Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and please know that no passage of time will ever erase your sacrifice and heroism. Rest in peace always.

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

July 20, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service. Never forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 20, 2019

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 91rst 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 20, 2010

Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. You truly are a hero and made the great state of Alabama proud in your act of heroism. Please watch over us as we continue the deed.

Chief Darron L. Sparks
Anderson Police Department Indiana

March 22, 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

Rest in Peace, Sheriff Sparks. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2006

Sheriff Sparks your bravery will never be forgotton and your legend lives on.
Rest In Peace!

Sgt. Hank Edwards
Bessemer Police Department

Sgt. Hank Edwards
Bessemer Police Department

February 17, 2006

As an employee of the Cullman County Sheriff's Office, I give my respect to Sheriff Sparks for giving the ultimate sacrifice. Mr. Sparks is the only law enforcement officer in the history of Cullman county to lose his life in the line of duty, and may he also be the last. God Bless.

Dispatcher Russell Graham
Cullman County Sheriff's Office

April 20, 2004

Sheriff Sparks, thank you for the great job you did when you were Chief of the Cullman Police Dept. from 01/18/1915 to 01/18/1919. I know you were continuing a great job after becoming Sheriff of Cullman County on 01/20/1919. I want you to know you are not forgotten and that proper recognition for your valiant efforts are forthcoming. I wish I could have known you. I know you were a great man.

Officer Rick Thiot
Cullman Police Dept.

March 13, 2004

Sheriff Sparks....thank you for your service. Nice shot, too.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

March 9, 2004

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

Taryn Walters Ontiveros
Daughter of Officer Larry Walters EOW 11-13-74

March 9, 2004