Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The Last Call

Waiting for the pipers to make their final notes
Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound

The six, folded and tucked Old Glory
Passing the flag down the line, one by one
Handing the flag over to his family, with these simple words
“You, Have Our Deepest Sympathy”

The seven waited for the commands, 3 rounds each
Puffs of smoke drifted towards the heavens
Giving way to the Chilling sounds of Taps
Each note heard twice, between tears of sadness

The last call came “DETAIL DISMISSED”
Family and friends, placed roses on his casket
Leaving a part of their heart and soul
Slowly, the lines, of officers drifted away

Each one, leaving with a thought, it could have been me
One by one they gave his wife a hug
They offered two promises, we will never forget
And whatever we can do for you and your family

Weeks turned into months, months turned into years
Soon the only memory left of 532
Is a picture hanging on a wall with a date 01/27/1987
And a name on Panel 41, W – 10 in Judiciary Square

Time will not heal this wound for our group of 25
That afternoon, in January will never be far from our heart
Nor will the day we said goodbye to our friend
We will always remember THE LAST CALL.

oliver

Mike Erickson
Co-worker

May 10, 2021

Honoring and remembering someone I never met. In his death, he gave me the gift of coming to know his wife and two young sons who have grown into wonderful young men.

Thank you for your sacrifice and for the incredible gift that I would return in a heartbeat if it brought you back to them.

Mary VanHaute, Clearwater, FL

January 27, 2015

Hey dad.. I figured you must have something to do with Adam loving singing. After I heard this I knew it.
"I hope your dancing in the sky, and singing in the angels choir."
"Tell me your happy?"

I know you're happy.

And, Adam is singing..he's in the choir. At church. Living his dream :)

God is great. Miss you dad.

Tim

Son

April 18, 2014

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

March 5, 2014

Thanks Tim for the kind words! It is always great to learn more about my dad. I can thank the Shawano sheriff department for that. You don't know how much it means to my family and myself for always being kind, and never forgotten my father for 26 years.

Tim Stoltenow

Son
Son

September 12, 2013

I'm sure your dad is proud of you Tim. I only knew your dad a little as I'd chat once in a while with him while he was on duty and I was a teenager eager to be a cop. The year your dad passed I became a Deputy at Shawano (badge 520).

Your dad was an amazing role model and a great guy! He didn't think twice about putting others first. His reputation was amazing in the area and he was a man of honor. If I remember, they always called him "Jim Bob". Maybe one of the older guys will write on here to confirm that.

Lets not forget your mom who stood by your father during the difficult time and there were many... and I mean many... praying for Jim, her and the family. Your dad, and mom, touched many lives in a very positive way.

God bless you Tim... shine your dad's spirit!

prior Deputy - Tim Stutzman
Shawano County Sheriff's Dept.

August 21, 2013

Hey Dad-

Where do I start?

A lot has changed in the last year....

I recently moved to MA. I always heard that you loved to travel, and experience new things. It was time for me to make a change. I am happy I did.

As you already know there is not a day that us 3 don't think about you. You live inside each one of us in a special way. People can tell that your with us (even rock the mustache for you once in a while).

Just wanted to stop by and say how proud of a son I am of you. I hope I can support and love my family the way you did.

Love you dad. See you soon.

Tim Stoltenow

Son
Son

June 19, 2013

Dear Jim,

It has been 26years since we said our goodbyes to you. For eight days we kept watch while your injuries slowly took your life. With each passing hour you taught us that there is a lot more to being a police officer. You showed us that each day your faith in God and your love for your family needs to be as important as the job. Kathy and your family showed us the true meaning love, as Kathy stayed by your side while you tried to battle back.

Even on the day you died January 27, 1987 you gave gifts to others so they could see and live. Kathy and the boys miss you a lot. There's not much I can say about Kathy that you don't already know. I do know she is with you every day and her love for you is stronger than ever.

Your old department has changed quite a bit. The older guys have retired. Our group has changed also. Bob retired as the Sheriff, Steve retired as the Chief Deputy. Randy, Terry and Bill are also retired. As you know Paul, Laurie and Chet are with you and Larry and Greg have joined the other 5 officers on work-related disability retirement.
Some have moved on to other departments. The city has changed also. They moved the state highway out of town and made a by-pass around Shawano. Some of the trees that your vehicle struck were also removed making the street wider. Perhaps the road will not be as busy as it was that afternoon in January of 1987.

Your picture hangs on the wall for a constant reminder to every officer, that we should treat people like long lost friends and you should live your life according to God's plan.

Goodbye my friend, until next year.

oliver

Retired Mike Erickson
SHawano County and Green Bay Pol

January 19, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th 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.

I pray for the solace of 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 today. Tim, thanks for sharing a son's devotion to his beloved father.

Rest In Peace

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

January 27, 2012

Just wanted to thank you for your service Sir, You already know that you were a Hero but I will say it anyway. You shall never be forgotten, RIP Deputy.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

January 26, 2012

Hey Dad,

Just thought I would stop and say hi. Still think about how much I wish you would be here and how great it would of been to have a dad around. But luckily mom has been both for me and Adam. It never gets old hearing from people how amazing of a person you were. I hope some day to just be half the man you were. Keep looking over us from above. Love you.

Your son,
Tim

Anonymous

October 1, 2010

Hey Dad,

Just thought I would stop and say hi. Still think about how much I wish you would be here and how great it would of been to have a dad around. But luckily mom has been both for me and Adam. It never gets old hearing from people how amazing of a person you were. I hope some day to just be half the man you were. Keep looking over us from above. Love you.

Your son,
Tim

Anonymous

October 1, 2010

RIP.You maybe gone but you will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 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

February 22, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 23, 2008

Hey day,
just thinking about you so i thought i would leave a little message. Mom and adam are doing well. I recently changed my major from law enforcement to marketing. I guess just thinking about losing you made me not want to pursue it. I can't leave mom and adam alone. im all they have. Its takes a great man to risk their life like you and so many other officers. I know your looking down on me with a smile. Until we talk again. Miss you. Lots of love.

your little boy,
Tim

Son

August 25, 2007

its been 20 years dad, not a day goes bye that i don't think of you! Dont worry im looking over my and brother!
Your boy,
tim 532

Your son

March 5, 2007

Deputy Stoltenow,

what an honor to have your son follow in your footsteps! I imagine you are standing proud while patrolling the streets of heaven. Keep an eye on your family and all of us officers until we meet again.

Wisconsin LEO

August 15, 2006

Hey dad,
I miss you, even though i never got to know you everyone tells me how great of a guy you were. Im almost graduating dad, im doing it for you, i will be attending NWTC in the Summer for Criminal Justice. I want to be just like you were dad. I see how many lives you have touched and that is something i want to do. It has not been easy these past years. Mom and Adam have missed you. Life would have been so much easier if you were there. I have made it my whole life without you, but it also has been very hard. I am trying to take care of mom, I wish you could be there when i graduate dad, im doing it for you, everything i do is for you. I know youll be watching down on me on June 2 when mine and Adams names get called across the stage. Just remember we will never forget you, who could forget about you? All your fellow deputies have been great friends. I hope to become a great compationate person like you and willing to risk my life for whatever it takes. Ill be talkin to you soon pops. Lots of loves from the family!

Your boy- Tim
Shawano

May 2, 2006

I love you dad

your son- tim
Shawano

March 30, 2006

This is so sad. You had so much
promise and so much to live for:
A wife, a son and a baby on the
way. Our hearts go out to all who
were devastated by this accident.
Thank you for your service and
your tremendous sacrifice. We are
remembering you today.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

June 30, 2005

The WALL
 
Come and sit by the wall for a while, tell me about my family,
My loving wife Kathy, who I haven’t held since January 1987
Adam who was a almost two years old and daddy’s boy
Timmy who was born in August of 1987.
 
Come and sit by the wall for a while, tell me about the last 16 years.
Tell me are the boys growing up to be young men?
Are they helping mom out with the chores around the house?
Are they looking after one another and taking good care of Kathy?
 
Come and sit by the wall for a while, tell me about what I missed.
In sharing my life with my best friend and my soul mate
Tell me about our dream home, out by White Lake.
Tell me what I missed about growing old together with Kathy?
 
Come and sit by the wall for a while, tell me about the S.O
Has time healed the wounds left behind after my accident?
Are Steve, Bill, Terry, Dave, Randy, Laurie, Lighting and Bob still working?
Have any more guys retired because of injuries in the line of duty?
 
ONE DEATH AND SIX INJURED ARE TOO MANY.
 
Come and sit by the wall for a while, chat with me and enjoy the peace.
Look, at all the other names around me, listen to their stories
Stories of families and friends - death and life - tears and more tears.
Don’t shed a tear for us, help our families and help yourself.
 
Come and sit by wall for a while, tell me when will it end.
How can we stop adding names to the Wall?
How can we stop the Bagpipes from playing Amazing Grace?
How can we stop the echoes of the Bugler’s final notes?
 
Come and sit by the wall for a while, until you have to go back home.
Enjoy the flowers, the birds singing and the smells of spring
I know your life is busy and you have more important things to do .
Thank you for spending some quiet time with a friend.

oliver

Ident technician
Green Bay Police Department

March 7, 2004

Rest in peace deputy
You are gone but not forgotten.

Deputy
Walworth Co SO

December 19, 2003