Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God bless you, Sgt. Benson. and your family, too. Thank you for your service and for protecting us. You are not forgotten.

byron w jones

February 25, 2021

Pride in you as a man and in your service to us all continues to fill the hole that your loss left in our lives. I love you and miss you every day.

Autumn Benson Richardson
Daughter

November 5, 2011

It was 30 years ago today that my dad Donald C. Benson, Sr. gave his life serving others as a deputy sheriff in Lancaster Co. Virginia. I am writing this to him but really it is for me. My family and I have had to live with this everyday since. I do not want to speak for my mother, sister, anyone else in my family…because they may have a different view of how has affected and continues to affect them. However, I know that my emotions flow through me about this on a constant basis; they change daily and sometimes hourly. This flood of emotions swirls and twists between anger, fear, denial, loneliness, and most of all pride. I know that my dad did what he felt was right and followed his heart everyday when he put on his uniform. I don’t really have any memories of my dad except what I am told by others…but no matter what I love him and miss him. I miss my dad so much and it hurts so bad even this long after. I would give anything to have just one day to spend with him and get to know him for myself. Even though I don’t remember him I know my dad changed my life and the lives of everyone in my family because of what happened. I am not writing this to bring anyone down or to try to prove any point or gain any sympathy…I just hope that each and every one of you that read this take the time to remember the officers that have and will protect us when we need them. Please thank the next police officer that you see because they risk their lives for us every day and get little to no recognition. God bless and protect both you and your family.


“Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.” ~Arthur Golden


"Sometimes in tragedy we find our life's purpose - the eye sheds a tear to find its focus.” ~Robert Brault

Donald C. Benson, Jr.
Son of Donald C. Benson, Sr.

November 5, 2011

Duck I miss you more and more each and every day ,but remember that someday soon we will once again be united with each other, I love you, Duck you tought me so much in the few years we had together, you were as a bigger brother; as you are today,"my HERO!" I miss you Duck! Love your baby bro Larry

Larry G Benson RN
little brother

July 13, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 5, 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

April 3, 2008

Twenty six later sir I want to thank you. R.I.P.

Dep. B. Sirmon
Monroe County S.O.

November 11, 2007

Brother Donald Benson,
The years have passed since you made the supreme sacrifice but you are not forgotten. We miss you Brother. The Virginia Forensic Science Academy is proud to be able to sponsor annual college scholarships in your name to help the children of Virginia Law Enforcement Officers through the Donald C. Benson Scholarship Fund. Your Brothers in Law Enforcement and the Forensic Science Academy Alumni Association are so proud of you as an Academy Graduate (Class 9) and a true hero. I remember you from annual Forensic Academy re-training. God Bless and Rest in Peace. Jerry E. & Class 11.

Cpl. Jerry P. Edwards (Retired)
Norfolk Police Department

March 29, 2006