Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I WAS 8 YRS. OLD WHEN YOU PASSED AWAY, I REMEBER HEARING THE NEWS ON THE AM RADIO, MY FAMILY AND I WERE MIGRANTS AND WE WORKED EVERY SUMMER IN MATADOR HOEING COTTON, AND I REMEMBER SOME FOND MEMORIES OF YOU WHEN ONE OF OUR FAMILY FRIENDS ENDED UP ON TOP OF A MOUNT OF DIRT RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE JAIL; INSTEAD OF YOU ARRESTING HIM , YOU TOOK HIM HOME. THAT'S JUST THE KIND OF MAN YOU WERE AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. MAY YOU CONTINUE RESTING IN PEACE. VERY GOOD MAN

MARIBELL MARTINEZ
MIGRANT

July 10, 2024

Jinx,

I remember well the day you were taken from us. I was in 8th grade. My mother wrote a poem for you that was read at the Old Settlers Rodeo that year. I think they still keep a copy at the Motley County Courthouse.
This was my first memory of losing an Officer that I knew In The Line Of Duty, I'm sad to say that it's not my last.
Just know that you've never been forgotten and have been spoke of in my family many times through the years. Thank You for your sacrifice.

Delaina Waite
Friend

March 20, 2024

Was working in the Lubbock CDA office when this case was tried on change of venue. Have never forgotten this
case and how sorry I felt for this good Sheriff and his family as well as the good citizens of Motley County.

Jimmy Frank Davis
Retired Asst. Attorney General

December 10, 2022

Rest In Peace Brother. Comfort for your family and friends. You will never be forgotten.

David Gomez
Taylor Police Department “Retired”.

March 11, 2020

I was 7 years old when you passed. I remember riding my horse up to your house and our conversations about catching bad guys. I always looked up to you. The day you were killed I wasn't allowed to go down your street mom and granddad didn't want me to know what happened. When they told me I was heart broken. I asked if I could go and get the bad guys that shot you. It took me a long time to get over it.

Mike Parks
Friend

July 27, 2019

Rest in peace Sheriff Wilson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 23, 2019

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 13, 2011

"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

February 19, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

November 26, 2007

My grandfather, T.W. Jennings, was there the day Jinks died. My grandfather was trying to find Jinks, undoubtedly just to visit with his friend, and ran across the two prisoners on the side of the road. He would always stop to help a man, but he said something about them kept him from stopping. He did not find Jinks before Jinks found these men. My grandfather had great respect for Jinks. A good lawman and a good man was lost that day.

Thad Jennings

Thad Jennings
citizen

October 31, 2007

This year several fellow Brothers in Law Enforcement will ride to the wall in Washington D.C. in remembrance of our fallen. We are with the Police Unity Tour. Their motto is, "We ride for those who died." We will never forget you, see you at the wall.

Cpl Bo Speed
Texas Highway Patrol

May 4, 2007

Jinks,

I recently learned of this internet memorial and decided to look you up. After all these years it is difficult to believe no one has left a reflection in your memory. You were killed before I was born (1979). My Dad has spoken of you with fond memories over the years and although I never met you, I remember you and the kindness you extended to my parents in their time of financial need. You gave to them without a second thought and sought no reward or accolades. Friday, November 12, 1976 you gave more than could be asked of you by anyone. It has been 28 years, and we have not forgotten. Rest in Peace...and Thank you.

Trooper Bo Speed
Texas Highway Patrol

June 20, 2005