Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Wester,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of DeKalb County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 24, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Wester.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 9, 2019

I heard great memories of you, from your sister, my Granny Annie Bell. She never got over your death, and my Dad kept your pocket watch dear to him up u too his demise. Wish I had known you Uncle Owen, but there's no doubt you died a hero to this county & to your family. RIP and tell Daddy, Granny & Pa I said hello - you all are finally together after all those years.

Chanty Smith
Great niece

July 14, 2016

My 3x great-grandfather, a former Sheriff of DeKalb Co., died at age 89 a little over a year before this incident. I am sure he was waiting at Heaven's Gate to welcome you..."Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets..."

Kim Kinsey

April 12, 2016

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

October 30, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today as we approach the 79th 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 the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer, 74 years after you were killed.

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

April 7, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

July 11, 2007

We pause to remember Deputy Wester and honor the ultimate sacrifice he paid serving his fellow citizens.

May he never be forgotten.

Major D.W. Warren
Montgomery Police Dept. - Montgomery, AL

April 25, 2007

Rest in Peace, Deputy Wester. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2006

No one who gave his life in the line of duty should have a blank reflection page. Thank you Deputy Wester for your valiant efforts to keep our community safe. You'll always be remembered for the hero you are.

Rex Leath
Collinsville Police Department

October 19, 2006

God Bless you

May 11, 2005