Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We called him Gerald when we were in school together. We lived 2 blocks away. He was always a standup guy who did the right thing ALWAYS. He wanted to go in the FBI but they told him not hiring now if he would go to border Patrol they would call him when an opening came.

mike melcher
boyhood friend

November 18, 2021

Two gentlemen, fallen in line of duty, I was fortunate to have worked with Gerry Ward and Kiki Carmarena. Photos show happy times during my stint at Calexico Port of entry. Gentle souls always remembered. Vaya con dios.

N.Grass, SCBPO
CBP/legacy INS & US Customs

February 12, 2021

Remembering and honouring this man, Kenneth, or Gerry, as he was fondly known to many. This has been our favourite and often travelled crossing into the US for at least 20 years. I feel bad not knowing the tragic history and hence the name of this crossing before today. No one should ever die in the line of duty upholding justice. So sad and tragic. Thank you to all who guard the borders. May you always be protected.
Now, each time I cross (once we can once again visit my family in the US) my heart will be heavy. God bless you all.

Anonymous
Canadian visitor

July 4, 2020

Rest in peace Inspector Ward.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 2, 2019

Inspector Ward,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but also when you served with the U.S. Army in Europe during the Cold War as a member of the 8th Infantry Division-the “Pathfinder” Division. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

May 24, 2019

Vincent! I recently visited the border station in Lynden to see the new entrance sign. I knew Mario well. He was a hoot! We had so many great times together while working at the little peaceful crossing. Please give him my best.

Cookie Kellar
Friend

September 10, 2016

My father and Jerry worked together at the Lynden port and became friends. On more than one occasion he came to our house. He was, as all have said here, a good man whose life was tragically cut short.

His death shook my dad to his core. We could not bring himself to work at the Lynden port again.

Vincent Della Pella
Son of Inspector Mario Della Pella

May 24, 2016

I was stunned to see some new reflections on Gerry. I loved him so and as the anniversary of his EOW draws near I am grateful for having had a wonderful relationship with him and honor him with quiet care.. I was cleaning out some very old paper stuff and came across a letter his mother wrote to me. It was very sweet. I miss him dearly and remember him fondly. Best wishes to those of you who do as well.

Lauren Kellar

May 8, 2016

Due to a drug smuggling investigation at this border crossing, I was the senior and first police officer on the scene at the Inspection Station. Always in my thoughts and prayers. Fine young man. I think of that event quite often. God Bless Him.

Sgt. Wm. S. Hacock - Retired
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

May 5, 2016

God bless you Gerry! You and I worked at Customs, Calexco border. You were a good friend and colleague. You were highly respected by all who worked with you. You were an excellent Customs Officer! You are often in our thoughts.

R M Moore, Customs Officer, Retired
U S Customs Service

February 1, 2016

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

May 25, 2015

Think of you all the time. You have not been forgotten. We had some great times together. Love you like a brother.

Mike Melcher
school chum

April 1, 2014

You are so missed, Jerry. There are few days I do not think of you, even after all of these years. I got up the nerve to speak to the woman, whom along with Baker, was convicted of your murder, on the 30th anniversary of your death. We did a lot of crying together. Although I could not forgive, nor understand, I felt a need to reach out to her to tell her that I did not hate her. She has earned her law degree and has done good work for the community in which she lives. She dedicates her life to redeem the sin of being part of the taking a soul and she is tortured. She, too, thinks about you every day. I still look forward to the day I can go to the Wall and find your name, touch you once again and reflect on the love we had, the short time we had together and the wonderful friends along that short trail. Remember, please, when we go bike riding in Heaven, to pump up your tires first.

Cookie Kellar
Friend

May 14, 2013

Thank you for your service Sir.

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

May 24, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 31rst 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 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
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 24, 2010

My Dearest Family and Friends

Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.

The Day I had to leave you when my Life on earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan. Theres so much we have to do to help our Moral Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad. I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.

Please don't be afraid to cry, it does releive the pain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.

To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.

So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that with my life. it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know Im walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentel breeze or wind upon your face thats me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.

Anonymous

November 5, 2009

Each time I pass through the Lynden, Washington border crossing coming into the United States from Canada, I think of you Inspector Ward, and what a brave man you were to work that border station alone and unarmed so late at night. Because of your supreme sacrifice, Inspectors at the border are now armed. Thank you for your service to the American people and may your soul be at peace with God.

Anonymous

September 21, 2009

Inspector Ward,
Sir, On today, the 29th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just as a Customs Inspector, but also when you served in the U.S. Army as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

May 24, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 31, 2008

Ken and I were stationed together with the 8th Infantry Division in Bad Kruesznach, Germany in the early 1960's.
Over the years I have tried to get in contact with Ken, but to no avail. I did know that he was working with the US Border Patrol. Last night I found that he had been killed in the line of duty 29 years ago. This left me with quite an empty feeling because Ken and I were very good friends in the Army.

Jack Staley
US Army buddie

January 7, 2008

We continue your legacy through vigilance and integrity.

May God continue to provide peace to you and your family.

#2179

Officer
US CBP

October 15, 2007

Sleep well. We will carry on in your place.

Port Director
US CBP

March 30, 2005

Rest in peace, Inspector Ward. We in blue will proudly carry on where you left off.

CBP Officer Steve Draves
Customs and Border Protection

January 30, 2005

Thank you for your service, protecting our borders that we may be safe. I have family in Linden, WA where you served.

RIP

Special Agent
DSS

December 21, 2004

My father and Gerry Ward served together with the US Customs service in the late 70's. I was too young to have met Gerry but my father speaks highly of him. Over 20 years have since passed but Gerry, you are not forgotten.

Ryan Rockom, Patrol
Anchorage Police Department