Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Ray.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 21, 2019

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

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

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th 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 solace fo all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace.

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

April 8, 2012

Deputy Sheriff Ray,
On today, the 34th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Escambia County. And to your family and loved ones, i wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

April 7, 2012

Continue to rest in peace hero, we will never forget the sacrifice that you and your family made for all of us.

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

April 7, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Ray. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

THANK YOU EVERY ONE FOR YOUR KIND WORDS ABOUT MY GRANDPA...I ONLY WISH I WOULD HAVE GOT THE CHANCE TO KNOW HIM...MY GRANDMA TELLS ME HE WAS A GREAT MAN,HER BEST FRIEND,AND THAT I WOULD HAVE LIKE HIM....FOR ALL OF YOU THAT KNEW HIM AND EVEN FOR THE ONES THAT DID NOT BUT HAVE HEAR OF HIM..THANK YOU

Phillip O. Ray
Grandson

September 19, 2011

Heroes do live forever and you sir are a hero... Continue to rest in peace Deputy Ray. We will never forget.

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

Anonymous

April 7, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 7, 2010

Deputy Ray, next Wednesday as President of the Florida Fraternal Order of Police, I will attend and speak on your behalf at the Florida Parole Commission. Your voice will be heard. It is our pledge to "never forget" your life, your service, and your sacrifice for the citizens of Florida. Your memory remains fresh in our minds. Your life cut short, we must deal with what is and only dream of what your life could have been. Thank you for your service brother. Rest peacefully with the knowledge we carry on your watch.

Sergeant James Preston (Ret)
Tampa Police Department

January 31, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 7, 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 2, 2007

"Buddy" he was known to us that worked with him, was one of the finest men I have ever known. I was a brand new rookie and worked with Buddy, he always took time to share his knowledge with us. I still have a pocket knife Buddy loaned me the day of his death and remember him every time I look at it. Buddy, rest in peace.

Lt Jerry Cox
Escambia County Sheriff's Office

August 3, 2005

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

Deputy Ray, you are remembered on this date of your death. You will always be remembered.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti Ingle (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 7, 2004