Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Cpl. Armstead,
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 the state of Maryland. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 25, 2023

Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 7, 2020

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

March 25, 2020

you'll never be forgotten and forever loved R.I.P.

Paul Griffin
cousin

July 30, 2017

Can't believe today makes it 18 years......Time keeps the heart brutally honest. Miss you still bro....

First Sergeant Kerry B. Duncan
Maryland State Police

March 25, 2016

I know you're up there with your sister watching over all of the Armstead family, especially your mom and dad. I wish I had the chance to spend more time with you because i'm sure that we could've been pals. Nana and Papa are like my grandparents and I love them with all my heart, that is something I know we share besides our Armstead blood. I will try to live up to the name and make you and the whole family proud just like you did.

Private First Class Michael Armstead,
Cousin, 182nd Engineer Co, Future Fire fighter

January 21, 2016

Ray, we miss you.

First Sergeant Mark Rivera (Retired)
108th Academy Classmate

May 27, 2015

Ray, I have only wonderful memories of you, your Mother & Father and "Lee" when you were a member of St Mry's CYO basketball. May you rest in peace .... you were the best of the best and a great young man to have coached.

Ro Babineau
Basketball Coach St Mary's CYO

April 3, 2013

I remember you as rascal back in grade school. I would have liked to have met the man, husband, father that you had become.

Don Legere
Schoolmate

April 2, 2013

Wow .. I can't believe you have been gone 15yrs not a day goes by guy I don't think about you and wonder what or where you would be in law enforcement ... I used to love to hear you talk about the job and tell your stories, always was excited when you was coming for a visit .. I miss ya brother and I know you in a better place ... Take care of your sister and know that I love ya both and I will see ya again ... Love ya Yolanda

Yolanda Sanders
Sister

March 27, 2013

Today is the 15th anniversary of your leave and yet my heart still aches to feel your broad shoulders and tell you once again how proud your father and I have been of you. Our love for you has never waiverd and is as strong or stronger today than it was on the day you left us physcially. You made such an impression on so many lives and touched so many people that we were not even aware of. Your boys have grown to young men that would have made you proud. Vee did an outstanding job raising them alone. We love you more than you will ever know..

Francine Armstead
Mother

March 25, 2013

Corporal Armstead you are remembered by the men and women of the Boston Police Department for you dedication to duty. RIP

Det. Michael Kane
Boston Police Dept.

December 26, 2010

Thinking of you today. Miss you.

First Sergeant Mark Rivera
Friend and Classmate

September 26, 2010

RIP my Brother

Deputy S. Yates
Covinton County Sheriff's Dept. (Mississippi)

July 3, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 25, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th 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.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 25, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 25, 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

February 18, 2008

Well my young brother, the discussion we had has come to fruition. I am now a fellow law enforcement officer. Your enthusiasm for the job you so loved was infectious. I remember the nights when you used to visit home and we would go out to listen to music at Copley Place. You would always somehow manage to slip in how much you loved your job and that I should look into law enforcement. Well I looked into it and you know what my Brother, you were right. I do love the job. Good looking out. Me and Cousin Steve both love being in law enforcement. I talk to Steve alot. We both miss you. I only wish that you could be here so that we could trade stories about our profession. You have been watching over us and I thank you for that.

Officer D. Sanders
Christopher Newport University PD/Brother inlaw

July 6, 2007

Ray, I think of you often. I remember the day you got your acceptance letter from MSP and I saw how excited you were. I know how much you wanted to served as a police officer from our many converations while you were an applicant. I know you are in a better place but your warming smile is often thought of. I will always pray for your family and friends.

Your Brother in Blue

Corporal Michael Williams
Howard County PD

July 2, 2007

Rest in peace my friend and know that you will always be remembered.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

March 25, 2007

Armstead, you will never know how you have blessed my life. By knowing you, I now have a new wonderful family, your mom and dad are a great blessing to my life. I guess I simply want to say thank you for being my Angel, and you are and forever will be missed.

Sergeant Cynthia Brown
Maryland State Police

July 26, 2006

Ray I lost another friend to the job, his name was Gary and you would have liked him a lot. Please watch over his family for us. You are missed, rest in peace brother.

N. T. ALmond U120
Chesterfield Co. Police Department, friend

May 6, 2006

Our class will be honoring a fallen trooper in a special memorial
ceremony on Friday March 24, 2006 at 12:30pm. We invite you to join us in
remembering the ultimate sacrifice made by a fellow brother, TFC Raymond
Armstead.
>
> You are cordially invited to attend this special ceremony at the Maryland
State Police Academy at 6852 Fourth Street, Sykesville, Maryland 21784. An oral
presentation will be given in the classroom, and conclude with the class placing
a rose in his memory. Please know that we are committed to remembering TFC
Armstead and his sacrifice.
>
> On behalf of the entire 3rd squad, it is our hope that you will be able
to attend and share in this time or tribute. Please feel free to extend this
invitation to anyone who knew TFC Armstead to attend also. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact Patty Garrish.

126th Class, 3rd Squad
MD State Police Academy

March 8, 2006

Ray,

We still see your Mom and Dad from time to time, and you always come up in conversation. You have touched many people in the short time you were with us. You will always be remembered.

CPL Marc Fountain, SCSD

Corporal Marc Fountain
Suffolk County Sheriff's Department Boston, MA

January 23, 2006