Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 5, 2022

Give Brother Mike a big hug up in Heaven, Jim.

Mike Angeli Sr. Dep. rest.
Riverside Sheriff

January 5, 2019

I responded to the officer down call from Moreno Valley Station with a partner and was one of the first to arrive. It was a long hard night on that January 5th in 1997. The details went out and a description was given. A perimeter was set. Cold rains, hard winds and showers of snow blew through the valley. There was no air support due to the storm. Street lights and porch lights were being broken all over to keep any light from casting a shadow on anyone. The thing that kept us going was knowing that we were there for you. We were not leaving until the job was done. The attacker came out from hiding in the wee hours of the morning like a frightened coward. My partner and I saw your attacker and was able to take him into custody. After 20 years I remember it like yesterday. You won't be forgotten! Thank you for every minute of your service! Rest in Peace! Prayers to all of your friends and family.

Brian Mehlbrech
Investigator, Retired 2014
Riverside County Sheriff's Office

August 8, 2018

To the friends & family of Deputy Jim Lehmann Jr.,

Today I was on a flight from KC, MO to Baltimore, MD traveling with my family and I met Jim’s beautiful & courageous daughter. She was on the flight and took the time to tell me all about her Hero father who left this earth twenty-one years ago in January. She said she was nine at the time of his death which is about the same age as my kids are now. I could see Jim’s strength, grit, compassion and grace in talking with her. I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet him on earth, but already looking forward to meeting him in heaven.

To Jim,

You did good Jim. You made this place better while you were here and your legacy lives on thru your children. Your little girl told me all about how you used to teach her to change a tire and do “guy stuff” just in case of the unlikely event you didn’t make it home. She even said you told her that if one day you didn’t come home and a police car pulled up in front of the house that it’d be okay. And it is. Your kids are okay and so is their mama. You would be proud. Thanks for making me a better dad thru your kids. You’ve left a lasting legacy. I can only hope people say the same nice things about me when it’s my time & I’m gone. See you later my friend. Rest In Peace.

Special Agent Michael Hawkins
U.S. Secret Service

April 9, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 21st anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 5, 2018

Your sacrifice is remembered by all of us. Rest in perpetual peace my brother, and watch over your family and us.

N.Y.P.D. Lt. Ray Flores (Ret.)

January 5, 2017

Rest in peace brother.

Corporal Mike Martine
Riverside Sheriff

January 5, 2015

Today marks the 18th year we have gone without you Jim. I thank God you are in his arms and we will see you again. Rest in peace my brother.

Sergeant
Riverside County Sheriff's Department

January 5, 2015

Thankfully your killer was a coward and killed himself today

Ret. P.O.
N.Y.P.D.

October 10, 2013

We lost you 16 years ago today, Jim. You and Mike left us at the hand of a coward who shot from the darkness. You are still missed by everyone that knew you. I will never forget the sacrifice you made to keep others safe, Rest in the presence of our Lord.

Sgt Steve Callas
Riverside County Sheriff

January 5, 2013

Rest in Peace, Deputy Lehmann. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 19, 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 miss
.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

January 5, 2012

Hard to believe it has been 14 years. Many of us still remember and talked about him today.

Deputy T. Morgan
Riverside Sheriff

January 5, 2011

Deputy Sheriff Lehmann,
On today, the 13th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Riverside County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

January 5, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 31, 2007

I was Jim's FTO at the Banning Station. He always said that he was living his dream. I still think about him and remeber his sense of humor and his dedication to his profession. He made friends easily and had a quick dry wit. Such a loss for all of us. Rest in Peace.

Kathy Fuller Deputy Sheriff
Riverside County Sheriff FTO

November 12, 2007

Hi POPS, its been a while since you left, I think about you and Mike all the time. I still have that tape, where you said I should bend you over my knee, You were like a father to me. I will never forget that night. If people only knew I was the one who was with you a few minutes before you went to that call. I remember, you looked at me after you backed me up with a stop in the casino parking lot, you said I've gotta go, I'll see you when I get done, I'll be back.

Well POPS its OK, you never left. You were always in my heart than and now and always will be. Hope you are proud of me. I know have a 2 and half month old baby boy Matthew Alexander Lay and also Chief of my own Dept. Thanks to all the stuff I learned from you when I was a Sheriff at the Banning Station with you. I will never forget anything you,mike,and all the guys have shown me. Say Hi to Mike for me.

CHIEF SONNY H. LAY
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SAFETY

November 6, 2007

A long time ago, this fine Deputy (Jim) and a good buddy Dep. Mike Haugen left this Earth in the midst of tragedy. They left a fine legacy and are forever burned into the hearts of many. Their passing bonded a generation of Peace Officers. They can rest in peace knowing that they are definitely not forgotten. Memories of them are shared, as appropriate, to teach our future generations about joy, hard work and those who give, ultimately, for their fellow officers. Rest peacefully James.

Sr. Dep. Michael Angeli - retired
Riverside Co. Sheriff's Dept.

November 1, 2007

DEPUTY LEHMANN, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN FOR YOUR SACRIFICE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

October 18, 2007

"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

September 20, 2007

I Remember hearing the phone ring, and my dad running through the house that morning grabbing his gear and rushing to the scene. I will never forget the feeling i had when i heard that two Deputy's were shot near Cabazon. My condolences to your family, and i hope that everything is great up there.

HM3 Jason M. Beard
US Navy / Trainee S.B.S.D Academy

May 26, 2007

I can't believe it's been 10 years since since you and your partner were killed in the North Palm Springs area...if you only knew that Verbenia Street in that town was renamed "Haugen-Lehmann Way" in your honor by current Riverside Sheriff-Coroner Robert C.("Bob") Doyle...you and Andrew made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the people of that portion of the county...

Baldwin Montgomery

March 20, 2007

Fallen but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs

December 26, 2006

Thank you for your service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

November 4, 2006

Jim,
I remember the last time we spoke 9 years ago. I remember working in the jail with you. I remember your dedication to duty and I remember the coward that wronged you and your family.We will see each other again on the other side some day. That will be a glorious reunion. There will be no more pain, no more sorrow, and we will rejoice at seeing you again.

Steve

Deputy Callas
Riverside County Sheriff

June 16, 2006