Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

April 23, 2021

SMITTY IS WHAT I CALLED HIM. HE HAD THE BEAT ON MONTGOMERY AVE. I WAS ONLY 8 YEARS ILD WHEN HE TOOK TIME OUT TO COME IN TO MY DADS HARDWRE STORE TO VISIT. HE OFTEN TOOK ME TO DOC'S PHARMACY FOR AN ICE CREM FLOAT. HE WAS KIND AND THE BEST OFFICER A NEIGHBORHOOD COULD ASK FOR. I WAS CRUSHED AS A CHILD TO FIND OUT HE WAS GONE, THANK YOU SMITTY FOR BEING A GREAT MAN AND OFFICER IN THE COMMUNITY

SGT
PPD

October 25, 2017

A Hero in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

April 23, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today as we approach the 27th 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. He was shot twice when ambushed on April 23rd when he was on a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, 23 years after you were killed.

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

April 4, 2009

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

April 23, 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

January 24, 2008

I was one of the first female rookies assigned to the 23rd,Bob was in my squad. My first impression of him was just a grump,but as time went on, it turned out he was my friend. Little did the men know, Bob would quietly ride in on my jobs, offering advice and guidance. There were times when I thought I was alone, and he was assigned a car he would be parked a short distance away. To this day, when I pass his plaque, I reach up, touch it and blow him a kiss. Thanks Bob, I'll never forget your kindness.

P.O. Julie Tapper (Schrandt)

August 20, 2007

You are not forgotten, Officer Smith and are remembered in my daily prayers along with all of our Fallen Officers. Thank you for your hard work and dedication and sacrifices you made in protecting the people of Philly and making the city a better place with your service. God Bless you as you sleep in God's Love.
Respectfully,
Kathi halligan Phila Pa wife and mom of LEO'S

Kathi Halligan
Philadelphia PA

May 14, 2007

I lived on the same street as officer Smith and was good friends with his youngest son. He was a good man and a great father. I will always remember the times when he would take us out on his boat...great times!
Rest in peace Mr. Smith you and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bert Belcher

Bert Belcher

June 9, 2006

I worked with Smitty when I was a young rookie in the 23rd in the late 70's. He was a very good cop who did not mind showing me (and Tommy Guest)how to do the job the correct way.He was one of the best.

Lt. S. Smyth (Ret.)
PPD

April 23, 2006

Officer Smith, May you Rest in Peace knowing you have been remembered.Thank you for your service.

April 23, 2006