Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hero never forgotten. Prayers to family blood and blue.

BLR
Retired Texas dispatcher

October 9, 2022

Officer Roediger,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of California. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 5, 2022

I remember Kenny Rodeiger very well. More importantly, I remember that night as if it were yesterday. Shortly before that tragic call went out, Shots Fired, Officer Down, I was in ELA Sheriff's Station Booking Cage with Kenny and both of our partner's booking some local gang members. We were joking back and forth and I remember I was always telling Kenny he should transfer to LASD. Kenny had a great sense of humor and had an uncanny nose for bad guys considering his short time on the CHP.
When we drove out of ELA Sheriff's Station that night after booking, I never thought he would be dead in less than an hour and I would be answering that call for help.
RIP Kenny, you are missed to this day.
Over the years, on the date of his EOW, I have on occasion sent e-mails or letters to Kenny's old CHP Station in Montebello asking they take a moment of silence, remembering the loss of one of their own, Kenny Rodeiger, a great cop----I never received any response form CHP Montebello for any of those letters or Faxes from anyone at that Station so I don't know if they ever received them.

Sergeant, Robert S. Murcott, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

October 25, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Roediger.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 10, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 5, 2020

It’s been 10 years since I first wrote on ODMP. It’s been 48 years since that fateful day when the worse of the worse took your brave life. I just want you and your family to know that I will never forget your service to our beloved Blue and Gold. Semper Fi Ken and May God bless you and May God bless your brave proud family.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol, South LA.

August 5, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson(Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 5, 2018

Well it has now been 44 years since Kenny's death. I was a patrol Deputy working out of ELA that night and had just finished helping Kenny and his partner Officer Roy booking some gang members. It was about 20 minutes later the shots fired, officer down call came out and Kenny was gone by the time we responded. I always liked Kenny and enjoyed his great sense of humor. He was a great cop, a great friend in the field and to this day I miss our friendly banter and contacts. I sent a fax to both Montebello CHP and ELA Sheriff's Station on Aug 5th, the 44th anniversary of his passing to ask them to reflect on a fallen hero.

Sgt/Ret Robert Storm Murcott
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

August 7, 2016

I never got to meet you as you were taken way to soon and before I was born but my Dad has kept your memory alive since I can remember. You have always been a hero to all of us and many others and will remain a hero forever. I look forward to seeing you in Heaven and know you're watching over all of us with your parents. ❤️

Stacey Roediger
Cousin

June 10, 2016

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 24, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 31, 2013

God bless you sir.

Officer J. Jaynes
Arizona Highway Patrol

January 16, 2013

I worked at a Union Oil 76 station where the CHP would gas up. I remember Ken as he invited me to play pool with the guys after their shift ended. What a nice classy guy. RIP

Joe Nava
Friend, Glendora, Calif

July 18, 2012

I just wanted to say Hello. You are a true Hero to all of us on the Highway Patrol. I retired years ago and still review at least once a week ODMP and saw your story and just wanted to say Thank you. I know what being a California Highway Patrol officer meant to you. 2 years is to short a time but still it makes you one of us forever. God Bless you and I hope your family knows what a Brave Chippy you were. Semper Fi and God Bless the Blue and Gold.....

State Traffic Officer Mike Becze #7185
California Highway Patrol

November 10, 2010

Thank you for your bravery, duty, and ultimate sacrifice. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

SGT Mark B. Hanna, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

January 30, 2010

Rest in Peace, Officer Roediger. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Hi, Ken another day goes by and here i am thinking about you and how much you impacted my life, I just wanted to say hi and your always in my thoughts. Love, Lovey

Evelyn Farr
Loving friend

May 3, 2009

"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

August 16, 2007

Ken, today it's 35 years since you've been gone, I think of you often and remember all the funny things we use to do, listening to your chet aktins albums Ha Ha you were a gem alright, i also never got to thank you for all you did for me and the twins ,I'll never forget it and never forget you. Love Lovey

Evelyn
Loving friend

August 5, 2007

Kenny you are still with my family, Bob thinks about you often daily. we remember times hunting and fishing. I remember you letting me win a game of chess when i was 8 or 9 years old. mom still misses you coming to the house. i am proud to have known you, rest proud Ken you have earned it. KEN WAS MY BROTHERS BEST FRIEND, HE SPENT MANY A DAY OR NIGHT AT OUR HOUSE AS I GREW UP. HE DIED NOT LONG AFTER HIS 24TH BIRTHDAY, DOING A JOB HE LOVED. I WAS IN L.A. THE NIGHT HE DIED AND THE TOTAL LOSS I FELT AND STILL DO. KEN WAS A GOOD MAN, A BIT GOOFY, BUT FUN TO BE WITH. WE LOVED, LOVE HIM GREATLY.

Correctional Officer T.S. Harper
calif. dept. of Corrections and a friend and a brother

February 9, 2007

Kenny is my uncle. His brother Chriss was killed in Vietnam 3 years before him, which made Kenny's death especially hard on my Mom and Grandparents. Our family has wonderful memories of Kenny & Chriss and not a day goes by that we don't think of them. Chriss & Kenny were killed before I was born, but I'd give anything to have known them.

Chriss Kenneth Cabodi

August 3, 2005

I was Ken's roommate at the CHP Academy.
Great guy. He is missed.

Retired Traffic Officer
California Highway Patrol

November 27, 2004

06/25/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Roediger.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

June 25, 2004

You are a true hero and you will never be forgotten.REST IN PEACE

TMP

June 14, 2004