Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace.

Deputy Sheriff Steve Hand
Alexandria Sheriff’s Office

January 30, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Truesdale,
On today, the 41st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USN during the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 27, 2022

I finally read all the reflections written about my late husband. The readings really touched my heart. Even after 40 years those memories never go away. But with GOD instilled in our hearts, those memories are now a reflection of how Bill lived, protecting his family, protecting his co-workers and the city he worked for. And yes, our youngest son is following in his father's shoes as a deputy sheriff.

Zita Truesdale
Widow

April 13, 2021

If I may take a second and just mention what a beautiful reflection that was by Sherry Frazier.

Deputy Truesdale, thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten.

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

August 20, 2020

I worked as a Court Reporter in that courtroom with Deputy Truesdale on that fateful day. Defendant was there as a witness in another case and would have received a reduction in his sentence in another jurisdiction for his cooperation. Makes no sense why he killed Deputy Truesdale. Defendants stature was large. He seemed calm. However, I was warned by judge to keep close to the judges bench. Minutes after the hearing Deputy Truesdale was gone. I was shocked. I worked with him on many occasions. I always liked him.

Fast forward to the defendants sentencing. I was appointed to the sentencing phase. I was very young. When the judge said, you are hereby sentenced to death, the defendant looked at me. He seemed remorseful. However, it didn't make it right. The impact of that day, the sentencing, the murder, his family I will never forget. I have thought about Deputy Truesdale over the years and his family. I remember him talking about his young boy and his love for his wife and family.

There was a case on Nancy Grace show where she was talking about a deputy's murder. Her reporting was a little off on the statics. However, I told her about Deupty Truesdale and she mentioned his name on air. I am so proud to hear of his young son joining the department. Mrs. Truesdale and children wherever you are I pray you had a good life. I will never forget Deputy Truesdale and his family. God bless each one of you.

Sherry Frazier
Court Reporter

February 21, 2020

It strikes me that your murderer, while on Death Row, worked to prevent some of the other inmates from harming captured guards and raping a female nurse during a prison escape/hostage situation. Where was this compassion for others' lives when he aimed that gun at you and pulled the trigger?

Rest in peace and thank you for your service.

Citizen
None

April 26, 2014

Bill, your son shall live you legacy...be safe

Sergeant Charles Hannah
Alex sheriff

December 9, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir! Your son will take your watch now. Rest in peace.

Aux. Ofc. Jamie Fialkowski
Mt. Juliet Police Department

June 28, 2012

Dad thank you for teaching us duty, honor and respect. The greatest of all lessons Sacrifice, I know that you are always with us.

Laurie Truesdale
Daughter

April 13, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th 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 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

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 27, 2011

Deputy Truesdale thank-you for your brave service. In May of 2011, I understand that you will receive the honor of having the building you worked at named in your honor. You and the citizens of Alexandria deserve it. Rest in Peace.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department

December 5, 2010

Deputy Truesdale,

Thank you for your service and may you continue to rest in eternal peace. A hero is never forgotten......

Corporal D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. Police Department

Corporal D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. Police Department

January 27, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 1, 2008

DEPUTY TRUESDALE, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE AND SERVICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

January 27, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 23, 2008

Dad, 25 years later Im doning ok. Thanks for watching over us and keeping us in-line from up above. Rest in peace and your honor is still in my heart!

F/F Kevin Truesdale
Son

June 9, 2006

Deputy Sheriff Truesdale,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Alexandria. It took nine years but your murderer finally got the justice that he deserved.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

January 27, 2005

Thank you for your service D.S. Truesdale. Rest in peace.

December 26, 2004

On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State University Police Department, our thoughts and prayers to the Truesdale family and the Alexandria Sheriff's Office.

Virginia State University Police Department