Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Licata,
I celebrated 25 years clean and sober June 15th, 2023. You took me to detox on that day in 1998. God bless you. My family are grateful that you were the one to convince me that I had a lot to live for.

A grateful citizen

Candace Krueger
Citizen

January 6, 2024

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)

September 6, 2020

1991 company 91-39 NYPD Police Academy 29 years ago but I remember it like it was yesterday. Transit PD (before the merge) Dennis always kept the company spirits high with his humor and his kindness. I did a ride along with him when he was a rookie with Denver PD. A consummate professional. Dennis you are missed and will never be forgotten. God Bless

Detective Charles ‘Scott” Kuhn
NYPD & NYTPD

October 31, 2019

Dennis, I can still here your laughter as the boy I grew up with. “That Dennis” as my dad always said will always be part of a happy memory for anybody that was lucky enough to know you.

~Karen
Childhood Friend & Neighbor

January 13, 2019

there's not a day goes by that I don't think about my dad. i wish i had more time. I miss him every single day of my life. Coming on here to see just how many lives my dad had touched truly makes things a little easier. the pain will never go away, but knowing just how many people he impacted lets me know just how amazing of a man my father was and will always be in my heart.

Haley Licata
daughter

January 9, 2019

Rest In Peace. I just looked up your name because there is a Harley Davidson dedicated to your honor. It’s a Beauty! My prayers go out to your daughter and your family.

Stephen Twarowski SCBPO
US Customs and Border Protection

June 27, 2018

Officer Licata, it's obvious from reading the reflections here, that you truly lived in the Spirit of the Badge, no matter where you worked or what your assignment. It's also obvious that you were gifted with a personality that helped you draw others to you so you could be a positive influence. Your professional commitment and dedication to duty can be an example to all of us. You will always live on in our thoughts and memories.

Tina Lewis Rowe
Captain, Denver Police Department (ret.)
U.S. Marshal, Colorado (ret.)

February 12, 2017

Hard to fathom that it has been over 16 years since Dennis got killed that September afternoon. I saw him in the roll call room 5 minutes before he died. He was one handsome New Yorker. I used to tease him all the time about his Italian charm with the ladies. I put him through moor school about a year before his death. RIP my friend and I will see ya on the training pad.

SGT (RET) Brian William Deasy
Denver PD

December 18, 2016

Dennis was a unique, lovely person. He was my heart. When he died many people suffered greatly. My heart and soul was completely shattered. He always had a positive impact on people because of his sense of humor and bigger than life personality. He was very passionate about his family, friends, and his work.
I think about him everyday; I dreamt about him many times. I can't wait for the day when I can be with him again.

MLM
Citizen

September 12, 2014

Thank you for your dedicated service to others and know that you wil never be forgotten.

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

September 6, 2013

Rest in Peace, Officer Licata. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 25, 2012

I worked with Dennis in Denver and we became good friends. I remember he and I would often discuss who would win in a fight between Wolverine of the X-men and Batman, I would always say Wolverine and Dennis would say Batman. Then he would whisper in a deep raspy voice "I'm Batman".

Dennis was a cool dude. We played basket ball a couple of times because I told him a white guy could not beat me. I won the first game then he won the second so I guess we'll have a tie breaker whenever I join him in the here after.

I will never forget the day I heard Dennis had been in the accident I was riding my bicycle when I got the call. I was so broken up I almost wrecked my bike because of my tears.

I feel terrible that it has taken me so long to write this but then I did not even know this web site was available. I regret that I was too weak to travel to New York for Dennis's final resting. To all of Dennis's family, my prayers and thoughts are with you often.

Dennis may be Batman but Wolverine is still tougher. I guess He and I will have to finish that argument later.

Love you Bro.
R.T.

Sgt. R. Thomas
Denver Police / Friend

June 10, 2011

I was thinking of Dennis today as we were both hired 20 years ago today by the N.Y.C Transit police Deptartment and went through the N.Y.C Police acadamy together(company 91-39) I remember Dennis as a great, friendly,funny guy. He had an great sense of humor and was very well liked. Unfortunately after the police acadamy I never saw Dennis again as I was assigned to Manhattan and he went to Brooklyn and then became a police Officer in Denver. I was very saddened to hear of his passing and always think of his great attitude and sense of humor that helped us all through the acadamy and what an honor it was to have known him. Rest is peace my brother, you are not forgotten

P.O Pat Noonan retired
N.Y.P.D

April 30, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 102nd 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 solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 6, 2010

Dennis and I used to work together, when he was a NYC transit cop. He was a true gentleman. He was a very dedicated cop. A fun and very personable guy. When I first started he befriended me and looked out for me. He couldn't wait to get out of the Transit Police and out of New York. I am very sorry that I just heard of this, so many years later. Dennis although I hadn't heard about this, I want you to know you have been thought of often by me. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. RIP....

PO Tommy Rudolph
NYPD-Retired

August 31, 2010

Officer Licata,
Today I celebrate 12 years clean and sober. You took me to Detox on this date in 1998. I have never forgotten your care and concern. I work with homeless substance abusers and tell the story of how you went above and beyond the call of duty and gave me a reason to change my life. As I get on my motorcycle, I thank you that I am alive today. Thank you for your service.

Candace Krueger
Grateful citizen

June 15, 2010

Officer Licata - You survived service with NY Transit PD only to die, in the line-of-duty, here in Colorado. So sorry for you and your family's loss.

Four Fridays ago, I stood in the State Assembly chambers when you name was one of almost 250 read off during a motion regarding this month's Peace Officer Memorial Week - you are not forgotten.

Thank you for your service to the people of the City of Denver and the State of Colorado. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

May 14, 2010

Dennis,
Not a day goes by that I do not think about you and all the fun and laughter that you brought to our lives. You have left us on this earth, but you will never be gone from our hearts. You were truly one of a kind and I miss you everyday. May you have eternal happiness where you are now. I love and you miss always.
Love Susie

Susie Sikoryak
Sister

January 26, 2010

If tomorrow never comes, than yesterday's forever........Thank you for all the years i had with you, you taught me alot. And for being a great brother man. I miss you!!!!!

Vinny
Brother

January 11, 2010

Dennis:

Rest easy on this Christmas day. You are not forgotten, brother.

Lenny

Leonard LeVine
USDOJ - Friend

December 25, 2009

I just recently learned of Dennis' passing and I must say I am devastated. Dennis and I attended the NYPD academy in the spring/summer of 1991. Dennis was smart, friendly and probably the FUNNIEST person I have ever known. His humor got us thru the tough training days and his guidance helped us thru difficult learning experiences. He was truly a man of spirit and conviction and to this day I still smile at the thought of his impersonations, jokes and the way he extended himself to those in need. While I am so terribly sad to hear of his passing I am empowered to know he is serving in heaven. Dennis you were a GREAT friend and you will NEVER be forgotten.
your buddy,
Mike

Detective Michael Toone
NYPD

June 5, 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

December 9, 2007

I worked with Dennis in the NYPD transit bureau. Within a short amount of time of working with each other, we became very close friends. I was selfishly disappointed when Dennis left the NYPD to become a police officer in Denver. However, I realized that it was something he had wanted to do and I was happy for him. Although I regret that our friendship was all too brief, nonetheless, I am extremely grateful for the time we spent together. Two funny stories about Dennis which exemplify the kind of person he was:
*Dennis would drive to work in a beat up jalopy and one day I put an unflattering bumper sticker on his car. He laughed and did not complain. Needless to say, I proceeded to put one bumper sticker on his car every day for the next four months until about one third of his car was covered in none too flattering fashion. Eventually, the car broke down and to this day, I wonder what the tow truck driver was thinking!
*The second story which makes me smile to this day has me arriving at work at the start of a shift wanting to tell Dennis a funny story but unable to find him. After fruitlessly searching for ten minutes, I proceeded to go to my locker and change for the start of my shift. When attempting to open my lock, it inexplicably fell to the floor in two pieces. As I opened my locker, Dennis, who curled up in the fetal position at the bottom of my locker, leapt out at me screaming like a banshee! I almost had a heart attack! He must have been in that locker for 20 minutes, and I use the "two piece" lock to this day.
I happen to be an only child, however if I had a brother I couldn't imagine a better brother to have had than Dennis.
I am now a NYPD Mounted Police Officer for the past 4 years. Earlier this year I received my first permanent horse whom I promptly named Dennis. Photographs of Dennis and his daughter currently adorn the front of the horse's stall along with Dennis' biography. The horse has a mind of his own just like his namesake and from time to time will surprise me in a manner not unlike Dennis.
If anyone wishes to see Dennis the horse he is located at 19 Varick Street, New York, NY, NYPD Troop A (Two blocks south of Canal Street).
My tours of duty are Sunday through Thursday 3:30 pm to midnight. I can be reached at 516-318-7689.
God bless the memory of Dennis Licata and all law enforcement officers past and present.

Police Officer Kevin Cox
NYPD/Friend

September 21, 2007

Dennis,

There is not a day that goes by that i don't think of you. Every time i visit you i wish that i could have that one more day so i couuld say to you all the things i have never said. You lie next to Mom and i ask GOD, why did you need to take them both so young? I wanted to follow in your foot steps but things just didn't turn out the way i had hoped. I hope i can become even half the person you had become. Everyone you came in contact with seemed to be drawn to you. I am very proud to tell people about you, and i am VERY proud to be your brother. May you rest in peace and watch over us. Let mom know that we will all be there for dinner again, so have the table set, tell grampa to have the gravy and meatballs ready! Untill that time, you will forever be in my thoughts. I love and miss you. your brother BOBBY......

bobby licata
brother

June 9, 2007

Brother Motorman,
We may be few, but we are strong. We remeber each of our fallen with every twist of the throtle. We ride with each other, one on the road,the other beside us as the wind. We take each fallens spirit as we ride into our daily battle, protected by the ones above. Please watch over us as we continue the mission. Ride with the wind beside us.

God Speed Brother....

The Motorcycle Officer's Poem reads as follows:
It sounds like thunder far away, but the skies are blue and bright...
And soon they crest the hill nearby, and ride into our sight.
They shake the ground with powerful sound, and they make some hearts beat fast...
They look so proud and noble, like Knights come from the past.
Side by side, they always ride, and seem to move as one...
From early in the morning light, to the setting of the sun.
And children point and wave to them, from cars that pass them
And young ones ask their parents, why the men have mirrors for eyes.
They ride the roads, and fight for good, and defend small ones like you...
They ask to ride, and do with pride, and sometimes they are few.
Like men of steel, on Silver Wings, they sparkle in the light...
then with a roar and rumble; they ride out of our sight.
Sometimes when one has fallen, never to ride again...
You can hear the others calling, like thunder on the wind.
Side by side, they slowly ride, and their thunder is a mournful sound...
And the mirrors hide their eyes from us, when teardrops fall to ground.
So if you see one riding, and you look into his face...
You see your reflection in his eyes; you know that you are safe.
For motormen are a special breed, they love to ride the wind...
And when you hear the thunder boom, the fallen ones ride again.

June 4, 2007