Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace and always 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 18, 2020

Sylacauga is where I was born and raised...long after your death (my dad was only 2 the year you died) but I knew of you or more accurately a story of you. You helped a young woman once when her car stalled. It was late and she was scared. When you could not fix her car, you drove her home. That woman was my grandmother. I pass the area where they took your life often and everytime I glance over and remember you. You will never be forgotten, Officer Sanford. Although your time as an Officer in Sylacauga was short, you made a difference to many. Even to those born 20+ years after your death.

Sylacauga Citizen

June 7, 2020

My daddy, Neal Denny, was Officer Sanford’s partner on that fateful night in Sylacauga. Daddy thought of Rex as a brother, and his death in the line of duty affected Daddy for the remainder of his life. Godspeed, Officer Sanford. You have and will remain in the collective memory of Sylacauga, your friends, and those who were fortunate to serve you in your all too brief career.

Tim Denny
Son of partner of Officer Sanford

September 22, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Sanford.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 18, 2019

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 60th 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. Your memory will always be remembered and revered. How proud you must be to have so many in your family continue your legacy of protecting and serving.


Rest In Peace

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

September 18, 2012

As your second cousin, your legacy inspired not just myself to become a police officer, and to later enter the corrections field to make a difference, but also endeared you to my father(your first cousin)and mother who also wore the badges, my brother who became a "chief," our uncle's daughter and a great many more relatives. Your dedication to service has rippled through almost 60 years and so many of your own kin who sought to emulate your efforts. You remain in our hearts and prayers.

Raymond Atchley, M.Ed.
New Mexico Corrections Department

January 20, 2011

"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

July 24, 2007

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

Officer 11169

November 2, 2006

While we did not know you, we are truly grateful for your dedication, mourning your death; never forgetting your sacrifice! Not to worry, dear friend, your brothers and sisters in blue will carry on your watch for you ~ rest in peace.

Daniel & LaWanda Ross
Citizen/Iowa

April 25, 2006

Rest in peace Brother Sanford.

Officer Kevin Turley
Jacksonville Police Department (Alabama)