Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

A Hero now in Heaven, Always remembered and Never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

January 2, 2015

Officer Vaird's death has stuck in my mind since hearing about her being a mom and possibly a grandmother who was killed in her forties. I recalled how she must have felt when she learned she was chosen for the police academy changing careers in her thirties as I had also had a chance to join a police force.
I recall she had young adult children who likely needed her to live a much longer life, but her life was taken while protecting and serving the public. She came to mind when I learned on the news that Captain Ron Johnson of Ferguson Missouri was yelled at by his wife for being on TV without wearing his vest. I never had the chance to tell her family that another Philadelphian understood something of their loss, and that I truely was sorry for their loss. I'll continue to remember Officer Vaird and her family.

Yohannan Èvangèliste Walensis
former resident of Philadelphia

August 19, 2014

By William Butler Yeats
I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.

never forgotten

April 11, 2014

Laurie, on this day, 18 years later, we still remember your sacrifice for this great city. I still remember your kindness to strangers, how dedicated you were to the citizens of the community you served. When you took a woman to PAB HQ's for an emergency protection order after your shift ended that night. I can't go over the events of Jan 2, 1996 without a deep sense of loss and regret that we couldn't do more to save your life. I know now that you are truly a special Angel of God, watching over us from above. Never Forgotten!

Sgt. Cindy Castle (ret.)
Philadelphia Police Dept

January 3, 2014

I AM MORNFUL OF THE PASSING BUT THERE IS VICTORY BEYOND LOOKING AT THE PRESENT .We shall look at things above and not below but heaven above with GODS promise and forgiveness too. A FORMER LASD officer and present Gospel rap MC the best of both worlds.

Sec. Asst. Sheriff
LASD

April 15, 2013

There are no words i can say to ease the pain your faimly and loved ones must endure, but my prayer for them is:

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.

My hope for your family is May the love of God and your family and friends sustain you and bring you peace.

LT Joseph Rabe
LONG Beach PD (ret) (California)

November 1, 2012

I remember when your death was announced on the news, I was 16 years old when this happened and I was saddened by the news. I hop[e your children have gone on to do great things and that they have found peace. Rest In Peace.
Phoenix Johnson Peeler

Phoenix K Peeler

April 26, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

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

January 2, 2012

For some reason this tragedy has always touched me. I pray her spirit is at rest and she has her mansion in heaven. Stephen and Michael I pray you are doing well and making your Mom proud. God bless!

Civilian, Auburn, GA
Sister in Christ

January 1, 2012

It's approaching Christmas, 2011, coming up on 15 years since P/O Vaird was killed in the line of duty....and she is not forgotten

Detective
Philadelphia Police

December 20, 2011

Philadelphia Police Academy Class#359 will be dedicated to the memory of Police Officer Lauretha Vaird. Class #359 will graduate and hit the street in March of 2012. Our fallen heros are never forgotten.

Lt Watson
Philadelphia Police Dept

October 20, 2011

R.I.P.

Patrol B.G.
Huntsville Al. P.D.

January 28, 2011

Officer Vaird,
Maam, it may have been 15 years but you are still remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

January 4, 2011

REST IN PEACE Officer Lauretha Vaird. YOUR SACRIFICES WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND YOUR MEMORY WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE ON. YOU ARE AND WILL REMAIN A HERO IN THE EYES OF MANY. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Deputy J.D.Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office

November 14, 2010

I remember Officer Vaird during her many visits to St.Christopher's Hospital for Children emergency room during the early 90's. At the time,I was a young eager security supervisor and always admired how she handled difficult cases involving children. She was so involved and caring to the families and had a way calming down tense situations. We all suffered that fatal day when we realized that the officer who was being administered emergency care in our Trauma Center was in fact Officer Vaird. What a tremendous loss. I travel past a recreation center nearly every day on my way to work and was pleased to see the center named in honor of Officer Vaird. Her spirit is still alive and continues to watch over those who she truly loved serving. God Bless, and Rest In Peace, Officer Vaird.

Sgt. Reuben Bolden
Federal Reserve Bank of Philadephia Law Enforcement Unit

August 13, 2009

You were honored on the website today. Time has not diminished your service
nor sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

December 13, 2008

God loves you best and loves Ms Vaird. I lost my mom when she was 47 years old. I was very young. Please remember the good times and think of one thing. He spirit will be with you for every and you will see her again. She is watching over you and her flesh is within you. She will always be with you daily and in spirit. When you have a question just ask her for the anwser. God bless you and the family.

Anonymous

November 12, 2008

SOME DAY'S I SIT IN MY ROOM AND THANK ABOUT WHO LOOKS OVER ME. VERY DAY OF MY TEEN AGE LIFE HASN'T BEEN GOING WELL. SOME TIMES I THANK GOD IS HUNTING ME DOWN. BUT THEN I THANK TO MY SELF JASMINE STOP BEING SO SELFISH. GOD WOULD WOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT TO ANY OF HIS CHILDREN, HE LOVE US. ANTY I HAVE A QUESTION WHY DID GOD TAKE GRANDMOM AND GRANDPOP AWAY FROM US? WHY DID HE TAKE YOU? I PRAY AND PRAY HERE AND THERE BUT IT JUST DOESN'T WORK. MY MOM/ YOUR SISTER IS NOT GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. AHKER/ YOUR NEPHEW IS NOT GOING TO BE DOING GOOD WITH OUT MOMMY. GRANDMOM AND GRANDPOP LEFT TO THE LORD'S HOUSE. I NEED YOU BACK. PLEASE WATCH OVER ME. LOVE JASMINE VAIRD

jasmine vaird
niece

November 2, 2008

Your passing is still fresh in my mind. You were the first female. Your passing inspired me to become a police officer, which I've been for almost 12 years. I didn't know you. I just remember te pain I felt the day of your death. You're missed. The PPD lost a great officer.

Lewis
PPD

September 6, 2008

I'll never forget you. Thank you for your service, protection, and honor.

FUTURE COLD CASE OFFICER/JOYCE
CRIMINAL JUSTICE MAJOR

May 6, 2008

Never Forgotten.

P/O #7426
PPD

May 4, 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

January 24, 2008

Here we are again, one year later to honor and remember you as always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

January 2, 2008

Another year has past and your still in our memory. Thankyou for continueing to look over us as we carry on. GOD BLESS your family and friends as they live on and grow strong because of you. You are a hero to us all.

POLICE OFFICER
9TH DIST

January 2, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, N H

December 30, 2007