Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you to you both for all you did for our State will never forget that sad day, think of you often. I'm sure the Good Lord is holding you close to Him.

Kelly Anderson-Mahrenholz
Michigan State Police, Sixth District Headquarters, District Clerk

April 12, 2024

Trooper Stark,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Michigan. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 31, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

December 31, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you Hero and your family for your sacrifice and service. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 31, 2019

Rest in peace Trooper Stark.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 23, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 47th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 31, 2018

My faithful servant.
You were called upon to serve others.
You were asked to see, what no man should ever have to see.
To go through, what no man should ever have to go through.
But you did so with pride, honor, and integrity.

My faithful servant.
You were called upon to defend those, who could not defend themselves.
To provide justice to those, who did not respect it.
To lay down your life, if the time called for it.
Again, you did not question what was asked of you.
You did it with love, compassion, and loyalty.

My faithful servant.
In times of adversity, you prayed for strength.
In times of triumph, you praised your Lord.
You served your Country, State, and city proud.
Your service will forever be remembered by the many lives you’ve touched.

My faithful servant.
When your service on this earth is finally complete.
I will welcome you home with open arms.
I will embrace you and proclaim,
“Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

RIP my brother, the Lord has taken you home.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City Police Department

December 4, 2016

James: Your reflection touched me greatly. I was the then wife of a young trooper sent to the New Buffalo post for his first assignment, not long after your brother and Gary Rampy were killed. I knew Sandy and also Tanya Rampy as they attended wives' club meetings for quite some time following their husband's murders.

I was a young wife (the youngest at that time) and yet, I felt the pain and sorrow that was prevalent at the New Buffalo State Police Post as well at the wives' club get-together's. I greatly admired Sandy as she was a really strong, kind woman who was very stoic (around others, at least) while dealing with her terrible loss.

From what I heard from the troopers, Charlie was quite the guy, greatly admired by all who knew him. I am so very sorry for your loss and that of Charlie's entire family.

Even though we were not there that terrible night, the story was relived every New Years for years to come, and the loss continued to be extremely acute to those who knew Charlie (and Gary).

I wish I knew where Sandy lives now and how her life has turned out in the interim. As I mentioned, I greatly respected that woman.

Not applicable
Wife of Now retired trooper who served at New Buffalo post

January 8, 2015

Trooper Charles B. Stark (Sonny) was my older brother by 9 years. I recall well getting that door knock in the very early morning of December 31, 1971. Other Troopers had to deliver the news to our father.

Sonny was not only my brother but my childhood hero. But, what hurt most was that he left behind an 11 year old daughter, a 9 year old son and young wife. Even though I have been blessed to out live your years on earth by double, someday we will see each other again. Someday our family reunion and family tree will recognize that the old wooden cross of Calvary is our eternal family tree.

James W. Stark
Younger brother

February 25, 2014

My faithful servant.
You were called upon to serve others.
You were asked to see, what no man should ever have to see.
To go through, what no man should ever have to go through.
But you did so with pride, honor, and integrity.

My faithful servant.
You were called upon to defend those, who could not defend themselves.
To provide justice to those, who did not respect it.
To lay down your life, if the time called for it.
Again, you did not question what was asked of you.
You did it with love, compassion, and loyalty.

My faithful servant.
In times of adversity, you prayed for strength.
In times of triumph, you praised your Lord.
You served your Country, State, and city proud.
Your service will forever be remembered by the many lives you’ve touched.

My faithful servant.
When your service on this earth is finally complete.
I will welcome you home with open arms.
I will embrace you and proclaim,
“Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

Sergeant Barton
Garden City PD

December 9, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the forty-first 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 diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

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

January 3, 2012

Merry Christmas, Tpr Stark, to you and your family.
Thank you for your sacrifice.

May God's peace be with you this holiday season!

Trooper
Michigan State Police

December 14, 2010

...has NOT been forgotten.

Trooper Mike Lee
MSP

April 24, 2010

Trooper Stark, what happened 38 years ago has been forgotten. Your brothers and sisters publicly remember your sacrifice.

Trooper Mike Lee
Michigan State Police

December 10, 2009

You've been gone longer than you were here on earth. We remember you on this anniversary of your EOW.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

December 31, 2008

You were highlighted on the website today. Time has not diminshed your service nor sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

December 13, 2008

Thank you, Blue Angel. Rest well.

Anonymous

July 29, 2008

Trooper Charles Stark was my grand father. Although I never met him, I respect him more than words can explain. Thank you to everyone in the police family that has shown my family such love and empathy. My grandfather has inspired me to become a Trooper Stark as well. God Bless you all.

Laura E. Stark
Granddaughter

June 16, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 28, 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 15, 2007

I have a childhood memory of Charlie, I was at church with my Dad, Dave Hettinga, I think it was Christmas time. I remember is how nice he was. He touched my life, if only for a minute. He was a brave person and deserved much more time on this earth than he was given. May God bless you and sustain your family.
Sincerely yours, Jody
(Hettinga)Drake

daughter of MSPofficer David Hettinga

November 12, 2007

Rest in peace my brother
John

Captain John Conaty
Ingham county sheriff dept Retired

June 28, 2007

You are not forgotten.

Former Police Officer
District Heights,MD.

December 31, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Michigan State Police. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Trooper Stark deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Trooper Stark is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

June 20, 2006

Rest easy, Brother, you are not forgotten.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, In.l

December 31, 2003