Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The names of our fallen officers are etched in our hearts and mind forever. I am forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.

Chief Michael D. West
Goldsboro Police Department

April 29, 2024

I felt like I needed to write this reflection because even though I am not or was not an officer I was mesmerized by a man me and a friend of mine came to talk with in a restaurant outside Fayetteville NC 2 years ago. He was an older man I would put in his late 70’s maybe early 80’s. He told us a story of a officer that was shot and killed in Goldsboro 50 years ago. The officers pulled a car that had just robbed a holiday Inn and had made off with about 350.00. These officers pulled this vehicle and officer Rouse was driving the police cruiser. He left the vehicle to approach the robbers car and when he did one of the suspects exited the car and shot Officer Rouse with a shotgun at almost point blank range. This man told us that Officer Rouse made it back to the police car and they called for help before officer Rouse died. Rouses partner emptied his revolver into the vehicle but the bullets barely penetrated the thick Steel of the suspects vehicle. He said Rouse’s partner tried to pry Rouses weapon out of his hand in the front seat of the cruiser but Rouse had a death grip on his revolver. This man told us that the suspects approached the police cruiser and shot Rouses partner in the stomach with the same shotgun and fled leaving both officers for Dead. It was a very cold February night and this man told us that Rouses partner would have bled to death but because it was so bitterly cold that night, the blood coagulated and Rouses partner did not bleed out. This man said the officers knew these suspects and they killed officer Rouse over 350.00. This Man we spoke to was Officer Rouses Partner. This man told us he had relived that night everyday for the last 50 years. His name escapes me but he went back to his table to finish his lunch. My buddy and I we’re skeptical of this mans story so I approached their table and inquired to the wife with him sitting there and she confirmed the entire chain of events. Even to add that Officer Rouses partner, her husband was back to work within 5 months. These two men,one I met and I will eventually meet shared a moment in time that will Bond them forever. God Bless our men in Uniform and God Bless America

Emmett Gooch
No Relationship. Truth of that night

February 25, 2021

clarence stanley here. i was on the same shift as j. rouse in goldsboro when he was gunned down in 1968. i was one mile away from scene trying desperately to get to him. george spain and i were together. ed bundy was sispatching that night. still havent got over it. i put 30 yrs. in law enforcement.

clarence stanley, officer
raleigh p.d. goldsboro p.d. cary p. d.

January 18, 2021

My daddy Ed Bundy was close to you and Dail. He was working the desk that night because of an injury when he crashed the Police bike assigned to him earlier. He didnt talk much about it because it hurt him bad
Years later George Spain was one of my instructors . He told us the story and how you were brave. Its ashamed the man who took your life knew you and did not get death or life. My thoughts have been on that for years. You were loved by many and my dad was one of them God bless you and your family.

Edwin Lamar Bundy
Son of Ret. Goldsboro P.D Sgt Ed Bundy

March 19, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Rouse. My brother-in-law a doctor used to work in Goldsboro. Travelled over three-hundred miles on Sunday to his position and stayed at the hotel where you were killed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 27, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 50th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

February 27, 2018

I, will always remember you, we came to the police department about the same time, I was destroyed at the time, at learning of your death. I received copies of the news papers and will never forget the few times we had together.

Richard W.Wright
Ky State Police (retired)

October 3, 2014

Grandpa, Although I never got to meet you, I have heard awesome stories from my grandmother. I am now telling my children about you. You had many of an impact on people's lives. We will keep your name and legacy alive forever. We love and miss you very much!!! Rest in peace. Enjoy that heavenly life.

Shannon Elliott
Granddaughter

March 20, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 44th 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 amd revered.

Rest In Peace.

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

February 27, 2012

On this the 43rd anniversary of your death I still remember that night quite well. Your honor and sacrifice are not forgotten Officer Rouse, may you rest in eternal Peace brother.

Deputy Sheriff T.B. Dorsey
Pitt County (NC) Sheriffs Office

February 27, 2011

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 to my home state and the birthplace of my son. 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, Walter.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 27, 2009

Today on the 40th anniversary of your death, we pause and remember you and your dedication and sacrifice.
Rest in peace Sir, you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

February 27, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 21, 2008

Your sacrifice is remembered each day by those of us who patrol this city. Rest in peace brother.

K-9 Officer J.T. Beeken
Goldsboro Police Dept.

October 18, 2006

I hope we are able to honor your sacrifice by the jobs we do now. Rest assured you will never be forgotten and that we will carry on a tradition of honor and pride in our fallen brothers names.

Cpl D Bevell
Goldsboro PD

February 21, 2005