Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Well Larry we made it. It was an overwhelming yet pride filled week in Washington D.C. You would have been amazed by the brotherhood displayed there by all the agencies...I hope you saw from up above! I made it to the Marine Corps Memorial at Arlington National Cemetary. It was pooring rain and I just stood there in silence knowing how proud you would have been to be standing there too. I wish I could find the words to tell you all about it..but I can't. Will share the stories one day, maybe over a BD-Light.

Love you

Ofc. Phil Galer
Pittsburg PD

May 16, 2006

Mrs. Lasater

Im taking part in the Palomar Police Academy, class 14. Im proud to tell you that the class MOTTO is "PRIDE IS FOR EVER" For the class and I, is an honor to use this motto because it was officer Lasater motto when he was in the academy. Believe us that we will carry this motto with honor, pride, and respect. In the next year I will work hard to be at graduation, and have the honor of meeting you. With all respect, Cadet Gomez. "PRIDE IS FOR EVER" 6Y9

Cadet Jose Gomez
Palomar Police Academy

May 16, 2006

J-
I'm glad I met you in Washington this year. After talking with you, I was taken back to when I lost Mike and just how sad and lost I felt. It's such an overwhelming feeling. And with you having Cody, too - I can only imagine how difficult it is not to have Larry by your side. You know he is always in your heart, though. And he is certainly Little Cody's blue angel. We talked about whether this ever gets easier - all I can say is that you just learn how to cope with it. The pain is always there and there will be days where all you do is cry. It's been almost 3 years and I was still a blubbering mess at the vigil! I'm sure you've seen progress in yourself this past year. It takes time, but it does happen.
I would love for us to keep in touch. I'm including my email so hopefully you can obtain it from ODMP.

Jennifer Waters
Wife of Mike Waters, EOW 9.11.03

May 15, 2006

Phyllis and Jo Ann,
God bless you and be with you tomorrow on Mother's Day. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Damian Jackson
Escondido PD / Palomar Police Academy

May 13, 2006

Wishing the family and friends of Ofc. Lasater a blessed and safe Mother's Day, Semper Fi!

bayview officer/former marine
sfpd mids

May 13, 2006

I had a terrible dream last night. It was actually a nightmare. You were in the hospital but you weren't hooked up to any machines...you were okay. I was so excited to see you since it's been so long since you've visited me. We were talking about what a close call it was that they thought you were brain dead but it turned out you were fine. I was amazed that you were able to talk normally and you didn't seem to have any brain damage at all. You had your shirt off and I noticed a huge scar down your chest. That's when I realized that your organs had been donated. The rest of my dream was about trying to find a way for you to survive without your heart. I woke up pissed off that the dream had taken such a horrible turn. I guess part of me will always wonder if the doctors made a mistake even though logically I know that you were gone.

I removed all the items from your grave today because it's causing me too much pain to find items missing. Until I figure out who is doing this (yes, I still think I'm Nancy Drew) I won't be putting anything there. I'm going to find out who's stealing from you and they're going to regret it.

Cody's doing good...19 pounds and 4 teeth. Growing up so fast and such a little funny guy. You two would be such buddies. What could have been.

Love you so much

May 9, 2006

Joann, I am so amazed at your courage and strength you always display. I know that going to these memorials are hard and bitter sweet but you will get through this and your presence is a clear reminder to everyone what a wonderful and remarkable man your husband was because he picked you to be by his side and to represent him for the rest of your days.

I was so touched to find out that the same academy who honored Isaac is going to honor Larry this year. I feel in someway our families have been going at this same pace together, it's wierd. Also Val was our families rep too.
I was so excited to meet Officer Damian Jackson in Sacramento and from talking to him and all that I have read from him on Isaac's website, he seems like an exceptional man, and dad of three beautiful little girls. He told us that the eldest says prayers for Isaac and our family, which just brings tears to my eyes. I know you too will be so proud to have his next academy class horor and want to shine like Larry did and does. God Bless you and Cody and keep you safe on our journey ahead.

Nancy Sessa, Cousin of Isaac Espinoza

May 8, 2006

Sacramento was amazing. It was so sad to see all the suffering of so many families. What got to me the most was the widows going up there to place a rose with their children. Some officers had such large families and I feel for the widows raising the children all alone. The kids just got to me. I was so depressed. Phil and Les took such good care of me and Cody and did a great job. You'd be proud of them and also of John and Rob. I picked the right people. Really though, you picked them. I know exactly what you would have wanted. Now it's time for D.C. I'm looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time. I want to see you honored so highly but it's so painful. The pain won't go away and it seems to get harder as time passes.

Cody was good as usual in Sacramento. He loves being around people. I'm so glad my sisters and parents spend quality time with him so he's as comfortable with them as he is with me. You'd be so happy at how they love him and make such a huge effort to see him. You didn't doubt that though since you saw what good grandparents my parents were already with the 5 before Cody and what great aunts my sisters are. Lenore and I are going to make more of an effort to get Seth and Cody together after D.C. There's no excuse for them not to get together once a week to play.

Love you

May 8, 2006

Listen to the beautiful song SHINE YOUR LIGHT DOWN ON ME! BY ROBBIE ROBERTSON. Its a lovely song that is about all hero's who have passed on.

May 7, 2006

Larry,

It is fitting that a hero like yourself continued to save lives even after your death. I'm happy to hear that your heart still beats strong...even if in another body...and that four others were saved by other precious organs you donated. I can't tell you how sad I was to hear of your death, just a few days after I returned from Iraq without a scratch. I'm sure you'd be very proud of all of your fellow Lt's from 1st Tanks that commanded tank companies over there, they all performed magnificently. I personally saw Bodisch, Skaggs, and Meyers in action and they were...as you would have said..."awesome!". Hope the beer's cold up in heaven. Save me a seat at whatever pub you regularly visit, when I get there (hopefully not for a while) the first round is on me. I pray that your son one day understands what a fantastic father he had.

Semper Fi "Apache-6"
Ripper-4 out

LtCol Brent Norquist
USMC

May 6, 2006

Dear Mrs. Lasater,

Class 14 is honored to be dedicating our year at Palomar Police Academy to you, Cody, and your husbands memory. Our deepest prayers and thoughts will be for you, Cody, and all those who have felt this loss, as we take the journey to follow in the footsteps of Officer Lasater. Our one hope is to be as great as he was, and to have you know that you have gained a family with Class 14.

Officer Laster,
You will never be forgotten. Your memory is our motivation. May you shine down upon us and guide us through.

Cadet Rocha

Cadet Vanessa Rocha
Palomar Police Academy. USN

May 5, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 4, 2006

Lar-

i have stayed away from this page for one year because i have stuggled with talking about you to others or to myself. a week before you died i told you, you were one of my best friends and that you were the only guy other than my brother that i could go to and talk about things with. I have wonderful memories of you, however i struggle daily with the last one, which sometimes feels like the clearest one of all.

i am extremely proud to be escorting your wife on friday in sacramento, as i know phil is to be carrying Cody. i just wanted to tell you that.

i dont really talk about the last day i saw you...but its not because i'm not proud of you..i just never know what to say. i asked Joanne if Cody could be one of the ring bears at my wedding and she said that she would like that.

Life isnt the same without knowing larry is on his way over. I also want to tell you that my dad misses hanging out with...but like me (except worse) has a hard time speaking it or writing it. Whenever your name comes up, you can see it trigger in him...he thought the world of you.

Being that it has been one year, i figured i'd annie up and look at this website.......i'm glad i did.

Your friend

les

officer
pittsburg police

May 2, 2006

Today, Palomar College Police Academy - Class 14 embarks on a journey...a 48 week journey. Thank you Lasater family for allowing us to remember Larry for the Police Officer and person he was. He will be the source of motivation and inspiration behind the training here. In everything and anything we do, we will remember what Larry stood for and to always do it as Larry would do it...with Honor, Duty and Valor... Jo Ann, I want you to know that the effort that goes into all we have planned this year is not only for Larry, but for you and most of all Cody.

Blessings to all,
Shanon Dreyer

Shanon Dreyer
Palomar College Police Academy

May 2, 2006

One year ago this Monday was the day of your funeral. I will never forget that day. Yesterday I went through a lot of your childhood photographs...you were such a cute kid.
I remember when you were six years old you told my friend Dorothy that "I was so cute when I was little and my my Mom loved me to death." That was true every day of your life and is still true.
Love forever and a day,
Mom

May 1, 2006

A Letter From Heaven

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here's just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon, and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through. God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.

I need you here so badly, you are a part of my plan. There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight. God and I are closest to you...in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years. Because you're only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned but if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you NOW, than I ever was before.

There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too; that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain; then you can say to God at night..."My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile. Knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low; just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free. Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.


I hope everyone who loved and knew Larry will find some comfort in reading this. It had been left on the reflection page for Officer Keith Cannon, but I can tell from Keith's reflections what a caring person he was, so I knew he would not mind sharing this reflection with Larry.

May 1, 2006

Thank you for the supreme sacrifice you made on behalf of the citizens of Pittsburg and on behalf of every man, woman, and child everywhere who hold peace and justice in high regard. Your mother left a very touching remembrance on our son's-(in-law) page. I already know what a remarkable person you were by virtue of the profession you choose, and I've no doubt that you were a loving and dedicated husband, son, brother, and friend. I am so, so sorry that you did not get to be there with your wife when your baby came into the world, to experience the miracle of the birth of your child together. Your family will be remembered in my prayers.

Debra Brewer
Mother-in-Law of SCHP Trooper Jon Parker, EOW 5/16/05

May 1, 2006

To Officer Lasater's Widow and Child:
God is with you. I hope there are those who knew your daddy Cody will write you letters about him (some things serious, but some not so serious). Your mom can keep those to share with you as you grow up.
Just an idea---My son's widow had 3 quilts made out of his favorite shirts. She also had a professional photographer take pictures of them on one of the quilts. The children were 18 months old and 22 days old when their daddy was killed.


To Larry's Mother:
I know your pain. I wish I had the words to comfort you during this difficult journey. All I know is without God I could NOT make it--and I still struggle.
Your grandchild is a blessed gift from God. Enjoy your times together and make special memories.
My prayers are with you.

Kay Wood, Proud Mother of a Fallen Officer
Deputy Marshal Glen DeVanie, EOW 4/2/03
Alexandria, Louisiana

Kay Wood

May 1, 2006

TO THE FAMILY OF OFFICER LASATER, MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THIS WEBSITE FOR MANY YEARS AND RECENTLY CAUGHT THE NUMEROUS TRIBUTES TO OFFICER LASATER. I JUST NOW GOT THE INSPIRATION TO DROP A NOTE. I CAN NOT HELP BUT FEEL SAD EACH TIME I SEE THE WORDS FROM MRS. LASATER AND OFFICER LASATER'S MOTHER (AND OTHERS). EVERYDAY I GO TO WORK, THESE FALLEN OFFICERS ARE ON MY MIND--ESPECIALLY LARRY. I COULD NEVER IMAGINE GOING THROUGH WHAT YOUR FAMILY HAS GONE THROUGH. YOUR WORDS HAVE BEEN INSPIRATIONAL TO ME AND THEY HAVE CAUSED ME TO EXERCISE EVEN MORE CAUTION WHILE ON THE JOB. IT HAS ALLOWED ME TO CREATE AN EVEN STRONGER BOND WITH MY WIFE AND CHILDREN. I KNOW THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO TO CHANGE YOUR SITUATION, BUT I THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU CONTINUE TO DO FOR LARRY. KNOW THIS, I NEVER MET LARRRY BUT OUR BROTHERHOOD KNOWS NO STRANGERS. HAVING SERVED IN THE MILITARY AS WELL, I SEE THE NUMEROUS SIMILARITIES WITH LARRY. FOR ANYONE TO NOT BELIEVE IN A SUPREME BEING IS SAD. I KNOW YOU HAVE YOUR FAITH AND IT IS ONE I SHARE WITH YOU. THE DISTANCE MAY BE GREAT BETWEEN OUR COASTS, BUT CODY HAS ANOTHER "UNCLE" HERE IN NEW YORK. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND THE PITTSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT....AND TO LARRY-"SEMPER FI".

POLICE OFFICER
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

April 30, 2006

On this week of the first anniversary of the tragic death of your loved one, we remember him with gratitude and respect. We truly understand the pain you all are going through and wish over these past 5 years we had learned how to take some of the pain away...unfortunately, we too just take it one day at a time. This Tuesday night in St. Louis, we have a candlelight vigil for the St. Louis Police Officers killed in the line of duty. We will raise another candle for Larry and all others who have lost their lives while serving us. He will never be forgotten. God Bless You All.

Family of Officer Robert Stanze
St. Louis Police Department - Mobile Reserve
EOW 8/8/00

April 30, 2006

To Creator, Honor and thanks to them that give their all. Love and comfort to those they leave behind. Strength and courage for those of us who walk the thin blue line.

To Larry: Rememeber us here on earth, as you look down from above. For the reason you chose the job you did was because you you truly loved. In our hearts we hold you dear and miss you every day. As we continue with that in mind to help us find our way.

Patrolman Matt Allen
Granville P.D. Granville, WV

April 30, 2006

Someone broke into your truck. About 5:00 am a couple of days ago I heard a car alarm go off. It sounded like my panic button on my car so stupid me just opened the front door to take a look. I didn't see anything and it was our next door neighbors alarm that was going off. Well today I went to get something out of your truck and all the doors were open slightly. They had opened all the little compartments in your truck. Apparently the car alarm and me opening the door scared them off. Monday I'm going to get an alarm for your truck and after D.C. I'm going to clean out the garage and try to make room for it. I don't care what happens to my car but your car can never be replaced if something happened to it. It scared me that someone was lurking outside of the house and upset me so much that some scumbag had his hands on your things. The police came over and made me feel better. I just don't feel safe without you here. I know you worked nights but somehow knowing that you'd be home soon made me feel better. There are things that I'm trying to do on my own now but I'll never have that safe feeling again. I know that if there's a spirit world and you can see what's going on you are so upset that you can't protect me and Cody and you can't make me feel safe.

On a happier note...Cody is making silly faces now and he knows he's being funny. He won't let me wear my glasses...he thinks it's so funny when he pulls them off of my face. I'll even try to fake him out with other glasses but he knows that those aren't the good ones. Yesterday I was trying to be happy for him but I was just really depressed. I was crying while I was changing him and he reached up so I got close to him and he wrapped his arms around my neck and hugged me so tight. He knew that's what I needed. What a kid...

Love you

April 30, 2006

I to worked with Larry back in 1987 with Matt, and Jeff and many others. I to have lost many friends and close family in my Life. Somehow in the life system most of them seemed in order with nature or Gods plan. I am 37 years old and Larry's death will never make sense. It went against nature.
Always your friend Larry. Sean

Sean McPeak
Friend

April 29, 2006

I have thought about Larry every day since the Monday a year ago I heard what happened.. I can remember seeing him running around the playground at Hidden Valley Elementary, wrestling at College Park and our last times together, face-to-face, when we worked together at Grossman's in Pacheco. The last I had heard was Larry was doing when he was a 1st. Lt. in the USMC, through a mutual friend of ours. I didn't know he had begun another life in law enforcement, that he was married and expecting a son. I can't help but to feel regret that we didn't spend time together in those years since 1987, that I had to hear of his accomplishments through other people. I've lost a lot of people in my life who I were very close to me, but none that I'm as tormented about. I think Larry will haunt my thoughts indefinitely. I only hope for happiness in JoAnn's and Cody's futures. I'll never make sense of what happened to him.

Matt Howse
friend

April 29, 2006

"If death and I met suddenly
And I were given choice
Of all the sounds I'd ever heard
I know I'd choose your voice."
unknown poet

I can hear the special way you would say Mom or Mama. I can hear you say Jo Jo. I can hear you say "the hippie"

I am so glad we can still hear your voice as it is music to our ears, our hearts, and our souls.

Just before I returned home on Sunday, I stopped by the site
where you were shot. I was so touched when I saw a female Antioch officer coming back down the path after she had paid her respects to you. The Chief of Antioch PD had left you beautiful red roses there. As I was leaving, another officer from Antioch drove up in his patrol car to pay his respects. They were not able to come to your remembrance ceremony as they were on duty, but they came to remember you on the trail. Seeing them there meant the world to me.
The trail is a place of agony for me, but it is also hallowed ground. I miss you so much.
Loving you forever, Mom

April 28, 2006