Hunt County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch Tuesday, July 18, 1972
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Rayburn L. Shipp
Deputy Sheriff Shipp,
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 my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
July 18, 2022
Wow. Someone already sentenced to prison murders a cop and shoots another one and gets 25 whole years.
Captain P. M. Larkin
Galveston County Pct. 1
April 12, 2018
Rest in Peace Deputy Sheriff Rayburn L. Shipp. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice Protecting the citizens of Hunt County, Texas.
I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers. I also Pray that the hounds of hell forever gnaw on the soul of your murderer.
Amen.
Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX
July 17, 2016
Rayburn was a very good friend and neighbor.One Christmas eve when my In-laws lived off the highway on a road of black mud. Rayburn came to the rescue. He came up through the mud in his jeep and carried me and my family to the in-laws home where the Christmas tree, gifts, people, and Grand parents were.He was always there when we needed him. Nell Thomason
Nell Thomason
Close Friend
September 1, 2014
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 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.
I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Phyllis Loya
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 18, 2010
"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 14, 2008
Deputy Sheriff Shipp,
On today, the 33rd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Hunt County.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
July 18, 2005
Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:
- Quick access to your heroes
- Reflections published quicker
- Save a Reflection signature
- View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past