Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Still thinking of you. God Bless

Donald Meredith
Glendale PD-retired

May 26, 2012

I remember Charles from when we were in high school. He was a good man then and I can tell he became an ever greater man. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. I will never forget you!

old friend
La Habra, CA

May 14, 2012

He was on my mind also this week of Christmas 2011. It does not seem possible that it has been 14 years.

dispatcher
gpd

December 25, 2011

Hey Chuck, I woke up this morning and you were on my mind. I have to admit, I forgot the exact date so I checked on line.

I remember the day you left the station to check out the warehouse and we talked briefly in the hallway. I will never forget the phone call i received at 230am from Louie!

Just a few days before, you and I, York, Lisa and Mel Barnes served that 459 warrant in Los Angeles. You always had a great demeanor when dealing with suspects.

Just wanted to let you know I will never forget. It's been 14 years brother. God Bless you always.

Arnelle
Glendale Police Department (retired)

May 17, 2011

The ironies abound. You were killed while I was still working for the Department of General Services. Your father was a colleague of mine I was privileged to meet through the local chapter of the American Society for Public Administration. He loved you dearly and spoke of you proudly.

A few months later, I moved over to the LAPD. The father of Officer Pavelka was in the office next door to mine at Parker Center. We smiled and said hello every time we passed but did not get to know each other. I regret that now. I was a new father then.

Two fathers who lost their sons too soon. Two sons who will never be forgotten as long as there are those who hold them forever in their hearts. May your memory always be a blessing.

Jim Grant, Crime & Intelligence Analyst
Los Angeles Police Department

January 14, 2010

Rest in Peace, Officer Lazzaretto. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 12th 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

May 27, 2009

Sir, we just finished the colors run for you last week. It was an honor to run in celebrating your life. Thank you for your service. God Speed

Deputy Sheriff Trainee, Recruit Tutino
Los Angeles County Sheriff

July 8, 2008

Reading your reflections it is obvious that you were a great officer but an even better human being. God Bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten

Laura Mathews
Widow of Officer John W. Mathews

May 27, 2008

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

February 7, 2008

Dear Officer Lazzaretto,

One of the two officers who attempted to rescue you with all he had during the standoff 10 years has been wounded today during a standoff. Although he is expected to recover, nonetheless, please pray for him and to a speedy recovery. This courageous officer received the Medal of Valor from LAPD for his actions on that fateful day in May of 1997. Please also welcome his partner for many years, Officer Randall Simmons (LAPD - SWAT) into the kingdon of our Heavenly Father. Officer Simmons unfortunately succumbed to his wounds early this morning at the same standoff Officer Veenstra was involved in. May you continue to be blessed and craddled in the arms of our Loving Father for eternity.

Rest well sir,

Sgt. Mike Flannigan - Retired
Michigan State Police

February 7, 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

August 28, 2007

It seems like just yesterday we were on patrol at Golden West K-9 together. Hard to believe that that was twenty years ago. I always admired you and what you made of yourself and hoped that one day I would join you at Glendale P.D. Although that never came to be I just wanted to let you know that you were in my thoughts when I graduated on June 1st, 2007. Thank you for being such a positive influence on my life. I wish i had told back then.

Deputy William Tidmarsh
Nye County Sheriffs Office

August 16, 2007

Thank you for serving and protecting.
May peace be with your family.

Chicaog citizen

July 24, 2007

I still remember talking to you when I was just 13. I expressed an interest about being a police officer and you talked at length with me about the Explorer program in Glendale. I never did join there but I waited until college where I started with the Boulder County Sheriff's Office as an Explorer continuing on to become sworn.

They say that each person will directly change and influence the lives of 10 people in a huge and dramatic way. I know that I was one of your 10 people because if you had not gotten my mind on the track of becoming a law enforcement officer I dont not think it would have happened. The work I do today, the lives I have saved and the people I help are thanks to you, even after your final EOW your work still carries on today in the work I do.

Rest in Peace Brother
Heros Live Forever.

Deputy Steve M.
Boulder County Sheriff, CO

May 29, 2007

You truely left footprints on at least one officers hearty.\may He bless both you and Offc.M

May 27, 2007

Almost a decade has passed since you were called away. Your children are not in their teens and I know they think of you often as all your loved ones and close friends do every day. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 14, 2007

Chuck, I was thinking about you today, and I wanted you to know that you are missed. I will never forget you! Class 258.....

Sergeant Theresa Dawson
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

April 23, 2006

Rest in peace Officer Lazzaretto. While your tour is over, ours continues in your memory.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police

May 27, 2005

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, May 27, 2004 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Police Officer Charles Andrew Lazzaretto who died in the line on this date seven years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Lazzaretto's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

May 27, 2004

To Officer Lazzaretto,

In the four years I've been married to my dedicated Officer, I've heard your story many, many times throughout the station hallways. Never have I heard one ill remark made about you, only glowing words of honor, dedication and heroism. You must have been a remarkable man and I wish I'd have had the chance to know you. I'm so sorry you had to go but I want to thank you for your service. If not for men and women like you fighting the fight, I'd never feel safe. Everytime I drive down the 134 freeway and see the sign with your name on it, I smile. You are my hero.

Do me a favor Officer Lazzaretto? Will you give our friend, Officer Matthew Pavelka (BPD, E.O.W. 11-15-03), a big hug for us? He's up there with you now and I know he's found a good friend in you.

To the family & friends of Officer Lazzaretto...
God Bless you all. I know the pain will never go away having lost him, and my love & prayers will always be with you.

Wife of Burbank Police Officer
Burbank Police Dept. (California)

December 30, 2003

My condolences to the family of Detective Charles Lazzaretto. Your wife and two sons must miss you so much and must be proud of you. You are a true hero. Be proud of him always. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. Rest in peace....................

Trooper Andrew Canepa
Pennsylvania State Police

Chuck, I can't believe that 5 years have passed since that tragic day. Amidst all the local and world events which have transpired in that time, nothing compares to the overwhelming sense of personal loss that I felt upon receiving such sad news.

My memory of you is still vivid - the welcoming smile, upbeat attitude, and keen sense of humor all rapidly come to mind. It's not your untimely death that I dwell on, but your rich life. I am a better person for having known and worked with you.

We will never, ever forget. Your eternal place in the pantheon of law enforcement is assured. You will be a part of us always.

Go in peace, my friend.

Sgt. Steve Carey
Glendale PD

Chuck,

I never dreamed that the next time I would see you would be at your funeral. I stood there
in shock as I looked at your casket sitting next to Annamaria and the kids. I still can't
believe that something so tragic could have happened to someone that was so genuine
and kind.

Because of your death my life has changed dramatically. I want to convey some of the
feelings and thoughts I have had for the past 4 years.

I was fortunate enough to know and work with you a few short years at "Golden West K-9",
until you went off to Glendale P.D. full time.

As you knew, I have always wanted to be a police officer, but my personal life was so
unorganized and a mess to say the least. I also had a lot of growing up to do. I'll never
forget handcuffing my ex wife and having to bring her down to the police station to have
you release her because I forgot where I put my key.

Some people just seem to understand what is expected of them in life; they know what
they need to do and how to act. You were one of those people. You were one of the finest
individuals I have ever known, and I am blessed to have shared a friendship with you.

I have always looked up to you as an older brother, even though I never told you that. We
all have regrets in our lives and mine is not telling you how much I admired, respected,
and looked up to you. I remember thinking (as dumb as it sounds) that I couldn't even
compete with you. You were so much more squared away and well mannered than I was.
You never had a bad thing to say about anyone. You had done things in your life that I
never had the backbone to do. I always wanted to be like you in that regard. I made the
stupid choice to stop contact with you because when we were hanging out, I was
subconsciously reminded of what a failure I was next to you and that didn't feel good. So to
avoid those feelings, I just stopped calling. These regrets are what hurt me the most. If I
could just go back.

I remember thinking.. "Why did it have to be him?" "It shouldn't have happened to him,
if it HAD to happen, why not to a person that was just on this earth just taking up space.
Someone that really didn't want to be here." It just doesn't seem right. Why God allowed
this is beyond me.

Since your death, I have learned many things and see things in a different light. I have
learned that life is fragile and that death is permanent. We are not here for very long,
even if you are a good person. I have also learned how important it is to tell people that
you are close to how much you care for them and what they mean to you.

I figure that if I can be 1/2 the person you were out of uniform and 1/4 the officer you were,
I will be one heck of an individual.

In 1997 I had a business that I had built from scratch and was doing very well financially.
Since May 27, 1997, I have decided to rethink my life and do what my heart has always
wanted. To become a police officer. I have since dissolved my business, straightened out
my personal life and graduated with honors from of the most respected police academies
in the State of California. I moved out of state and attended another academy and
graduated that as well. I looked long and hard for the right police department and was
blessed to find the perfect City. I started to process in August of 2000. When I reached
my oral interview, I told them what had happened to you and that I wanted to continue
your professionalism, honor, and carry your torch.
Today is November 21, 2001; the day I took my "Oath of Office"' and pledged to
continue where you left off Chuck, in your honor. You may not be here in body, but I
will see that your professionalism, integrity, dedication and honor live on through me.

Thank you for teaching me what it is to be an extra ordinary person.

I miss you Chuck.



Your friend,

Frank Mannarino

Officer Frank J. Mannarino