Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Washington.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 1, 2022

Semper Fi and May God Bless you and your family. So sad we lost you by such an accident. You will never be forgotten and I hope your family knows just how much brothers and sisters in our beloved CHP stick together and respect you for your service. To your daughter: Your father is in our hearts. I hope you always know we also have you in our hearts.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol, South LA.

July 10, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 10, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 40th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 10, 2018

I have thought of Ward on any number of occasions for every year since he has passed, in 1978.

I was a troubled youth and he was a caring soul with some authority to make a difference. He kept me out of trouble on any number of occasions. Unfortunately for me, I found trouble anyhow later in life. But it was of no short comings of Ward's.

Any number of occasions, where he saw me about to make a bad choice, he intervened. He intervened with fellow law enforcement officers, asking for professional courtesy to handle the situation. He was very caring and kind to me.

In 1985, I started shaving my head because I thought Ward looked cool and I looked up to him. Still to this day, while I am still able to grow a full head of hair, I have kept my head shaved. Certain days, when I am shaving, I think of Ward Washington, and I see my face smiling back at me in the mirror.

While I think it did not turn out for me the way Ward would have liked, I have always thought kindly of the California Highway Patrol whenever I thought or saw them, because of my relation to Ward Washington, or rather, his to me.

Two memories of primacy regarding Ward. His Studebaker, he loved his gold Studebaker with the black strip(s) down the middle of it. I remember he caught me sitting on by the bumper of the car, sitting on the curb, and he told me, “if you scratch my car, you buy it.” And I told him, I could never afford that!” (being the kid that I was), and he said, “well, that’s a whole lot of car washes.”

And the other thing, while I have thought of him every time I have seen a Highway Patrol, I also thought of him every time I seen an advertisement or commercial or had passed an In-N-Out burger, along the highway.

I hope over the time elapsed since that day, July 10th, 1978, that Joanne, Wendy and Elisa have reconciled some measure of peace of mind from that tragic day. I will remember him always and think of him always. I hope he has great peace where he is at…

Warmest wishes Ward, where ever you fare. From a friend and admirer from long ago.

Dr. F.L. Crowell
Friend and Neighbor

July 9, 2018

Ward and I worked in different offices but lived in the same neighborhood. Ward worked in the Santa Fe Springs office, I worked in South Los Angeles. Ward's family and mine had a wonderful friendship, spending many nights having dinners together. Ward was especially talented. He could build anything and was a master mechanic. Our relationship ended when I transferred to Northern California. He will always have a special place in my heart.

STO Joe Del'Marmol #5804

May 16, 2016

Elisa -

I lived two doors down from you guys on Cordova Court back when you were a little baby. I used to babysit you on occasion - one time I remember specifically because I got to watch the launch of Gemini 10 in 1966 on your color TV. :)

Ward was a sweet, wonderful guy who always had time to goof around with me, whether it was helping me build models, or letting me tie a bedsheet parachute to the back of his MG and drive up and down to the court to see if it actually slowed the car down. My whole family - JP, Lorene, Jamie and myself - were very sad to hear of his random and senseless death back in '78, and I've often wondered what became of you, Wendy and Joanne in the years since. Ward made a lasting impression on me, and I was lucky to be friends with him.

Scott Cook
Poolville, TX
April 7, 2016
[email protected]

Scott Cook
Neighbor

April 7, 2016

Elisa: I just recently became aware of your request for information about your Dad. Your father was a friend of several years and I had the misfortune of being the on scene supervisor at the accident in which he lost his life. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about your Dad that I can.

John F Johnson, Sgt #3862 Ret
California Highway Patrol

October 23, 2015

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 24, 2015

Hey Daddy,

Now that I am back in California around the black and white highway patrol cars, I think of you more often than ever. When I was deciding whether or not to move back, I crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and saw a CHP in uniform, hat off, bald head shining, standing on the bridge near a mattress seemingly writing a ticket. I took it as a sign. I feel like I'm home again--thank you.

I miss you still. Time does not heal all wounds.

If there is anyone on this site that has stories to share, I'd love to hear them.

Elisa Washington
daughter

August 6, 2015

I went to school with his stepson Chanse Elem JH HS Not knowing the relationship between the two But learned of it later I attended Cerritos College and on several occasions officer Washington would pull me over on valley view Blvd No tickets no infractions Only because I was driving a 1953 S'tudebaker He had a S'tudebaker Avanti We talked shop Great memories of course And I still have my 53!!!

David schroeder

July 18, 2015

Hello Ward this is Chanse,
I have been thinking about you almost every day these past years and I want you to know that I miss you. Some day we will meet again. I know the rest of us feel the same.
You were such a fun and loving person to everyone and the best Step Father anyone could ever ask for.
I wish to be like you..

Chanse Roselli
Step Son

March 23, 2015

Rest in Peace, Officer Washington. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty-first 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.

From reading the loving reflections, I see that Ward is missed and loved by so many. To his daughter, you will always be part of that larger leo family and I hope you participate in COPS function, especially the retreat for adult children of fallen officers.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

July 10, 2009

Brother, Your spirit of commercial enforcement carried on with me as I never forgot the circumstances of your tragic death. I hammered trucks with faulty tires every chance I could!! Keep resting easy knowing the Blue and Gold NEVER forgets our own. God Bless All

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol..Ret.

March 13, 2009

Elisa,
You need to know that you and your family are ALWAYS AND FOREVER a part of this larger community.

Officer
CHP

April 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

November 21, 2007

Ward E. Washington
Twenty nine years ago Ward left us. I think about him and our family every day.
I miss Ward. I loved him.
I still love our family and wish to see them all again.
God BLess the Officers of the Highway Patrol.

Chanse Roselli
Step Son

July 17, 2007

Officer Washington:

Fellow USMC/LAPD John Miller and I dicuss Your death often. It was one of those truly ironic on-duty deaths to occur here in the State of California. Apparently, God needed another sentry at the Gates to Heaven.

May You Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

July 10, 2007

Wow, you have a special family that still misses you
after all these years. You must have been a sweet man.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

April 22, 2007

Ward's memory continues in our family. An American Flag that was presented to my parents by the State of California became mine when my Father passed away in 1989. I was active in scouting and used Ward's Flag to teach young scouts the proper method in folding and caring for the American Flag. It was in 1991 that I first took Ward's Flag on a week long back pack trek and raised it high in the Trinity Alps to include my brother in an outing with his two nephews that he never met. My first son was named David Ward to honor his memory. Ward's Flag continues to travel with me on all my back packing treks.
Recently, my second son who is now 26 years old, Michael James (named after me) took me to the slopes of Mount Olympus via the Hoh rain forest on a forty mile adventure. Ward's Flag got a little wet, but, flew proudly in the Olympic National Park. I am now retired and often lead youth treks with the Sierra Club, Boy Scouts, & Girl Scouts. Ward's Flag makes every outing and Ward continues to be with me always. I would have much preferred to have Ward with me, but, his memory continues and his flag has many more kids to meet and wildernesses to explore. I deeply miss my brother, Love, Little Jimmy

Jim Washington
Brother

November 2, 2006

I was only 13 years old when my father was killed. Although our family lived in Southern California, I was visiting his parents in San Francisco on the day of his death. I still recall the two policemen who came to my grandparents apartment to notify them about the accident. They didn't know that we would be present since my mother wasn't certain which of our relatives we were visiting with on that day. The notifiying officers must've felt absolutely terrible having to break the news to my father's parents and his children. I still remember the warmth of their presence. The officer that drove us the airport was kind and strong. All of the officers who stood watch at my father's viewing were beautifully dressed and bravely stood by without moving as tears rolled down their faces. The images of the motorcade stick with me to this day, as do the faces of the men who bore my father's casket. My father's funeral was a great tribute to not only his memory but the comraderie of the force. I still miss him and I miss being a member of that larger community.

Elisa R. Washington
daughter

October 2, 2006

Even though i never met you, thank you for being such a wonderful man, officer, and father.

Love,

Your Grandaughter

Arianna
Grandaughter

September 16, 2006

Rest in Peace Sir.Thank you for your service.

July 10, 2006

You gave the ultimate sacrifice on my birthday. May God bless you and your family.

Ray Zabetta
Richmond Co. Sheriff

December 25, 2003