Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Rotolo,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend y deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

September 20, 2024

Rest in peace always and 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)

September 20, 2020

I last posted a reflection in 2018; Serg, Peter J. Rotolo, you sir will never be forgotten.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

August 7, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Rotolo.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 2, 2019

RIP, may his soul rest in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop D

January 30, 2018

I said a little prayer today for Sergeant Rotolo and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

September 19, 2013

I remember Peter or known to my parents as Pietro. I was born and raised in Rochester on Lorimer St. I remember Peter while growing up in the old St. Anthony's Church neighborhood. I was 12 years then and I remember him coming and visiting my family often. I remember him as a handsome, very friendly and always happy man. I remember when my parents found out what had happened to him back in 1974. We were all devasted. Peter was related to us. I believe Peter and my father were cousins. Peter's mother and my father's mother were sisters. My grandmother's last name was Rinaldi. They were all from a small town in Italy called Pignataro. Thanks to Internet I was able to find this web page. I Always remember Peter. I remember his great personailty and I still remember him after all these years coming into my house on Lorimer St. in his uniform. My parents really loved him. I have 4 sisters and we all live in Italy in Pignataro. I've been married for 26 years and I have 3 children. I have talked about Peter many timew about Peter and he died serving justice. I would love to be in touch with all of Peter's kids. My Email is [email protected]. I'm also on Facebook. My parents have past away but my childhood memorieswas my father's first cousins

Armando Zona
cousins from Italy

September 15, 2013

Sgt. Peter Rotolo was my father. I was just 15 years old when we lost him. It was so long ago, but it still seems like yesterday. I will never forget that time in our family's life. I will never forget his brothers and sisters in law enforcement and the love and support they extended to our family. Pete Rotolo was my dad, best friend, confidant, and hero. Dad I will never forget the lessons, love, and laughter. I am so sorry that you weren't here long enough to meet your grandchildren (one great-grandchild now), but you can be sure that they know of you. You're gone, but never forgotten. You are loved beyond words.

Kim Rotolo
daughter

October 18, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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. You will always be remembered and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever. The reflections left by your family and friends were touching and they are in my heart's embrace.

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

September 20, 2012

Peter Rotolo was my Uncle. He passed away when I was 25. He was like a Father to me. I miss him very much. Since my Mother passed away, I have lost touch with my cousins. I remember how handsome he was and how proud he was of his children. He taught me some great lessons about how to be a good person.

Diana Long
Niece

May 29, 2012

Peter Rotolo was not known to me as Sergeant, but as Daddy... A strong, loving, funny and sensitive father. Though it has been 38 years since I've lost him, he has never been absent from my heart…not for a day…not for a moment. And though he was not there to walk me down the aisle or to see his grandchildren come into the world, I can find him in my eldest son’s smile, his hair and his hands. I can hear him in my other son’s laughter and in the way he can turn anything into a joke and I know he exists in my daughter through her sensitive heart and love of music.

I too will never forget the day I arrived home from school with my twin sister (we were 13 years old and two of his six children) to find a police officer waiting to take my mother to the hospital, nor the 11 days that followed as he lay in the intensive care unit of Rochester General hospital. Nor will I ever forget the overwhelming presence of love and support given to our family by the family of those who served with him as we all prayed and hoped and then said goodbye. I was blessed beyond measure to have Peter Rotolo as my father for 13 years and I will forever be thankful for all those who served with him, supported his family through our grief and for those who continue to serve today in the footsteps that were left behind by a loving and strong man, my father.

Sandra Rotolo
Daughter

March 25, 2012

I recently found this site and have experienced a flood of emotions. I was a rookie with only nine months on the job when Sgt. Rotolo died. Pete, myself and a couple of other deputies were having a cup of coffee in the dining room adjacent to the jail kitchen prior to roll call. Suddenly, outside the room, two inmates began fighting. We all got up and rushed out of the room, a distance of maybe 20 feet. Pete, true to form, was the first out of the door and interceded in the fight. In the blink of an eye he ended up against a wall with his back to the wall. He may have been pushed or thrown against the wall, we will never know. Between the time he struck the wall and went to the floor he was dead. CPR was started immediately but to no avail.
Pete was a mentor and I always valued the short time I knew and worked with him. I never forgot this incident or the details...how could you.
A few years later I transferred to the road patrol, and ironically, I had periodic contact with one of the inmates involved in
the fight. He was always very respectful.
In the early 1990's, my department was planning to erect a memorial to fallen deputies. The committee in charge contacted me inquiring as to the particulars of Pete's death. For unknown reasons, they had few details, were looking to fill in the gaps and somehow were led to me. I was honored to pass on my knowledge. Whenever I pass the memorial, I always say a short prayer to myself for Pete and his family. Rest in peace Sarge.....

Sgt. Gary Cantaben (Ret)
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

July 6, 2011

I never had the honor of meeting you as your EOW was exactly one year before the day I was born. I share not only our profession with you but also a last name. I hope someday I will be able to find out exactly how we are related. I pray that you have found peace and assure you that I will never forget your sacrifice.

Sergeant Scott A. Rotolo
Wooster, Ohio Police Department

May 17, 2011

Sergeant Rotolo, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.

September 20, 2010

You will never be forgotten by those who love you.

Anonymous

January 7, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Sgt. Rotolo.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 19, 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

December 18, 2007

Over 3 decades have passed but you have not been forgotten and thats because you are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 27, 2007

Your EOW was over 30 years ago, but time has not
diminished your sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

May 30, 2007

My biggest sympathy goes out to Dep Rotolo and to all slain law enforcement officers in the nation. My brother is a officer in the RPD and i think about him and the job he's doing everyday. It takes the biggest heart to put your life at risk for those who you do not know. God bless

ian
brother of a RPD officer

May 23, 2007

30 years have gone by and people still smile when they hear your name. You will forever be missed and forever bring joyful memories to those how knew you.

Thomas Rotolo

July 15, 2005

Your service to your community will not be forgotten.

Deputy Daniel J. Luffman
Monroe County (NY) Sheriff's Office

May 19, 2005