Pittsburg Police Department, California
End of Watch Sunday, April 24, 2005
Reflections for Police Officer Larry Elwood Lasater, Jr.
To family and friends of officer Lasater,
Our family alos lost a son to gun fire.Our son, sgt. Jeff Hewitt of the Buncombe County Sheriff's Dept. Asheville, N.C. EOW 04/04/04. Each day, as I visit the Officer Down Memorial page it breaks my heart to see yet another name added to the roll call. To Larry's mom, I want to thank you for your many reflections in Jeffs honor. Never feel that your words of kindness are not appreciated. I hope you are drawing strength from each reflection printed in Larry's honor. Some days that's what keeps us going. Know that he is watching over you, protecting you and loving you always. Today I ran over two hundred printed pages of reflections that have been written in Jeffs honor. Some from family and friends and oh so many from others who just wanted to pay their respect. Each day I will update the book I have begun and as the months turn into years we will still draw strength from the heart felt messages printed there. Always remember that you are not alone. There are so many of us hurting right along with you. I wish I could talk with you in person because you have truly touched my heart. To Larry's co-workers and to his friends, May God bless you and be with you always. Heaven is filling up with so many of our loved ones. Take care and know that you are appreciated by all of us. Carry on the watch for Jeff, Larry and all of the others who have fallen before and after them. Each day we pray there will no other names added to the lists but as we so so we know our prayers will not be answered.
Take care,
Pat Hewitt,
Mother of a fallen officer
January 1, 2006
HAPPY NEW YEAR UP THERE!!! KEEP GIVING THOSE WHO LOVE YOU SIGNS SO THEY KNOW YOU ARE NEVER GONE!!
December 31, 2005
I love you
December 31, 2005
We had Cody last night. He is such an exceptional baby. He is so good natured and he just gets cuter & cuter all the time. We had so much fun with him. We think he is extra smart. I was holding him on my lap and sitting on the floor. Vincent was next to me on one side, and Joseph on the other side. Uncle Peter was sitting on the couch and talking to Cody and making funny faces and clapping his hands. Cody was enjoying this and smiling and laughing. Well, Vincent came over and intentionally put his face between Cody & Uncle Peter so Cody could not see Peter, yet still hear him talking. Cody got so Mad!! So, Vincent would move his face away so Cody could see Uncle Peter again, and Cody would smile & laugh. So, Vincent again put his face in the way and Cody got MAD again. So, then Joseph started talking to Cody. So, Cody looked at Joseph and was smiling and laughing & Vincent came over and again put his face in the way so Cody could not see Joseph and again Cody got MAD! We just thought it was so amazing that he is only five months old and he can differentiate between who is talking to him and who is not! He certainly likes to be the center of attention and if someone is talking he wants to see them!! He is so cute! I enjoy him so much and have such a good time with him. I love watching Joseph & Vincent with him. Yet, at the same time I feel so SAD. All I can think about as I'm having fun with Cody is how much you are missing and how unfair it is that you are not here to enjoy him.... It seems that new things are always coming up with a new reason to miss you.... Vincent loves to run. He asked me the other day if I would let him go jogging around the neighborhood. I told him I would have to think it over.... He came back to me a few minutes later and said, 'If Uncle Larry were here, I bet I could go jogging w/ Uncle Larry. We could be jogging buddies....'. I thought how sad that was.... You would have probably really enjoyed having a jogging buddy & I know that Vincent would love to have someone run with him....
Louise
December 30, 2005
I've been too depressed to write. Christmas was as good as it could be without you. I missed you so much...we all did. We spent the night at Denise & Ron's house so Cody could wake up to a happy house. The boys were so excited, especially Daniel. He couldn't sleep the night before. All the boys were there Christmas eve, even Seth. Cody had all his cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents with him. Seth and Cody are starting to look more like brothers than cousins. Two handsome little boys, just like their dads.
I think you visited us today. Cody was in his swing but I didn't set it to swing because he usually just likes to sit there and play with the toys. I left the room & when I came back it was swinging and he had the biggest smile on his face. There's no way that he can make it swing on his own. I just keep looking for things to prove that you're still here.
Love you
December 29, 2005
Merry Christmas to you Larry and your loved ones. I'm sure you were the number one topic of discussion at Christmas Dinner, special stories and memories that your loved ones have and will cherish forever. Wrap your wings around them and help ease their pain. You have not been forgotten nor will you ever be.
Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
Bob Gordon
December 25, 2005
JoAnn, there is not a day that goes by that we do not think about Larry, Cody and you. We appreciate the sacrifices you all have endured. As Dispatchers, we feel it is our duty to make sure that we do our jobs diligently in order to keep officers safe. Unfortunately we cannot control the actions of bad people hellbent on destructive acts. We mourn the loss of Larry, as he was an officer we dispatched for, and respected. It has affected us deeply and we too will never be the same. We pray for you and Cody, as well as the rest of Larry's family, daily. And I can promise you, I will always strive to uphold the values and work ethic that Larry embodied. It is the least I can do. He was such a kind, professional person.
I am so sorry for your loss. We feel it too. We will continue to pray for you, Cody, and all of Larry's family members. You are never far from our thoughts, and always in our hearts. Enjoy the daily wonders of motherhood, as Larry would want you to do.
Dispatcher
Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office
December 25, 2005
Larry, from our family at the Chillicothe Police Department to your family where ever they may be, Merry Christmas.
May God continue to watch over all of your loved ones for they have sufferred immensely.
God bless.
Friends of Larry R Cox EOW 4/21/05
Chillicothe Ohio Police Department
December 24, 2005
JoAnn, I cry for you everyday. All I can say is I'm sorry. Life is truly not fair. God be with you and carry you when you simply cannot walk. I know you're doing the best you can with your son. I'm glad to see you getting your honest feelings out here... I know how much you need that. Don't ever be afraid to cry and grieve and don't ever let anyone dictate how you should do so.
LEO fiancee and friend of Peter Grignon EOW 3/23/05
December 24, 2005
I wanted to take the time to wish you my best for Christmas. I come here and read just about everyday. I read the sadness, and I read the love. I can’t imagine the sorrow. I know that as much as you have lost your soul mate….he is still with you……in your soul, in your heart, and in your memories. No one can ever take that away, you can lose no more, it gets no worse. I imagine the traditions you will start for Cody, to honor his father, whether it is a new ornament on the tree each year, cooking something special that Larry always loved, or pouring a beer in his honor ( I personally know that he would appreciate that ). Whatever way you choose to incorporate him into your traditions, I am sure it will be so very special to everyone, especially the children. As I go back the many years it has been since I knew Larry, I am still amazed at how well liked he was, but everyone that met him. To be a great officer and Marine, and still be that well liked by all is an amazing testament to his heart. I know that you will all have a tough time, I know there will some faking of happiness for the sake of the kids. At least once though, think back on a pleasant memory of Larry, and just enjoy that memory, enjoy a real smile, enjoy it without guilt, without sorrow, do it to honor him in your life.
Chris Zammit
Former Scout Platoon member
December 24, 2005
Your family is in my prayers as you go through your first Christmas without Larry. I know how difficult it is and always will be. All of those feelings you have are normal. It's so hard to see everyone else going on with life when you just don't have any desire to do anything. Some days it's hard to just get up. I talked with a lady the other day whose first husband has been gone for over 20 years and she told me that you never get over it...especially if you had a good husband. She said you just learn to deal with it a little better. I pray that the Lord will continue to help you make it one day at a time. Instead of wishing you Merry Christmas (I know it won't be merry for you) I will wish for you a better year for 2006 and know that next Christmas will still be hard but I know Cody will be into everything then & will make you smile again!
Denise
Survivor of Calvin E. Taylor
December 24, 2005
Tomorrow is Christmas eve. I don't even care. It would have been great this year. You would've been off on Christmas day, I can only imagine how fun & special it would be. I just want the holidays to be over. I know that things won't get better after they're over but at least I won't have to see other people enjoying themselves so damn much. All the holiday partys just make me sick. I feel like nobody has a right to enjoy themselves when you are gone forever. I know these are not rational thoughts but I can't help it. I resent people going on with their lives when I can't. I resent everyone who has a normal life. I can't stand seeing old couples because I know that that won't be us. I have to learn to deal with these feelings. Besides raising Cody, I feel like I'm just wasting my life. I just sit here and look through your stuff, read your letters to me, look at your pictures. Not that looking through your things is a waste of time it's just that I know you'd want me to have a life. I just don't know what that means now. You were my life. I hope you know that.
Love you always
December 23, 2005
REMEMBERING OFFICER LASATER TODAY AND HIS FAMILY.
YOUR FIRST CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOUR LOVED ONE. IT IS HARD. REMEMBER THEIR IS ONE WHO STANDS BESIDE YOU HELPING YOU THROUGH THIS. THE TEARS, THE HEART ACHE, THE MEMORIES.
THERE ARE ALSO, US, WHO ARE PART OF THIS COMMUNITY OF LOVED ONES WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LOVED ONE IN THE "LINE OF DUTY" THINKING OF YOU AND PRAYING FOR YOU.
GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU EVER IN HIS CARE.
LORRAINE BOND
December 23, 2005
Christmas is two days away. I used to love listening to Christmas music...remember how it used to bug you when I would play it really loud? I haven't listened to any this year. I remember our first Christmas together. We had been going out for 4 months and I was living in my apartment and we had that Charlie Brown tree. Last year was almost the perfect Christmas. We were expecting and so was your brother and Lenore. We were so excited picturing next year with the babies. This was supposed to be the best yet but it is so depressing. Will I ever enjoy the holidays again? Will I always have to fake it for Cody? I can't imagine ever being happy. I don't think I ever will be.
I love you and miss you
December 22, 2005
I still can't believe you're gone...
December 21, 2005
Mrs. Lasater and Mrs. Loya,
I wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this holiday season. Christmas day will mark the 9 month anniversary of my husband's death - I almost can't bear the thought of trying to get through the day without him. But I know he is looking down from heaven, giving me the strength to carry on just as Larry is looking down on you.
My heart just breaks for your family, especially little Cody who never had the honor of knowing his father. My heart breaks for my own 2 children as well. How many times have you said that this just isn't fair? I think I've said it a million times.
May the love of family and friends surround you and continue to sustain you. Please know that I think of your family often. God bless you all.
Carin E. Sollman
widow of Easton Police Officer Jesse E. Sollman EOW 3/25/05
December 21, 2005
I knew Christmas was going to be difficult.... I was in the Raider store on Monday buying Christmas gifts when I recalled last Christmas being in the same store with Joseph & Vincent. You & Jo Ann had just found out that you were expecting and the kids came to me with a baby bib they had found at the store that said, 'Daddy's Little Raider Fan". 'Can we buy this for Uncle Larry??' They were so excited to give you the Raider baby bib. I recall you opening it on Christmas and being so thrilled with this little bib! I think it was one of the first baby items you had gotten at that point in time. I clearly recall talking with you about how much we were both looking forward to THIS Christmas with a new little baby to share it with. Now I am dreading Christmas... It's going to be the most painful day so far... We put up the 'Blue Tree' in front of the house. We bought a big, beautiful Christmas Tree and it's all decorated in blue. The kids wrote '257', '120' & '4' in gold glitter on all the blue christmas balls. The tree is to honor and remember you & PPD's other fallen officers.
Louise
December 21, 2005
I forgot to say I crochet a train like I did for your son Cody. I forgot to say that I did one for your brother James for his baby Seth. I was so honored to do that for your family and I will alway think about you. Love to your Mom, she saved my first grandson Jeffrey. I was so afraid that we was going to lose him and here comes your mother. I will always love her for that. I sure enjoyed being with your family and all the good times we had. Love, your favorite seamstress Julie
Julia M. OLson
very good family friend
December 19, 2005
Larry, I will never forget you cause I mloved you so much as a family friend. I did all your alterations for your school and I was so honored to do that to help you out as a family friend. I loved your mom and dad Hank, they were so sweet and so nice to me when I didn't your mother's help to save my first grandson and I will never forget that. I sure miss you and I will never forget you, every day I think about you. I would love to see your son, Cody and Joanne. I loved crocheting that train for your son, Cody. I thought it would be so nice for Cody and he can remember who crochet that for him. Love all your family, Julie your seamstress.
Julia M. Olson
very good family friend
December 18, 2005
I found a box in the garage with a bunch of stuff of yours. I found some cards that I had sent you. A few were from before we were dating. There were some things from your college days that were so funny. You saved everything and I'm so glad you did. It will be something special for Cody to go through although some things he can't read until he's over 18! I haven't looked through it all yet because I just broke down. Just to see your life back then and all your expectations and now you're gone. It's so sad.
I had Cody cracking up today. All I would say is "you're such a BIG BOY!" and he would just laugh. I had to really build up to the "big boy" part to get him going. He's a cutie.
Love you
December 14, 2005
The wrestling tournament on Saturday was such a great tribute to you. I could just picture you there.
Cody rolled over from his back to his tummy yesterday for the first time. He's done it a couple of times today. He gets mad though because he doesn't have the energy to roll back.
Your birthday was hard. I hope you could see all the people that came to visit you. Remember how I told you that I was going to plan a big party last year for your 35th like you did for me? You didn't want me to. I wish I would have.
December 14, 2005
I love you and miss you so much...
December 10, 2005
I had dream the other day. It was one of those dreams where you wake up in the morning and remember everything about the dream very clearly, and where you keep thinking about it throughout the day.... It went like this: We were all on vacation at this beautiful mountain resort. There was this very large log cabin with a deck overlooking a large trampoline and a basket ball court... Everyone in the entire family was there, my parents, Jo Ann & Cody, Denise & her family and my entire family. Even your mom, James, Lenore & Seth were there. Everyone was having a wonderful time. Everyplace I looked, there you were! You were jumping on the trampoline with the kids, then I saw you playing basketball with the boys. Then the adults were sitting at a table on the deck playing cards and drinking beer, and there you were at the table with us. Then you were sitting on a bench off to the side with Jo Ann and Cody. You had your arm around her shoulders and Cody was holding one of your fingers in his little chubby fist. You never spoke, you always had the same expression on your face. It was a smile and you had a look of sereneness about you.... Then friends began to arrive... Everyone was happy to see you. I kept hearing in my dream, 'Larry's HERE!!! Larry's HERE!!! ... So that was my dream. I think the reason I remembered it so clearly and kept thinking about it over and over again is because there was a message there that I had to figure out.... So, I think I have it figured out. I think you were telling me that you ARE with us. I hope that's what you were trying to tell me.... We miss you.
Louise
December 8, 2005
Just a word of thanks and a prayer for this fallen hero and his family..
God Bless
Sean Underwood
None yet
December 7, 2005
JoAnn, Larry is with you!!!! Everything you are experiencing is real!! He will be with you now and forever and walk you and Cody through until you are together once again.
wife of leo florida
December 5, 2005
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