Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Warnecke,
On today, the 50th 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. Navy during World War II as an Armed Guard Sailor. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 15, 2022

I saw a vary bad thing that morning on my way to Holy Name School. Scared to the dickens. I hope someone still reads this cause it’s been many years. My brother was a cop(John madden). He thought and now my son is a cop , 3rd district. Look up Bill Mcentee. You’ll see the story. John though Harold was the best.

Friend
Friend

October 6, 2021

I met Harold when I was working at the Kroger Store at 4312 North Grand. I worked there from about 1964 through 1971. The store manager talked me into chasing shop lifting suspects and it was more fun than stocking groceries. Harold Warnke was the Officer who drove the cruiser in that Police District at the time. He was rounding out he years in his police career. I met him a dozen or so times and one day he said he thought I should apply to be an officer. I was fresh out of college with no job and it sounded like a great idea. I was in the police academy when they interrupted the class to announce that an Officer had been shot and killed. The officer was Harold Warnke and he was killed by hold up men at the same Kroger Store at 4312 North Grand. I will never forget him even though barely knew him. Remember him for his service and respect his memory.

Sgt. Retired since 2005
SLMP

September 4, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you.
The hurt never goes away, but both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest in Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 15, 2010

I left the business in the late 60's but remember Harold just as he is pictured here. One of the good guys who never had a negative thing to say about anyone, quick with a quip and a ready smile for everyone.
I was living elsewhere when this happened and heard about it much later.
It would be most difficult to keep my hands off someone who committed such a cowardly act and then was brazen enough to steal the man's personal possessions. One wonders if this might not have happened had Harold had a partner with him who could have been watching the second man. As an advocate for the two man car, it always comes home to haunt us that one man can contain but one man while two can handle a crowd. How many will die before the realization sinks in.
A little late perhaps but thank you Harold for the pleasure of having known you. I'd like to think I'm a better person for the experience. Your family must be very proud of your service to the community and your country.

Bill Leahy
SLMPD co worker-Fifth District

December 16, 2008

Officer Warnecke,

You were such a positive influence on my life as a child and my only real mentor. Your wonderful stories brought me laughter and happy tears. It's been just over 35 years since you've been gone, but you're still missed more than you could ever know.

Donna Sweet
(your nickname for me Tizzy)

Donna Sweet
Friend

January 5, 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

December 11, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your military and 26 years of dedicated police service. You are a hero just by the profession you chose.

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 8, 2007

May you rest in peace forever. A hero is never forgotten...

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly PD, Va.

December 15, 2006

Officer Warnecke,

On this anniversary of your death, let it be known that you are not forgotten by the men and women of the St. Louis City Police Department. May God bless you and keep you always.

Doug Eatherton
St. Louis City Police

December 15, 2006

I remember your passing as if yesterday. I heard of it on the news and it affected my life due to you being so close to retirement. I honor you and your service to St. Louis.

jim sinclair
gibault

October 30, 2006

Officer Warnecke,
On today, the 33rd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but for our Country as well when you served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

December 15, 2005

I agree with a previous writer who wrote “No officer’s death should be without reflection.” A true hero like you will never be forgotten.......RIP brother. AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

June 10, 2004