out of jail, do not deserve to end the life of a productive quality of life.
God's timing is perfect. Blessings to your family and congratulations to his nephew to follow the example of George.
Sorry if my English is misspelled. Use the translator.
Dora Alicia Rocchi
Caracas-Venezuela

Dora Alicia Rocchi
Particular

March 14, 2013

I still think of him often. He was a good friend in high school and co-worker at Minyards.

Jeff Adams
Friend

September 16, 2012

Today is a GREAT day since I got word that Greg was denied early release from prison!!! A day does not go by that I don't think about miss you little brother. Tiger you must have look over your nephew Nick while he was deployed and serviced in the Marines he has finished his 4 years. Thank you for keeping him safe I don't know what I would do if anything had happen to him. To everyone who looks at this page please do something kind for someone else that is how our father taught us.

We still til this day have never gotten Greg, Richard, Jonathan or Cynthia to ever say that they were sorry for what they did to my brother. Not one little letter from any of them or a public I'm sorry!! But they want me and the rest of my family to feel sorry for them shame on all of the them! I did not take someone out to a field and fired a gun to end his life and then walk to the road and get a ride back into town where I called who ever to let them know that I killed him.

Sister-Sheryl
Sister-Sheryl

July 27, 2012

George is buried in the Waxahachie City Cemetery (Addition 3, Block 1, Lot 12A) next to his Mother. The City of Waxahachie web site has pdf files of the cemetery map and records.

The most telling thing I can say about George is that some 24 years later I still feel the loss.

Chris

December 8, 2011

I was only 10 years old when Tiger passed away. We weren't close cousins....probably only seen him a few times in my life but I still remember him today. Unfortunately, I am still haunted by the T.V. images of the helicopter as it hovered over his body and his truck in the field he was killed. It is an image I can't ever get out of my mind. However, I also remember his funeral and how people lined the streets as the funeral procession passed by that day. That was also an image of the good we still have left in our communities. I am now a teacher and have thought about Tiger and the sacrifices he made to make our schools a better place to learn. I wished I could have know him much better than I did. I have wanted for some time now to go back to the cemetery and pay respect to him but I can't remember what cemetery he was buried at. I know he is buried in the same cemetery as my Aunt Shirley and Uncle Don but my mom couldn't recall the cemetery name and I was certainly too young to make a point of the cemetery name. Could anyone help me by telling me the name of the cemetery?

Kimberly Morgan
cousin

July 27, 2011

Rest in peace brother. I was in high school when you were murdered. I grew up not far from your town. and my God bless you and your family. Thank you for your service and character. You were a true asset to our profession.

A Texas StreetCop #614

Anonymous

February 1, 2011

You are remembered today by a mother of a fallen officer. My son, Larry Lasater died when shot on April 23, 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers while serving with the Pittsburg, California Police Department.

Ge, yoorgeur sacrifice is not forgotten. Rest in Peace. Your memory is honored and revered 23 years after your death and will continue to be. This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service George gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 23, 1987.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 23, 2010

George, As I stood at attention during the funeral of Cedar Park Police Officer Leonard Reed a few days ago, I was drawn back to your funeral service and to our dispatching days. Not a week goes by that I don't remember the coffee breaks that we had, the jokes we played on each other and on other dispatchers from agencies from all across the south Dallas area. The pain of your passing might not be as sharp but remains nonetheless. Rest In Peace my friend.

Chris

August 28, 2010

Having recently finished the book I just want to say how sorry I am to the family. Truly a tragedy and so sad for all concerned. He was trying to do good and needs to be remembered for his bravery and attempt to deal with the terrible problem of drugs. My best to friends and family.
Anonoymous in Indiana.

Anonymous

July 5, 2010

I just heard of this tragic event through the book, INNOCENCE LOST, by Carlton Stowers. To George's family--be proud your family member was willing to do what it took to make a change. To all the others---keep watch on your children, get involved, teach them the difference between right and wrong. Support them when they are right and allow them to accept the consequences when they are wrong. God Bless!

Terrie Race
Caring Citizen

January 6, 2010

I remember George from High School. He was one of the sweetest, soft spoken, gentleman I have ever known. As the seasons change from summer to fall, I always reflect on my memories of him. It broke my heart when I heard of his untimely death so many years ago. He deserved so much better. May he rest in peace.

Anonymous

October 12, 2009

I still miss riding with George when he was in Wilmer. I was his dispatcher at the time, and rode with him on both days off and when I worked deeps. I have come along way since then, but still remember George and the fun times we had riding together. God blessed George with angel's wings and he serves at His side daily, watching the rest of us in our chosen profession. George was a trooper, George was a comedian, George was a visionary who could see the good in everyone, sometimes overlooking the real harm. George was a true police officer and friend. George, I still miss you and think of you often. I hope I have served as you would have, with head held high and proud of the badge. You are missed my old friend. God Bless You and your family.

Officer Thomas Lauer
Malakoff P.D.

August 14, 2009

When I logged onto the ODMP on October 23, 2008 I searched the "Today In History" section. Officer Raffield's name was on the list for October 23. I hadn't thought of George in some time. I clicked on his name and the memorial popped up. I just stared at the photo, remembering that he was a student at the Tarrant County Junior College Police Academy when he was with the Red Oak P.D.. I was a police officer with the Irving P.D. and taught at the TCJC Academy as a guest instructor for 15 years from 1985 to 2000. George was one of my students in the Seven Step Violator Contact class, teaching the recruits officer safety on traffic stops. It was four, four hour blocks of class, four consecutive afternoons. Two afternoons of lecture, one afternoon of videotaped practical exercises and the final afternoon was viewing the tape and a critique of each individual recruit's performance.
I retired from the Irving PD in 2004 but stayed in law enforcement. I still have family in Waxahachie and my brother has a business in Midlothian. When we're there to visit my memory will at some point to George Raffield.
So, yesterday when I logged onto the ODMP and saw George's picture on his memorial page I remembered the story and felt a moment of sorrow for a fine young man. However, I didn't stop there. I searched his name on the internet and learned of the book "Innocence Lost". Later in the afteroon I went to the local library and checked the book out and have been reading it for the past several hours. I was acquainted with several of the law enforcement men in the book and familiar with a lot of the places mentioned in the case.
His passing was 15 years to the day after I started my career in law enforcement and 21 years to the day that I began reading "Innocence Lost". Odd coincidences I suppose.
As I stated in an earlier posting on his memorial page, I recall George Raffield from his academy class that I taught. I remember him as a polite young man, soft spoken during the practical exercises of the class as well as attentive and respectful of my instruction.
It is my prayer that his family experience the peace, blessings and eternal love of our Lord and Savior in the coming days. And may God bless the men and women of the Midlothian Police Department, keeping them safe from harm.

Special Ranger Doug Hutchison
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

October 24, 2008