Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dad, I miss you as much as ever and think of you every day. Today is harder than any other, but I know you're watching over us and are as proud as we are of the incredible young men your grandsons have become. I see so much of you in them. You will always be my hero. I love you and I miss you.

Tamara
Daughter

April 16, 2017

Larrell was my friend at Azusa High School (Class of 1960). Imagine my surprise when I met him on a call in Azusa several years later. I was a patrol Sergeant out of San Dimas & after we took care of business we had the opportunity to renew our friendship. Neither of us was aware the other was a Deputy.

Reading all of the tributes, was very uplifting!!

Glenn R Scott, Sgt. LASD Retired

June 7, 2016

Another year and I miss you as much as I ever have. I wish you could have met your grandsons, I see you every time I look at them. Not just because they look so much like you, but because of what amazing men they have become. Chris and I honor your memory by supporting law enforcement whenever we can. Chris runs the memorial races in your memory every year. You are very much alive in my heart. I love you dad.

Tamara
Daughter

April 16, 2016

To the family of Sgt. Smith, we continue to honor the memory of him. His service and sacrifice to the residents of Los Angeles County and this nation will never be forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff LASD
Class 295

April 16, 2016

Here I am thinking about my Fathers life and how it impacted me, every second every day! I have tried my hardest to walk in his footsteps and it is not easy, he was a man oh high stature a born leader and I never wanted him to be Hero, I'm sure he would disagreed with me for he was not selfish one bit! And knowing he died a hero would have made his journey complete. And this is where I use the strength and honor to yet help me understand what a beautiful and amazing Father I had, Dad I Love you and I'm doing my best to make you proud to see what a beautiful family and life I have , never would I have had it with out what you taught me in the short time we had .R.I.P. Father I love you !

Matthew K Smith
Son

April 15, 2016

Although I’ve never written a tribute here, for years I’ve been reading the few, dear, comments that are left behind from others. It is difficult for me to write or speak about him and keep it to a minimum. But these reflections are bitter sweet to my soul, for they remind me of what was once a great presence in my life, and what is gone until we are joined together again in eternity.

Larry was my Dad, from the time I was 5 years old, until I was 14, but it will never seem long enough. How such a short time could create such a huge impact on me, the Lord only knows. One could say he lived as the motto, Carpe Diem- because it permeated throughout his life, which made a short one, so full.

I believe my life has been modeled after what was instilled in me at such an impressionable time- and I thank the Lord and my parents for that. Because of them, I love my God, my country and my family. I wasn’t taught with just words, but shown by example.
Dad was a proud American, loved being a “red neck”, and baseball and apple pie. He worked hard, loved his job, and taught his men to perform to the best of their ability- leading by example. He loved spending time with his children- from amusement parks, swimming pool days, to fishing, crafts, and even board games. He never left for work without telling my mom “I love you”. And you never caught him without a camera nearby, because he wanted to capture all of the moments that he cherished in his life- from family, team members, and “God’s Country” (Indiana).
Many knew him for his quick wit, intellect and many job commendations. I knew him as…Dad.
As I matured into an adult, and raised my own family, and found my place in the community, I’ve tried to live as the example that was set before me- while never forgetting to… Carpe Diem.
Over the years I’ve been blessed to share with other law enforcement members the testimony and legacy of my Dad- including officers and families involved in 9/11. My heart will always be knit with those who serve their community and country- it's a great sacrifice. God Bless their souls.

Rochelle Lara (Smith) stepdaughter

Dad had quite a few heroes and favorite quotes, ranging from General Patton to Winston Churchill- but here is one of his favorites that he had put in one of his own scrapbooks.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
― Theodore Roosevelt

Rochelle Smith-Lara
Daughter

April 16, 2015

I am Matthew Smith proud son of Larrell I really have the hardest time writing in this blog but here it is today I still remember how amazing a man and father you were to me! I grew up so fast after this tadgedy and it playesd such a vital role in my life . I was truly blessed with every second I got to share with you I will nevver ever forget you! You meant the world to me my hero my mentor my Father, and if you were here now you would be proud of me , I've come so far in my life and and have the best amazing family and friends I even still have a lot of your traits just wish I could have showed you. You were the biggest inspiration to me growing up and I will use thesein my life now with my own family, I will keep the Smith tradition and and keep my head up high, your with me and spirit mind and body, these legendary traits will go on forever because that's what you would want , I will keep the foundation witch you taught me and teach my own kids so they can keep you alive forever, your most loving Son Matther Kent Smith

Son Matthew Smith
Son

April 16, 2015

I think about what the world has missed out on since my dad was taken from us. I remember vacations in Dana Point with my dad and brother, walks on the pier, his crossword puzzles and how much he loved Elvis. He was an expert when it came to the Civil War (and I love that my boys share that love of history). He used to joke and give me grief about my music (I was 16). These are so many great memories that make me smile. I just wish he could have met his grandsons, I know he would be very proud. I love you and miss you everyday dad...

Tamara Smith Rogers
Daughter

April 16, 2014

As much as I miss you and does all of your family, it warms my heart to see how many lives you have touched. Thank you all whom put such wonderful statements on here regarding my Uncle. I will be attending his dedication and look forward to meeting those whom will be there as well. Love you Smith family@

Marie Smith
Neice

April 16, 2014

Every time this year I look back and reflect upon My Fathers life. And remember what a amazing man he was . I cherish the time I had with my Dad I looked to him for advice and guidance witch I had to use along the years with out him, The loss and pain I feel I cannot explain. Not only did it build character it made me the man I am now strong and positive. Let me tell you as the years go by it doesn't get any easier it gets harder an that just shows my love for my Father will never fade. I will always make you proud Dad and I will follow in your footsteps and keep your legacy alive forever ..

Matthew Kent Smith

April 15, 2014

Rest in peace Larrell, your courage and dedication will never be forgotten. Your friend and S.W.A.T. Comrade, Willie Henderson.

Willie Henderson, retired lieutenant
Los Angeles County Sheriff

March 23, 2014

Larrell,

Larrell I have many fond memories of you. Working SEB with you was great. You had such an easy going personality and you were always concerned about those that worked with you. It was and remains a privilege to call you my friend. I think of you often and am blessed to know beyond a doubt that you and I will meet again. Thank you my friend for enriching my life.

Matthew, your father was a great cop and a great friend and I am eternally grateful to have been blessed to know him.

Terry

Deputy Terry Taulbee
Los Angeles S.D. and Riverside P.D.

March 23, 2014

SEB is putting together a memorial site for Larrell. Matthew, please contact Deputy Schultz at SEB for the details. We would like all family to attend the ceremony which will be sometime in May 2014. God Bless!!

Deputy
Lasd

February 18, 2014

Dear Father the day of your EOW is coming and as every year I think about you and the times we spent together. Our time was cut way to short I will carry on your name with Courage Strength and Honor I am proud to be the Son of a hero. Everything you have taught me has made me strong in my every day life. Your Legendary life will live on forever. Matthew Smith.

Son
Son

April 2, 2013

Sgt. Smith - 1000 miles away from our mutual old stomping grounds, I just met your grandson. He works at my pharmacy. He was asking about my prior police service and when he dropped your name, I recalled you. I have told him about this site and hopefully, you'll hear from him soon. He resembles you quite a bit.

May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

K. W. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Los Angeles Police Dept. (Ret.)

February 1, 2013

As the anniversary of your death just recently passed, your in our thoughts daily. I miss you Uncle Larrell, as do many. I love and miss you too Matt! You're dad was a wonderful man and a great father and officer!

Marie Smith
Niece

May 3, 2012

I wish the best for the family it seems we lost a great man.

Patrol Officer Andrew Kingdon
KPD

April 16, 2012

I love and miss u more than words father ...u were the most most amazing dad a son could have....:

Matthew Smith
Son

April 16, 2012

Not one second minute hour goes by with out your love gatekeeper miss you dearly..you were the most amazing father a son could have ..rest in peace ..love you and by far never forgotten .. Matthew Smith

Matthew Smith
Son

April 16, 2012

There is not a week that goes by that I don't reflect about that fateful morning. I miss you my friend. You will always be my SWAT SGT and we will serve together again. Rest in peace my friend and partner.

steve gibbs deputy SEB partner
LASD

July 20, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 16, 2010

As a Deputy at Industry Station, Larrell was my Sergeant and one of the finest I ever encountered throughout my 34 years on the Department. It was he who told me to study and take the Sergeant's exam, and then prepared me for the oral.. I was promoted due to his help and guidance, but more over, it was Larrell who was the real leader. The day he died, alot of me went with him. He was a good friend, great leader and was missed beyond understanding...

Chief Taylor Moorehead
LASD Retired

April 12, 2010

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Smith. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

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.

I hold your family in thought and prayer today.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 17, 2009

To the family of Larrell Smith.
I met Larrell during my first assignment to S.E.B. While I worked on a different team, it was a very close knit unit and you knew all 60 or so of the best the County had to offer.
Larrell was impossible not to like. Easy going sense of humor and a pleasure to know.
I had promoted to sgt and had been gone some three years
when he left us. I was requested to return and take over his team.
Fact is, you can't replace guys like that.
They just leave a kind of void.
Rest assured he is well remembered by many.

Sgt Steve Brennan
LASD Retired

January 5, 2009