Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember Billy well. We were classmates at Highlands High School and were teammates on the 1960 Highlands Owls football team. He was a great guy and teammate. He signed my yearbook. I was in Vietnam when I read about Billy's death on the front page of the Stars and Stripes. May he rest in peace.

Bill Cocke
Friend

February 26, 2024

Rest in peace Officer Speed. You heroically did that to your heroically last call!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 2, 2023

Officer Speed Rest Easy 10-25 10-8 10-42 from the brother officers in the Beehive State

Reg Labrum
NA

April 8, 2023

Officer Speed: From one Army veteran to another, I thank you for your service in the Viet Nam War. The years you served were some of the deadliest. I further thank you for your sacrifice to the citizens of Austin. You went to the sound of gunfire and was just trying to do your duty. The sniper was well armed and an accomplished marksmen--you honor our profession and again thanks for your service and sacrifice.

James Lopey, Assistant Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office (Reno, Nevada)
Nevada DPS

August 1, 2022

god bless you

a stranger
i am

April 28, 2022

Never Forgotten Officer Speed. God's Peace to your family.

Fmr ID Tech M.E. Berryman

August 1, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 1, 2020

I am a police officer in Brazil and I was touched by the courage of everyone involved in these tragedies. I revere the courage of the police and civilians who contributed in all ways, especially to the courageous Billy Speed ​​who fought with dignity and will be forever remembered for his honor.

C R FLORENCIO

June 2, 2020

Rest in Peace Officer Billy Paul Speed. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of Austin, Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends, Co-Workers and those brave souls who have chosen to follow in your foot steps protecting the public. I also Pray that the thug who murdered you is rotting in hell.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

August 3, 2016

So many lives were lost on that terrible day. My heart aches for them, especially Officer Billy Speed. Many thanks for your service in our military and law enforcement. RIP

John Haseltine - Civilian

April 1, 2016

Gone but never forgotten, you are a hero Officer Speed. Your memory will always live on.

Officer #848**
California Dept. of Corrections

December 23, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 47th anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. 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 pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections. I am glad your daughter has had a blessed life.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 25, 2013

Rest in peace brother, you continue to inspire us and will not be forgotten

Officer Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

July 5, 2010

Hero.

Anonymous

April 25, 2010

Far too young to have died that day.

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

43 years ago today. Let us not forget.

Police officer Scott Murray
LVMPD K9

August 1, 2009

I would like to thank everyone who has left a note of reflection or encouragement. I read this page occasionally and appreciate your kind words. Unfortunately, I have no memory of my dad and cherish the stories others are willling to share. I know he was a very brave and honorable man with many fine qualities. I miss him everyday! I am confident I will be reunited with him one day because of my savior, Christ Jesus.
To those curious about what became of me - I grew up in Austin, graduated from UT in 1987, and now live in the Austin area with my husband and two children. I have an amazing life and am blessed beyond measure.

Becky Speed Davis
Daughter

April 20, 2009

We are sorry for your Loss. My family has also experienced the loss of a loved one in the line of Duty. This was sent to us, We found this helpful. Hope this helps your family as well.


My Dearest Family and Friends

Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.

The Day I had to leave you when my Life on earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan. Theres so much we have to do to help our Moral Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad. I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.

Please don't be afraid to cry, it does releive the pain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.

To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.

So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that with my life. it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know Im walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentel breeze or wind upon your face thats me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.

Anonymous

December 17, 2008

Officer Speed:

On the anniversary (sic) of that tragic day, may Your Soul Rest-In-Peace.

I am a MUSTANG (an Enlisted Marine who became a Marine Officer). Charles Whitman was on the path to becoming a MUSTANG, then began heading down the path to becoming one of the most embarassing footnotes in Marine Corps history.

As a Marine, only the death of JFK and Dallas PD Officer J. D. Tippet (by another former Marine)rivals the anger and sadness that I feel regarding Your death at the hands of one who I am ashamed to say was a Marine.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 1, 2007

There is a memorial on the south grounds of the Texas State Capitol and your name is on it. I was suprised to see my last name on the wall. I cannot say if I am directly related to you or not, my family history beyond my grandfather is unknown. However, you are my brother in law enforcement and that makes you family. So many tragedies happened that day in Austin, TX. I have done some research and have found many personal stories and accounts. You saw people in need and rushed to assist in the most altruistic manner. Thank you for your life and your death. You have brought honor to your family name that can never be tarnished. Godspeed you home and rest easy brother for we have the watch.

Trooper II Brandon E. Speed
Texas Dept. of Public Safety

October 29, 2006

this date is burned in my soul forever
i was there. billy was a good friend and would have been a great police officer had he been allowed to live.we were both rookies with less than 18 months on the street when this happened. we had no swat teams and no training for this kind of situation. wish i knew what happened to your family.

sgt.ret. ken fraser
austin police dept.

November 23, 2004

05/22/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Speed.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 22, 2004

Rest in peace brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township Police Dept NJ

May 3, 2004

As another year begins to fade into history the sacrafice and heroism of all our brother officer's, such as Officer Speed, are not forgotten. Re-quoting the warriors creed "Those who fight for life, living has a flavor the protected will never know."

Mike Young
Wauneta PD NE.

Chief / Young
Wauneta Police Dept NE

December 6, 2003

I remember this day, I was eight years old and my father, a fire fighter with Central in Austin, rushed down town to the station to do his duty. You continue to be the inspiration that lead me to serve in law enforcement. Your duty, service, and ultimate sacrifice to protect others, inspire me to do my best in all things. May God continue to watch over your loved ones, and I pray they are comforted in knowing your bravery on that tragic day will never be forgotten. Until final roll call...

Officer Blackwell
Dallas County Community College District

November 15, 2003