Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace, Ranger!

Lead Ranger Matt Lyons
National Park Service, Traffic Management - SEKI

June 23, 2024

I met Steve on a Type 2 fire crew in the Lower 48, and 3 years later worked with him at Kaloko. He was a valued friend and my cultural guide to the mysterious world of Hawai'i. We spoke just a week before his death. I miss his sense of humor, his grasp of history and his aloha spirit. Mt best wishes always to his family, who welcomed me so graciously. Sleep well Steve, we have the watch covered for you.

Ranger Tom Crockett
friend and co-worker

August 7, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

December 12, 2020

I was there with the FBI on that terrible heartbreaking day. I remember and pray for you every December 12. RIP Ranger Steve.

Ret. Special Agent M. Catherine Klawiter
FBI

December 12, 2018

I remember when this happened. I had just been hired with North Carolina state parks in 1998 is that really hit home Tumi the reality of what our job is. I never worked for men Steve, but I do think about this isn't often as it was the first line of duty death that occurred while I was a park ranger and it is a reminder to me that would card list of how minor infraction maybe you can always go sideways in a hurry. My Thoughts are with his family and friends.

Park Ranger
NC State Parks

December 9, 2018

Paid my respects at your memorial at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park today during my patrol. You are not forgotten Steve. God bless you and your ohana.

Enforcement Officer T. Kearns
NOAA Office of Law Enforcement

February 24, 2018

Steve, I remember our service together: fighting fire and talking story in Devil's Postpile, then later when I came out to KAHO. You were my friend and cultural guide. You were my friend and mentor. I will never forget our last phone conversation. We shared values and love of history, and I wish I had you here to talk to again. I will never forget you, and I will tell of you for years to come. Rest easy, brother.

Ranger Tom Crockett
NPS-Alaska State Parks-

January 19, 2017

Not sure if I will be here tomorrow (12 Dec 16) as our C-130 is broke, but wanted to say thank you for your service. You are remembered! I visit as many National Parks as I can in my travels and could not believe I was here almost on the anniversary of that day. R.I.P , Sir and Mahalo! Prayers to your wife and children!

MSgt
4th Recon Bn USMC

December 11, 2016

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service
R.I.P Sir!

Lt Gerhard Meier
Swiss Army, Mountain Infantry Bat II/4

December 12, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the tenth 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.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you.
The pain and the pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 13, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 27, 2008

~Never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

December 12, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 6, 2007

Once again I visit you on these pages. I'm now with another agency, but will always be a Ranger at heart. I feel like we have let you down, my friend, since your murderer was not convicted. But be assured that we have not forgotten you or your sacrifice. Your beloved family has been an inspiration to us all. We will take care of them for you, rest easy in that. Until we meet again...

Officer Krysia Baron
U.S. Forest Service

October 28, 2006

Ranger Makuakane-Jarrell, thank you for your service, gone but not forgotten.

God Bless you and your family

Terry MIyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares, Hialeah PD, Fl 11/6/86

January 11, 2006

Rest easy, Brother; you are not forgotten.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, In.l

March 27, 2004

Steve, I'll never forget how I found out about your death. I had been out on a poaching patrol and returned to the park HQ to see the flag at half mast. I passed some park employees decorating a Christmas tree when I was on my way to dispatch to find out what happened. I saw your name posted in big black letters--my knees went weak, my stomach turned, I started to shake. My Friend, I couldn't believe we had lost you. I can't decorate a Christmas tree now without thinking of you and our family has an ornament dedicated to your memory. We won't forget your sacrifice.

Thank you for being a strong shoulder when I needed one. I wish I had told you how much your example meant to me. Everyone should be blessed with the love of family that you had. We'll do our best to look after them for you.

Rest easy, my Friend, and God bless.
Rangers Krysia and Robert Baron and son, our new "Junior Ranger"

Ranger Krysia Baron
National Park Service

January 25, 2004

Thank you for your sacrifice. You will not be forgotten as long as there are grieving families and fellow officers. Rest easy.

RFC
MARYLAND RANGER

December 12, 2003

Another member of the green n gray has had their time cut short. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Ranger Makuakane-Jarrell. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA