Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you sir for your courage and dedication. You are a hero in every sense of the word. I pray for your family. I know after all these years that it still hurts. Rest in peace sir. You earned it

Jerry
Fellow citizen

January 5, 2024

I would go to the police department everyday after school to see my dad and talk to the other officers.Talk to you about a week before it happened will never forget how you talk to me as if I was an adult never will forget how it made me feel,,, thank you!! Major Tom Minton's son Michael

Major Tom Minton's son Michael
Ft Smith police department

March 31, 2021

Rest in peace Detective Tate.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 6, 2020

Thinking of you and your family. God bless you all and your fellow officers.

Special Agent in Charge Diane Upchurch
FBI - Little Rock

January 7, 2018

IN HONORE CASORUM
The promise... Always honored, never forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones.
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

January 5, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty-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 who was murdered in the 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 who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever,

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

January 5, 2012

Bill:
Even after all of these years, I still think of you...our first few months of beginning our journeys as police officers...and the day I heard of your tragic death. I think of your family...your children are grown now.

The life you lived reflected your belief in God and the compassion you felt toward everyone you encountered.
You are an honorable man and certainly someone I will always remember.

Thank you for your service....and the sacrifice you had to make.

Rest in peace
Jan

Jan Kelly
Former Ft. Smith Police Officer

June 9, 2010

My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Rest Easy.

Cindy, Arkansas
Sister of slain Officer Randy Basnett, eow 9-24-1976

January 16, 2009

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

Officer 11169

July 28, 2008

I think of you so often. I was there the day you disappeared and also the day you were found. I was there at the gravel pit when the suspect was arrested. All of us still suffer the survivor guilt because it was you and not one of us. Many of us have left the force since then but you have not been forgotten. God bless your family and please continue to watch over all of us. You were a fantastic police officer and friend.

Captain Joe Lefler
Lancaster County Sheriff (Nebraska)

February 1, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 31, 2007

I can remember this happening so very well--I was only 12 years old and my dad worked for the Barling Police Department. I just remember how deeply saddened he was and how devasting the loss of a fellow officer was for him. He spoke of you throughout the years and always with praise and appreciation. It was my biggest fear as a child of a police officer. I am so sorry that your family had to endure the pain of such a cowardly act. But do know that you have been in the thoughts and hearts and prayers of my family for over 25 years and I can promise you that you will never be forgotten.

Cindy Lairamore Bowles
Cindy Bowles Daughter of Retired Officer Dale Lairamore

November 27, 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

August 6, 2007

What an awful, degrading, inhumane way to die. That would have been frightful for any officer! Thank you for your valuable and noble service to those ladies, citizens of Fort Smith, and your agency!

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

May 2, 2007

Rest in Peace, my friend. You are a true hero.

Captain Fran Hall
Sebastian County Sheriff /Fort Smith Police Dept.

March 30, 2007

Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you gave to the City of Ft. Smith. Please watch over Officer Daniel Martinez , who went to join you on March 23, 2007. I know you’ll watch over everyone else during your shift in heaven.

anonymous
FSPD

March 28, 2007

God Bless - your family is in my prayers - sister of another slain officer.

March 24, 2007

Rest in peace brother. "Heroes live forever"

Detective
Fort Smith PD

July 26, 2006

1-11-06
Ray-- We served together in the Air National Guard and we served together as Police Officers in Arkansas. Someday we will served together again.
Until I get there, you have the watch now.

Lt. Denny Upton (Ret)
Springdale Police Dept.

January 11, 2006

We miss you, Dad.

January 8, 2006

May you he rest in peace

Explorer
Fort smith police department

June 26, 2005

May God rest your soul, hero.

January 5, 2005

PLEASE KNOW BRAVE OFFICER THAT YOU DID NOT DIE IN VAIN....YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

August 17, 2004