Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

How do you only get 5 year's for killing one of these brave heroes. If the judge or one of the jury was struggling with a dangerous animal I'm sure they would have a different outlook. Anyway. Thank you so much for your courage and dedication to your community. We will never forget you. Rest in peace

Jerry
Fellow citizen

June 27, 2024

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

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

June 27, 2020

I was 3 yrs. old when you died. My Dad never stopped talking about you and the good times you had together. Sadly, after 38 yrs. as a police officer, David A. Lay Sr. passed away on May 6, 2007. God Bless all the police officers who put their lives on the line.

David A. Lay Jr.
Son of David A. Lay Sr. & Father of David A. Lay lll

December 10, 2016

ERNIE RASCON WAS ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS. I WAS THE SHERIFF'S OFFICER THAT ARRESTED HIS KILLER. WHILE ERNIE WAS DYEING, I WAS PROBABLY THE THIRD OFFICER IN THE SCENE. I WENT AROUND THE AREA LOOKING FOR THE DESCRIPTION THAT I WAS GIVEN. ON MAIN STREET THERE HE WAS TRYING TO CALL SOME ONE TO PICK HIM UP. A CAPITAL ARREST WAS A JOKE ANYWAY, THE KILLER GOT 5 YEARS SUPERVISED PROBATION FOR KILLING A POLICE OFFICER IN COLD BLOOD...RASCON WAS A DEICATED AND VERY GOOD OFFICER. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. MANNY MARTINEZ..I RESIGNED WHEN THE VERDICT WAS READ.. WHAT A SHAME..

PATROL OFFICER MANNY MARTINEZ
EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT

July 1, 2016

Ernie,

I have been to Washington DC for Police Week and taken a rubbing of your name that hangs here in the station.

You are in our minds all the time. We know that you are watching over us, and yes, sometimes playing tricks on us. The kids play in the ball park, but the have no idea who you were, but we do.

Thank you for helping to keep us safe and being one of our "Guardian Angels." Lord knows that we need them, but I wish that we had not lost you so soon, we did not need to make you one that early.

Linda Goggin
Anthony Police Department

February 26, 2016

I was eleven years old when your life was taken away from you. I remember that day clearly and has lived in my memory all these years. I have often thought of you and your family and have always wondered who you were. My family and I were close by you that day and I remember being scared and crying for you. You were so young and you had your whole life ahead of you. I can't believe that man, whom we had the misfortune of coming across that day only did five years. What an injustice. Officer Rascon you are my hero. Thank you for your courage. I will remember you always. God bless you.

Leticia Cobos
Friend in spirit

September 19, 2015

Ernest aka. BB was my life long friend since 5 years old until the time of his murder. A rich drug addict with parents who had connections pulled their sleazy pay offs an he walked free. El Paso justice. Times may have changed but I don't think so.

Butch jones
Life long friend since 5 yrs old

July 4, 2015

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

July 4, 2015

During our police academy training in El Paso in 1972, Ernie and I became very close friends. His murder saddens me to this very day and likely will forever.

Randolph McDorman
El Paso PD

December 6, 2013

Officer Rascon,
Sir, even though it's been over 37 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Anthony. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 9, 2013

I am a personal friend of Earnie's and as a matter of fact he played a great part in my decision to become a police officer. After his shift was over we use to sit on a rock fence and talk. At the time i had got to know him and the work he did. My parents planned a fishing trip and i had gone with them when i heard he had been killed. When i returned home i contacted the other officers and found out that Earnie had got the call and upon making contact with Theardore Mapulia in the backyard of a citizen Mapulia somehow wrestled his service weapon away from him how i will never know Earnie was a fit officer and stood over him and fired a few around into his chest. Earnie was missing two fingers which came from defensive words. At trial Earnie was dragged through the mud. Mapulia was represented by the once powerful Charges, who were connected to drug trafficng and other deals. Earnie had had problems with another Police Dept in the area and the defence lawyers used that and other things in his past to make him look like the bad guy and a drug addict look like an angel. I would not be surprised if money and other things paid the way for Mr. Mapulia to get 5 years Probation, no jail time whatsoever. Thats the story.

David Hall retired

July 30, 2013

After posting my reflection for Officer Rascon, I tried to find more about the circumstances of his death, especially regarding the totally inadequate sentencing of his murderer.
I don't understand how the jury reached their verdict and I can only imagine how Officer Rascon's parents and fellow officers must have agonized over the injustice. I am so sorry that he, his family and his agency did not get the justice they deserve but his killer will be judged by God.

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

December 1, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th anniversary year 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

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

December 1, 2012

As a Former Officer with the Anthony PD, I walked by your photo every day on the job and I visited with you. It served as a very strong reminder that evil is everywhere. Rest in Peace Brother, you are not forgotten!

Officer Don Harris
USFS Law Enforcement

May 10, 2012

Thirty five years ago, I made that terrible trip to the hospital.
Still seems unreal. It was so hard.
You still are, and always will be, in my heart.

The Mapula's and the Chagra"s will NEVER get all that they deserve, and neither will that jury. But I left it in God's hands then, and I still do. All it did was make me want to be the best officer I could be, just as you would have had me be.
My Love.

Retired Sergeant Roberta Rojas King
Dallas Police Dept

June 22, 2011

Rest in peace my Brother. Thank you for your service.

Deputy S. Yates
Covington County Sheriff Dept. (Ms)

February 16, 2011

Earnie you were my best friend, and oh how I have missed you all my life. The times we spent sitting on the fence drinking our beer after work were the best times I could remember. I remember all the plans you had for your self and how much you wanted to go further into your law enforcement endeviors. And mostly how you set my goals to become a law enforcement officer just like you. I was at a time in my life when things were not so clear yet, and you set them right, Yea my friend I did it! I became the youngest El Paso county sheriffs deputie and a Anthony police officer In Texas. Cheated. I will never forget the night I was fishing and my dad told me the news and i was so pissed off that i never got to say goodby to my best friend. Well here is my chance, Earnie I love you my friend and i miss you, and i feel like i let you down for not being there for you, I know i will see you soon and then we can catch up on old times! My friend, my hero, I must say goodbye for now, only in body but never in my heart. David Hall

David Hall Patrol
Anthony Texas, El Paso County.

June 15, 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

January 30, 2008

What you did in service to your community meant more than you'd ever guess - Thank you so much for your service

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

May 19, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

February 15, 2007

I am an officer with the Anthony Police Department. When I started, I walked past your plaque on the wall, and drove by the baseball park which was named after you in your honor. It reminds me that even though I work in a small town, there is real danger. Your place on the wall reminds us all to be careful and safe, and in this way your sacrifice was not in vain. It is a tremendous failure that your killer only served 5 years. Recently the Chief went to Washington D.C. and found your name carved into the stone of the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial. He scratched out your name on a sheet of paper and we have placed it and your photo in a frame, which hangs at the station beside your plaque. We lost you in 1976, thirty years ago now that it is 2006, but you are not forgotten. Thank you, Officer Rascon.

Shaun Roberts, Patrolman
Anthony Police Department, Texas

November 8, 2006

May God Bless the peacekeepers and their families. Thank you, Officer Ernesto Rascon, for keeping the citizens of Anthony safe. Rest in peace brother, you will not be forgotten. God speed.

SGT. EDWIN DAVILA
ANTHONY POLICE DEPARTMENT

November 7, 2006

Officer Rascon,

I worked 5 years for the Anthony PD. I used to look at you picture on the wall everytime I went on shift. Your story was told time and time again. You will not be forgotten. RIP brother.

Officer Rascon
USFS Law Enforcement

September 4, 2005

Officer Rascon,
I am a Border Patrol Agent stationed in El Paso. We come into contact with APD on a number of occasions and have always been treated good by your department. I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Anthony. What I can not believe is how the scum that murdered you only got 5 years, he should have gotten at least life if not the death penalty.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

March 13, 2005

I just wanted to leave a note to this officer and his friends and family. I was turning 12 years old, the day this hero gave his life in the line of duty. This was the year of this country's Bicentenial and I will never forget the way the country celabrated, but for this brave man there was no celabration for him or his family. Just the celabration of his life and service to his fellow man. At that time I had no idea that i would become a police officer, but just 10 years later I took the oath. Rest well

Detective L H Corbett
Norfolk Police Department

July 27, 2004