Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On a recent trip to South Carolina, I stopped at a red light and realized immediately that I was directly across the street from the now-demolished Rose's Hideaway bar. The plot of land looked dreary, yet to me, it is holy ground. I will never forget Tony, and, February 18, 1985, will always be a solemn day. Officers, WEAR YOUR VEST!!!!!!!

Sgt. Jonathan Phillips
U.S. Air Force Security Police

October 8, 2024

You sir are the exact definition of a hero. Thank you for your courage on your last day. And thank you for the way you lived your life all the other days. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Jerry
Fellow citizen

February 18, 2023

I will wear his name with honor this week at the Buffalo Police and Fire tournament. Rest easy Tony and the thank you for your service in the Air Force and as a Patrolman. Blessings to your wife and son.

T. Kim, Esq.
Hockey Player

April 27, 2022

I was working as a military working dog handler with Tony at Ramstein AB before he left the service. Tony, Me, and another dog handler, Jeff P. , were good friends and hung out together. Tony was a big guy and played on the football team. He and i would wear 40lb backpacks and run together wearing combat boots. Tony was an awesome man and good friend. Straight arrow. I still remember his dog Pyro (sp?) I left Germany in 1982 and Jeff called me in 1985 to tell me about Tony's fate. I will always remember my friend, Tony. We will meet again one day, no doubt.

SrA Bill Jackson
USAF Military Working Dog Handler - Ramstein AB

March 18, 2022

I attended Summerville high School with Tony and we were good buddies. He was a hard charger.. sadly that cost him his life.. I moved away after high School to Las Vegas Nevada. I visited Summerville in 2017 saw his grave site I was in shock do you think about the child who will never know his dad.. let me tell you he was a good decent innocent person. I miss him to this day rest in peace Tony your friend Keith Farley. Currently of bullhead City Arizona. PS he had a great sense of humor.

Keith Farley
Summerville high School friend for life

July 28, 2021

I was the Officer riding with Tony that night. I was driving the patrol car. I wish it had been me chasing after the suspect instead of Tony. I had a vest on and he didn't. I remember that night like it happened 5 minutes ago. I will never forget that night. REST IN PEACE TONY. January 07, 2020

Sgt. H.D. (Dusty) Poole, Retired NCPD
Currently with Citadel Dept. of Public Safety

January 7, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Way.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 26, 2019

Tony was a very good friend of mine. We graduated from Summerville High together and played football there. He was a fine man and I think of him whenever I hear of a man in uniform that is lost in the line of duty. RIP my good friend many years after your senseless death! Love you buddy!

Lt Col James S. (Stan) Yarborough
Friend

September 11, 2018

Officer Way, I did not know you, but I work at the department. Your picture hangs in the Squad Room at Central. Every officer that goes by I know looks at your Picture and says a prayer for you and your family. Your time was to soon and you are missed by your fellow Brothers and Sisters.

Transport Officer M. Kouris
North Charleston Police Dept.

February 17, 2017

Just learned of this today. Was stationed at Ramstein AB, GE with Tony. Brings back a lot of memories that are near and dear to me. God Bless you Tony, may you rest in peace!

SSgt Dennis M. Clancy
USAF 86th SPS, C-Flt

May 26, 2015

Worked with Tony for the year prior to his murder. His death changed me forever. Left Law Enforcement two weeks after his death. Tony's father (Retired SC Highway Patrol) became close friends when we both became United Methodist pastors. We talked at length over the years about his fine and brave son! There are very few days when I don't remember that horrible night! I continue to pray for Tony, his late father, his wife, and son! Never Forgotten! Always Remembered!

Rev. Len Ripley
NCPD, Chas. County Sheriff's Department, and Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

March 23, 2015

I graduated from high school with Tony(Summerville High School, Summerville, SC, class of 1974) and I was his Shift Commander when we were assigned to the 86th Security Police Squadron, Ramstein AB, FRG. Tony was a bear of a man and genuinely nice person, easy to get along with and a great Military Working Dog handler. He loved being K-9.

Marc S. Allen, USAF(ret)
USAF Security Police

May 26, 2013

I was a rookie officer hired two months after Tony died. His death resonated with me and other rookies for years after. Never take life for granted....Tony's sacrifice taught me that

ROBIN FLORES
former NCPD officer 1985-1988

March 14, 2013

Today marks the 28th anniversary of Tony's death. As a sibling survivor, I am very proud of the patrolman and person he was. He died doing what he loved doing. He was a great brother and I will always remember him!

Christi Rogers
Sister

February 18, 2013

My name is Justin Way. Tony was my father. My mother and I are lifelong supporters of law enforcement. Though I personally do not have the same perspective as a police officer, I will say that I have the highest respect for police, and hope you all make it home to your families.

Civilian, Survivor, Son
Justin B Way
January 11, 2013

Justin Way
Son of Tony Way

January 11, 2013

I was hired 11 years after Tony Way's murder. It has been 15 years since my badge was pinned on and every time I walk through the squad room I see his picture. Every time, It causes me to pause. Every time, it makes me think of how short and precious life is. Every time, I pray that picture never comes down. Tony, Thank you.

Sgt.
NCPD

June 4, 2011

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

You are remembered today.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 18, 2011

Thank you PTL. Way for keeping N. Charleston and surrounding area safe during your watch. You are truly one of "our" hero's. May your name and memory be everlasting.

Lieutenant
Dept. of Defense, Retired

March 30, 2010

I never knew Tony personally I was in training at the time of his death. I remember the day that Tony was killed and the sorrow I felt for both him and his family. Even after all these years I still remember, and will until I am called home. Tony my friend rest easy we will meet again one day and talk about things that should have been.

Patrolman K. Bass
NCPD

February 26, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service as a police officer and veteran. 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 18, 2010

I was a rookie in 1985, and just hired in June 1985. You were well spoken of by my fellow officers.

Chuck Hancock told me the sad story of your death, and I wish I were on duty with your that morning so that I could have been there to back you up.

robin flores
former N. Chas. officer

March 25, 2008

Officer Way thank you for your service to your fellowman. May God continue to bless you. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

February 18, 2008

Patrolman Way,
On today, the the 23rd anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the USAF. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest symapthy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

February 18, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 11, 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.

July 10, 2007