Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was on duty when Bill & Ralph were killed

Gayle A Barnes
DPS

July 19, 2023

Rest in peace

J.R.

October 14, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement family. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

May 21, 2021

Trooper Zerda,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Sgt. who was also killed in that accident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Texas. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

May 21, 2019

Trooper Zerda, it will be an honor to run in your memory tomorrow for the 17th Annual Run to Remember. I hope to do you and your loved ones proud.

Diana Ingram
5k Runner

May 25, 2018

To my beloved cousin, I'm sitting here between gigs in Fredericksburg, Texas and thought about you constantly. I realized it was the anniversary of the day you walked through the door to heaven. Cousin, I miss you dearly and know that you have an impact on my life still. You loved loved music and I loved to hear you play your classical guitar. Say hello to your mom and dad and my mom and brother. I love you cousin. Miss you bunches.
Your cousin always, Jan

Jan
Cousin

May 21, 2016

Rest in Peace Trooper Ralph George Zerda. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of The Great State of Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family and for the men and women that serve The Texas Department of Public Safety . I also Pray that the hounds of hell are gnawing on the bones of your murderer as his soul is being burned up in the lake of fire!

Amen

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

May 21, 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

May 21, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the Zerda family. I have known the Zerda's since high school and consider them family. I know your loss as my husbands' EOW is 7 days later, so May is a difficult month for us all, but rest assured that they are patrolling the streets of heaven.

Sgt. Yvonne Vann
Bexar County Sheriff's Office

May 27, 2014

On May 21st 1989, our Heavenly Father called you home. I cannot believe it has been 25 years since you were called home.I thank God that you we're taken instantly and were not made to suffer. You are my big brother and I love and miss you every single day. Please continue to watch over our family and friends and say hi to Dad and Mom and all our aunts uncles and cousins that have gone to join you. I love you my big brother with all my heart!!!!!!

Bobby Zerda
brother

May 20, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd 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.

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. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

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

May 21, 2012

Rest in peace, Trooper Zerda. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of the great State of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

May 21, 2012

TROOPER ZERDA ITS BEEN 22 YEARS SINCE THE EOW FOR YOU IWANT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO KNOW YOU ARE THOUGHT ABOUT EVERYDAY RIP BROTHER.

LIEUTENANT BARRY RANSBERGER ( RETIRED )
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

May 21, 2011

dorothy, just recently learned of your personal loss. my sincerest condolences to you, and your loved ones on Trooper Ralph Zerda's untimely and senseless passing.just know that my prayers go out to you,and yours.

respectfully,
albert carmona

albert carmona
old friend to sister dorothy (jeff high)

June 6, 2010

Dear Zerda family, thanks for letting me know about you through my son's page (Michael Waters). It doesn't matter how many years go by, we will always miss them. It is comforting to know we will one day reunite with them and "the broken chain will link again." Maybe one day we can meet in person and share our wonderful memories of our loved ones.

God bless and comfort you, always.

Rosa Waters
Mother of Michael C. Waters, EOW: 9/11/2003

Anonymous

April 27, 2010

I can't believe it has been 20 years since you have been gone. I miss you, Mom,and Dad each and every day. You were my Big Brother and I really miss the times in the morning when you would pick up your guitar and play some classical music on it. When Deb decided to enter the DPS academy, I told her that i would support her 110%. I worry about her doing the job that took your young life: but I also know she has 3 guardian angels with her while she is doing her job. I know you are still protecting all of us brother, and I thank you for watching over us....
Love and miss you
Bobby

robert zerda
brother

June 3, 2009

RIP

Anonymous

September 8, 2008

Big Brother where do i begin........
I decidecd to pick up where you left off and sometimes wonder if it was the right choice. I remember speaking to you on many occassions about the department and what a wonderful department it was. Then May 21, 1989 i got that dreaded phone call. I begged Dorothy to not lie to me. I had just spoken to you Saturday 5-20-89 night. There was NO WAY that you were hurt much less killed. It could not be. Then 16 hours later, it became reality to me when I got off the airplane going through the airport and seeing the black strips of tape covering the badges of those officers, and asking them what was it for. Then hearing that a State trooper had been killed. Them not knowing I was your blood and there to pay my final respects to you. They did not know me from Adam. Then the long drive home fromn the airport only see the look of sadness mom and dad's face. I'll never forget that. I finished my time in the service and decided I wanted to pick up where you left off. I got my certification and worked for a small department while I had my application pending with DPS. Then the day came....WOW, that interview board was not easy. Then I got that call, i had made it. The academy was NOT easy. Seems like just yesterday. Big Brother have things changed. Here recently, i never egretted my decision to follow your footsteps, but as I open my eyes, I am having second thoughts. Please talk to me!!!!!! I need your guidance more than ever. Kathy and Karen are doing good, botgh miss you more than words can say. You are my strength and I need you. Missing you more than you will ever know......Deb

Trooper IV Debra Zerda
Brother

June 25, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 3, 2008

George was admired by and looked up to by all of his aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends for taking that step into law enforcement. Many a time he'd call home asking about all of us when he was in trooper school. We were all excited for him, he really wanted to be a Trooper. My fondest memory of George: I remember one day we were at his mom & dad's house for a holiday function, he just got off of duty, he walked in through the front door and we were stifled by his appearance in uniform, he was very tall, coupled with his trooper hat and the boots he wore, we would not want to cross the path of this fella. We always think of him and always talk about our boyhood memories when we cousins get together. I know he is watching over all of us including cousin Trooper Deb everyday. Rest in peace primo, miss you every day.

Bill Zerda
First Cousin

August 16, 2007

Ralph and I were classmates in DPS Academy in 1984. Ralph excelled in every area and was admired and respected by instructors and peers. My condolences go out to Ralph's family.

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

Deputy U.S. Marshal Donald Dunn
U.S. Marshals Service

January 28, 2007

I knew Ralph his first year with the Department in Baytown. He was a shining example of some us strive to be all our lives. It deeply saddened me the day I heard of his death. But, it really made me proud when I heard his sister joined our ranks.I don't know her like I knew Ralph, but I know she is a fine compliment to Ralph's sacrifice and to the Zerda family. RIP Ralph. Keep on smiling and save me a good place buddy!

Senior Trooper Russell L. Metcalf
Texas DPS

September 17, 2005

You are my hero!!! You are my guardian angel when I am on the road. Knowing that I have no fears when I go to work. You looked after me when we were growing up and you haven't stopped. Missing you more than words can ever say. I LOVE YOU Big Brother!!!!!

Trooper Debra Zerda
Texas Department of Public Safety

June 17, 2005

You are a hero and have not been forgotten. Rest in peace.

Rosa M. Waters
Mother of Michael Waters
EOW: September 11, 2003

January 19, 2004