Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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)

January 14, 2021

I just want to say thank you for all you did for the city of Dallas. I just want you know that you are a role model to all the women that serve the city and to little girls that dream to serve the city. It's sad that your time was cut short but I just want to let you know that your not forgotten. One day when I can be in your shoes of serving our city I will remember what you did for us females and officers. Thank you for being strong for the city of Dallas. !!

Desiree F

December 12, 2020

This weekend makes 30 years since you sacrificed it all in the service of others. But, even though it has been many years, you are not forgotten. You were one of the best officers I ever served with. I still miss you.

Bruce Gay
Dallas PD (Ret.) Academy Class #200

January 14, 2019

Rest In Peace Sister in Blue. Thank you and your family for you sacrifice and service.

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

January 13, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Sandel.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 11, 2019

A long overdue thanks to Lisa and her family. I originally learned of Lisa's passing via the news media within a few days of her passing (Austin newspaper). Not long before, I'd read a news feature in one of the Dallas papers about her recent career start as a DPD officer; I admired her decision, as I'd recently attended Kansas State and knew Lisa as a team mate in the KSU track and field program. She seemed well suited for police work; she always showed resolve, had an admirable degree of toughness and showed a pragmatic perspective tempered by a pleasant demeanor. I remain saddened by thoughts of her early demise while protecting her community. God speed, Lisa. You live on in my thoughts. -AG

Andy Gillam
Friend

May 10, 2018

I am just a girl who misses her sister<3

Today it has been 26 yrs since I lost my best friend and my only superhero... Her name was Lisa Sandel, my sister... This angel from God molded me into who I am today.

She was my role model in each and every way...

She was my inspiration to try to be the best person I could be...

She was always there for me as only a sister could be...

I still see your smile and hear your laughter and I only hope I can be as wonderful of a person as you were...

I love and miss you Lisa each and everyday...

I am just a girl who misses her sister.....<3

Mimi Sandel Murphy
sister

January 13, 2015

I met Lisa at Open Gym at Service in Alaska, circa 1977. She was only a year older but she could kick my ass in basketball, and she ran faster when we were in X-country running too: after she ran the complete course in the girls' race, one match, she came alongside me and encourage me during the boys' race. She was amazing. I just learned today in 2014 that she died in this tragic car chase, and I'm so sorry for the family, not least of all Walt (who played b-ball with my brother).

Peter Dunn
Friend from high school

May 13, 2014

I had the honor of meeting you! Your kindness and friendliness will never be forgotten. Your death forced me to understand the importance of living! You touched my life as well as the life of many other cadets that were eager to follow in your foot steps!

Ramon Pensado
Dallas Police Dept. Southwest Post 505

December 9, 2012

Friday the 13th, 1989 is when we lost you. Today, Friday the 13th, 23 years later, here we are again remembering you. Sister, I have never forgotten you. Your family and friends have never forgotten you. This is the day of the year that I struggle the most. I cry because I miss you but I smile more because so many people remember you. On this day I hear from so many people who I know, that knew you and they share something about you, but, sometimes I hear from a stranger who has never forgotten you either and shares a memory. I look forward to those moments. I love you and miss you.

Mimi Murphy
sister

January 13, 2012

I had the great honor and pleasure of knowing Lisa while she was an athlete at Kansas State University. We shared many a laugh together, and a fair number of daiquiris, too. After the two of us left Manhattan and headed to our respective homes, we kept in touch by phone. I still remember the chill I felt when I learned of Lisa's death. I often think of Lisa, her smile, and her friendship, and I regret that she did not live longer to touch even more lives; however, I am grateful for having known Lisa. Her friendship during some trying times helped me to become who I am today.

It has been said that nobody who dies is really gone until all of the people who knew and cared for him or her have also died. Lisa, your friendship in our youth touched me and made lighter the burdens I carried at the time. Regardless of how old I get, I will always remember, appreciate, and treasure having known you. You are remembered and not gone from this old-friend’s heart.

Despite the passing of time, you are sadly missed and fondly and frequently remembered.

Jerz

Jersey
College Friend

July 20, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 13, 2011

It's been over 21 years since the tragic deaths of you and your partner. Thank you for your brravery, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

Sergeant, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

February 2, 2010

Officer Sandel,
On today, the 21st annviversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dallas. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

January 13, 2010

Lisa and I were driving down Ft Worth Ave one Spring afternoon on Patrol. Lisa had just found out that her brother had made the state track finals and they were to be held at the same time of the Police Olympics. It would have been her first time to run for Dallas and she was a sure winner. There was no hard delima for her she said, "this is my brother's last year to run, he's a senior, I can always run for myself, I will never have another opportunity to see him run at state." She was killed later that year but she saw her brother run, one last time.

Det Cynthia Stewart
DPD.Partner and friend

June 29, 2008

God Speed, Sister.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

April 1, 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

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU OFFICER FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 4, 2008

This past week, I saw a woman running on the local bike trail and Lisa came to mind. We were in high school together in Northern California and she was one of the top 1,600 meter runners in the nation (also an amazing bball player). Just a natural, easy stride...no effort at all. She was a kind spirit and I was fortunate to have shared time with her.

David R. French
Friend

July 24, 2007

I did not know you Lisa, but after reading what many people have said I feel like we were really close. I was in junior high school when you passed away not knowing that one day in the future I too would wear the badge that you wore with respect and honor. Thank you for yor service to the Dallas community. You will never be forgotten. May God bless you and your family!!!!!!! R.I.P.

SR.CPL. SAMUEL L. DIGBY #7918
DALLAS POLICE DEPARTMENT, DALLAS,TX

April 14, 2007

I first became aware of Lisa Sandels untimely passing in the summer of 1994. Lisa attended the same high school I attended, and graduated a year later. I was shocked to say the least. I remember Lisa in the fall of 1976. She would run errands for the wrestling coach. In the fall of 1978, I went out for cross country running (my senior year). Lisa was on the team, and she was the fastest, strongest female. Every sport that she touched turned to pure gold. She excelled in them all, and was also very smart in all her academic endeavors.
I remember one particular workout during cross country training after school. Several of the girls were at the starting line, and three were launched at a time, within specific time intervals. When Lisa took off, she immediately became head of the pack. I was always impressed with her hard work ethic, and her excellent achievements. I miss Lisa Sandel. I wish she were still here with us. More criminals would be behind bars and a lot less of them would be on the streets, plying their trade.

May you rest in peace.

Frederick Hokama (Service High Class of 1979)

Frederick Hokama
Cross Country Running Teammate

February 6, 2007

Our Lord needed a pretty blue angel.May you rest in peace.

January 13, 2007

I feel very lucky to have known Lisa as a friend and team mate. She was the best short stop our Cruisers ever saw, no doubt. Lisa loved life, The Houston Astros and her Family. She was a great example of living life 110% every day.

I think of her often and know that she was a true blessing in our lives, her "Can Do" approach was contagious and got us (and probably more past me) into alot of GREAT adventures. I will always remember her with a smile in my heart.

Ernestina
Friend

August 28, 2006

It’s been nearly 16 years since my sister’s death, and not a day goes by that I do not reflective on our past experiences. She was one of my closest friends. She will always be remembered for her smiles, cooking/baking, athletics, and her optimistic conversations. She will always be in my thoughts and payers. A part of Lisa will always be alive in my heart. She will greatly be missed by her family and myself.

wls

Walt Sandel
Brother

December 12, 2005

Lisa and I trained in Class 200. She rapidly earned a reputation as the most fit, athletic woman ever to attend the Dallas Police Academy, and I had the exact opposite skills. Every day, the class ran around Bachman Lake. Lisa would finish her three miles, then run back to about the halfway point to meet me, and coach me through my tortuous trip around the lake. Without her support and encouragement, I probably would not have met the physical requirements and would have missed out on some of the best years of my life. I still think of her often. The world lost a wonderful, vibrant woman of many talents and great love and compassion when Lisa left this earth.

PK Sterling, former officer
Dallas Police Departmentf

November 15, 2005