Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and today we take the time to remind you and your family that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your LE brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

July 24, 2020

Rest in peace Detective Rauft.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 24, 2019

Just before the Tragic Murder of Detective Rauft he was helping teach a class at the Tampa Police Academy. He was in good spirits and thoroughly engaged in helping other Officers learn how to defend themselves. I suspect many stayed safe from lessons he taught. That was a long time ago, but I have not forgotten.

Ex-Officer Mitchell Henderson
Tampa Police Department

March 30, 2017

Continue to rest in peace Detective Rauft, we will never forget...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

July 24, 2013

HEROES live forever, and you sir are a hero. We will never forget the sacrifice you made for all of us. Continue to rest in peace Detective Rauft.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

July 24, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 23, 2012

Rest in Peace, Detective Rauft. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

Gerry it has been 30 years today. You were planning on going on vacation to New York the following day but lost your life during that drug buy that went very wrong. Your daughters have grown and you became a grandfather. Your name is etched on the Tampa Police Memorial, the Florida Police Memorial, and the National Police Memorial in D.C. In 2010 I had the honor of participating in the Police Unity Tour carrying two bracelets with your name for a 250 mile bicycle ride. Upon my return to Tampa I presented those to your daughters at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 27. I have sat beside your daughters Patty and Kimberly at court hearings that are still continuing on the individual who took your life. I pray that some day soon this case will be resolved and there will be some sense of closure for you and your family. My brother you are truly missed.

Investigator Douglas Bieniek
State Attorney's Office

July 24, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th 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. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 24, 2010

Patty,You and Youre family has the support of every single one of us who wears the Badge!

Officer
Phoenix Police Dept

May 24, 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

October 8, 2007

You were a wonderful man and I am sure you are shining down on your wonderful family. You are missed everyday!

Friend
TPD

June 22, 2007

Thank You for your bravery. Rest in peace.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

February 18, 2004

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND WATCH OVER YOUR FAMILY.

POLICE OFFICER
NYPD - 44 PCT

August 20, 2003

I think about you all the time, Daddy, and miss you, still today!!
I wasn't aware back then how important you were to us all, how brave and honerable you were. Everyday you left home it was to make a difference in the world. I wasn't able to express myself then and I will always regret that. You put your life on the line for all of us and in turn, it was taken away...from all of us. I admire you for the person you were and feel fortunate to have your blood running through me. I wish you were here... and I hope to see you again, one day. Love, your daughter, Patty.