Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dad, now I am the same age you left us at. I retired from the Louisiana State Police 10/16/2020. I now work for Gretna Police Department as a home incarceration officer. Gretna Police Department is a awesome agency and the chief and deputy chief are wonderful men. I am pushing 39 years as a LEO this year. I am trying to keep the Verdi LEO. Legacy alive. My wife, your daughter-in-law joined you in heaven 01/02/2023 welcome her and please both of you pray for our daughters Malanna and Dominique the last of the Verdi’s. They need it. If you have time, pray for me too as my heart is heavy with the loss of my wife. Hope to see you both when I get there, save a place for me.

Master Trooper Michael Verdi
Louisiana State Police

February 17, 2023

I had the occasion to work with Chief Verdi and the PPSO Narcotics Division in the early to mid 80’s while I was assigned to the Gretna Police Department Criminal Investigations Division. Chief Verdi was a great leader and well respected. RIP sir!

Captain Carl Contranchis, retired
Gretna Police Department

December 2, 2019

Miss you every day, Dad. I now have 35 years as a LEO myself. The HQ building for PPSO is named in your honor. Sure wish you could meet the last of the Verdi’s your granddaughters. Keep watch over them from your heavenly abode and as Jesus to keep them safe.

Master Trooper LSP
Son

December 1, 2019

Your father was my Sergeant in the detective bureau in Jefferson Parish. Not only was he a great law enforcement officer, supervisor but he was also a great man. He had everyone's respect that worked with him. His passing was a terrible loss.

Deputy Dennis Erwin
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

May 14, 2019

I knew your Dad back when Barney Schoenberger was Sheriff (when I started)
. He was placed in narcotics by Ernest D Wooton, the first in such a capacity with the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff ever. His death was a shock to us all, and his humor and personality were sorely missed.

Buzz Andersen, Internal Auditor
PPSO

February 18, 2017

Dad the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office under current Sheriff Lonnie Greco is naming the new HQ building in your honor. The dedication should be soon. What a fitting tribute to a man that dedicated his very life to public safety. This is National Police Month and a Blue Mass will be held at OLPH Church in your and Deputy Jimmy Landry, and Deputy Jerry Bubrig's honor. You are loved and missed by family and friends. Your name almost 30 years later still commands respect in law enforcement circles . Rest in Peace, love your son, Michael

Master Trooper Michael Verdi
Louisiana State Police

May 19, 2015

A truly great man! Mr. Verdi was my assistant Boy Scout Master which is pretty amazing when I think of it now because he as already so busy with his family and work. However, he was a family man and loved his son Dominic (or Dommie has he called him back then) so much that he would even travel to our boy scout camp in Mississippi during the evenings while he worked in Belle Chasse during the day. He'd be there for football games, practice, and more while i attended OLPH with his son. When I think now about how he had to work to support his family and still send his kids to catholic private school, it blows me away.

He'd never let anything come before his family and he spoke with such pride of all his children and grand children.

Mr. Verdi was a kind and special man with a heart of gold. He is definitely missed by many.

Rest in peace

Ron Martinsen
Family Friend

February 18, 2015

You died 5 years before I was born, but I have heard countless stories of how much of a great father, Police Officer, man, and friend you were to so many people. I wish I could have met you and got to know you Grandpa, but I will not forget that you are my Grandpa and one of the greatest people who ever lived. I still want to one day become a police officer just like you, I just hope I can be half the cop that you were.

Airman First Class Korey J. Monfra
U.S. Air Force / Grandson

February 17, 2015

The best Dad ever! He loved with his whole heart and even though he really was, he was never too busy to help anyone in need. His love, compassion, integrity and willingness to help everyone made him a fantastic law enforcement officer.I have been told countless times by members of law enforcement that he was always an inspiration to them and often a mentor.I am so proud to be his daughter and always try to hold myself to his standards, and pass them down to my children and grandchildren. I miss him ever day.

Donna Verdi Knight
Daughter

February 17, 2014

He treated my brother and I like his own kids.everywhere I go when I mention his name I hear how great he was.I was very young when he passed .The only memories I have of him was he was big,strong,and always gave me a hug when I walked in . He would give us a dollar for every hug .I do this with my own kids today. My mother told me I get my heart from him. Grandpa you have a great grandson from me that I have told everyone of your stories to because I hope for him to grow to be a great man like you .I love you .

kenneth privitt
grandson

November 12, 2012

He was an honest man, kind, loving, an exceptional friend to all, an outstanding police officer, a totally devoted father and the best father and grandfather in the world. He is deeply miss by all who knew and loved him, and we are so grateful to have had him in our lives.

Donna Verdi Knight
Daughter

February 18, 2012

My friend was one of the greatest humans I have ever had the priveledge to know. A great father, policeman, and totally honest man. You always new where you were standing in his presence. Miss ya Dominic.
Love Pal

H. Turner Knight, III
Son inlaw

February 17, 2012

27 years as a LEO now dad. I was a two year J.P.S.O. patrol deputy when you left us. I have been a Louisiana State Trooper for the past 22 years. I remember your last words to me, "Take care of your mother while I am gone." I live two streets away from her and provide her with cell phone to call me whenever the need may arise. You have two grand daughters now, Malanna Marie Verdi, and Dominique Michelle Verdi, the latter name after the best man I ever have known. I miss you every day and could sure use your wisdom. You would love the "last of the Verdi's," your grand daughters. They own my heart. I pray that I will be half the father to them that you were to me. I can not thank you enough for all you did for me in life, and I try to live up to your example. It is a tough job, but I promise I'll do my best. Your good name continues to open doors for me to this very day. I have made sure that P.P.S.O. will memorialize you and the other fallen officers from their agency. Hope to see you again one day, put in a good word to the Lord for me. Love your son, Michael

Master Trooper Michael J. Verdi
Louisiana State Police (son)

February 3, 2012

I have always appreciated the many lessons you taught me, not only those in law enforcement; but life in general. I still have the utmost respect for you as a police officer, but as a father, a husband and a man. I think of you often... you are always fondly remembered. Rest in Peace Dominic!

Lieutenant Terry G. Rutherford, Ret.
Crescent City Connection Police Dept.

June 15, 2011

Such a long career in law enforcement says a lot about your character.

You left behind a big legacy it would seem. I hope all who love and miss you know that you are not forgotten.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 17, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 18, 2010

Chief Verdi your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 30, 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

February 11, 2008

YOU ARE REMEBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESION YOU CHOSE. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL OF THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 11, 2008

Final Inspection

The policeman stood before his God as must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward, now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't, because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint. I've had to work most weekends, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been violent because the streets are awfully tough.

But I've never kept a penny that wasn't mine to keep, though I've worked a lot of overtime when the bills got just too steep. I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fears. If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I've never expected or had too much, but if you don't.....I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne where the saints had often trod as the policeman waited quietly for the judgement of his God.
"Step forward, now, Policeman. You've born your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's street. You've done your time in Hell."

______________________

PPSO
Friend

April 29, 2007

It has been 21 long years since I saw your face or heard your voice. I miss you each and every day. You would have been 80 years old April 16 this year. You have additional grandchildren including the first Verdi since Dominic Jr. your son, my brother. Malanna Verdi is almost five. And... you have another granddaughter on the way. Dominique Michelle Verdi is due this June or early July. Yes, she is named after the greatest man I have ever known. I only pray that I may fill the toe space in your big shoes. It is a testement to your life that I have only meant people who loved and or had praise for you. Miss you Dad, put in a good word with the Man up stairs for me.

Love, Michael

Master Trooper Michael J. Verdi
LSP-son

April 29, 2007

You are a true hero Chief Verdi. May god bless you and your family.

January 16, 2006

The gates of heaven of have swung open,
And another hero is welcomed home.

Rest In Peace.

Just a Friend

December 3, 2005

It was an honor to work for you at the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office. Your death was a tremendous loss to the Sheriff's Office and it has never been the same since.

I still remember the lessons you taught me and many others. I am still guided by them today.

God bless you Dominic, you are not forgotten.

Captain Michael S. Scullin
Texas Department of Public Safety

July 15, 2005

Pictured here is the greatest man I have ever known. A thirty eight year police veteran, a US Navy WWII veteran, and most importantly to me, my father, as well as the father of five others, the grandfather of eleven, and the great grandfather of three. He was and is my hero, my idol, my best friend. Dad, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. I have tried to see to that by pressuring PPSO to dedicate a memorial to all fallen officers in the parish. The PPSO FOP now has a memorial every year during National Police Week, it is This Friday, this year. Love always, your son. *One final note: Dominic R. Verdi Sr. is the founder of PPSO's Narcotics Division as well as it's first Chief.

Master Trooper
LSP

May 18, 2005