Oakland Police Department, California
End of Watch Tuesday, October 2, 1973
Reflections for Police Officer Wendell I. Troyer
Officer Troyer,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Oakland. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United Ststes Border Patrol
October 2, 2023
I was reading about a fallen officer today and it made me think of you. I didn’t get to know you long as you were taken from us when I was just over the age of two. But I’ve heard stories. Love you Grandpa.
Cari Troyer Dickson
Granddaughter
July 26, 2021
I remember officer Troyer as a little kid. My father owned and managed the hanger at the Oakland Airport where their helicopters were housed. The officers had an office on the 2nd floor. I remember Troyer and the other officers and spent a lot of time around them. Troyer was special though, he was always so jovial and was friends of the family. At 58, I still have fond memories of him and his partners. RIP officer Troyer.
Tom tiger thomas
Friend
March 19, 2021
Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
October 2, 2020
Rest in peace Officer Troyer.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
July 12, 2019
You have been remembered not only by your Oakland PD family but also your Civil Air Patrol colleagues. Rest in peace my brother.
Lt. Kenneth W. Parris (Colonel, CAP)
Oakland Police Department
February 9, 2018
Officer Troyer we honor you on the 44th anniversary of your EOW. (Mistake see below reflection).
RIP Brother
Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA
October 2, 2017
Rest In Peace Brother. We honor you and Officer Guider on the 62nd anniversary of your EOW. You are not forgotten.
Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA
October 2, 2017
Miss you Dad
Gary Troyer
Son
May 2, 2016
I was in the 56th OPD Academy with Dave, a class clown at the time and a very smart street officer. I also flew - I don't know how many hours - as Wendell's helicopter "observer." While Wendell flew, I handled air-to-ground comms and directed units to fleeing or hiding suspects. Both were decent and honorable souls, they are sorely missed but I know they're resting in great peace.
John Compatore, Patrolman
Oakland P.D.
March 25, 2015
Every year since 2009 I have made the blue ribbons with the 51 names of the Oakland Police Officers who have died in the line of duty. It is my honor to do this for the fallen officers. The ribbons hang on a tree outside the Warehouse Bar and Grill in Oakland, California for all to see the sacrifice they have made to keep us safe. God bless you all and rest in peace.
A grateful citizen
February 24, 2012
Rest in Peace, Officer Troyer. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
January 17, 2012
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th 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.
Two days a memorial was held for your four brothers from Oakland. Our community is mourning their loss that happened on the darkest day in OPD history.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
March 29, 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
December 1, 2007
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.
vandenberghe
nh
October 14, 2007
I never knew my Uncle Wendell Troyer or his wife, my Grandfathers' baby sister, Aunt Millie but I have heard about this tragic accident all my life and felt compelled to leave a brief reflection to Honor Wendell for his Bravery and Service to his community.
I salute you Uncle Wendell for giving your life in the Line of Duty.
Love sincerely your Nephew,
Ernie Smith
Charleston,SC
Ernie E. Smith
Nephew
August 16, 2007
05/19/04
Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Troyer.
Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
May 19, 2004
A remembers man lives forever
Anonymous
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