Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Backes.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 14, 2020

Many years have passed. Your life and dedicated service forever honored and remembered. Thoughts are with your family on this day.

Mother of Officer Craig Birkholz G Birkh
Officer Craig Birkholz EOW 3/20/2011

March 21, 2019

RIP Sir, A hero may fall but will never be forgotten.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 15, 2012

It's amazing to me that 30 years have passed since you were taken from us so tragically. Although that's all part of the package for Law Enforcement families, it was sometimes taken for granted that you would always be home the next day. Unfortunately, it is all too real to me and so many others that anything can happen at any time.

I still remember that day as you were sleeping that afternoon like so many who work 3rd shift. I regret that my last good-bye to you was through the closed door as I left for a sleep-over. I wish I had known so I could have given my daddy one last kiss and hug before there would be no more.

I pray for the children and families who will grow up without their loved ones. Cherish your memories and never stop showing your love towards those here with us and those who've passed.

I love you Dad!

Heidi Backes
Daughter

May 25, 2011

With Memorial Day just around the corner I happened to find this site. I miss you every day. When I was younger and at a party I met a guy who "didn't like cops" but told me a story about you. You were called to the Germantown High School because some kids were doing donuts in the parking lot with their cars, he was one of them. You told them to stop and left it at that, but while you were leaving you did a couple of donuts on your way out (cops do love donuts). He told me you were a good guy, and I still remember this some 20+ years later. Germantown will be adding a memorial in your honor later this summer and I thank them. To all law enforcement: Stay Safe.
Your son Bob

Robert S. Backes
Son

May 24, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 21, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th 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 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 21, 2009

Bob, I lost a good friend that night. You'll always be remembered by those of us who have served. Someday we'll meet again.

Trooper David C Pueringer (retired)
Wisconsin State Patrol

May 22, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 29, 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 22, 2008

LITTLE DID WE KNOW THAT WHEN WE LEFT ROLL CALL THAT NIGHT IT WOULD BE THE LAST TIME WE WOULD EVER TALK AGAIN.YOU ARE DEEPLY MISSED BY ALL, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

LT BRIAN HENNING
GERMANTOWN P.D.

November 19, 2007

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Wisconsin L.E.O.

October 22, 2007

My father was your partner that night. We will not forget.

Officer Eric Henning
Menomonee Falls Police Department

January 26, 2007

You were struck down while trying to keep the highways safe. We continue your work.
Rest in peace brother.
Gone but not forgotten

Deputy
Walworth SO

December 19, 2003