Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Randy,
Thank you for taking this Randy when he was 24 out to your car to listen to my demo tapes. You gave me so much encouragement. You guided me in the right direction and I'm forever grateful.

Randy Coplin (citizen)
friend

February 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Eng,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Harris County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 21, 2021

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Eng.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 19, 2021

It was great to have served with Randy as I used to call him

Deputy detention

March 2, 2021

R.I.P. Deputy Eng. Thank you for your service to our community. Your dedication and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.

V.K.Mary, 911 Communications Officer, Harris County Sheriffs Office, Houston, in the Great State of Texas

December 22, 2019

The other Deputy Sheriff was Murray Campbell.

James Henry
Retired H.C.S.O..

December 20, 2019

I was an intern paramedic for HFD riding 3rd man when the call came in. My two other fellow brothers responded on Medic 68.Call came in as GSW officer down. My heart was racing but, my fellow FF were veterans and stayed the course. We arrived not even 4 to 5 minutes to location in a strip mall with total chaos. We all three jumped out with our equipment and immediately saw one Deputy on the ground leaning on side of a vehicle next to the entrance bleeding from arm. He raised his other arm in the direction of the venue. He stated that his partner was worse and to take care of him. One FF stayed with him as myself and other paramedic entered the venue. At that time multiple HPD officers were on scene and had guns drawn and securing the area. I saw Deputy Eng. supine with blood coming from the back of his head.He was in a small foyer between the men and ladies room. As we knelt down next to him HPD yells the shooter is still in the bathroom! At that time HFD and HPD wore the same color of shirts. My partner and I were blocking the door to the mens room. HPD s brave men and women stepped over us and ran into the room. My partner had sense enough and experience to grab Deputy Eng by his belt and get him out of arms way. It was an intense scene that happened in seconds but, I was there thinking we are going to get shot. Our main priority was to move him. We both had to drag him away and I had no time to bring my jump bag with me and the scene was to chaotic to retrieve it. Our E.O. was already at the front with B.B. and stretcher. We called for another Medic for the other Deputy and Transported Deputy Eng to Ben Taub. My partner and I intubated him and performed CPR that long ride to the hosp. I remember like it was yesterday doing compressions and l couldn't believe another human being could do this to a person yet a Deputy of the Law. That was over 20 yrs ago and that night is engrained in my mind. Its taken me this long to tell it. I said a prayer for Deputy Eng and his family that night and many other nights. I commend his partner, don't know his name. He was in the fight and thought of his partner first. God Bless the MEN and WOMAN of Law Enforcement.

Retired Capt. Ruben Rosales
Houton Fire Dpt

December 2, 2017

We were on vacation and I cancelled our time off to get back to work. For three days I cried praying that at least Murray Campbell would be alright.

For those who never knew Randy, I can only say you missed out on knowing a good man, friend and police officer! Your sorely missed brother...

Bobby Strickland (Retired)
H.C.S.O.

December 22, 2015

Never forgotten.

Police Officer - -
Mesquite (TX) Police Department

December 21, 2014

Heroes live forever, Deputy Eng, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Harris County and the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

December 21, 2013

Rest in peace, Deputy Eng. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Harris County and the great State of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

December 21, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 15th 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 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 who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

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

December 21, 2011

Rest in peace, Deputy Eng. You're not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

December 21, 2011

Thank you for all your comments!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years.

Sam Brother
Eng Family

December 1, 2011

I never really knew Randy, but I saw him almost everyday when I came into work. He worked in the Master Control booth at the former 1301 Franklin jail facility - which was pretty much a checkpoint for people coming into and leaving the secure portions of the jail building - and we sometimes would wave and nod at each other.

When I learned of his death (which was sudden, untimely and tragic), a little guilt creeped in and I had wondered why I didn't make an effort to get to know him better. Maybe it was because the thought never ever occurred to me that something like this would ever happen to him. Maybe it was because it was not meant to be. Maybe it was because that's just the way it was.

Maybe I'll never truly really know the answer but I can tell you this: I've learned to appreciate more the life I have, and never to take it for granted. I also learned that, with the dangers my friends in HCSO face on a daily basis, to do my best to expect the unexpected.

To Randy, I say: I wish I had gotten to know you better, and I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation for your service during your time here on Earth. RIP & God bless.

William Laws
Harris County Sheriff's Office

August 29, 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 7, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH

December 21, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

January 30, 2007

10/27/04

Gone but not forgotten. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace sir.

Captain Robert W. Cannon; Retired
Vermilion County Illinois Sheriff's Dept.

October 27, 2004

Randy, the office you worked in is vacant now there are no lines at the window, no guns to check in. I will wander over and stand in the office at times and think back on the days we worked the 11th floor for starters. They took you from us, but they cannot take our memories of you.

R. Townsend
HCSO

For those who lost a commrad, for those who lost a friend, for those who lost a relative, Let's remember them, for the freedom they brought.

FRENCH PARATROOPERS PRAYER:
God, give me what you have left
Give me what no one ever requests.

I am not asking you for rest
Nor tranquility
Neither that of the soul, nor of the body.

I am not asking for wealth
Nor success, or even health.

You are asked for all of these so often
That you must have none left.

Give me, God, what you have left.
Give me what no one wants.

I seek insecurity and disquient.
I seek torment and combat
And, God, give them to me Indefitely.
That I am sure to have them always
Because I won't always have the
courage to ask you.

Give me, God, what you have left.
Give me what others don't want.
But also give me courage, strength and faith.

Andre Zirnheld, Parachutist
Free French Forces, killed in action, 1942

Det. Brian Leighton
Harris Co. Sheriff's Dept

I was recently on the scene of the death of another of our deputies. The event was the inspiration for this story. I hope it brings some small measure of comfort to the survivors of this and similar tragedies.

The deputy stepped out of his car and began to walk to the one in front of his. He saw a flash of light, and felt the sledgehammer blow. He experienced no pain, but suddenly couldn’t stand up. He heard the “pop, pop, pop” of what seemed to be gunfire coming from somewhere.

He saw another, stronger light than the one he had just seen. He felt consumed by it, but he wasn’t afraid. He saw an old friend, one he hadn’t expected to see. His friend said “Buddy, we’ve got to talk.”

His friend said “I see you’ve done a lot with yourself these past few years”. The deputy said “Well, I’ve tried to do my best, I’ve had a lot to live up to”. His friend responded “I know, you’ve always been that way; years ago, I knew that you’d make it”.

The deputy and his friend started talking about old times. They talked about their younger years when they didn’t care how much they drank or how late they stayed up. They talked about the deputy’s marriage, and how it unexpectedly fell apart. They spoke about all the interesting things the deputy had been able to do in such a short time and how grateful he was for the experiences.

Then they began to talk about the deputy’s hopes for the future. They talked about how he wanted to “be in charge” someday. His dreams became so vivid that they were able to actually see him, almost as if his friend were the “Ghost of Christmas Future” from Dickens.

They saw him as a Watch Commander, with his young troops coming to him for advice, and the older ones giving it to him. They saw him as a District Commander, and realized how much work it is, and how exhausting it must be at times. They saw him with his own Bureau, sitting at a staff meeting.

They saw him holding a press conference, and talking to Commissioners Court and all of the innumerable things that people do when they are “running the show”. They saw him at his retirement party, surrounded by friends who would genuinely miss him and his work. They saw him on a cruise ship, on a beach, snorkeling in warm crystal blue waters. They saw him fishing and hunting and hiking in the mountains. They saw him with a new wife, with a home, and healthy, happy children. It was this thought, out of all the others, that brought him the greatest joy.

The deputy realized that he had been selfish, and asked his friend “but what of you; we’ve done nothing but talk about me”. His friend said, “My life is like it was when I left, only I never tire of it now. I’m with lots of new friends, and old friends, and we do lots of fun things. In fact, we do whatever we want to”.

The deputy noticed that he had lost track of time. He had ignored his surroundings while he was talking to his old friend. He didn’t feel any pain, but heard his ribs crack while a stranger compressed his chest. One of his new friends breathed into his mouth, but he wasn’t sure why. He heard someone ask “what about that other guy”. His partner screamed “F**k him, he’s dead”.

He turned to his old friend and asked, “What’s going to happen here? You seem to know the future.” Randy told him, “I don’t know the future, I know the past. There’s something else we need to talk about. I’m here for you like Becky and Scott were here for me. Oscar, Barry, J.C., and Joe are here, too. Joe just got here not long ago. We decided that I would come, because I know you best”

He heard sirens somewhere in the distance, and heard someone roar, “Where’s that f**king ambulance?” He knew that the ambulance would never get there in time. He wished he could tell his friends to slow down, and not get hurt over him. He wished he could tell them that his pain was gone, and that he was with friends, and that they would have lots to talk about. He felt the soft feathers of the angels who carried him ever higher, into the heavens above. He felt the warm touch of God’s embrace, and knew that all was well.

This story is dedicated to the memory of the fallen deputies of the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, especially to Randy Eng, who was killed in the line of duty on December 21st, 1996.

Written by Gary W. Ellington, a Sergeant with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department.

Sergeant Gary Ellington
Harris County Sheriff's Department