Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Greetings All, I check in here every once in a while; as Deputy Henry's son and on behalf of our family, we are grateful for the tributes and memories. Rob Murdoch, Herb Howard, Avalon Station, and all others, it is really good to hear from you and I hope you are all well. As for the family, Mom is well, I'm happily married 30 yrs now three children and a beautiful wife, (though we lost our son 5 years ago, age 19). We have passed through this stretch of the valley of the shadow and are now living in Southwest Colorado. Wishing you all health and happiness.

David Henry
Son

October 31, 2023

It was my absolute pleasure to work with Jimmy Henry and call him my friend. The events that led to his passing could have been avoided had the proper information been given to me the night of the F-18 crash.
I was the Team Leader that night and the first to climb down to the F-18 Jet wreckage. Enroute to the crash site, I was on the radio with my desk having them contact the Navy and confirm if there was any armament, explosives, nuclear or other contaminants we needed to be concerned with. The Navy responded no.
It was night time, the mountain was on fire so we could not deploy any rescue lines. I initially climbed down to the crash site alone and found the pilot, still in his undeployed ejection seat, deceased. The Navy took several hours to respond to the site.
As daylight came, Sheriff's Aero Bureau dispatched one of our T51 Sikorski Helicopters to the crash site with ESD personnel. The Navy requested we extract the Pilot. I extracted the Pilot from the ejection seat and later found their were explosive devices that could have detonated! Jimmy Henry who was a trained Mountain Rescue Climber came down to help me with the Helicopter extraction of the Pilot. The Sikorski hoovered over our position and we were enveloped in a 140mph rotor wash, swirling dust and debris around us as we placed the Pilot in the basket. After lifting the Pilot, We were then joined by another ESD Deputy who was lowered to our position.
It was still a couple of hours later before we were joined by the Navy who flew in from Pt Magu Naval Base.
The Navy personnel arrived in hazmat suits with masks, came up to us [Jimmy, ESD Dep and myself] immediately gave us masks, told us to put them on and do not kick up any surrounding dirt!!!!
Turns out we were exposed to different types of materials from the wreckage that the Navy never disclosed due to national security. We all started experiencing different levels of symptoms from the crash. I was an Ultra Distance Runner and had run a 40 mile mountain the day before. The day after the crash I ran 1 1/2 miles and was winded and walked home. Jimmy had the worst symptoms ultimately requiring a Lung Transplant and later succumbing from the exposure.
Had we been properly advised of the elements of danger at the crash site, Jimmy and I never would have put ourselves in a position to be completely engulfed in rotor wash extracting the Pilot and Jimmy's life would have played out differently.

Sergeant Robert S. Murcott
LASD/ Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

January 14, 2022

Jimmie was a long time friend of mine as well as a co-worker.

He was a fine Deputy Sheriff who ultimately gave his last full measure in service to others.

I think of him often - and I miss him.

Lt. Ray Wetlesen
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

July 10, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Henry.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Henry,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Los Angeles County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 12, 2020

TO DEPUTY SHERIFF JIMMIE RICHARD HENRY, YOUR COMMITMENT TO WHAT THE DEPARTMENT STANDS FOR CONTINUES TO INSPIRE DEPUTYS AND RECRUITS. YOU DIDN'T KNOW ALL THE DETAILS TO YOUR CALL BUT YOU STILL RESPONDED, PUTTING YOURSELF AT UNKOWN RISK TO SAVE A MANS LIFE. YOUR HEROISM WAS NOT SPONTANEOUS HOWEVER, IT WAS A REFLECTION OF YOUR CHARACTER..WHAT YOU DID DAILY, NOT FOR ATTENTION, BUT BECAUSE IT WAS RIGHT AND WHAT YOU BELIVED TO BE THE BEST FOR OTHERS. YOU HAD GREAT RESPECT AND PRIDE FOR THE UNIFORM, LOVE FOR YOUR FELLOW DEPUTIES, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY. YOU TRULY ARE A LOSS TO THE DEPARTMENT, BUT WILL ALWAYS BE REMBERED AND HONERED IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THOSE YOU HAVE TOUCHED.

RECRUIT MATA, GILBERTO D
LASD

April 5, 2019

Jimmie and I were car partners at Altadena Station, L.A. Co Sheriff in the 70's. We had so many good times working the street together. We were the best of friends too. I visited him a couple times after he got transferred to Avalon Station on Catalina Island. It was his dream job to work in paradise along with his wife there too. The last time was after the Navy plane crash. He was struggling to survive the after effects. So sad to see him losing the battle.
You will never be forgotten in my memories. RIP my friend.

Herb Howard, retired Sgt
L.A. County Sheriff

May 16, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 12, 2018

Deputy Henry, thank you for your service. RIP.

Deputy Sheriff LASD

May 12, 2017

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 12, 2015

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

May 12, 2015

Rest in Peace sir. we will never forget.

Lieutenant
LASD

May 12, 2013

Jimmie & I were in Academy Class 157 together. He was a real character. He was a lot of fun and always in a positive spirit.

Deputy Robert Irmas
L.A. County Sheriff

May 12, 2013

Rest in Peace, Deputy Henry. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 14th 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

May 12, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 14th 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

May 12, 2009

No fellow Los Angeles County law enforcement personnel killed in the line-of-duty, should be forgotten.

Deputy Henry, may Your Soul Rest-In-Peace

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

May 12, 2008

Jimmy
I still remember the times we worked together at Altadena. You were a great deputy and a good friend. RIP

Randy Jones
Retired Deputy LASD

December 21, 2007

Hey Dad,

Just found this place via a friend. Little bit of a jolt after all this time. I miss you. We all miss you. You would be proud of your grandkids - could not ask for better. I'm sorry you never saw them here, but they look like you. The best part of this is teaching them everything you taught me. You have a legacy now and will always be remebered.

Many thanks to all those at LASD who finally made this recognition happen. It took a long time, was a lot of work, and you did not have to do it, but you did anyway. We are forever grateful.

Dave Henry and Family,
Proud Son of Deputy Jimmie Henry

David Henry
Son

December 19, 2007

"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

November 29, 2007

A Great Friend, Teacher, & Deputy.

Jimmie answered the call as he always did. Nobody on the ground knew the jet was made out of experimental materials. Life is a gamble at best and Jimmie upheld the finest examples of the LA County Sheriff's Department on a daily basis.

I am proud and honored to have known him and learned much from his example. I hope I have passed that knowledge to others on the job.

You are still missed........ Rest well Jimmie

818-M
LASD / Avalon

February 19, 2007

It took way to long to pay you tribute.
Thanks for all that helped to see Jimmie's name finally be placed on the state and national memorials. Sgt. Masters thanks for doing the research. To all those who offered your help thank you. Jimmie you have not been forgotten by your friends at Avalon Station, the City of Avalon, the Catalin SAR Team, etc.

A Deputy
LASD Avalon Station

April 27, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 6, 2005