Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

IN MEMORY OF:
OFFICE LARRY LASATER, JR.

DEDICATION TO A FALLEN OFFICER

A MILLION TIMES WE HAVE MISSED YOU.
A MILLION TIMES WE'VE CRIED.
IF LOVE COULD HAVE SAVED YOU,
YOU NEVER WOULD HAVE DIED.
THHINGS WE FEEL MOST DEEPLY,
ARE THE HARDEST THINGS TO SAY.
OUR DEAREST ONE,
WE HAVE LOVED YOU IN A VERY SPECIAL WAY.
WE OFTEN SIT AND THINK OF YOU,
AND THINK OF HOW YOU DIED.
NO ONE CAN KNOW OUR LONELINESS,
AND NO ONE CAN SEE US WEEPING,
ALL OUR TEARS FROM ACHING HEARTS,
WHILE OTHERS ARE STILL SLEEPING.
IF WE HAD ONE LIFETIME WISH,
A DREAM THAT WOULD COME TRUE,
WE'D PRAY TO GOD WITH ALL OUR HEARTS,
FOR YESTERDAY AND YOU.

LORRAINE BOND, MOTHER OF:
HAMILTON COUNTY, TN.
DEPUTY SHERIFF:
DONALD KENNETH BOND, JR.
EOW: 09.6.01

April 28, 2006

Larry, you are remembered prayerfully on this week of the first anniversary of your tragic death. I see your mom's reflections on this site often and know well the pain that she is experiencing. I will stand with honor and respect as your name is read in DC next month. You truly are a hero and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, sir, in the loving arms of the One who created you.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

April 26, 2006

Please know that you and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers at the passing of the first anniversary of your tragic death. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. You will forever be remembered as a hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

April 26, 2006

I'm so emotionally drained. The service was beautiful. I didn't get a chance to meet the firemen that tried so hard to save you. I saw their truck on the way out of the cemetery. I plan to bring Cody there after May to meet them.

There was another officer killed on 4/23/06...he left behind a pregnant wife. I feel for her...I know everything she's about to go through. Having the baby alone. Even though she'll be surrounded by so many people she'll feel all alone. I still feel that way. I have a huge support system but at the end of the day it's just me and Cody.

It was so nice to honor you on Sunday. I'm glad I had Cody baptized as we had planned. Any decision we made together I will never change. We made a few of the major ones about his future. I'm glad we decided who would take care of Cody if something happened to both of us. I wouldn't want to make that decision on my own and have to wonder if you'd approve. There may be hurt feelings regarding that but it's not a matter of who we love the most or trust the most. It's about who would raise our son as close to the way we would.

Your friends gave us a beautiful flag. I just love it. The girls made an amazing album that I'll always treasure. They also put together an album of cards and letters. I need to do that with the ones I have here. Your friends and their wives have been great. I want Cody to think of all of them as aunts and uncles. I promise you that he'll always know them.

I still can't believe that one year later I'm still in the same place emotionally. I miss you so much. I always will.

April 26, 2006

JoAnn & Cody, You are always thought about by our family, we know all to well the pain you are feeling with the Anniversary of Larry's passing. Please know that we are in it together and are here for you too. What a day the 23rd must of been for you, with so many mixed emotions, the Joy of the Christening and the sorrow and pain with the anniversary. I just wanted to say that the you are the a wonderful person and a terrific mother, and by the way you hold yourself only shows what a wonderful wife you were and are. Your Larry would be so proud of you if he were here. God Bless you and your family.

Nancy Sessa, Cousin of Isaac Espinoza

April 25, 2006

Dearest Officer Lasater: It has been a sad year for those you left behind on this, the one year anniversary of your death. We who never knew you are privileged to learn of you from your wonderful mom and wife and friends and co-workers. As we read their reflections, we know what an honorable Marine and Officer and Man that you were and our earth was made better by your presence. We are so sad because of your loss.

What we can do now is to make sure every warrior. every officer KNOWS he or she is loved and appreciated by us citizens. I try to make every Marine and cop know that they have a new Aunt who loves and appreciates them and I hug them in memory of you and every blue angel with you now.

Phyllis and JoAnn, God bless you and bring you peace. Thank you for your lives and what you are teaching to all of us.

To the Officers at Pittsburg Police, you ARE loved, supported and appreciated. Thank you for the risks you take to keep all of us safe. God bless you all,

Love, Your new Aunt from San Bernardino MADD,

Aunt LoVae

LoVae Pray Martines, Law Enf. Liaison
MADD-San Bernardino County Chapter

April 24, 2006

It doesn't seem like a whole year has past, since "that day". I hadn't met you, nor worked with you,...but the police brotherhood brought us together. Having started my police career later,.. being prior service, and a family man,..it all sounded way too familuar. I think of your family and your department often. I drive by certain areas in Pitsburg often,...but I will never drive down Kirker Pass without seeing the long persession of cars,..and feeling the way I did last year,.........it was only months later that we had a service for one of our own. I know you and Dan are looking down on us,...wishing you could be on patrol,...you are,...with us every day,....

Officer
SLPD

April 24, 2006

I knew this man many years ago when we worked together at a local lumberyard. We hung out together on many occasions. Larry was just a kid back then, still in high school. It was evident even at that young age what kind of individual Larry was. He was the kind of guy you'd want your sister to date. True blue and up for any challenge. The only thing he was bad at was being bad. I had no idea that the kid hanging with us in my garage would grow to become a representation of the very best humanity could offer. What an honor it was to know you, Larry.

Geoffrey Rowan
Friend

April 24, 2006

One year today. I know the pain you feel, the loss, the hurt. It is our second year and they say time heals all, not always true. You are in my prayer, you and your entire family. God Bless you all.
MaryAnn
Auntie of Officer Isaac Espinoza
EOW: April 10, 2004

April 24, 2006

You would be so proud of Jo Ann & Cody. They say it takes a special woman to be a Marine's wife; obviously, you choose well.... Jo Ann did a wonderful job prepairing the service and the gathering for you. It was very emotional. There were so many wonderful photos of you. It still surprises me how close to the surface all the emotions still are, even one year later.... Today has been hard. One year ago at this time we were all at the hospital..... On a lighter note, Cody is your boy! He is the party animal. He went all day with out a nap and nothing but big smiles on his face!! He was passed around all day long and never complained.

Louise
Sister-in-law

April 24, 2006

Dear Lasater Family,

Today a box was delivered to my office. I have been wanting to write and express my condolences for your loss and to let you know that we will not let your loved one be forgotten. Larry will be a source of inspiration and courage for 28 new police academy cadets starting on May 2, 2006. They will attend classes throughout the next 48 weeks and pay tribute to the person Larry was and honor him in everything they do within our program here.

On this day, the anniversary when all of you gave the ultimate sacrifice for our safety, I want you to know I am lifting you up in prayer. I will continue to pray for healing and hope that the Palomar Police Academy Class 14 Cadets can carry on in a manner that Larry would be proud of. This year is for him and for you all.

Thank you Jo Ann for being so gracious in allowing us to remember Larry and dedicate this year of training in his honor.

I see that you have received a few messages from the Espinoza family. Their loved one, Isaac was the first officer we dedicated our training top; Class 12's officer. I'm so overwhelmed to see the messages from them, but not surprised. Just a Isaac was a special person, Larry was too. I can't say enough about the Espinoza family. They are truly remarkable people! Because of thier graciousness and supportiveness they have shown to Palomar College by allowing us start a tradition with Isaac, it is with honor that we continue on.

I suppose you are wondering what was in the box....the cadets wear blue hats with our logo on them, on the left side of the hat is Larry's unit number 9Y6.

God Bless you.

Shanon Dreyer
Palomar College Police Academy

April 24, 2006

Dear Larry and Family,

I know this one year date is unbelievable to you. We are family now and do share your pain and loss, pride and love and a thousand other emotions that are our life now.

Larry, you are an amazing man. I know.

Joann, Precious Cody, and Phyllis, We honor Larry and his life, his devotion to duty and his family, and we will be in Washington to hear his name read .

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

Linda Rittenhouse

April 24, 2006

I was brought to your memorial page today, not realizing that it was the one year anniversary of your death. I just noticed that yesterday, 4-23-06, another expectant wife's husband was killed in the line of duty, and I thought of you and your wife. I never met you and will probably never meet any of you, but I think of you often and it breaks my heart to hear what happened to you,; but it also reminds me as a police officer to always stay vigilant and that at any given moment, everything can be taken away in an instant.

Lori
Sioux City PD, IOWA

April 24, 2006

Your sacrifice has not been forgotten. You remain in our prayers.

Trooper
PA State Police

April 24, 2006

One year ago, today...You were maliciously taken away from your family and friends-we will never forget. I never knew you, but all Marines and Officers share bonds that few understand, we leave no one behind and accomplish all missions no matter what. Your mission will continue in heaven, as you stand watch over us and protect and guide us with your wings. Thank-you.

Ofc. Brown, Bayview Station
S.F.P.D. Third Watch

April 24, 2006

4/24/06

Your loved ones will be in my thoughts today, as they remember the day, one year ago, when their lives were forever changed. For the rest of our lives, April 24th will be a day of saddness that our families share.

Norie Haas
Mother of Brian A. Haas
E.O.W. 4/24/04

Norie Haas

April 24, 2006

Today may Our Lord wrap His arms around you all tightly.May you know His comfort and Love is always with you.May He shower you with special Blessings.

April 24, 2006

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through the first year anniversary of Officer Lasater's tragic sacrifice. For me, it seems as if time has stopped since my husband's death, and yet the calendar tells me that it has not. It is a strange, sad feeling.

May you continue to be strong as you make it through each day, caring for your little boy, a little piece of Officer Lasater here on earth for you to love with your whole heart.

Michelle Walker
Widow of CHP Lt. Michael Walker, EOW 12-31-05

April 24, 2006

Today was a wonderful day of remembrance for you and beautiful Christening for Cody. All of Jo Ann's hard work in planning was evident in the way everything went, amd she gave an eloquent speech about you. Father Helmut had a prayer shawl for Cody that had the Pittsburg patches on it. It was so fitting that Cody was christened using your cystal baptism bowl...the picture display Jo Ann had at the reception was awesome, and it was so good to see and visit with your friends and co-workers.

James and I got to meet your heart recipient who traveled down from Redding with his family. It was nice to finally meet him...I told him he had the heart of a warrior. I think being present today was very emotional for him, but I am glad that he got to see how well loved and well remembered you are.

Les, Phil, Rob, John and Eric gave Jo Ann two Band of Brother flags (one large and 1 small) with their badge numbers and your 257 in the middle. It was the perfect gift.

So many people love you...so many people miss you...so many people honor you. Rest well, my beloved son. Loving you forever Mom

April 23, 2006

My husband was shot one year ago today in the jaw and his partner and best friend was killed. (Officer Mark A. Cross) Atlanta P.D) I only know about Larry from this site and tears are in my eyes every time I look at it because I know someone else in this world is hurting like I am for the loss of my husband's partner. My husband would be gone too if it were not for the bravery of his other officer. You men and women are heros every day and I just want to thank you for what you do. I hope this gets better for you, friends and family of officer Lasater...I think of him often when I think of Mark Cross.
Gina Griffin

G. Griffin (wife of officer A.Griffin)

April 23, 2006

God Bless your son, Cody, as he is Baptized today.
MaryAnn Poni

April 23, 2006

It has not been the same since that horrible day. We have never forgotten and will never forget you or your family. We all carry on in your name. Thank you for being a great example of a friend, a husband, a son, a soldier, and a Police Officer. You serve as an inspiration to us all.

Dispatcher -CCCSO

April 23, 2006

I can't believe its been a year....Ill never forget that day driving to Cancholas retirement party and receiving that cellphone call telling me about the 11-99. It was as if everything stopped at that very moment. I remember my mind going blank as I frantically tried to picture the Saturday roster - all I could do was to drive faster.

That day changed my life and ultimately, my career. Jo Ann, you and Cody are always in my thoughts - I don't know how the boys find the will to go to work everyday since Larry's murder. I visit this site from time to time - reading your thoughts for Larry gives me a renewed sense of hope that true love really does exist.

I wish peace of mind and healthy hearts for you and your family.

April 23, 2006