Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Inspector Lamberth's last communication with his family came 2 days before his murder. He wrote a letter to his wife stating he had finished testifying before a federal grand jury and was headed to Stantonville, TN. He expected to be back home in 2 days.
He arrived in town, checked into the local hotel, then went onto the hotel porch to eat a meal as night fell. He had left his handgun back in his room. As he finished his dinner, a local rural letter carrier called out to him from the courtyard. Inspector Lamberth walked over to speak to him.
The tone of the conversation quickly escalated. The carrier pulled out a revolver and shot Inspector Lamberth multiple times, then fled. Minutes later, the carrier's wife returned, telling witnesses she wanted to check on the Inspector as he laid in the courtyard. Instead, witnesses saw her place a revolver under his dying body.
Inspector Lamberth was carried into a home adjacent to the hotel. A doctor was summoned, who told Inspector Lamberth that his wounds were fatal. Inspector Lamberth responded that he wanted to remain alive until he could see his wife and children one last time. Lamberth told the doctor he had forgotten to kiss his two infant children goodbye before he left home. He wanted to kiss them one last time.
His wife and two infant children promptly made the 20 mile trip from Corinth, MS to Stantonville, but the journey took 3 hours over the rough, rural roads. By the time the family arrived, Inspector Lamberth had died.

Ron J. Pry, U. S. Postal Inspector (Ret)
U. S. Postal Inspection Service

April 22, 2023

Rest in peace always knowing that no passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice.

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

August 16, 2020

Rest in peace Postal Inspector Lamberth.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 11, 2019

Rest in Peace Postal Inspector Elbert Perry Lamberth. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice Protecting the U.S. Postal Service.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers. I also Pray the scum who murdered you burn forever in hell.

Amen.

B. Sherwood Senior Special Agent retired
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

August 13, 2016

After being shot multiple times, Postal Inspector Lamberth was carried to a nearby home. He was told his wounds were fatal. He asked to have his family summoned to his side, saying he had forgotten to kiss "my babies" before leaving home several days earlier. Although his family wasn't far away by modern standards, they had to travel the rural TN roads by carriage at night. By the time his wife and two babies arrived, Inspector Lamberth had died.
Thank you for your dedication and the horrible sacrifice you had to pay to protect postal employees and the U.S. Mail. Your baby girl, Sarah, lived to be 98 and had a full life. You would have been proud.

Ron J. Pry, U.S. Postal Inspector
U. S. Postal Inspection Service

May 18, 2016

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 96th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first 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.

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

February 22, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 27, 2012

Inspector Lamberth, today marks the 92nd anniversary of your tragic and senseless murder. I don't know what exactly the investigation you were conducting was about, but I cannot believe it would have resulted in a penalty to either party as bad as the penalty for murder. It makes no sense.

You have not been forgotten Inspector Lamberth and you are a hero.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

August 16, 2009

"Final Call"
An Angel In The Sky Must Leave His Place Of Rest,
Gently Tucking His Wings Beneath His Armored Vest.
For Duty Has Called, There Is Much Work To Do.
Little Did He Know, This One Is Dressed In Blue.

Arriving On The Scene, He Knows Just What To Say,
"Follow Me, Fallen Brother, I'll Show You The Way."
"Your Duty Has Ended, Your Work Is Now Through."
"Come Hang Your Hat Beside Mine, I'm A Cop, Too."

Elbert was in our service long before I came in. The job is quite different now, but some things never change. Like our appreciation for the bravery and selfless acts of those who came before. As I near retirement I sincerely wish he had the same chance.

Blessings from USPIS Badge #3942 to his family and all those who loved him.

Pat Locke
US Postal Inspector, Grand Rapids, MI

February 22, 2008

Always remembered!

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

September 27, 2006

In May, 2005 I will ride the Police Unity Tour in honor of Inspector Elbert P. Lamberth who was shot while doing an investigation in 1917. While I obviously did not know Inspector Lamberth, I did have the honor of meeting his almost 90 year old daughter at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in May, 2004. She was a wonderful, witty and warm woman and there is no doubt that she was a reflection of all that was good about her father.

Michael T. Rae
US Postal Insepction Service

April 13, 2005