Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jim and Ruth were our nextdoor neighbors. In January 1997 Ruth died leaving Jim a widower. He spent a lot of time at our home as we were great friends. It was I who the prison notified when Jim was hurt. I notified Jimmy who in turn notified Derek. My wife and I drove to Gatesville Memorial Hospital, but Jim was transferred to Scott & White in Temple. Doctors gave him all but two pints of his blood type as they felt he would not survive. I climed to the picket where TDC claims Jim fell. Jim was a great friend and a tunnel rat in Vietnam.

Major Larry L. Letzer Sr. USA, retired.
Friend, neighbor and his financial advisor.

December 2, 2018

Came across this page as I was looking up old friends. So glad that I did. Been almost 20 years since you have been gone. Our times together as soldiers at Fort Hood were some of my most treasured memories. Living next door to each other sure helped. Never a weekend went by that we were not outside watching our kids grow up together and sharing a beer. Ruth was the first person to turn Karin and I onto the great taste of Cumin. Taco salad is now part of my life every week. I remember it was you who took me on my first boat ride trying to catch some bass. Never did but that sunburn is my reminder of a great time together. I am hoping Derek or Jimmy will see this post and know that your were my best friend back in those times. Reach out to me at [email protected] to reconnect. I miss you and Ruth and hope someday to see you again on Fiddlers Green. Rest easy my friend, love you...Dwaine Sutter

Sergeant Major Dwaine Sutter
Soldier and Friend

July 6, 2017

Jim, I deeply regret that you and Ruth did not live to see Jimmy and Derek married and especially your grandchildren. Bernie and my grand kids have matured to be vibrant women. Chelsea is a senior at Southwestern University. She will be a high school teacher. Shelbie is a world class soccer player and a junior at CCHS. She was just inducted into the National Honor Siciety.

I miss you buddy.

Larry Letzer Sr.
Best Friend

October 5, 2012

Derrick, you left such a beautiful tribute to your father and how very proud he must be of all his family. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember Jim for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 14, 2010

Hey Dad,

Coming up on 13 years this October 14th. In just a few more years I will have been without you longer than I was with you. So much has changed. You have four grandchildern....three with Jimmy and Mendy...two of whom are twins. And one with Michelle and I, Alex, who will be one in May. When I first lost you I missed the things a young single guy misses. Enjoying cold beers and talking about girls with you. Now I'm 34 and have a family and the things I miss are much more meaningfull. What I would give to see you holding your grand-daughter Alexandria. Or having seen you at my wedding. Who knows, you would be retired by now so maybe you would be living accross the street. These are the things I think about now. I think of you often when I'm watching football....something we always did together. Even though my Longhorns and Denver Broncos still whoop up on your Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns I always think about you when I see them playing. I don't go back to the home town much anymore as all my friends and family are long gone. Last time I was there I went to the old house. Man how it's changed. Vacant and run down....nothing like the place our family called home for all those years. It brought a tear to my eye that's for sure. Then I just sat on that old wall Jimmy, you and I built and reflected on all the things that happened in that little house that helped make me the man I am today. I could see you in your work shed, or in the driveway working on that old bass boat. I then noticed I was smiling and not frowing. Your memmory will live forever and the morals and principals you lived by will be passed down for generations. You had a rough life as a young man dad. Many things I learned about long after you were gone. No doubt the deck was stacked against you from day one. The funny thing is you never complained about it or seemed to hold a grudge. Rather, you loved your family and work hard as a true man should. Thanks for the guidance dad and all the dedication you showed toward your wife and kids. Doing so ensured the three of us we would never have to endure all the things you did.

Love you dad,

Derek

Derek Dimanoff
Son

March 11, 2010

I worked with Officer Dimanoff for a few years, what a wonderful person! Although you left us here, I know you have now been reunited with your wife, who you truly missed. He talked of his Sons alot and I know he was so proud of them both!!!

DeAnn Morales COV
TDCJ-ID

November 20, 2009

Officer Dimanoff,You were much to young to be taken. You were cheated out of many years with your sons. My daughter was born on this day 10-14-97. I try to make sense of the circle of life and the whys. I guess some things are not for us to know now. We have to believe that one day we will receive the answers. Thank you for the "True Hero" that you are..\

Ohio

Anonymous

October 16, 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

In the mid-7o's I was a correctional officer at San Quentin and when I was assigned Tower 4, I had to cross a little bridge area, climb stairs and enter by pushing a trap door open by pushing my head against it. Carrying weapons and a lunch box made it somewhat precarious, but I never thought about falling...of the many dangerous situations I guarded against, I never thought about the danger of falling because of those trap doors. Your tragic death showed just one more danger in being a correctional officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 14, 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

In the mid-7o's I was a correctional officer at San Quentin and when I was assigned Tower 4, I had to cross a little bridge area, climb stairs and enter by pushing a trap door open by pushing my head against it. Carrying weapons and a lunch box made it somewhat precarious, but I never thought about falling...of the many dangerous situations I guarded against, I never thought about the danger of falling because of those trap doors. Your tragic death showed just one more danger in being a correctional officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 14, 2009

"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 27, 2008

Actually just came across this page, but thought it would be fitting to leave my regards. You were always so hospitable to me and all of Derek's friends. Thanks again and take solace in knowing one day you & Mrs. Dimanoff will be reunited with your two sons.

-Tommy Templer
Tampa, Florida

February 15, 2006

To my "good buddy" & late brother-in-law. You are truly missed & thought of many times. Hope the fishing is great, the beer is cold, & we've mastered the skill of backing a trailer up? What laughs we had, until we cried. Miss you so much, but I know you're happy being with Toots.

From John E. Zemko
Mesa, AZ.

July 6, 2005

Mr.Dimanoff,

It is only right for me to wish you a happy father's day and to just reflect on your memory. Both you and Mrs. Dimanoff were like my second parents. Thank you for blessing me with your two sons Derek and Jimmy. I will never forget about two of the most influential people in my life.

Love Always,

Tae Won

June 18, 2005

Miss you dad....

Almost eight years later and it still seems like yesterday.

I find peace in knowing your in heaven with mom and playing golf. Hope your game has improved because I'm gonna whoop you when I get there.

Derek

Derek Dimanoff - His Son

June 15, 2005

James after all of these years you are still remembered as a hero! God bless you sir.

Ofcr. Dan Winger
LBCCPD, Ret.

January 27, 2005