Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Gone but never forgotten. Counting hours, days, months, and years.

Sandra Araujo

May 27, 2024

Happy Birthday Big Brother! I miss you and Love you.
Still your Little Bro.

Keith Lerner, Lt. Det/USCG Ret.
DCJ

July 30, 2023

Oh Craig. It's been a lifetime. You are loved and missed.

AO3
Friend

May 24, 2023

Rest in peace Lt. Lerner.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 8, 2021

I knew Craig in the Navy Hawkeye community before he transferred to the USCG. I flew multiple missions with him in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, supporting USCG Drug Interdiction operations in the E2C. He was a superb officer, aviator and professional. I enjoyed my time with him in the Hawkeye and hanging around back on the beach. Proud to have known him!

Non nobis solum nati sumus ortusque nostri partem patria vindicat, partem amici. Cicero

LCDR Butch Hills
US Navy

May 31, 2021

Lt. Lerner,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Crewmen for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Paratus!

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 24, 2020

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 24, 2020

Happy Birthday Brother!
There isn't one day that goes by that I don't think about you, and how much you are missed. You are my wonderful and precious big brother, and thank you for always watching over me. I never had the opportunity to thank you before you took your final flight to Heaven, but I know you can always hear me and see me. We had a special (awesome), but much too short life together on earth. I would not change anything we shared or did together, other than I wish you were here with me now. You will always be my hero and angel. I know you will take care of Mom and Dad now that they have followed you thru the Pearly Gates of Heaven. Until we meet again, Peace to you. Still your little brother.

Keith Lerner, LT Detective, Retired
USCG and DCJ

July 30, 2020

Dear friend,
I’m still here. I still miss you.

AO USN

May 25, 2020

My dear and beautiful cousin Craig- you were and are such an important member of this family. Your laugh and smile is missed so. I hope and pray that you and Auntie are together and providing the laughs and guidance to those with you as well as those that see you from this side every day. You are a hero Craig- with love to you my family , my friend Carol Sue

Major Carol S Lamb
USAR, retired, Cousin

September 24, 2017

Dear friend of mine. The time passes but memories of you linger.

Sandra Araujo
AO USN

May 25, 2015

Hi Craig;
It has been almost 25 years and I remember it like yesterday. I think of you daily. It remains one of the saddest days of my life.

LT David Gallisath
USCG Ret. Friend

April 30, 2015

Hi Craig. . . Here we are again. I am still pushed to tears on this day, my thoughts of you and a life ended too soon.

AO USN
Friend

May 26, 2014

Thinking of you today as I do many days old friend. I still miss you.

Sandra Araujo

May 27, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. I am privileged to pay tribute to you. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd anniversary year 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know that both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 12, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 26, 2012

Rest in peace and Olav Hashalom Coast Guard Officer Lerner, your commitment will never be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 8, 2012

Fond memories still, old friend. Today, as yesterday. I'm counting on tomorrow.

Sandra Araujo
Navy

May 28, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP now, you shall never be forgotten.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 25, 2012

Had Lt. Learner as a “Pubs” class instructor in VT-10 in 1987. He is the only instructor I remember because of the effective way he taught. I still remember him and some of his sayings to this day, 24 years later. Thank you Craig, for your service and what you taught me.

Dan DuByne
Former LT, USN
VAQ-137/CVW-1/CV66

Dan DuByne
USN - student aviator

October 5, 2011

Thinking of you, Craig. You were a talker, philosopher, and teacher. I miss you!

Sandra Araujo
Navy, stationed with Craig

May 30, 2011

I again think of you this Memorial Day, my friend, as with all years that have passed. I never thought that Thursday, August 23, 1990 would be the last time. I continue to hold on that I will see you again.

AO3 Sandra Araujo
Friend

May 31, 2010

"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

March 18, 2008

You are forever in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. You impacted my life in such a wonderfully positive way, and I am infinitely thankful for your unconditional love and support. You're beautiful soul is an indelible mark on mine. I will always love you and will always keep you in my heart Craig Eric.

Martha Jane
former spouse

March 9, 2008

Craig,
On today, the 17th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you to you and your fellow crewmembers for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Paratus

Anonymous

August 24, 2007