Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Wilson,
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 Camden. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 18, 2023

Rest in peace Patrolman Wilson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 18, 2020

I was a classmate of Van's at the academy. When he was shot I gave him CPR until we turned him over to the emergency room at the hospital. Van came an went a couple times on the floor in the room and in the vehicle on the way, he never once displayed fear or anger and just asked that his wife be told that he loved her. Van was #1 academically, #1 on the range and our class leader at the time of the accident which was our last week of training.

Van was my friend

Randy Daily
Jacksonville PD

March 26, 2018

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 18, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary year 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 their pain and pride are forever.

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

November 26, 2012

I gave Van CPR for over an hour until we got him to the hospital. Van (as he was called) was a good Christian man, loved his wife and wanted to be a good dad and police officer. I have lived every day since that day with Van on my mind and in my heart. During our time at the academy he was the class leader, #1 scholastically and #1 on the range.

Randy Daily, fmr Captain
PD, Jacksonville AR, and eternal friend

May 18, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Wilson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 14, 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 18, 2007

While at a barber shop in McKinney TX I met the father of Officer Wilson. When I Learned he was from Camden I told him I once worked for the Camden Police Department. He went on to relate to me the story of his sons death which I had heard of years ago. My thoughts go out to the Wilson Family; I could still feel his loss in his words.

Officer Mark Traynham
McKinny PD TX

April 13, 2007

I remember you as if you were still here.

Friend

April 2, 2007

I was in the 7th grade when this terrible accident occurred and I remember it as it were yesturday.

Van and I attended the same school and I was somewhat younger than he. We rode the same school bus. He would sometimes save me a seat and I will never forget how nice he was . I also remember his parents . I know that he would have made a wonderful officer and I will never forget him.

Devona Farris Camp
Aquaintance

March 24, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother...rest in peace.

CPD, OHIO