Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch Tuesday, February 12, 1980
Reflections for Officer Arthur P. Snyder
I worked with Art and he was detailed to our Vice Unit at the time. I last spoke with him earlier in the day at the Courthouse. Art was a good cop and well liked. What a tragedy.
John w. Hill III, Det., Ret.
MPDC
January 27, 2022
I remember Officer Snyder well. I tended bar at two nightclubs on his beat. He'd show up occasionally just to let us know he was around and that we were safe. He'd smile and say hello, look around a little, then nod and amble off. Every bartender, every server I knew in the neighborhood was angry when he was killed.
Jim Collins
Private citizen
July 11, 2019
I was in the DC police academy when this occurred. It served as a reminder for my career until 2004 that evil people exist and I must always be alert and aware at all times. I never have forgotten mu first police funeral I attended. Never forgotten!
Thomas Rodman
MPDC
April 27, 2018
Rest in peace and Olav Hashalom Officer Snyder. Your valor and integrity will never be forgotten.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 11, 2017
I was assigned to the 3rd District, Fri., Feb. 13, 1970, and retired 22 July 1995. I was working that night, and did not go home until his killer was finally found. That tree box space located just North of the N.E.Corner, 14th & U. Streets, N.W., have never been forgotten.
Evidence Tech. Randolph L Moore #3128
MPDC/3-D Hqs. (Ret.)
February 24, 2015
Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.
Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO
November 26, 2012
Art,
I was on the AORP website today and I reluctantly looked through the " OFFICER DOWN " page.
I came accross your name and I can't belive that it has been so long since " GOD " called you home.
I remember working the power shift and seeing and occasionally backing you up on a call.
You are still in my thoughts after all of this time.
May God Bless You and the family that you left to early!
Officer Cary J. Himes
MPDC
Third District
Retired 1989
Officer
MPDC
August 20, 2012
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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.
Time never dimishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Grace, thanks for shariing a sister's devotion through his reflection.
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
February 13, 2012
May you RIP, I remember that date well, having responded to the 10-33.
Wayne J. Tiso
USSS/UD FMB
February 12, 2012
Rest in peace and may god bless you.
Lt.J.Pease
B.P.D
February 12, 2012
Rest in Peace, Officer Snyder. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
February 5, 2012
It is hard to believe it is 30 years ago today that you went home. My only sibling and I still wish you were here. Your nephew has grown up and it would be a joy to see you here with him. I was only 13 when you left but as I get older I realize the importance of life and miss you greatly!!!!!
Love you !!!!!!!
Grace (Snyder) Bilby
sister
February 12, 2010
29 years has past and you're still a hero to everyone that knew you!
God bless you and rest in peace.
Boomer
February 12, 2009
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE
VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 9, 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
September 27, 2007
"My Brother"
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.
He was a cop.
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.
He was a cop.
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.
He was a cop.
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.
He was a cop.
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.
He was a cop.
Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.
Rest easy Brother Snyder, we have the watch...
”I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
---Isaiah 6:8
You answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy in God's kingdom and watch over us as we continue the battle here on earth!!!
Officer
MPDC
April 8, 2007
Thank you Ofc. Snyder for your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice to your community. Rest In Peace.
Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department - Bayview District
July 19, 2006
Twenty five years ago today you died protecting the citizens of the District of Columbia.
You are not fotgotten.
February 12, 2005
I never knew you because you died before my time with MPD. I did know those like you and I now am assigned to the District where you were. We changed the name of the “Community Room” to the “Snyder Room” to honor and remember you. I think of you each day I travel past the 2000 block of 14th Street. You would not recognize it, because of you and those like you, this place is a better place to live.
Lt. Michael A. Smith
Metroploitan Police Department
June 11, 2004
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