Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sr. Trooper Bland,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of West Virginia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 19, 2019

RIP

Police Officer
Somerville (MA) PD

January 19, 2019

I graduated last night... and I know you were there in spirit and in mind but I so desperately wish you could have been there in person. I glued my favorite picture of you onto my cap and you walked with me. I know you wouldn't have missed that for the world and I know that you didn't. Life is getting so much easier, yet so much harder at the same time without you here, cheering me on.

This past February I finally got a tattoo in your honor and memory. It's a little sloth wearing a green campaign hat and he has your eyes and he's holding a black rose with a blue ribbon wrapped around the stem. Your unit number is in the ribbon and I named the sloth Barney. After one of your favorite characters.

My Cruiser joined you about a year and a half ago. I know you're taking care of him and I know that he loves you and everyone else and I know y'all love him with all of your hearts.

Take care Daddy. I love you so much.

With all the love in the world.

Autumn
Daughter

May 29, 2018

I swear it really doesn't take much to make me think about you and then for me to just start bawling my eyes out these days, you know that? It's starting to hurt a lot more because I'm starting to understand so many things that I didn't when I was little. I'm starting to feel emotions towards you that I'd never dreamed of and it's honestly a little scary, considering the circumstances at least. I've been mourning a lot more here lately it seems and it's all very confusing and it hurts, but at the same time I don't know how it can hurt or sometimes even why it does. But I want you to know that I'm trying my hardest to get through it and to not cry too much. I've got several people to help me out when I need it. Now, on to another topic, if that's okay.

I just started my 3rd year of walking the halls of Greenbrier East and I just gave out another scholarship back in May to Josh, Tony's son and he's attending Concord this fall. I'm taking an Advanced Placement class to gain 6 college credits in American History and an honors class in English. I'm still in JROTC and still heavily thinking about the military, but to be more specific, I'm thinking about the Air Force. I'm also really starting to look into colleges and a career that suits me. At the moment I have a college visit scheduled for this Friday at William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va. Aunt Lynne kinda scheduled the visit for me and I plan to spend the weekend in one of my favorite atmospheres and I pray it goes well. I'm still in choir with Mrs. Lutz and it seems like it will be very fun this year and I'm looking into auditioning for a Theatre Troup tomorrow so, wish me luck I guess?

Did I mention that I'm part of the leadership group at church? Well, its going to be my second year in and I'm pretty excited to see what all God has in store for our church. I've grown a lot in my faith and walk with Christ the past couple of years. I feel like you'd always be helping me find new ways to please and serve our God. Dad, I've gotta brag about Adam and how far he seems to be taking our group. It's pretty awesome to watch these teens grow in their faith just like me. I just pray that everything were doing now and whatever we come up with in the near and distant future is pleasing to God.

The last thing I want to talk about is just how much I wish you were here, but how happy I am. I'm selfish about that and I'll admit it. I want you here with me and mom, but at the same time I'm very happy with my life and with your best friend looking out for me and mom and being part of our family. I gotta admit that he's doing a great job and brag on him that he's the pain in my back side that I know you would've been and I love that. It's annoying that he's like that, and I don't really show it, but I love that he is the way he is when it comes to being my dad and on special occasions, my best friend. And the moments that I find my best friend in him is when I can really see how our relationship would be. And when he meets the guy that I really like, I can see you there in him and along side him, helping him put the fear of God in the poor guy. Like I've said, God couldn't have chosen a better man to step up to the plate for mom and me and I'm so happy that it was him and not someone else.

Well it's pretty late, and mom's going to inevitably wake me up at 5 in the morning when it's midnight already. I love you so much. I'll keep in touch. Rest easy, Daddy.

With love,
Autumn

August 29, 2016

Autumn,
Don't ever stop talking to your Daddy, he is right there, just a whisper away. He hears you, like all of the spirits resting with our Lord God. Keep him close and know that he is watching down on you, and I know he is proud of you, just like all of us right here on earth are!!!

Lucky
NRV Roughnecks

July 12, 2016

Dad, you have no clue how much I miss you right now. I'm in the guidance office right now because I haven't been able to get you out of my head all day long. My classes and grades are coming along well. If nobody has told you about me lately, I will myself. I'm in JROTC and in the Spartan Chorus as well. I have been trying to rank lately, and I am a P.F.C. I have a color guard tonight, if I can pull myself together. I am taking a public safety class and learning the foundations of criminal law. I have been heavily considering going into the military. I know you would have so much to say about that and I feel like you are trying to tell me, but right now I can't hear you. Say it louder please? Christmas this year will be hard; I can tell. It seems to get harder every year. But today was especially bad. I hope I have been making you proud because I strive to do so daily. I love you so much. I miss you. Happy late birthday.
- With love, Autumn

Autumn

December 9, 2014

Happy Birthday honey. Just wanted to let you know that we miss you and love you very much.

Colette Bland
wife

November 14, 2013

Hi Wayne - had another bike run in your memory today - thought about you all day and know you would be proud of all the scholarships we have awarded since you left us - Donnie Boggs had on Facebook about your riding your bike to raise money for St Jude's - I am proud you have always thought of the needs of others since you was a small young man - We love and miss you lots along with your brother Jeff

Peggy Bland
Mother

August 3, 2013

Selfishly just wish you were back with us
Love you - Mom

Peggy Bland
Mother

January 21, 2013

Hi Wayne - as you already know - another one of your classmates met you in heaven tonight - have a wonderful reunion - love you

Peggy Bland
Mom

August 29, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th 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.

Time never dimishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace

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

January 19, 2012

Hi Wayne - Today has been 12 years - Your Captain Gillispee called tonight as he always does - He is a wonderful and thoughful man and it is a comfort when he calls - Dad, Lynne, Steve and I miss you so much and your brother too - tell him hi for us also - Autumn is blossoming into a beautiful young lady and Colette is doing well - Love Mom

Anonymous

January 18, 2011

Hey Wayne thought I would come here to remember you on the 12th Ann. of your death. Just wanted to let you know that I have been thinking alot about you lately and to let you know that I have been missing you like crazy. While you were here we had alot of fun together. Your daughter is growing up so fast and is beautiful and smart and you would be so proud proud of her. She misses you so much. Well better go for now. We love and miss you so much.

Love you
Colette

WIfe Colette

January 18, 2011

Happy 38th Birthday Wayne - the weather today is the same as the day you were born - a beautiful crisp fall morning - Rest I Peace - I love you Mom

Anonymous

November 14, 2010

Never forgotten brave Warrior Brother.
My sincere thoughts and prayers to your family and coworkers.
be at Peace mate.

Senior Constable
Traffic Enforcement Section - South Australia Police

March 21, 2010

Hi Daddy its me your little girl just saying its 8:30 p.m. hi and whats up. we made some fried apple turn overs and now me and mommy are making peanut butter chocolate fudge! i know you would love it because mamma told me you loved anything she cooked.

XOXOXOXOXO LOVE, Autumn.

Autumn

November 11, 2009

Hi Wayne
It has been ten years today since we saw you. We both still miss you so very much, but know you are happy in your new home. I know God guides your spirit as one of his angels to be with and touch us at times when things happen or appear out of no where relating to you. May God see to it that you, through him, continue to bless us all. Until we meet again, we love and respect what you stood for here on earth and we will never forget the wonderful memories of the full life you had here with us all. Until next time we write,

Love
Dad and Mom

Anonymous

January 19, 2009

Daddy

It is 11:44 am on Wed. Jan. 14,2009 and I'm sitting here with Mommy telling her what to say. We are getting ready to remember the 10th ann. of your death. I really miss you and I love you so much. Daddy I wish that I would have gotten to know you because it would be lots of fun being around you and Aunt Lynnie. She makes me laugh a lot. She tells me about you and what you were like and she says she see a lot of you in me she tells me that all the time. She tells me all the time that I sound like you and act like you so much that it is scary. Mommy says the same thing about us too. Mommy says with me around its just like having you here.
Daddy I can't wait till the day I get to meet you and Jesus in Heaven it will be an awesome event. God and you keep watching over me and mommy and tell all my Grandparents Hi for me. I love and miss you very much.

Love
Your Daughter
Autumn

Autumn
Loving Daughter

January 14, 2009

Hi Baby

Well its 4:40 am in the morning on Jan. 12 with 7 more days to go till it will be 10 years ago that I lost the Love of My Life You.It has been a tough 10 years but I have done it because of the beautiful daughter we have.I miss you so very much and love you more.I remember all the great times we had together. I am so glad that we were able to have the time together when we lived in Elkins we had a lot of fun there.I know if you were here our family would have lots of great times together.Please keep watching over us and tell my Granny and PawPaw Lipes Hi for me and that I miss them very much and Love them.I'll talk to you again soon Baby and we miss you and Love you very much.

Your Loving Wife
Colette

colette
Loving Wife

January 12, 2009

Hi Daddy
I just wanted to tell you a day late Happy Birthday and that I miss you and I will see you sometime and it is our journey to heaven and I love you
Your daughter
Autumn

Anonymous

November 15, 2008

Hi Waynie
I am showing Autumn how to tell you about herself when she wants to. She is so sweet and we all love her very much. She and Colette are here with us for a little while today.
I love you
Mom

Anonymous

November 15, 2008

Hi Wayne

Happy 36th Birthday - I will forever love you and your brother Jeffrey - Please tell him hi and I love him too. Your dad says hi to both of you and he loves and misses you both very much also. Please save our place beside of the two of you in heaven.

I love you
Mom

Anonymous

November 14, 2008

God Bless you!

Anonymous

October 31, 2008

May you rest safe with the Lord and may He ever bless your loved ones.

Anonymous

September 11, 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

March 2, 2008