Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Larry,
April 21st is coming on us quick. It has been three years since you left us, and still there isn't a day that goes by that your name is not mentioned. We miss you. Evan is doing pretty good, but not as good as we had hoped. He has some major health problems. His illness is caused by stress and we all know where that came from. He's pretty tough though and has lots of people who care for him. Anyway, just wanted to say hi and that you aren't forgotten.

Officer

April 9, 2008

Hi. I read reflections and I check your page everyday. I just cant get over how many lives are changed forever for senseless things. So many people's lives are forever changed because of someone else's bad decision. There have been so many officers/people that have come to heaven since you have and I cant help but wonder if it will ever get easier for the rest of us down here.

I cant believe you have been gone this long. How weird. Im still not sure if I have "accepted" all of it or not. I think that sometimes it will get easier and sometimes I think I dont really want it to. I still miss you as much today as I did on that Thursday.

I keep saying that Im not going to "write" on here anymore and I should just try to talk myself out of dwelling on the past. As you can see, I havent quite managed to do that yet. I still come visit pretty often and I still avoid looking at your pictures if I can. I know, I am just not right.

The other "thing" that you helped me with? Well, that fell through. But thanks for the help just the same. It was a good thing while it lasted, right? Thats another thing that I just try to talk myself out of. I see you laughing at me. LOL.

Anyway, I just got off work and I need to get to bed so I will sign off for now. Know that I am always thinking about you and I will keep saying a prayer for Evan too.

Heather
None

March 10, 2008

Thankyou OFFICER COX for your service and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

February 28, 2008

Just wanted to say Happy New Year. Miss ya.

Officer

December 31, 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

December 31, 2007

Hi. As I sit here I wonder how many other lives were altered today. I read your reflections everyday and I remind myself how blessed I was to have been a small part of such a wonderful person's life. I still miss you more than I can say. More than I thought pysically possible. But, I also try to remember that I will see you again someday, which is very hard for me to convince myself, but I do try. I only hope that when we do finally meet that I will be able to stand among my heros.

Merry Christmas my friend. I miss you.

Heather
Friend

December 24, 2007

Hey Brother
Know it's been a while. Been on my mind alot lately.Can't believe how much time has flown by since you were taken from us on that horrible day. Things haven't been the same nor will they ever be. I guess the tird has been moved to Youngstown for super max. I don't think he will ever learn, He needs God so much, he needed God before he ran into you, if he would have had God in his life he wouldn't have been doing the things he was doing.
Still watching out as much as I can for the family and wish I could do something for Evan. Just do alot of praying, as well as everyone else at the station that he'll come out of this ok and be able to have a normal life. The boy has had a tough way to go since 4-21-05.
Well brother I just wanted to say Merry Christmas. It must be beyond words or expression to see Christ's face and walk with him in heaven. I look forward to the day when I'll see his face and walk along him and you and the rest who have left us here way to early.
I miss ya brother. Merry Christmas.

Officer
Chillicothe PD

December 22, 2007

Merry Christmas Larry! We will continue to pray for Evan and your family as they deal with Evan's illness. You are always in my thoughts and will never be forgotten.

Officer
Reynoldsburg

December 17, 2007

Evan has been in Children's Hospital 3 times since October and has been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. Has a blocked kidney and a blocked vein. On blood thinners and several antibiotics. Still a sick young man, being tutored his Senior Year in High School. Evan celebrated his 18th birthday November 30th at home with family, classmates and neighbors. Evan has turned his application in to Ohio University-Athens in hopes of being accepted to his father's Alma Mater. Majoring in Forensic Chemistry. The support of officers from Chillicothe and all over Ohio has been a reflection of what officers are truly made of; genuine, caring people.

Mother

December 15, 2007

Hi. I cant believe that the holidays are just around the corner. The Patrol dedicated a memorial in Gallipolis this past Friday for Josh and Dale. There was a good turn out and the weather was nice too. I found a spot to stand next to E but that didnt last long. I made my way to the middle of the crowd and left him in the front. I dont think he cared too much he found some people that he knew so he was fine.

I just went back to work. I took some time off and did some things. I wish I could just convince them to send me a paycheck and not make me go to work. Wouldnt that be nice?? LOL.

Well, I wont stay on here any longer. I miss you more than you could ever know and I think about you everyday.

Heather
None

November 6, 2007

Just stopped in to say hi and I miss you. Everyone at the station is praying for Evan. He has been so sick. I'm sure you know that and are sending him your love. I'm not sure if the doc's have figured out exactly what is wrong, but he has been at Children's Hospital, and they are really great up there. He is a good kid, you should be proud.

October 30, 2007

Hey Brother
Know it's been awhile but just wanted you to know that you ARE still missed, your ARE remembered, and you ARE never forgotten.
Rest in Peace Brother.

Officer
Chillicothe PD

September 3, 2007

Well, I guess the evil in the world just cant give us a break. Another trooper came up to see you. His name is Trooper Holland. He was stung by a yellow jacket and had a severe reaction to it. He got stung at 1 o'clock and by 2:30 he was with you. Wow. I really want all of this nonesense to stop. Can you help us out a little?

Brandy has probably already told you, but his brother, Corey had a really horrific accident and he has a long road ahead of him. Can you and Brandy push and keep him here with his family. They are good people and dont deserve anymore tragedy. They have had enough, I think. Why do bad things keep happening to good people, to law enforcement family's???? Why wont it stop?

Well, I had one more surgery this past Monday. That went pretty easy. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be. And I had one more minor procedure done today. Good Lord I hope I can be done for a bit. Right now Im just hoping to make it 6 months of nothing. Think I could be that lucky, probably not. I see you laughing.

I talked to your folks down at the soccer field the other day. They looked good and your mom was everywhere. Can you believe that she bought 50/50 tickets and didnt win the money. I told my friend there was no reason in getting one since your mom did.....I was positive she would win. You know how lucky she is with that stuff.

Well, looks like Im hogging all the space again so Ill sign off and try not to be so needy on here. I just want to make sure you know the "juice" down here.

Talk to ya later. Luv ya and I miss you terribly.

Heather
Friend

August 23, 2007

Hi! I just got home from work and we were all telling stories about "cop" stuff. You know me, I had to throw one of yours in there. I told them about the foot pursuit and you attempting to go over the chain linked fence. Do you remember what that was like? The top of the fence should have been the bottom and your hand got ground up like hamburger. Do you even remember that night? I wish I could remember who was with you but I cant. I probably could still be tellin stories but I was just too tired and wanted to get back to Chillicothe so I could crash for a few hours.

Mom and I were talking about you the other day and she asked how Evan and Timmy were doing. I told her that Evan is as tough as his daddy and I thought he was doing okay. I also told her that no matter where Timmy was or who he was with he would be better off if he had an apple pie from Opal in his hands. We both thought that was a true statement. I know Opal heard me and I saw her smile too.

Let me start by apoligizing for a few things. I didnt come to the turkey run because I just couldnt. I didnt do anything on April 21, because I was in the hospital for some things. And I didnt come to the poker run because I am having some problems with my feet and I just couldnt get any shoes on. Im trying to get all the problems worked out but it takes so long to get in to see the doctors. Oh, like you want to hear about that. Enough already about me.

I hope all is well up there and I cant wait to see you run down the golden highways when I get there. I want to know if you are still out-running large dogs up there too? Im sure you are and laughing when you get ahead of them like always, right?

Okay I must stop writing. Im getting really sleepy and I cant even tell if there are typos now. My eye wont show them to me. And no it has nothing to do with my age either. HAHA. That is the first time ever I have beaten you to a smart remark.

Ill talk to ya soon. I miss you so much!!!!! C Ya Luv Ya.

Heather
Friend

July 23, 2007

Hey Babe,
This is my first time on here, I really didn't want to share all my thoughts with everyone, but the Poker Run on Saturday was so awesome! Eric, Jules, Jamie, Mike, Dick, there were so many people who contributed their time and money. You would be so proud to see how these people worked so hard in honor of your memory. I think there were around 415 bikes! It gave me chills and brought me to tears when we took off.
I miss you so much. I thought it would get easier, but it just gets longer. Thanks for giving me strength each day. I love you.

July 16, 2007

On behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police, Capital City lodge #9 in Columbus, Ohio we are very sorry for the loss of your life while serving your community and our country! God bless your family!

President Jim Gilbert
Fraternal Order of Police,Capital City Lodge #9, Columbus, Ohio

July 9, 2007

Happy Father's Day

Heather
None

June 16, 2007

Hey Lar, Happy Memorial Day and Happy Early Birthday. I start my new job today so Im sure I wont be too conscious tomorrow or the next day. Back on nights until August sometime. Im working the "fill-in" shift for the first time in forever. Nights are going to do me in I think, but I have my weekends off and that is worth the agony, right?

I went down to the LEC last night and tried to work as late as I could so I would sleep today, you know trying to gear up for tonight. The didnt work out very well. Its noon and Im already wide awake. Oh well.

Im sure you already know, but Gallia County and Cleveland both sent you Officers in the last week or so. I really wish the nonsense would stop and people would respect the badge. The heartache is unreal. There are so many families that have been ruined and for nothing. Im still a little bitter, can you tell????

Well, I better get off of here. Just wanted to tell you Happy Mem Day and Happy B-day.

Heather
None

May 27, 2007

Rest in Peace my Brother, Thinking of you and Your Family. God Bless.

D.A.R.E OFFICER BOB SWOPE #5609
OLMSTED FALLS POLICE DEPT. OHIO

April 29, 2007

Love ya,
Miss ya,
Never forget ya!

Kathy
Friend

April 26, 2007

Saturday morning (04-21-07) was a strikingly beautiful spring day in Washington, D.C.. The temperature was pleasant and warm, the sun was shining, and the sky was a brilliant blue.

My wife and I were there for a long weekend. We went to the NLEO memorial to remember my friend, Gregg Winters (EOW 01-08-91) as we had done on previous visits.

After a few moments, we circled around to find two men engraving the names of the fallen officers from the year before. This hallowed ground became even more sacred. Watching them add names commanded our reverence. It stopped us in our tracks.

We introduced ourselves and they explained their purpose and how the engraving is done. They come from Colorado every year for this task. They've done it from the monument's beginning.

As we stood back in awe to watch this, we noticed a red folder full of memories that was left to honor an officer. It was a memorial to Officer Cox.

We stood in front of the monument leafing through the memory book page by page. It was eerily quiet. No one else was there. The birds were singing as a light breeze rustled through the magnificent spring foliage that surrounded us. It was a sacred place and this was a sacred moment. In the background of this setting remained the inscribers; vigilant to their noble task.

We came to realize as we read the book that this was the second anniversary of the loss of Officer Cox. We were touched by the unexpected timing of our visit as it related to this special date. As we turned each page, our hearts resonated with the words, pictures, and reflections that had been so carefully placed.

Prior to chaplaincy, I was an officer. I taught DARE for the last eight years of my career. I can imagine the impact this tragedy had on the students and teachers who knew Officer Cox. My wife could imagine the grief of his family. She lived those years as all police wives do; frequently wandering what the day might bring.

After looking through the memory book we walked to the front of the monument. We sat quietly and mourned his loss together.

We never knew Officer Cox, but on that day we felt the love that his family, friends, and DARE kids had for him. We respected him and honored him. We thought of you who were left behind.

You were all in our hearts that special day in D.C., and will remain in our thoughts in the days to come. Thank you for sharing Larry with us on the second anniversary of passing. We were there for him, and the memory of his life and was there for us.

Peace and Grace to You,
Doug & Cindy

Chaplain Doug & Dr. Cindy Kizer
Delware County, Indiana Sheriff's Department

April 24, 2007

Larry, as I sit here and try to come up with something to write, all I can do is cry. Im sorry that I havent been on here in forever, but you know the story behind that.

I would have come down yesterday, but as you know, God had other plans for me to do. Sorry about that.

Thanks for helping me out with the other thing too. It is still good and it will work out like it is supposed to, I know it will.

Well, I wont take up anymore space on here. Its not like I dont talk to you everyday anyway, right? LOL.

C ya. Talk to ya soon.

Heather
None

April 23, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 2nd anniversary of your EOW. They say time heals everything, but I don't thing it does in the situation your loved ones were placed in. They will always love and miss you and think of you every single day that they have left on this earth. I hope others don't forget you, especially your brother officers from your department. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol, you are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

April 21, 2007

Larry
It's been 2 years today. Sometimes it seems as though it was just yesterday and sometimes it seems to have been years. I know that alot of the kids and citzens you helped and protected miss you as do all of us at the LEC.
Meeting with the family tonight. Just be assured that you have not, nor will ever be forgotten brother.
Miss ya brother.

Officer
Chillicothe PD

April 21, 2007

I first want to tell the Parsons family, thank you for your committment to the community and the sacrafice that was made so we could all be safe. I didn't know Larry personally, but from everything I hear about him to this day it was definately my loss not to have known him.
J. Parsons is now known to me and everyone else as #539-526, and is in the armpit of corrections, Southern Ohio Correctional Facility.
God Bless You All, Eternal Vigilance is the Price Of Freedom

T.S. Corrections Officer

April 19, 2007