Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I just came upon this web site and the many tributes from total strangers for Alfred J. Pate struck a powerful and happy chord in my heart. My great-grandfather, James Pate, was a younger brother to the fallen deputy. My father, a physician, cared for Al Pate’s only offspring, “Cousin Ellen,” in her old age. I own a Hepplewhite sideboard that once belonged to Uncle Al, and a hemp hangman’s noose he took away from a lynch mob in front of the county jail in Fayetteville. He had saved the suspect only after a hell-for-leather buggy ride through downtown, having arranged the man’s peaceful surrender. The alleged crime? The chief of police, hearing a knock at his front door, arose from Sunday lunch with his family and went to answer the door. When he opened it, he was shot dead on his doorstep. But I wanted to reach out because it is so fine to see him remembered. He is a legend in the Pate family and there are many colorful stories about him. He was both the chief deputy and the chief jailer at the time of his death.

James L. Pate Jr.
Grand nephew of Alfred Jackson Pate

May 30, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Pate,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of of Cumberland 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 22, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 22, 2020

Rest in peace fellow officer. Your bravery will never be forgotten.

William F Gomola
Bay Village Ohio police dept. retired

January 20, 2019

Deputy Pate
Their are no words that can thank you for your service. You gave your life so that we could live ours. The man who killed you ( I won't write his name ) was made out to be some sort of hero, he was a killer nothing more. Rest in peace knowing their were many who attempted to live up to a person such as you. We will never forget.

Sheriff Rod Fenske
Lake County Sheriff

January 18, 2018

Deborah: i agree totally. Society always lifts up the criminals and the true heroes are relegated to pages like this. Your great uncle, was truly great. He served at the cost of his own life.
My father was a policeman in Birmingham, AL. He saw so much action that it affected him greatly until he passed on.
Your uncle is not forgotten!
Roger..

Roger
admirer

January 17, 2018

I never had the honor of knowing my great uncle. His daughter Ellen was married to my uncle George Booker Stevens. I know for a fact that aunt Ellen never forgave Carbine Willams for her father's death and felt he was exhonerated. Today the story of Carbine Williams is on TMC..a movie full of misconceptions. They even have a made of name for my uncle Alford. I was thrilled to find Uncle Alford was remembered on this website. Thank you for your service Uncle Al.

Deborah Bias Carter
great neice

May 20, 2013

I am gratified to see this one posting. Alfred J. Pate was my Great Grandfather. Of his two daughters, Estell Pate Stewart was my Grandmother. As in the previous posting, I never had the honor of knowing him, but he was adored by both my Grandmother and her sister Ellen Pate Stevens.

CWO3 Edward W. Stewart III USCG (Ret.)
Great Grandson

May 2, 2013

Dear Uncle Alfred ,You may have passed from this life long before I was born but know that you will never be forgotten. My family has passed your story down, as so will I. I am honored to be your great neice . You served your community well and paid the ultimate price.

May Angels Keep

Deborah Bias Carter
great neice

December 2, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 89th 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 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.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 22, 2010

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. I DON'T CARE WHAT A COP KILLER INVENTED. HE SHOULD HAVE DIED IN PRISON. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL, NOW MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

July 22, 2007

As a U. S. commisioned field grade officer:I will not allow Your memory to be forgotten when a cop-killer like ex-convict David M. "Carbine" Williams, is revered for inventing a U.S. military rifle.....May You Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

May 21, 2007

No fallen officer deserves to be without a reflection. I am honored to be the first to leave one.

Your life, Deputy Sheriff Pate, shall never be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Kelly M

July 22, 2005