Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

William Don Reese (Donnie) will never be forgotten. He was my brother’s best friend and he still mourns the loss more than 50 years later.

Sandra Harris

March 4, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Reese,
On today, the 51st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dallas County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 15, 2022

On this 50th anniversary of your heroic death please know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

February 15, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Reese,
On today, the 47th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Deputy Sheriffs who with you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dallas County and the state of Texas. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 15, 2018

Rest in Peace Deputies Reese, Infante, and Robertson. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice. I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers. I also Pray that the hounds of hell forever gnaw at the flesh of your murderers.

Amen

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston,TX

February 15, 2016

The death of three law enforcment officers must have been a devastating blow to your community. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst 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.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. Thanks to your friend Otha for leaving such a beautiful tribute and sharing his memories of you.

Rest In Peace

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

February 15, 2012

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSES THAT LOVE YOU.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESETER, NH

February 10, 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

February 5, 2008

I just want to say thank you for showing the rest of us what it really means to be an officer. Knowing that you weren't on duty, but that we are always on duty. Thank you for your unwaivering dedication. My prayers are with your family. Thank you for standing in the gap for us.

Deputy Timothy Allman
Dallas County Sheriff's Department

May 1, 2007

Donny, I have finally found a place where I can say what I wanted to say at your Memorial Service. Although we both went our separate ways after High School, I can honestly say that you and I were best buddies while growing up.

I'm thinking just now about how you liked my Mom's fried chicken, cornbread patties, and fried potatoes. I remember you and I even getting my Mom to cook that for our breakfast sometimes. I still have the picture of us that was taken in 1951 when you and I were 11 yrs of age and were driving my 1931 Model A Ford in the snow. I remember riding to football games in the school bus. I remember us growing up together and you living on Front Street and me living on Back Street. I remember our special plan that we were going to put into effect after school so we would always stay in touch.

I remember you having to move to Dallas so you could go to work for the Sheriff's Office. I knew you needed to get the experience there so you could come back to Rockwall County and become the Sheriff of our County after Mr. W.J. Price had retired. What a plan ! And, it would have worked but you just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. You weren't even on duty that morning. But, like the real man you were, you just had to go help a fellow deputy with a Warrant.

For weeks, maybe months, my wrists ached and burned because I knew how you worked to get your hands freed from the ropes they were tied with. And, although you didn't get your hands freed, you almost escaped anyway.

I am extremely PROUD to say that we, your buddies and classmates, worked hard getting enough signatures to present to the Governor in our attempt to get the Death Penalty Re-established in the State of Texas. We didn't get it done overnight, but it happened. So, your death was not in vain Donny. Because of you, we now have the Death Penalty here in Texas.

Thank you for being my buddy and you will always be remembered. Even though Jan and our children didn't know you personally, they all grew up knowing Donny Reese and what a real man he was.

Your buddy,

Otha Gene Peoples
Rockwall, Texas

Otha Gene Peoples
a friend

April 30, 2006

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

January 20, 2005

Thank you for your bravery, courage and for making the ultimate sacrifice. You are in our thoughts.

Detective T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police, CA.

May 13, 2004