Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lt. Varat,
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 Ventura County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 20, 2023

Lt. Varat,
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 Ventura County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 20, 2023

Lt. Varat rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 12, 2019

Hi Grandpa Harvey,

I am writing this on the 46th anniversary of your E.O.W. I am the son of your son Michael who recently passed away while we were hiking in Yosemite. I believe he is with you in heaven now.

Today I moved into your old den room that I used to sleep in as a child. I will be living in the Somis property that you and my Nana bought in 1969 and going to Moorpark College. Although I never met you, I have heard a lot about you and I also have the same middle name. Every time I visit my Dad’s grave, I always see your headstone next to it as well.

Rest In Peace.

Love,
Jacob A. Varat

Jacob A. Varat

October 20, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother. We honor you on the 44th anniversary of your E.O.W. So sorry to read about your son. We pray for your family.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

October 20, 2017

Hi Hon:
It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I must tell you of the
unexpected and sudden death of our son, Michael, on May 28, 2016 in Yosemite National Park, of a massive heart attack. Michael, who was aged 7 when you died of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, is now gone. He lays in the grave next to you at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, Camarillo, at the wishes of our grandchildren, Jacob and Ashley, who wanted their father to be reunited with you in death. Please watch over our beloved
grandchildren. I love you and Michael beyond words, as is my grief. Barbara

Barbara Kerkhoff, surviving spouse
Ventura County Sheriff's Dept.

September 21, 2016

Rest in Peace, Lieutenant Varat. Your sacrifice is not forgotten

Officer 11169

January 23, 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Though your sacrifice was made so many years ago, your memory will always be honored and revered. I was very touched by the moving reflection left by your wife. You must be proud of your son and rejoice in the fact that your wife was able to build a new life and still keep you in her heart.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 20, 2009

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 9, 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

December 6, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 17, 2007

Thank you for your service. You will always be remembered.

July 25, 2006

Only worked with Lt. Varat on a few occasions when temporarily transferred to Camarillo substation when they were short of field deputies.
I knew him as an Excellent supervisor and deputy who had a immediate positive impact on everyone he worked with. His death from an undiagnosed case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever dedicated many of us that worked with him to see that such a cast NEVER goes undiagnosed again if we can help it--so help us God.
He is missed to this day.

Wa. St. OSI, Supervising Sp. Agent, Ret.
Lt. Varat was my supervisor while working at Camarillo Substation

May 8, 2006

Hi Hon: It has been just more than 32 years since you died. It is hard to believe that so many years have passed
- I remember as if it were yesterday.
I will be 70 this year and your son, Michael, will be 40! You have two grandchildren, Jacob Alan Ring Varat age nearly 6 and Ashley Rose Varat age 2. Mom died in April 2000 and dad died at age 97 just a few days ago. I married in 1981 a man who is as wonderfully kind and caring as you - he even talks to you - your photo is on the shelf above the fireplace, and John will look at you and say "did she do this when you were alive". On the 25th anniversary of your death, Sheriff Bob Brooks organized and hosted a moving memorial in your honor at the Sheriff's Dept. Lots of your old friends were there and spoke. Your dear Chief Chamberlain died a few months ago. If there is a link between there and here, as I believe there to be, then you must know the man Michael has become - I am so proud. We loved you then. We love you now. In blessed memory, Barbara

Barbara Varat Kerkhoff

January 1, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace. God bless.

October 20, 2004

04/14/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. No officer who gives his/her life for us need ever be forgotton. You died a hero; rest in peace.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

April 14, 2004