Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you sir for your service to our country, and your state. God bless you sir.

Michael Roberts
Former officer

March 6, 2024

Game Warden Sara,
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 USMC during World War II and the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 7, 2024

Gene was my Dad’s cousin. I was 14 when Warden Sara was killed. I remember my Dad flying from Seattle to Montana for the memorial service. It was a very sad time for our family. Gene is the only member of law enforcement I know who was killed in the line of duty. I hope it is the last.

Dan Bailey
Cousin

February 2, 2023

Eugene: Thanks for your service and courage that faithful day. I also thank you for serving as a Marine in WWII and Korea. You went far and above the call of duty in both professions. Thank you for honoring our profession and for serving in combat in defense of this great nation.

Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (ret)
Washoe County Sheriff (Reno, Nv) & NVDPS

January 7, 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)

January 7, 2021

I went to school with his sons Ed and Robert Sara and took Hunter's Safety from Gene. Think of him often when traveling through Northen Montana. RIP Sir!

Doug Middleton
student

January 7, 2020

Mr. Wolf,
My name is Ken Wanlass and i am the eldest grandchild of Eugene Sara. All though i was an infant when he died, I carry my grandfathers legacy, and i always think highly of him.

Thank you and your grandfather for you courage.

Ken Wanlass

May 23, 2018

My father, Robert Wolf who was the Under Sheriff was with Gene at the time of his death. Dad shoot and killed Albert Stout who was the man that killed Gene and Don Williams. I was in 6th grade at the time. If things had been different, my dad could have been killed. Dad filmed for the Top Cop series what had happen. Until that time of the film, I did not know the details as to what had happen on that night.

My heart goes out to both Gene Sara and Don Williams families. You should be very proud them.

Thomas Wolf

Son of a Retired Law Enforcement Officer from Montana and father of a Detention Officer in Wyoming.

June 20, 2013

Gene was one of my hero's when I was just a little guy. He was one on the nicest men, I have ever know. I'll never forget him or his family. I'm proud to have call him one of my friends. R.I.P. MR. Sara.

Franklin Hash

February 9, 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 who was murdered in the 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.

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

January 7, 2012

On the 36th anniversary of Warden Sara's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Warden Sara is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

January 8, 2010

Gene,
I think of you all the time. you and Don were both goods frends. I rember the first time you walked into the S.O. and asken who the hell was 330, our trips to the range in Plains and Trout Cr. It was a good time working with you,and you are not forgotten.
RON KUNKEL MHP RET.

Patrolman Ronald T. Kunkel
Montana Highway Patrol

February 28, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year I was hired. While it's been a long time, I'm sure those you left behind and served with disctinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thanks for your service and for looking out for us you left behind. Rest in peace Warden.

Sgt. Robert Mau, Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 16, 2008

RIP.You will never be forgotten by the ones who love you and knew you.

Anonymous

October 5, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 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

December 11, 2007

I am Eugene's other grandson, just as Ed Lape is.

Ken Wanlass
Grandson

February 28, 2007

Heroes Like you Warden Sara, Will never be forgotten.. Though mortally wounded, You still did your job and ended a threat to the welfare of innocent citizens..A truer hero has never exsisted..God bless you Sir !!

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol, Ret.

November 23, 2005

i am one of eugenes grandsons. thank you.

edward lape

November 23, 2005

It is difficult to manage the words of empathy that bind us together. Gene will always be remembered in my heart. God Bless his family. Gene IS a great man.
Kim Williams

November 23, 2003

God bless you and your family.

Anonymous

October 23, 2003

Rest easy, brother. You are not forgotten, nor will you ever. May your children grow knowing their father is a hero.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)