Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace!

Ptl B L Waltz (Ret)
Avon Lake PD OH

September 4, 2022

Officer Van Arsdell,
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 Tulsa. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 25, 2021

May her soul forever rest peacefully in Heaven. I thank you for your devotional service to the citizens of your city. You will never ever ever ever be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police - Troop D

July 2, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Arsdell.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 2, 2019

Officer Van Arsdell,
On today, 37th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Tulsa. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 25, 2018

Big Red was a super rookie in our squad. She had a top notch training officer, Bob Fagan. Sheproved herself to all. Thank you for the good, positive and sometimes funny memories. R I P

bob

Sgt bob mieir ret
Tulsa Police Dept

July 16, 2014

FABRIENNE (SAM) WAS MY ONLY SIBLING. I REMEMBER GETTING THE PHONE CALL THAT SHE HAD BEEN KILLED IN A CAR ACCIDENT - BUT WAS TOLD NOTHING ELSE. WHILE HOME ALONE WAITING ON MY PARENTS TO FLY IN FROM VA. I HEARD AN EMERGENCY ALERT ON THE T.V.. I WENT INTO THE LIVING ROOM ONLY TO WITNESS FILM FOOTAGE OF HER BURNING ALIVE. SHE WAS STILL BANGING ON THE WINDOW SCREAMING FOR HELP. ALTHOUGH MANY YEARS AGO THOSE IMAGES HAVE NEVER LEFT. NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRY TO MOVE ON THERE ARE SO MANY REMINDERS OF MY SISSY. THE SMELL OF THE PERFUME SHE WORE WILL BRING ON AN INSTANT CRYING FIT. I STILL DO NOT CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS FOR MANY REASONS SURROUNDING HER DEATH. MY ONLY DAUGHTER SHARES HER NAME I JUST RECENTLY MEMORALIZED HER WITH A TATTOO OF HER BADGE AND NAME.
TO THE WOMAN ABOVE - THANK YOU. I ASKED HER IF SHE FELT BAD ABOUT KILLING YOUR RAPIST. SHE CALMLY REPLIED NO - HER THOUGHTS WERE ONLY FOR YOU. SHE STOLD ME - IF YOU COULD HAVE SEEN WHAT HE DID TO HER. THAT WAS IT. NO REGRETS EXCEPT SHE WISHED SHE COULD HAVE STOPPED HIM BEFORE HE HURT YOU. THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING HER. I

ERIKA AMTMANN-DUNN
LOVING SISTER

November 9, 2012

Thirty years ago, March 29, 1981 at 18 years of age Officer Van Arsdell saved my life after I had been stabbed, bitten in the face, raped and nearly killed in my own apartment.
Officer Van Arsdell's heroic actions are recognized in Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember Fabrienne Margot Van Arsdell.
.......Only four months before her tragic death Officer Van Arsdell my attacker wearing only a ski mask and undershorts exiting my apartment doorway which was destroyed with a crow bar while breaking in. After heeding several commands to "halt" she bravely shot and killed him.
Although most of the scars from the knife have faded, the memories of that morning will never fade. Words cannot express how thankful I am for the young lady that lived in the aparment downstairs that awoke to my blood curdling screams and Officer Van Arsdell for responding to her 911 call. Today I still look to God to comfort me when I clearly recall those events of March 29, 1981. I thank all of the courageous law enforcement officers for sacrificing their lives every day for the citizens of this great city.

Ms. J. C. Gresham
Rape Victim

July 9, 2011

As an active LEO, I will apprehend a DUI in your honor this weekend....thank u HERO!

Anonymous

February 16, 2011

Officer Van Arsdell, You are not forgotten. God bless you and your family.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE

August 19, 2010

our heroism and service is honored today, the 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 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. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I was very moved by the reflection left describing how your death led to safeguards for others.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 25, 2010

Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. I was an officer for over a decade myself, and my heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer; and may it somehow help to know she is not forgotten.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD

September 9, 2009

Officer Van Arsdell, thank you for your service and dedication. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Masharl

July 17, 2009

Officer Van Arsdell it has been 27 years since the end of your watch and you have not been forgotten. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my sister.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

July 25, 2008

This is the 27th Year anniversary of this tragic death and I still remember that night!
I heard that crash from a mile away, the skidding tires and crunch of metal. No one knew it was an Officer down, at first. When I arrived, people and Officers were trying to get in the car, I went to help, but nothing could be done. That drunk b*****d ***** was in custody and as more Officers arrived, I understood and learned something that night. I watched as the toughest and strongest Officers cried, some kicked their cars and were angry, as others investigated while in shock. It seemed like the world was going so very slow. I remember when her Trooper husband arrived code 3, being “chased” by another Trooper and the tenderness and compassion by another female Officer that finally calmed him down a bit. I remember the anger of the off-duty officer that arrested ***** and the frustration felt by all at the scene. I also remember crying myself to sleep after shift. Most of all, I remember how loved she was by her friends!!! She left a legacy of change, both personal and for law enforcement nationwide. This accident was a catalyst for improving Police emergency equipment. No more just red cherry gumball lights, now Red and Blue with amber mixed in. There is no way to tell how MANY officers were saved or NOT hit as a result of this change. Not only was she a true hero when she was alive (Apts at 1600 East 51st comes to mind), but a hero after she was gone. I doubt that many new Police Officers have any idea, how her sacrifice, changed the way we do things now and makes us safer. Her loss made Officers all over the world safer. I kinda think she would have liked that!

PR

July 25, 2008

"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

January 10, 2008

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Van Arsdell on the anniversary of her passing. May God continue to comfort you all.
Heros are never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

July 25, 2007

The 26th anniversary of your tragic death is rapidly approaching. Our Chief sent me and 3 other Officers to represent our department at your funeral. All four of us cried that day, but the one who surprised me most was the female officer in our group. She was tough as nails but cried like a baby during your service. On the ride home she commented that she'd never really thought about a female officer having to pay the ultimate price, just us guys. She swore that she would continue to be a cop and live to see retirement. She did. So, Officer Van Arsdell, your legacy lives on. I hope your family can take some comfort in that fact. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of your friends and family. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. You will NEVER be forgotten and FOREVER be a hero. Until we meet, keep "walking a beat on the Golden Street" and look after your brothers and sisters on earth.

DET SGT, Retired
AR

July 17, 2007

Officer Van Arsdell, Tulsa lost someone that can never be replaced. Our hearts go out to your family and co-workers and we mourn you, even after all these years.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace,Sister.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

October 20, 2006

Rest in Peace.

Dy M. Martin
St. martin Parish Sheriff's Office LA

July 25, 2006

i loved her very much.

g melton

July 5, 2005

God bless my family when I am away,
Leave the lights on I'll return from harms way,

Grant me courage and strength to protect others each day,
So they live in peace without worry, fear or dismay,

Bless those who have fallen given their life for another
May their spirit live on from then and forever,

Return me home to my family at the end of each night,
May I pass through the door before the morning's first light,

Shall I give my life for another before the dawn breaks today,
God bless my family when I am away.

Anonymous

November 30, 2004

As I begin my own career in law enforcement I strive to honor all my brothers and sisters who have served before me. You were taken the day I was brought into this world, your service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Officer Wise
WPD, Williston, ND

September 16, 2004

Gone but Never Forgotten....May God Grant your Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends, Peace, as this anniversary approaches. Rest in Peace Blue Angel....

Officer Debra Mcfall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police Dept, Lewisburg, Pa.

July 22, 2004

Rest in peace Sister Fabrienne, you are not forgotten.

Son of G Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla

October 24, 2003