Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Patrolman Read.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 7, 2022

Officer Read, I too was with the Saraland Police Department for thirty-one years and every time I passed by the plague dedicated to you, I always felt humble and always will. I was able to meet citizens that knew you along with several officers and nothing but praise of you and your work ethics was said. RIP sir and I will always keep your sacrifice alive as long as I live. God bless your family and friends

Sgt. (Retired) Steven L. Stafford
Saraland Police Department

December 13, 2020

Norman is my Grandfather. He was killed in the line of duty when my Dad was 16 or 17, so I never got to meet him. I heard about him from my Dad before my Dad died. He was a very handsome man. I saw pictures. I would love to talk to anyone who knew him.
Cheryl Read Bennett
Granddaughter

Cheryl Bennett

August 7, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 52nd 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 13, 2011

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your servcie

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 7, 2007

"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

July 23, 2007

We pause to honor the memory of Patrolman Read during this anniversary week of his death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his surviving family members.

May God comfort and keep each of you.

Major D.W. Warren
Montgomery, AL - Police Department

December 19, 2006

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Read. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 30, 2006

Forever remembered.

Kathleen
Alabama C.O.P.S.

April 7, 2006

Grandfather, I never knew you personally, your life was taken before I was born. You have six grand children and four great grand children. It's an honor to have someone who gave his life for his community as my Grandfather.

June 17, 2004

Ofc Read, i didn't know you personally, but I am honored to serve with the same police department that you did. You are a hero in my life, and i hope and pray that i can be half the police officer you were.

Ofc Miles
Saraland

February 9, 2004

No Officer that gave his life should be without reflection. "For those who pledge to uphold it, freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know."

January 2, 2004