Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I worked with Wally at Knotts Berry Farm Security and loved his sense of humor and cartoons. I truly miss him and I'm happy to have had him as a friend. Rest in Peace my friend.

Retired Orange County Sheriff Deputy
Friend

September 29, 2022

Used to talk Wally every so often when he was doing his cartoon books in La Palma. He was always ready to share a story and talk over old times. I miss his sense of humor and his vision of the world of law enforcement.
We miss you Wally.

Captain Jay K.
MWP/ US Marshals.

October 2, 2021

Used to talk Wally every so often when he was doing his cartoon books in La Palma. He was always ready to share a story and talk over old times. I miss his sense of humor and his vision of the world of law enforcement.
We miss you Wally.

Captain Jay K.
MWP/ US Marshals.

October 1, 2021

Wally was a great friend at San Jacinto, Ca PD and Cypress, Ca PD. I just learned of his murder and was deeply saddened. Rest In Peace my friend.

Dennis Ney, Detective Corporal (retired)
Co worker and friend

August 20, 2021

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

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

August 5, 2020

One of my earliest introductions to police humor was a cartoon book called "Crime Crushers". As a young officer with only a few years on the job, I had just enough experience to crack up over the situations the author, Wally Davis (then with West Orange County California's La Palma Police Department) depicted and relate them to my own career.

I still have that book.

Sgt William Potts (retired)
Jefferson Hills Police Department

August 5, 2020

Wally and I came into the Clallam County department at the same time---he as a lateral transfer and I was a reserve. We soon became friends, teammates, and went to church together. As soon as I was accepted to be a full-time deputy, Wally was to be one of my FTOs whwn I came back from the academy.

On that fateful weekend, I was supposed to have one, maybe two rides with Wally, before I left. However, my plans changed (I wanted to celebrate my wife's birthday and our anniversary). I spoke with Wally on that Friday during the last hour of his shift. I remember his sly smile, or smirk as some of us labeled his dry humor.

It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon. But, something got my attention as I began to leave---the hairs on the back of my neck spiked. So, I turned around and asked him..."I WILL see you, right?"

His last words to me were..."I'll see you soon..."

On that Saturday, I received the news that he was killed. I was immediately in shock, knowing I was supposed to be with him. I felt that I could have done something to help. After a year or so later, the guilt subsided and I knew there was nothing I could have done.

I live on remembering his wit and intelligence. I remember our times together during Bible studies and playing with his trains. I remember how enthralled he was with his cartoons and books. I stay in touch with his family.

God bless you, Wally. Gone, but not forgotten.

Buddy Bear
Clallam County Sheriff's Office

May 11, 2020

You may be gone Sir, but not forgotten. May you R.I.P.

Ron Skeeters
Surviving Son Trooper Bernie Skeeters
Illinois State Police
EOW 5-20-1982

August 6, 2015

I was going through a box of memorabilia from my career that started and 81. I found volumes two and three of “Crime Crushers” that I had. I did a Google search to see if I could find some more online. That is when I unfortunately found this on ODMP. What a loss his cartoons inspired officers from other agencies to do the same (we had our own cartoonist). I am at the end of my career however tomorrow at work I will be sharing these books with those younger officers so the legacy of Wally will live on forever. Rest in peace Wally, thanks for the memories.

Don B, El Centro PD retired
currently US Veterans Affairs Police

May 27, 2015

While I worked with wally he was a good guy to talk to about serious anb funny things about police work he always found out the funist angle on everything. Hewas agood guy and a good friend.

officer michael munoz
cypress police department

March 18, 2015

Wally was a good man, partner and roommate. His sense of humor was fantastic. We worked many shifts together at La Palma where he found lots of inspiration for his writing and cartoons. When attending his funeral it was great to see the community support for Wally and his family. We miss you Wally, Rest In Peace.

Sgt. Alton (Ret.)
Orange PD/Friend

November 4, 2013

As I pass by the place where you were taken from us, (the house is all gone but the concrete steps to the front porch still remain) the place where you walked your last steps on this earth, I reflect on the life that you lived. To serve and protect: you lived up to that motto every day of your life right up to the end.
I watched that house burn to the ground one early morning. My fellow firefighters and I felt your spirit all around. Your death will not be in vain. Never forget / Always on guard.

Lieutenant Al Oman
CCFD#2

August 13, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 31, 2013

RIP my friend. Will always remember the great laughs on patrol and dancing waters at Disney with our kids. You were a great man and a hell of a partner.

Mike Clesceri
Former law enforcement partner

August 25, 2010

Rest in peace, 140. It's been 10 years, but we still remember. Thanks for your service.

Anonymous

August 6, 2010

On this anniversary of your sacrifice, special thanks to you for your service, and good thoughts to your family, friends and department.

Cadet
Colorado

August 5, 2010

A decade may have passed but you have not been forgotten as true heroes never die. Thank you for your dedicated career in law enforcement and your assistance to others.

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

August 5, 2010

Wally was a good man and his death was a great loss to all.
Wally was a nice guy and a great Deputy and friend to all.
My Heart goes out to his family, May God be with you all.

Keith

VFC F-42 Keith Haynes SR
USCG AUX & Roughnecks MC Washington

October 29, 2008

Rest in peace brother, thank you for your service.

SPO Kevin Jones
Glynn County (GA) Police Dept.

September 21, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

April 9, 2008

In the early 1980’s Wally was a Police Officer with the City of Cypress, CA Police Dept. I was a Reserve Police Officer for CYPPD and remember Wally very well for his books and cartoon caricatures of police life. I left CYPPD in 1984 and many times since have thought about Wally’s works and would have a laugh at the same time wondering what had happened to Wally. I only learned recently of his murder and was deeply saddened by this tragic event. Wally thanks for the laughs, it was a pleasure to have known and worked with you.

SSES Enrique Avila
US Customs & Border Protection

December 14, 2007

It has been 7 years and you have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case for you are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol guarding the Thin Blue Line.

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

August 5, 2007

I KNOW YOU ARE WALKING THE STREETS OF GOLD STILL KEEPING WATCH OVER US EACH AND EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY AND NIGHT!!!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD

February 10, 2007

I spoke with Wally a few times in the mid 80's when I first came on the job in southern California. I bought all of his books and a bunch of his T-shirts! I too used to hang copies of his cartoons in roll call or the locker room so everyone could have a laugh. We definitely lost a good one.

I'll See You in Valhalla Wally,

Hutch

Cattle die; kinsmen die; you likewise must die; But the voice of honor never dies for he who has earned a good name- Norse Wisdom

Det. Dave Hutchinson
Stanislaus County DA's Office

January 12, 2007

Wally's humor and cartoons brightened the days (and night shifts) of countless officers. He is sorely missed.

Maj. Mark Ingram

October 20, 2006