Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

happy 34th birthday Jake. always thinking of you, even if i was a day late

September 18, 2006

Hey Jake,

It's hard to believe that it is time for yet another birthday for ya. Gosh 34 ... not sure if I even remember my 34th birthday ... it's been so long ago. It's still hard some days to go to work and know that you won't be there making some smart little remark on the radio. Or even sending me a message about something someone said or did that upset you. But trust me your memory lives on ... your thought of each and everyday by many of the people you worked with. Every once in awhile someone will mess up and say your unit number on the radio ... heck I even did it a few months ago. When that happens, I just have to stop and take a deep breath and know your looking extra hard down on us .... and keeping us all safe. Probably even snickering a little and saying to yourself " see you'll never forget me, because in some little way I will always be there " Take care sweetie, your in my thoughts and prayers each and everyday.
And once again Happy Birthday !!!!!

Miss you ... LuAnn

LuAnn

September 17, 2006

Jake,

I can't believe it's been two years since that awful day. I will never forget and it still makes me very sad when I think back to that morning. Your big smile and those pearly teeth are forever etched in my mind. Just want you to know that the Reno family will never forget you and the years of joy you brought to our lives.

Your little bug is getting to be quite a young lady. she is so beautiful and I see a lot of you, she loves to tease. she is well taken care of and loved by both sides of the family. I have to say Jake, although your death was so tragic, it has made many changes for the better. We appreciate each other more and realize thar everyday is precious and that we should try and live it to the fullest and not judge others.

As i said, Kaylee is well cared for. Very happy and seems to be well adjusted. she sees all of her grandparents and her mom is a great mom. also Jake, Mark is a wonderful stepdad, loves her very much.

Linda and I will always think of you as our son. We miss you and love you. You'll always be our hero.

Lee

August 20, 2006

Officer Laird's contribution and sacrifice to our neighborhood's protection has not and will not be forgotten. The memory of the fright felt that night remains vivid. Our gratitude for Officer Laird, along with the other officers involved, contributing to stopping the offender remains in our hearts. Although we have not met Officer Laird and his family, we still feel sorrow for their sacrifice for the protection of our community.

Anonymous
Resident in neighborhood where incident occured

August 18, 2006

Two years today and you're still in my thoughts, well all of you are from that night. I listened to the incident just this morning on my way in to work in my car and some of it still doesn't register with me what occured that night. I think about you, Tim, Pete, Andrew, and Leon often, glad they're still with us and sad that we lost you. You will never be forgotten Charles-421. God Bless.

August 18, 2006

two years already gone by still there's not a day that i don't want to lose control, break down and cry. i try to hide that my heart breaks all over again when something simple reminds me of you, and believe me, it doesn't take much. its been almost five years since i met you jake and it seems like yesterday you smiled at me for the first time. thats all it took to bring me in to your world and i never wanted to let go. people say it will be easier in time. so far, all that has gotten easier is knowing the fact that i will see you again one day, and that i can still talk to you as if you were right next to me. you have touched me like no other human being ever has. i love you and miss you

saddened friend

August 18, 2006

Jake,

Well brother it has been two years. It seems like just yesterday dad was making that dreaded call to me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I have a ton of adventures where I think man it would be cool if Jake were here. I miss you brother.
Kaylee is doing well. Now that I am back in the states I get to see her often. We celebrated her birthday last sunday. She is really starting to turn into a young women. She is going to need plenty of Cops and her Uncle to chase the guys away. Don't worry I will do my part.
Well bro, keep watching over me. There are times I know you are there. Thanks. Keep watching mom and dad as well.

I miss you. Love Gaben

gaben
brother

August 18, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Officer Timothy Jacob (Jake) Laird and his fellow officers with the Indianapolis Police Department:

On this the second anniversary of Jake's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Jake's professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will his valor and courage.

In reading the loving reflections left by his friends and co-workers I can see that he was very well respected and is sorely missed. I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

Jake had such an incredible smile in his picture...you can look at it and tell he lived his life to the fullest.

Jake, my son, Larry Lasater, is your brother in green as well as in blue. I am sure you Marines have everything squared away. I salute your service in the Corps. Semper Fi.

I am so sorry that Jake was robbed of his life so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

I am also thankful that the other wounded officers survived, although I know the memories of that awful day will never fade away.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Jake gave to his community and the citizens of Indiana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 18, 2004.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 18, 2006

Hey Bud, I know it's been awhile since I have been on here to write. I do come here oftne though to see what others say. I am still amazed that so many people come here that never even met you. They never got to hear your smart little comments on the radio. Or got to see that awesome smile of yours in person .... but they have great things to say about you. You made an impression on so many lives ...near and far. And what I wouldn't give to see you smile again, or hear you on the radio just one more time. It's hard to believe that it has been 2 years already since you were taken from us. Sometines it seems just like yesterday. I was at the hall awhile ago and a few of us did a little toast in your memory. Just know that you will never be forgotten. A day doesn't go by that I don't think of you, or remember some funny little thing you said. I never play Texas Holdem that I don't think of you playing and betting on anything that came along .. good or bad. I'm going to go for now sweetie ... but just know that I am greatful to have had you in my life for the time that I did. You were a Great Friend !!!!! You'll always have a place in my heart. Well, it's 4:21 am ... and I think that is a good time for me to say Goodnight.
Friends Forever, LuAnn

LuAnn

August 18, 2006

2 Years have passed, but you are still remembered brother. Rest easy, we'll take it from here. You, your family, friends, and the rest of IPD are in my thoughts and prayers.

UIPD

August 18, 2006

I can't believe in just a few short hours, 2 years will have passed.....we talked tonight about what tomorrow will bring, we will try to put on our brave faces knowing and feeling in our hearts the terrible pain we face daily, tomorrow even more so, we'll put on our smiles and try to get through the day without losing control in front of our new friends at home and school......on the 1 year anniversary of your death I wondered when the daily thoughts of you would stop.....another year has passed and I'm still wondering Jake....what I wouldn't give for you to be here helping raise your incredible daughter.......the inner and outer beauty, the strength and heart she has, the quick wit she has, the silly and quite funny "tween, as she calls herself" she has become, and one smart cookie.....what an amazing child we created, the best thing you and I ever did Mr. You will never be forgotten by me or your daughter, this I promise. You will always hold a very special place in my heart.......

August 17, 2006

There's something to be said about a person whose memory is of so many happy and positive things despite the fact that you were taken from us all in such a violent and tragic manner. It's been two years now, and it's still so easy to see you laughing and just being a truly fun person to be around. Your memory isn't fading, and I don't think it ever will, so rest easy bud.
It's hard sometimes to makes sense of why this all happened, but I know your death was a crossroads for many, myself included. Day to day life has somehow become much more precious.
Slates at rollcall tonight were blue in memory of your last roll call and your buds have all been exchanging messages and pages of comfort to each other. Everyone is taking care of each other just like I think you would have wanted.
We all love and miss you Jake. You're a hero!
"Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend".....

Adam
IPD

August 17, 2006

It will be 2 years that your tour of duty ended. To some it will seem like yesterday that they last saw you, to others it will seem like a lifetime ago that they heart you talk, laugh, or saw your great smile. Many tears have been shared by your loved ones and then there are those private tears when no one else is around and they think of you as they have done every single day for the past two years. Their hearts will never fully mend, but they continue on taking one day at a time and keep your memory alive. Keep watch over them and protect them from harm. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten as heroes never die.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 17, 2006

ALL MY LIFE....

All my life, I wanted to be.....
a person who makes a difference.
I dedicated my entire being,
to be the absolute best , at what I do.
Day after day, I see death, I see life..
In its truest form, reality......its brutal.
Mid shift, I'm alone, my mind wonders,
So many memories flipping the pages,
hard to let go the visions..
To think, the little amount I am paid,
but that doesn't matter, I can make a difference.
For you... your children..... me ....my children.
Thugs come and go, oh not another domestic.
A bruised face, a crying child, a gangster dead in the gutter..
Another report, under the microscope, its not written.. it wasn't done...
A fellow officer...losing their life,
How many times, must we die,,,
All in the name of humanity...
One life is given, so that many may live...
Doesn't seem fair....
Sun chases the night away, tour of duty finished,
Theres my love, waiting by the door,
Kissing me, I love you, off to work I must go...
Children following, smiling as the door closes....
All my life, I wanted to make a difference...
To be an Officer in Law Enforcement...
Finding out, its a faith, not a job......
Can't leave it at the office....
Forever imprinted, in my heart and mind....
In my life, I have made a difference.....

Written by:
CopperLace
11/30/98

MAS
Friend

August 15, 2006

Wow Jake! Almost two years now that you were taken from us. I still dream of you, and wish with all my heart that you were here to hug me and tell me that all is okay. I miss everything about you. I am always thinking about you and keeping your family in my prayers as well.

August 10, 2006

Jake,

It's been almost two years and I swear sometimes it feels like just yesterday we were together. Sometimes I just let myself remember all the fun we had together and all the plans for the future we made. I still get this heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach when I think of how much we had and how much we lost. I do things everyday to keep you close to me. I wear your St. Michael every night to keep me safe. I even laugh every time I get in your car and see the dented Ford symbol from when you punched the steering wheel b/c you were mad at your computer poker game:).
I sent a memorial to D.C so people would know how great you were and how much you are missed. I will remember your last day of life on 8/17 and mourn your death on 8/18. Just know that you are always with me and I know how blessed I was to have had you in my life. Thank you for sending me so much happiness.

Love,
Kelli

Kelli

July 28, 2006

at times i wish i could pick up the phone and call you one last time, to tell you all the things i didn't back then. to tell you how proud i was to have you as a friend. i miss the laughs we had! wow, we had good times! you are missed so very much... and although it;s been almost two years, it's still so raw. i miss you and promise to never forget...

Your Friend

July 9, 2006

Hey Jake,

I just wanted to drop a line to you to say you are sorely missed. I never had the pleasure to meet you, but did have the pleasure to meet, work and become a good friend of your brother, Gaben.

Gaben would always talk about you and say how much he misses you. He was also proud of your work with the IPD.

I am now an officer and everytime I visit this site, I can't help but to feel the sadness another "brother in blue" has gone down in the line of duty. I want to end this letter by saying I love you and your family and only hope the best for everyone who loves you.

Gaben, if you read this, write me at [email protected], I miss you bro!

Steve

PO II GUNDERSON, STEVEN
MAUI POLICE DEPARTMENT

June 27, 2006

Jake,
I never had the chance to meet you, although my dad talked about you. In fact, I almost feel like I knew you pretty well. Don't worry, he never said anything bad! He actually talks about you like the hero you are. In the past 2 years I have the honor in meeting your family. They are wonderful people. Your little girl is so beautiful and so strong. They are and always will be in my prayers. Jake, I wish I could tell you how much of a hero you are to me, well to everyone. It's taken a while for me to be able to write because every time I came to this page I never could seem to find words that were powerful enough to express how much of a hero your are. I wish you could see how many people love you, and miss you. I sit back and read these reflections that people have left, and its amazing to see how many strangers have left something for you. You have touched so many people in your life and in your death...., it truly is amazing. You will live on in our memories and in our hearts for ever. You are a true hero, Jake.

Erin Conley
Daughter of Tim Conley

June 9, 2006

It has been a while since I have been on here. I just wanted to say hello and let you know that I miss you. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you! Even if I tried I don't think that you would let me :)
I would do anything to have you in front of me shining your pearly whites...Since you were taken from us, I have been at a loss Jake for once in my life...you were taken and ...a piece of me died. I just wanted to let you know that you are not forgotten I will make sure that doesn't happen...
I love you!!!!!

May 23, 2006

Hey Bud,

Happy Easter ... just thought I would drop you a few lines. Nothing really exciting going on here to report lately. Think about you everyday and still miss you. I stop by down on Dietz from time to time to make sure the Memorial Plaque is still looking nice. The home owners there seem to be taking good care of it. The weather has been nice latley except for the storms we have had. But it is getting warmer out everyday and of course busier at work too. It has been off the hook the last week or so, and it's only April !!!! Well bud, I am going to go for now ... keep looking out for all of us. It's nice to know that someone up there is watching over us. I'll keep you in my prayers .. and think of you all the time as I always will :)

Your Friend Forever ... LuAnn

LuAnn

April 16, 2006

Another St Patty's Day at the Hall, with friends getting together to have some fun, but more importantly to remember officers such as yourself, that gave their all to their profession and to us. They're selling charms with your unit# on it and all the money is going to one of your fellow brothers, Officer Antonelli, who was injured late last year in the line of duty--I picked mine up today, they're really nice. He's doing good and looks good--saw him the other day. We'll toast you this coming Friday--you and all the other that gave their life for us to live a little easier every day. I think about you often, well everyday actually. Thank you and God Bless your family.

Friend

March 15, 2006

Jake I had my little boy, as I am sure you already know. I can only hope that he can be as good of a boy and grow into a man the way you did. I hope he has your bravery above all.

February 27, 2006

Officer Laird,
you are obviously remembered with the greatest love and honour.An man remembered in this way will always live for eternity.

February 27, 2006

Jake,
Hey you, I know it's been a few months since I have written. I really have no excuse either. Cause I still think about you everyday ... and miss you too. I come onto this site pretty much everyday. I think it is so cool that as many people as do still write things to you. And most of them never even knew you. But that just shows home many lifes you touched the short time you were here. I always told you that you were amazing !!! ... HaHa.
Nothing really new going on with me. My niece a baby boy January 12th. Now she has a girl and a boy. So hopefully she is done. Had a few health issues at first, but seems to be doing better now. Work still sucks ... and I don't ever see that changing. But I've got almost 19 years on, so I'm not going anywhere ... besides what else would I do ??
Well buddy, I am going to go for now ... just know that your always in my thoughs and will be everyday for the rest of my life. Take care Jake .. I'll write again sometime soon.

Your Friend Forever and Always :-)
LuAnn

LuAnn

February 7, 2006