Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Verna,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Air Force. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 2, 2023

Paul Verna was the easiest going guy you could ever meet.

As Paul’s classmate and having been newly sworn in as a Los Angeles Policeman at the LAPD Academy, Class of 4-21-1969, I remember the times (daily) we would be sweaty, exhausted on the PT field or running the hill or the taking long runs but when you had eye contact with Paul he would manage to produce a smile.

As typical of Academy graduation where classmates get assigned to the four corners of Los Angeles, luck would have it that I lost contact with Paul!

Years passed before I made ran into Paul, looking sharp in his motor uniform and boots outside WLA Station. It was great to see him.

We smiled once again reminiscing our Academy time together.

When I learned of Paul’s death, like everyone, I too was devastated!

The loss and pain of Paul’s family cannot be measured.

Barry Levin another classmate of ours was tragically taken from us. I think of him too!

May God bless Paul’s two wonderful sons knowing Paul is looking down on them with pride! God bless his wife too!

Jim King WLA Detectives P3+1
LAPD - WLA Division - Classmate of Recruit Class 4-21-1969

August 25, 2022

I met Paul during the year that he spent with the Los Angeles Fire Department. Although we only spent a few short months together, we fought many fires together. He was an outstanding fireman and a better human being.

Dave Murray

February 2, 2022

Thank you for your service, military as well as police, and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement family. Rest in peace always.

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

June 2, 2021

A visit to Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth recently. Honoring and remembering several other police officers nearby. My brother - in law, C.H.P. officer Enright #7857, is nearby.

Tim Liddell
CA Hwy Patrol (retired) 5342

February 7, 2021

RIP Brother Paul and and Vincent

Joe Boyle/Captain TDCJ
Police Officer 2 8/73

December 21, 2020

Still fighting for justice my friend

Sgt. Mike
LASD

October 3, 2020

Today, as I drove pass Devonshire I saw your memorial and I just have to stop to pay my respects. I am amazed that 37 years have gone by. Fresh out of high school and living in Pacoima I remember that day. May your spirit be lifted on wings before the Lord. Thank you for your service, rest well in heaven.

Dr. Marlena
SFV Resident

June 3, 2020

I am Polish 38 years old living in UK.
I was reading about murder of Paul Lawrence Verna
And after all that years Your history touched my heart !!!
I love to know You Sir
Rest in Peace

Jan Karwat

November 27, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Verna.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 14, 2019

Paul ole buddy. Your partner here from 17 A 99. What a sad day June, 1983. I was off when our other partner Ruben Lopez called me at home. Second time I burst into tears in my life time. 1st was when my Dad died two years earlier while I was on patrol in West Chatsworth. I only wished I could somehow be on the visitors list at San Quentin and see Cummings and Gay. I can guarantee you there would be two less convicts housed there by dinner time. No threat. Just a promise. Every June I think of that day and the good police work we did working morning watch together, then the mid-day watch burglary car. I think of you often. We will meet again and we will find an old rusty LAPD patrol car somewhere with ripped seats and dash and continue patrolling in heaven. I will bring the doughnuts and coffee.
Andrew “Moose” Musaelian #21480.

Andrew “Moose” Musaelian #21480 ret.
LAPD EX-PATROL PARTNER 17 A 91 and 17 Z 1.

December 27, 2018

Rest in peace

Lt. Jim Russo

June 2, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 35th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 2, 2018

Officer Verna, we never met, however, I was part of the team from Oceanside Police Department, along with your LAPD brothers, who was present when your killers were taken into custody.

In 1983, I was young in my career, yet I have forever honored your memory, brother!!

RIP and God Speed to your family.

Chris McDonough - Detective (Ret)
Oceanside Police Department

May 24, 2018

Officer Verna, I want you to know that your sons have grown up to be remarkable men. They both are LAPD and Bryce is a motorman like you. I met and see him every year on the Police Unity Ride that comes through Philadelphia. Although it is a sad occasion they ride to remind everyone of the sacrifices that our fallen police officers made. Rest easy sir and God bless.

P/O EDWARD FIDLER
Philadelphia Police

May 11, 2018

RIP you will never be forgotten.

Sergeant Jerretta Sandoz
LAPD

June 3, 2017

Officer Verna, your heroism and service will never be forgotten. RIP

Deputy Sheriff LASD
Class 295

June 2, 2016

Officer Verna pulled me over three times in one night in Devonshire Division when I was 15. As an Explorer Scout he let me go. His compassion and commitment to serve his community will not be forgotten. I wanted to remember Paul as we honor Zlatko Nicholi ("Nick ") Sintic this February 12...40 years after his end of watch.

Explorer Scout, Lieutenant
LAPD, Devonshire

February 13, 2016

Oakwood Memorial Cemetery in Chatsworth last weekend. Thank you for your service.

Tim Liddell
CA Hwy Patrol (retired)

December 14, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 2, 2015

It was my honor and privilege to serve Officer Verna's family in the wake of his brutal murder. Chief Gates and the Valley Traffic Division were of great help to me and Michael Derlighter in our efforts to make a difference. May God Bless Paul.

John R. Hunt, Correctional Officer II
New Mexico Corrections Dept.

December 13, 2014

I was an undercover store security agent working at Bullocks Dept. store in Northridge Calif. when I met Paul. He impressed me with his professionalism and humor when we called for his assistance in arrest situations.
Some years later I accompanied a former undercover security officer who had worked with us, now an LAPD officer, in an LAPD patrol car in Paul's funeral procession. My brother was an LAFD Capt. and the memory of driving past the fire stations with the whole dept. out in front saluting the procession. I am presently a city council person in Escalante UT and support our officer and advocate for his safety. The memory of Paul, the dangers he faced, and his cruel death, are burned in my memory. They influence my decisions regarding officer safety in our community. Thanks Paul.

City Council person Marian Louise Barnes
Escalante City, Utah

August 25, 2014

Thinking and reading about Officer Verna today.

Matt Barker. Police Officer (Res.)
LAPD

June 2, 2014

I have met many police officers during my career in the fire service. It wasn't until recently I met one of the most genuine, professional, and approachable officers yet. I read his name tag VERNA and soon learned his father was LAPD killed line of duty. Talking this officer I could see the pride and dignity he had wearing that LAPD badge. Talking to his son I can only imagine one heck an officer his father was. Way to represent Verna family!

Because of people like Officer Paul Verna, and their heroic stories, I applied for the position of police officer. I am now part of Class #400 LASD as a LA School Police Recuit.

Police Recruit
Los Angeles School Police

March 24, 2014

I have met many police officers during my career in the fire service. It wasn't until recently I met one of the most genuine, professional, and approachable officer yet. I read his name tag VERNA and soon learned his father was LAPD killed line of duty. Talking this officer I could see the pride and dignity he had wearing that LAPD badge. Talking to his son I can only imagine one heck an officer his father was. Way to represent Verna family!

Paramedic Javier Vazquez
Los Angeles

October 4, 2013