Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I come here every few years and read the refections of others and the ones I have posted. My 1st Hero has been gone for 43 years now. I am older than my own father, his oldest grandson is now 33, married and has 3 girls that would have loved their great grandpa….. Joshua is still such a replica of my dad, I am just as proud to be his mother as I am to be the daughter of an amazing hero. You are missed and thought of daily Dad. NEVER EVER will you be forgotten! (I see you through the eyes of my son-you would have been so proud of him.)

Trinette
Youngest daughter of Lester J. Barden

July 27, 2022

Rest in peace Patrolman Barden.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 17, 2020

Trinette.... our families lived across from each other on Collins for many years. Your Dad was always an inspiration to me and one of the reasons I became a Firefighter/EMT for the City Kentwood (just retired after 25yrs of service). I thought of your father often while on the rescue squad thinking this was what your father had done many times before me. Your father would have been proud of me, always called me “rubber legs”. Every time I travel down Barden Ave, I remember your Dad, what a cool guy he was, his passing was very hard on our family as well! The stories of your dad and the memories are still with me to this day!! What a awesome person he was!

Tim O’Connor
Kentwood Fire Department

December 1, 2018

Once again I find myself here reading through everyones reflections on my amazing Dad! It has been nearly 40 years since you were taken home! Not a day goes by that you arent on my mind, even if its a quick thought.... It has been ongoing for 39 years, 8 mos and 13 days!
My sister, your daughter joined you 6/12/2012! R.I.P.
Both of you left to soon, both of you were amazing people. My Moms heart will never heal. It saddens me to think that you never got to meet your grand children and now great grand children. Your oldest grand son, Josh is your mini me and it is amazing how much he resembles you in looks and personality. Lester J Barden you will NEVER be forgotten and will ALWAYS be my Number 1 Hero. Miss you and love always and forever! (Pinch my sister for me)

Youngest daughter Trinette

September 30, 2018

Ive never meet this amazing man but have herd lots through out the years about him. I also like my mom (Tanja) and grandapa lester will not eat the white thing in the egg. I would just like to say i am the proud first grand daughter of Lester Barden and wish i would have had the pleasure to meet him. he was quite the hero.

Grand Daughter
Grand daughter of Lester Barden, Nicole L. Barden

June 14, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd 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.

Your memory will always be honored and revered for time never diminishes respect. 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 17, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd 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.

Your memory will always be honored and revered for time never diminishes respect. 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 17, 2012

My reflection. I remember his smile, his laugh, how tall he was and how we thought that he was better than God himself. He would not eat the little white things in eggs and they had to be picked out. I remember his humor and love of his family. He was suppose to attend my wedding and bought a new suit for it. He passed the week before. He was there because I could feel his presence. Sneaky guy that he was. I remember the resturant that him and auntie had opened in Grand Haven. My best one is when he filled an old purse full of...we will say human waste... and put it in the middle of the road then sat in the window to see who would drive by and snatch it up. Someone did and when they threw it to the back the sh** just flew all over their car. Thats my unc for ya. I wish he was here today to see all of his beautiful grandchildren and nieces and nephews kids. I think of him alot and miss him terribly. Keep watching us and being our guardian angel.

Kim Hunter
Niece

April 1, 2011

My reflection is remembering the most wonderfully daddy ever. I was 9 when he passed. I am now soon to be 42. I still miss him and think of him all the time. I lost a great father. Kentwood police department lost a irreplaceable man....God recieved an awesome angel. See you on the other side dad.
Always made everyone laugh....woke up whistling and singing....I see his bright blue eyes, his smile and his sense of humor in my own 22 year old son.

Daughter of Lester J.Barden

March 31, 2011

I have been an officer at Kentwood for many years now. Every day I walk by your memorial in the office and remember your sacrifice. Your service will never be forgotten. Thanks for watching over us every day.

Officer
Kentwood Police Department

July 31, 2010

On the 30th anniversary of Patrolman Barden's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Patrolman Barden is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

January 17, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 6, 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 15, 2007

27 years ago today you died trying to save another. RIP you are not forgotten

michigan state police

January 17, 2006

PATROLMAN BARDEN,
THANK-YOU FOR DEFENDING THE DEFENSELESS AND HELPING THE HELPLESS. KEEP WATCH OVER THOSE LEFT HERE. GOD SPEED.

DISPATCHER9520
SAUK COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT

January 17, 2006

Rest in peace.

Doug Eatherton
St. Louis City Police

June 1, 2005

Thank you for serving the City of Kentwood. It is an honor to work for this department knowing that you gave the ultimate sacrifice. Even though I did not know you, you will always be in my thoughts as I patrol the city.

City of Kentwood

February 22, 2005

No officer that lost his life in the line of duty should be without reflection. Thank you for your service; rest in peace. You lived and died a hero!

Michigan

October 12, 2004