Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Baird,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Asheville. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 16, 2022

Rest in peace Officer Baird. A humble and beloved North Carolina police hero. One day people will realize why police serve us and need our unselfish respect.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 14, 2018

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

April 19, 2017

As a young boy growing up in Asheville and attending David Millard Jr. H.S., I can remember Officer Baird patrolling the
streets in the late afternoons. He was a big man but was gentle
as a lamb! Thank you Officer Baird!

Jeff King
citizen

July 28, 2012

Al, I knew you and your young son personally. I was introduced to you by my father, Sgt J. E. Fleming, one of the first Black police offficers in Asheville. I had been back from Vietnam only a few days and was returning from the movies with friends when we saw a group of police gathered around a chalk outline in the street. When I got home and my Dad was not there I knew something serious had happened. I attended the very moving memorial service at the city auditorium and grieved with your fellow officers from all over the state and with the citizens of Asheville who benefited and appreciated your dedication to public service. In my 32yrs in the Military Police Corps, I have often referred to your dedication and sacrifice in order to emphasize to young soldiers the importance of the job that they are tasked to do. I will always keep you in my thoughts and in my heart.

Command Sergeant Major (RET)
US Army

February 28, 2012

I was a little kid when you were taken from us so tragically. The whole city was devastated. I was very sad even as a child to hear a policeman had been murdered. I know your family from my years growing up in Asheville. When I was stationed there as a trooper, officers and townsfolk all spoke so highly and fondly of you. RIP Sir! Thanks for your service.

Chief John Millan (RET)
NC Public Schools law enforcement, Avery Dist

February 18, 2012

You are remembered today by a Durham native and the mother of a fallen officer. My son, Larry Lasater who was also born in Durham, died when shot on April 23, 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers while serving with the Pittsburg, California Police Department.

Alfred, your sacrifice is not forgotten. Rest in Peace. Your memory is honored and revered 37 years after your death and will continue to be.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Alfred gave to his community and the citizens of North Carolina, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 16, 1972.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 17, 2009

Thank You for having served the Carolina Community.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

April 16, 2008

Rest in peace my brother, you have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Middletown P.D. (Ohio)

April 16, 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 26, 2007

Dear Officer Baird,
Thank you for your service to Asheville, the state of North Carolina and your country. You are not forgotten Sir.
Our Hero's never die. May is the month to remember all of our Fallen Hero's. Your memory will forever be kept alive in our hearts and memories...May you rest in the arms of God.. Keep watch over your brothers and sisters in Blue.
Mother-in-law of: Sgt. Jeffrey T. Hewitt EOW 04-04-04
Asheville, N.C. Carolyn Moore

Carolyn Moore

May 15, 2007

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

September 20, 2004