Oregon State Police, Oregon
End of Watch Monday, July 11, 1983
Reflections for Trooper Donald E. Smith
Rest in peace Trooper Smith.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
July 28, 2020
Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 11, 2020
Don was one talended and dedicated State Trooper. Always ready and willing to do more. He bcame a friend because of my respect for him. Don loved to fly small aircraft and unfortunately died along with my good friend Deputy Joe Omlin on that fatal day. I always remember Don teling me about working or a major airling and strapping down flapping outside aircraft skin with 2000 mph duct tape and telling them to head for the maintenace yard at the end of their day. I will always remember don and the good things he left in me and other people.
Sergeant Thomas Benz - Retired
Oregon State Police
August 5, 2011
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th 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.
Phyllis Loya
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 11, 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
January 14, 2008
No one is forgotten. Thank you for your service and we continue forward for you.
Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
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