Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was a Rookie Officer in 1975 working in Squad 4 under Lt. George Blanton. Our squad Sgts. were Hoss Miles and David Ahrens. After the accident I was sent to the County Hospital to be with Smitty's body while all the other arrangements were being conducted. While in the room holding his body ,covered by a sheet, I was able to see his face when the sheet was removed. I recall that he appeared to be asleep and not really deceased. His only true mark was a discoloration under his chin that was caused when his chin hit the steering wheel. As a young man observing this tragic event only hours after we were in the Squad Room joking, was surreal. I will never forget those visual images and the feeling of a terrible loss that was mirrored by our entire Squad. When I served as a Squad Sgt. later in my career I never failed to recount the events of that night to all officers present at Roll Call during the Christmas season. I wanted to make Smitty's death be meaningful and invoke thoughts of respect and also caution to new officers. Although I am now retired after a full career, I still reflect every year about the events of Dec. 16,1975.

Lt./Retd. Anthony Januszkiewicz
Charleston South Carolina Police Dept.

December 30, 2019

I was Wes's training officer and partner in Squad 4 Beat 7 (before I made Corporeal ). The night of his end of watch I was off duty, having just been transfered, when a Squad 4 officer came to my home to make the notifacation. My assignment for he next week was with the family. Wes you may be gone but you are not forgotten, RIP Brother.

Lt/Ret TJ Brandon
Charleston PD

May 15, 2019

I remember the accident. My husband Sgt Ahrens was with him when he passed away. I was talking to Leroy Shivers today about the young man. We also spoke of several other officers that we remember.

Libby Ahrens Jackson
My husband was his Sgt. ==Team 4 I think.

July 23, 2018

You will always be remembered. In fact, was talking to Norbert Cummings last week and, of course, you were part of conversation.

Sandy Lawson
Charleston County EMS (alumni)

May 28, 2018

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Time never diminishes respect.
Rest In Peace

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

December 16, 2011

Thank you for your willingness to serve your fellowman. Even though it has been 33 years since the end of your watch you are still remembered. May God continue to bless you and your family. Rest in peace.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

December 16, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, NH

December 7, 2007

"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

November 16, 2007

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

August 24, 2004

MY BROTHER YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED
DAVID / RANDY / JOEPH / JANET / ELLEN / ERICK / MARGIE / KIM . YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER. YOUR SON JOSHUA HAS GROWN UP TO BE A FINE YOUNG MAN , WITH A CHILD OF HIS OWN.
YOU WILL AND DO LIVE ON .

NCCS RIQ SMITH
US NAVY RET.

January 28, 2004

12-16-03, MAY GOD BLESS YOU MY BROTHER. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

December 16, 2003