Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Larry,

It's been so many years now, but I still remember our days working graveyard on adjoining beats like it was yesterday. I remember you as a great beat partner, a good officer, and a good friend. There were some good and bad times, some fun times and some times when we were scared to death. But we were there for each other, and were able to later tell some good stories and have some laughs about even the bad calls. So many years have past, Larry, and I miss you.

I was just going through your reflections, and I was touched by the ones from your children and grandchildren. They brought teats to my eyes. But it's good to know that, through them, you will never be forgotten.

Al McGill
RPD (Retired)

Al McGill
Riverside Police Department (Retired)

October 14, 2007

Larry:
Having been raised a short distance from your family in Riverside, I was blessed to have known you as a young man. You set a standard that would remain with me for rest of my life. As a result of your good example I would join the local Sheriffs Explorer Post. After spending 4 years with the Post my family would leave the State where I would continue my quest to be a Police Officer just like you. I remember the horrible day in November of 1973 like it was yesterday. I remember the length of the procession that continued for for what seemed like hours. To this date I have never seen such a crowd assembled to honor such a leader. We were all thankful that you were keeping Riverside safe and cannot thank you and your family enough for your sacrifice. Often times we do not understand the impact we have on others. After serving over 25 years as a Police Officer, I owe you a debt of gratitude for setting such an example to a young man during an impressionable time. Until we meet again; God Speed

Brian E
Friends

October 4, 2007

"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

September 20, 2007

Rest in peace motorman.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

August 29, 2007

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Just 6 weeks ago I brought a beautiful daughter into this world. She is such a miracle for our family. I wish you were here to meet her. I know you would have adored her, and her you!

Miss you tons.

Love, Tamela

August 28, 2007

Larry,

I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I know we would have been friends. You accomplished a great deal in the short 31 years you spent on this earth. You were a father, husband, brother, son, coach, and friend. You proudly served your country as a member of the U.S. Navy and you were a dedicated Police Officer who stood watch over those who couldn't protect themselves.

You helped bring three great kids into the world and I want you to know, they all turned out even better than you could have hoped for! All three love God and have great families. All three are college graduates who do nothing but add to the quality of our world.

You also have 12 awesome grandkids and they all know about Grandpa Larry. Your daughter Taryn has been my wife and best friend for more than 20 years now and God blessed us with three of those 12 grandkids I mentioned. We are doing our very best to raise them right and instill in them many of the same values I know were important to you.

Taryn misses you every day, but she is one of the strongest people I know. She married a cop! That's what I call faith.

Thank you for setting such an excellent example for Taryn, Trey, and Tamela to follow. You would be very proud of all your kids and grandkids!

Joel

Sgt. Joel Ontiveros
Riverside County Sheriff

August 21, 2007

Hi Dad,
I took the kids over to see your mom last night. It's been several years since they'd seen her last. She thought Zach looked just like you. She kept wiping the tears away as we visited. We all enjoyed the evening. Life is strange...
Love you,
Taryn

June 1, 2007

Hi Dad,
Summer's almost here...looking forward to some camping trips. I always feel a little closer to you when I'm camping like the old days. You're 12th grandchild is due pretty soon. With 9 nephews and one niece, I'm excited to have have another little niece. I missed the police memorial this week. Some years are just too hard to go. This was one of those years. Alexandra is on her first date tonight. I can't believe she's 16! I took a picture of her to always remember this night. You'd be so proud of her. You'd be proud of all your grandchildren. What a wonderful legacy you left us all. Love and miss you so much. One day closer to seeing you...
Taryn

May 25, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

February 9, 2007

A life for a life. It doesn't seem like either side won. Both sides are left to grieve. I am so sorry a coward decided to end your life. Your memory will live on through this website and all those you left behind. The law enforcement family spans 50 states and none of us will allow you to be forgotten.

wife of a deputy

February 1, 2007

Dear Larry:
Although 32 years have passed, you still and always will be, a hero. The sacrifice you made, and the sacrifice made by your family, can never be repaid. But what can be done, is to honor you for all eternity.
Not many people in America today, would do the job we do. Even less really understand the pain, sacrifice, loneliness that an officer's family must deal with for years, in a situation such as this. Rarely would the media ever print a story about that. Why? It doesn't sell like an officer shooting a suspect multiple times because the suspect would not give up. Or an officer beating a suspect who resisted arrest and has struck the officer numerous times.
But those of us still here, are familiar with what the families must endure. The families, too, are heroes all. Thank you for your service, professionalism, dedication to "protect and serve", and may God hold you close to His heart for all eternity. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office

January 4, 2007

Rest in peace and know that you are not forgotten brother...

Police Officer
NYPD

December 23, 2006

Merry Christmas, Dad. Love to you always.

Tamela

December 23, 2006

Officer Walters, you will never be forgotten. R.I.P. Your family is in our prays.

Deputy
EPSO (Colorado)

December 11, 2006

Dad,

Another day, another loss. Colorado Springs lost yet another officer this week. Today was the funeral procession, what a site to see. I miss you, Dad. Please greet Officer Jordan with your loving arms opened wide.

Love you always,
Tamela

Tamela
Daughter

December 11, 2006

Hi Dad,
You've been gone 32 years today. In some ways, it's still so fresh in my mind...sadly. I was reading this site yesterday and noticed another officer killed under the same circumstances as you, same age as you and three children just like you had. I mourn for his kids. 32 years from yesterday, they'll be in the same seat I am today. Time doesn't heal...it numbs a little bit, but it will never heal. Miss you and love you.
Taryn

November 13, 2006

It has been almost 32 years since your watch came to an end but you have not been forgotten by those who love you nor has the Blue Family forgotten you. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm, also keep watch over those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

September 17, 2006

Happy Birthday, Dad. Miss you...

August 28, 2006

Dad,

Today, as always, I'm thinking of you. Your birthday never goes by without me missing you! Today especially I'm going through a very difficult time in my life and wish you could be here to hold me! Tearfully, and with my faith, I will make it through, but I will never know what it's like to have you wipe my tears and tell me everything will be okay! Thankfully, I know my Jesus will comfort me in your absence.

Missing you always.

Tamela

Tamela

August 28, 2006

Happy Father's Day, Dad. Missing you today as always.
Love, Taryn

June 18, 2006

Grandpa,

I've never met you, but I plan on meeting you in heaven. you died before i was born but you still live through my mom tamela and my aunt taryn. i have heard your story many times but i just learned of this website. i feel that i can talk to you now. I am twelve years old now and i live in colorado. i play baseball just like you and love outdoor sports. I have an awesome christian history teacher who has made my 6th grade year the best of my life! you made the ultimate sacrifice, and i look up to you. i plan on becoming a Paleontologist when i grow older to help prove christianity is right,(if we're not raptured up by that time!) i love you and i cant wait to see you,

Garrison

garrison

May 4, 2006

Im sitting here at home, on my computer, reading the reflections left for my fallen buddy, Jared Jensen EOW 02/22/06 Colorado Springs Police Department. Tamela, after reading your reflection for my friend, I had to find your Dad's reflections page. As I read every reflection left for your father from you, Taryn and others, Im still crying. I can feel your family's pain, sadness, and pride for your dad in your reflections. All the hurt I closed up with losing Jared has come back tonight and also as a father of four, ages 11, 7, 5,5(twins), I hurt for your family for what you have had to live with all these years. I pray that my kiddos never have to endure the pain of losing me anytime soon, and if that is to happen, I pray that they will grow up to be as wonderful and amazing as Larry's girls. I live everyday thinking about how i show up to my children. I believe that your father did that too. I feel that your dad and mother were and are amazing people because of the way that you two have grown up into such inspiring and beautiful women. I also believe that your dad is up in heaven, watching you and his grandkids grow up and he is so darn proud of his girls. I can't wait to meet him.... but not for many many many more years. It will be an honor for your dad to be my FTO in heaven.

Jason
Colorado Springs Police Department

May 3, 2006

Dan,

Thank you for your kind words. I've never met anyone who shares that same precious memory with me. Your thoughtfulness of writing on my dad's reflections will never be forgotten.

Tamela

Tamela Verlare

February 28, 2006

Dad,

This week has been one of tragedy for our city of Colorado Springs. A fellow officer, 30 year old Jared Jensen lost his life as tragically as you did. It doesn't get any easier knowing that another family has to go through what our family did and still does. Yesterday was his funeral and it brought back a flood of memories that brought tears to eyes, watching the 21 gun salute, the handing over of the American flag to his widow, and of course, the beautiful motorcade that followed. My heart bleeds for all who must suffer this loss. I have the faith of knowing that you are watching over us and welcoming Officer Jensen, with open arms, as he gave the most sacrificial gift of all. Thank you for being my hero.

Love,
Tamela

Tamela Verlare

February 28, 2006

I remember Officer Walters used to ride up on his patrol bike when I was in daycare at the YWCA in Riverside. I was only about 4 years old, but I used to get so exited when he rode up and would sound his siren.
Tamela you wrote some beautiful reflections about your father. My mom and your mom were friends and co-workers.
Dan Smith
Concord, NC

February 24, 2006