Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I just wanted you to know that every time an officer is killed anywhere, my thoughts go back to you. My dad was the police reporter for the Indy and he loved and respected you all so much. He loved his job because you all made him feel like he was one of you. At his funeral in 2013 (age 86) he received a gorgeous huge flower arrangement from the retired patrol officers and detectives. Pretty amazing that almost 40 years went by and he was still remembered. I know right where I was when I heard the news about you and raced to my dads' house. He was devastated and it took years for him to get close to other officers for fear of losing them. Thank you and all of the officers
who do a job most of us would not touch. Much love, April

April Rutan
Daughter of Police Reporter who was friends with Herbie and most LEO¨

January 14, 2021

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

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

August 18, 2020

Det. Sullivan,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of St. Petersburg. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 18, 2020

Herb was my best friend at the time. We lived in the same apartment complex, were both newly married and shared a pair of Bucs season tickets for several years.
We both loved our wives, sports and having a good time just enjoying life. His wife June and my wife Carol and I are still good friends today. Herb missed attending the football game the day before he was killed because of "some important business he had to attend to", that being the drug sting that went terribly wrong. I will never forget the shock and pain of his death or the treasured memories we shared as friends. I was honored to deliver the eulogy at his funeral and to meet his family and many of the thousands of people who mourned his death. It is 36 years today that my life and that of many others was changed forever. God's speed Herb, I hope to see you again one day.

Keith A. Olsen
Friend forever

August 18, 2016

Herb was my friend.
He was also my assistant property manager at Bear Creek apartments in St. Pete. Herb was a super great guy.

He was murdered in the line of duty as reported except that I remember he was murdered by dog shit pieces of shit BEFORE I graduated from Stetson Law School in January 1977. I was still the property manager and my wife and I consoled June.

William Riker, Esq.
friend

October 12, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged 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. I thank your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

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

February 26, 2013

A true friend when I had no one and the best hero my son ever had. Herb always checked on us to be sure we were safe. He was a true hero and a man of honor who loved his family dearly.

Cathleen
Friend

February 12, 2013

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace Detective Sullivan. HEROES live forever, and you sir are a hero....

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

August 18, 2012

Det. Sullivan,
On today, the 32nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of St. Petersburg. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

August 18, 2012

Rest in Peace, Detective Sullivan. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

Gone, but not forgotten.... HEROES do live forever, and you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace Detective.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

deb

August 18, 2011

Detective Sullivan, you are not forgotten. God bless you and your family.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE

December 19, 2010

I just learned of this tragic event and am at a loss for words,,,,Det.Sullivan's undercover work was valuable in an attempt to keep the peace in the city he served, so I will remind all that Matthew wrote in 5:9 that, "Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called the sons of God".

MPO Darby Shaw
Virginia Beach Police Dept.

December 4, 2009

"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

October 8, 2007

Boy do i remember this day... Herbie was a good friend to myself and my husband at the time who just retired from St Pete PD. I was pregnant with my second child at the time... for the longest time i couldnt past by the hotel where this happened without thinking , how??? why??????? Rest in peace Herbie... your friends still remember.....
Lenny,

Elena Pierce C/O
Corrections Corp of America

April 26, 2007

All these years later, I have never forgotten the huge outpouring of sympathy for this officer. The funeral procession seemed to never end. Representatives from almost every Florida law enforcement team showed up. The funeral procession went on and on.
It was a senseless waste of life. To this day, I cannot pass the location where this tragedy happened without thinking of this officer. He gave his life in a most valient way, and this community will be forever thankful. Rest in Peace.

Christine

January 20, 2005

Just thinking of you today, many years later. You have not been forgotten my brother. RIP 12/27/04

Patrol Sgt.
Clearwater PD

December 27, 2004

Rest in peace Det. Sullivan. You served us with dedication.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

Herb was the oldest of my three brothers. His life and death
affected so many, even to this day. There was no one quite like him. When I think of Herb, I think of adjectives like
"full of life", "funny", "sharp", "organized" and "handsome".
I often think about his friends, fellow officers and those I met during the time of his passing. I will always remember their kindness to my family and their love for Herb.

Terri Sullivan Stafford

At the time of his death, I was a nursing student with his wife. I was able to closely identify with her in that my husband was also a Police Officer at the time. He is since retired, and I was able to finally rest peacefully after 27 years of service. Over the years, I often think of his wife, and wonder how she is doing now. I pray she has found peace and happiness. Sincerely, Dianne Gleaton

Dianne Gleaton
N/A