Fairfax County Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Wednesday, July 27, 1977
Reflections for Police Officer Karen Jean Bassford
- 1
- 2
GOD Bless You Today And Always
MDS. Rich Reeves (Retired) Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office
July 27, 2024
Karen-I have never forgotten you and will always remember our time together at Mclean Sub Station working the streets. You were a person that could always be counted on when needed and a very good Police Officer. RIP my friend!
MPO William T Morrison, III
Fairfax County Police Department
July 13, 2024
GOD Bless You Today And Always Sister
MDS. Rich Reeves (Retired) Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office
July 27, 2022
Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 27, 2020
Rest in peace Officer Bassford. A true heroine!
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
January 28, 2019
Rest In Peace Sister LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.
Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA
July 27, 2018
You will never be forgotten.
Chris Cosgriff
Founder & Executive Director
Officer Down Memorial Page
July 27, 2017
I was working out of West Springfield that night. Will never forget your sacrifice and contribution. May a loving and merciful Father bless you and keep you.
Al Juliano
July 27, 2017
Rest in peace Karen , your parents Ken and Helen were so proud of you. Peace to all of you now
Retired FCPD Beth Benham
Fairfax County Police Department
July 26, 2016
Officer Bassford,
On today, the 36th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Fairfax County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.i.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
July 27, 2013
Karen
It has been 36 years since the night you left our squad, I fondly think of you often and have wonderful memories of our time together. You were a wonderful partner and police officer, you were and will always be missed and respected.
RIP.
"C" Squad Partner-McLean Station
Fairfax County Police-Retired
May 30, 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 36th 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 the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections
Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater
January 20, 2013
Karen
I will always remember you and the times that we worked together. You have not been forgotten and will live on forever in the minds and hearts of those who worked with you. We were all a very good team.
Forever a partner, RIP.
Retired MPO & "C" Squad Member
Fairfax County Police
February 20, 2010
Karen, I was in High School when you were patrolling the streets of McLean. I became a Cop because of women like you, you paved the road for the rest of us. You were taken too early. God Bless you and your Family.
Terri
Fairfax County Police Va, Retired
January 5, 2010
Thank-you for your service. Rest in Peace.
Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department
October 27, 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 2, 2008
god bless you and your family
fx officer
July 31, 2007
Continue to rest in peace
Dispatcher
FCPD - DPSC
July 31, 2007
You are remembered today for the sacrafice you made 30 years ago. Love and prayers go out to your family. You will never be forgotten......
a member of FCPD
July 30, 2007
Karen you are not forgotten. Your Mom and Dad speak so much about you I feel as if I know you myself. We sit and talk for hours, and you bring smiles and laughter to them with all the warm memories. Love is eternal.
Mpo Beth Benham
Fairfax County Police Department
July 30, 2007
Thirty years have passed since that tragic day.I served 5 years at Sta3. Your memory lives on within every FCPD officer. Rest in peace my brother. Rest in peace.
July 30, 2007
Karen-- I have thought of you often over the years, but particularily after Mike and Vicky passed. I was and still am proud to have been your friend and I am especially proud to have been a member of the Fairfax County Police Department. Rest in Peace.
Pete Quell MPO
Fairfax County
December 2, 2006
Officer Bassford,
May you continue to rest in eternal peace......
Senior Officer D.W.Reichhardt
Virginia State University Police Department Chesterfield, Virginia
July 27, 2006
Sister In Blue
I just drove by the area where your accident occured and thought of you as you served the citizens of Fairfax County. Thank you for your service and take care of the 3 other County heroes who have joined you since you were called home.
Police Officer
May 24, 2006
Karen, we were friends so briefly. All of our old gang went on and made it to retirement. You were called so suddenly, who new that was your last alarm run. We were all proud of you and talked of you often over the years. Time draws us closer as we all will soon meet again. Thanks for your lasting sacrifice. You were a true hero and way ahead of your time. Thanks for the honor of knowing you.
Sgt. Mike Crabill Retired
Alexandria Police Department
May 10, 2006
- 1
- 2
Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:
- Quick access to your heroes
- Reflections published quicker
- Save a Reflection signature
- View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past