Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Willetts,
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 Suffolk County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 3, 2021

My brothers and I grew up with Al's kids and I always looked up to him. He was a giant in my eyes back then and a hero. I was 9 yrs old when he passed away and it rocked me. I'm a retired NYC Detective and Al was a big part of the reason I became a cop. He was a great dad to his kids and the kindest guy to the neighborhood kids too. I'm honored to have known him as a kid and even more honored to call him a brother in law enforcement. You will never be forgotten and memories of you will always be cherished.

Det. Donna Smith
NYPD

August 5, 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

June 3, 2015

Albert A. Willetts, Was my dad my hero & my best friend, I was just 10 when he died & the oldest of 5 children. even though it was 41 yrs ago. it still hurts almost as much today as it did in 71. he use to always take me for rides on his Harley, I really wish I was with him on that day. thank you to everyone who wrote something nice it means a lot to me. Scott F. Willetts

Scott Willetts
Son of Al Willetts

December 18, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

June 3, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 17, 2012

I said a little prayer today for Patrolman Willetts and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

June 2, 2009

"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 20, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

June 3, 2007

Dear Al, As the senior motorcycle officer in heaven; please take care of fellow Highway Patrol brother PO Ed Hernandez. The two of you never got to work together, but I know you will enjoy each others company where Harleys don't leak oil.

Sgt 832
PD Suffolk County NY Highway Patrol

August 1, 2004