Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chief Stringfellow,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC during WW II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO; former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 16, 2021

I had just turned 11 years of age one month before my Daddy lost his life in October 1971 at the young age of 38. That phone call will forever be etched in my mind with my Morher telling me: "Your Daddy went to be with Jesus." That day changed the rest of my life. We three girls knew we were truly loved by him. We were his world. He taught us to respect others, the difference in right and wrong, manners, and the list goes on. He treated everyone equal and taught us to do the same. A man truly loved and respected by so many. After 49 years I still have a missing part of my heart but I know that one day I will get to dance on the top of his feet, ride on his shoulders, and have him swing me round and round by my arms. I will get to see him face to face and hold him in my arms and say: " I LOVE YOU DADDY!"
I'm the middle daughter.
Lisa Shea Speairs

Lisa Speairs
Daughter

June 7, 2020

Rest in peace Chief of Police Stringfellow.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 23, 2019

Two families were forever changed on the day of this tragic accident as both lost loved ones. I want to honor the family of Chief Stringfellow who gave his all in duty to his community. His family must have suffered immeasurably, God bless them.

I also want to honor the family who lost Philip Galyon Speairs, husband and father of three precious little girls. His wife and sister traveled to Norfolk, Nebraska from Paris, Texas to be at his side for 5 days until he died from his injuries at 38 years of age. Uncle Philip was my favorite uncle, full of life and a mentor to me. I remember well the flood of tears shed for the longest time after his death. We all look forward to our reunion with him in Heaven. My three fatherless cousins have suffered in a way not many could understand over the years, may God always be with them and be their final comfort.

I also wish to honor the Catholic Sisters at the Catholic Hospital in Norfolk, NE, for they were of such constant comfort and compassion to my grieving mother, Catherine Elizabeth Speairs Taylor and his beloved wife Patsy Route Speairs those long and anguishng 5 October days. My mother spoke of them today as she remembered that difficult time and the gentle caring spirits that the Catholic Nuns were at the worst of times. Jesus takes care of all things in time.

Chris Taylor, Citizen of Texas
Family/Nephew

October 11, 2016

Althought I didn't know either of the men lost in this incident Chief Stringfellow is a brother officer and Mr. Speairs is the Daddy of lifelong friends of mine. I can tell you that they both are loved and never forgotten. Rest in peace.

Sgt Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, AZ

June 21, 2013

It was my daddy that you stopped to help. He also died from injuries in the accident. Our families are forever linked due to the losses we all suffered that fateful day in October, 1971. It was one month before my 10th birthday.

Lesley Speairs Baugh

June 8, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th 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.

Your sacrifice was made so many years ago. Evil was, is, and will be a part of life just as goodness such as yours will also be present.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 16, 2010

"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

December 11, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 16, 2007

You gave your life to help another. For that you will always be remembered. Rest in peace.

A citizen

October 16, 2004