Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

A chill runs down me when I hear a bulger sound Taps. I was aware that Taps originated in the Civil War and that the melody was composed by General Butterfield. Taps now honors military and fallen officers.

The lyrics of one verse of “Taps” is "‘Day is done, gone the sun, from the hills, from the lake, from the sky; All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.’

‘Your sun shall no longer go down… for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended.’ Isaiah 60:20.

Loving you forever, Mom.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 18, 2012

If lives are measured by their valleys and their hills, our valleys are deep because of your death But there are hills in memories of you and they are magnificent.

Loving you always, Mom

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 17, 2012

Thanks to all who have left reflections for our beloved Larry. They are so appreciated.

Yesterday I left a reflection for Deputy Sheriff Jessie Browning who is being honored in D.C. this year, the 95th anniversary of his death serving the citizens of West Virginia. A beautiful prayer was posted, and I wanted to re-post it as it is so moving and eloquent. The author is unknown.

"It was only a moment, but in that moment of madness our lives an the world changed. Hearts were broken and names previously unknown are now spoken with reverence. The moment passes, but in that moment we mourn for the life that was taken and grieve for the family survivors. Remembering the sacrifice made to protect and serve. It was only a moment-but he is gone, a sacrifice made to give us a future. We pause in our sorrow reflecting what might have been-but then we press on for, by the grace of God, his memory still stands. Amen

Maria and her daughters and other family members and friends are remembered today on the ninth anniversary of Ray's death.
She has been such a blessing to all of us on this journey, especially to Jo Ann. I pray that Ray and Larry will be the last officers lost in our department. It would be so wonderful if no family or department ever had to endure a line of duty death, but sadly that is not realistic.

Loving you forever, Mom

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 16, 2012

Thanks to all who have left reflections for our beloved Larry. They are so appreciated.

Yesterday I left a reflection for Deputy Sheriff Jessie Browning who is being honored in D.C. this year, the 95th anniversary of his death serving the citizens of West Virginia. A beautiful prayer was posted, and I wanted to re-post it as it is so moving and eloquent. The author is unknown.

"It was only a moment, but in that moment of madness our lives an the world changed. Hearts were broken and names previously unknown are now spoken with reverence. The moment passes, but in that moment we mourn for the life that was taken and grieve for the family survivors. Remembering the sacrifice made to protect and serve. It was only a moment-but he is gone, a sacrifice made to give us a future. We pause in our sorrow reflecting what might have been-but then we press on for, by the grace of God, his memory still stands. Amen

Maria and her daughters and other family members and friends are remembered today on the ninth anniversary of Ray's death.
She has been such a blessing to all of us on this journey, especially to Jo Ann. I pray that Ray and Larry will be the last officers lost in our department. It would be so wonderful if no family or department ever had to endure a line of duty death, but sadly that is not realistic.

Loving you forever, Mom

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 16, 2012

Phyllis,
I can feel your loss.God bless your family.I can tell by the picture that your son was proud to be able to help others.We never forget people like him.I hope that you can find some comfort in the greatness of your boy..mike

Patrolman Michael Olsen
City of Rye,NY

April 16, 2012

You are a true Hero. Thank you for your Service to your Community and your Country, both as an Officer in Law Enforcement, and A Marine Corps Veteran.
You are sorely missed, by those who knew you and loved you. This will never change.
My Father's EOW was September 22, 1960, when I was 2 1/2 years old. I believe you are together now in a better place, with far too many brothers and sisters who shared similar fate, leaving those of us that love you behind, missing you and honoring your memory in respect for the Oath you took and died to uphold. Thank you for your sacrifice. You are well and truly Loved, and will always be honored in our hearts.
My deepest sympathy to your family, who lost you far too soon.
Hold hope, he is still and always will be with you.
Donna Lyle
Daughter of Officer Jack Lyle
EOW 9/22/1960
Menlo Park Police Department

Donna Lyle

April 15, 2012

"I always knew that I would look back at the tears with laughter. I never dreamed that I would look back at the laughter with tears"

Author unknown

Loving you forever

Mom

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 15, 2012

I didn't know you, But I know this: All officers may at one time have to make a great sacrifice. Sadly, You had to make the sacrifice. I came upon this page after seeing your Mother's post on another fallen officer's memorial. She had done a great job honoring the fallen. It is great to see so many people coming to your page and posting good words.

Ezra Zurowski
Civilian Supporter

April 14, 2012

Easter was hard but I had to keep it together for Cody. Cody and I went to church and he also hunted for eggs. He had a great time. We had Easter brunch with my family, just like you and I did on your last Easter. I still remember us having Daniel in the truck with us and being so excited that the following Easter would be our baby's first. Now Daniel is 13 and Cody is the age Daniel was on that Easter. I can't believe that. You continue to inspire me and thinking of you will get me through the Police Unity Tour. I'm looking forward to riding in and seeing our son waiting for me by your name. I get teary just thinking about it. Love you

JoAnn
Wife

April 12, 2012

This is a difficult month for all of us. This month will forever be seared in my soul as it is when you lost your life, and the lives of everyone who cares about you were forever changed.
I miss you and wish you could have been here with all of us on Easter. This is so unfair,especially to Cody.



"We thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
We thought of you yesterday, and days before that too.
We think of you in silence,
We remember you with pride, and
We relive our cherished memories when you were by our side.
Your memory is our keepsake with which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping,
We have you in our hearts."

Author unknown

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 11, 2012

I don't write as much as I did before and I'm sure you understand why. I think you'd feel the same. I will continue to remember you in my own way by raising our son and giving him the best life possible. For those who have said that losing a child is harder than losing a spouse should walk a mile in my shoes. You know how much I love and miss you and really that's all that matters.

JoAnn

April 11, 2012

Mrs. Loya,
I have never left a reflection before and rarely look at this website. I guess it's out of fear for my own mortality and family, but tonight I was reading about officers killed in the line of duty from my agency and saw your reflection Mrs. Loya and could not believe you had posted a reflection. It compelled me to write.

You see, I attended Larry's funeral. It was the first police officer (LOD) funeral I attended and did so as a rookie officer.

I have since been transferred back to the east coast from California, but often reflect on the day I heard the news about our fallen hero, P.O. Larry Lasater broadcast over our radio and I was called to honor him.

I rode in the Police Unity Tour the year he was honored at the L.E. Memorial and often think about Larry and the bravery and sacrifice he made. I will continue to serve with integrity, honor and bravery, that of which Larry served; and always keep him in my thoughts.

JoAnn,
I read in one of your messages that you are planning on completing the Police Unity Tour. I wish you luck. Your strength to ride will come from your law enforcement family and from Larry. It will carry you through the tough journey.

God Bless and R.I.P Brother. Keep looking over us.

Corporal
East Coast local P.D.

April 10, 2012

Hey this is Dom and Dan, your nephews. We love you and will always remember you.

Love Dom and Dan
nephews

April 9, 2012

I don't have any wise words of reflection to leave, other than to say that you are always remembered, Officer Lasater.

A fellow brother
California Law Enforcement

April 9, 2012

As I read your reflections I feel a connection with you. As I looked at your picture I felt like I was looking into your eyes for the first time and yet they looked so familiar. I want to thank you for your service and am so sorry you had to leave your Mom, wife and daughter so early in life. The reflections that have been left speak volumes about you. Our families have been through similiar tragedy and it is a daily struggle to get thru each day. I pray for peace and comfort for your Mom. For a parent it is not a matter of moving on, it is simpily going on.
Yesterday at our passion play I was reminded how Jesus died for us , he rose and he lives. You like Jesus lost your life in service to others and you like Jesus lives. One day our families will be re-united. Your Mom is a special lady and my heart goes out to her. May your memory never dim from your Mother's eye. Rest in Peace

Carolyn Scott
StepMom of Dep Jason Scott LCSD EOW 3/12/04

April 9, 2012

A blessed holiday to all of your loved ones, especially your Mom. I know the struggle she faces each day when she awakes and how her life has been changed forever since losing you. I ask that your close friends share memories about you that she may not know as they are important to all of us who have lost a officer, especially a child. I leave this little poem on pages so others might understand through a short poem:

Love Song: To Hear Their Name

The mention of my Child's Name may bring tears to my eyes,
But if never fails to bring music to my ears.
If you are really my friend,
Let me hear the music of his name!
It soothes my broken heart and sings to my soul.
(Author Unknown)

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

April 8, 2012

Larry, Phyllis and Cody,

Just wanted to let you know, you are always in our thoughts and prayers.

God bless!

Retired Deps
ACSO

April 8, 2012

Larry - Thank you for your service to the people of Pittsburg and the State of California. Your mother, Phyllis, is very active here on ODMP and pays tribute to your memory anytime another officer falls, or the anniversary of their death comes around. She inspired me to leave reflections for every member of my first department, LAPD, and for every name on the LODD roll of my new home state, Colorado. May God grant you, Larry, eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 6, 2012

Thank you for your service to this great nation and the citizens of Pittsburg, CA. I visit ODPM everyday in hopes to not see a new face on the home page. Sometimes this happens, then sometimes not. I am still active duty, but I am far away from my corpsman years with C 1/3. Thank you for making a difference is so many people's lives. My prayers are with you and your family.

LCDR (and former C 1/3 Doc)
Navy

April 5, 2012

Tonight I am not strong enough to deal with the pain of losing you.

Mom

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 1, 2012

It was no nice to see that your Staff Sgt. left a reflection for you for I know you loved your Marines.

I saw the below quote about mothers, and allthough it may be written primarily for moms who lost young children, it sums up the feelings of mothers everywhere who lost a beloved child, no matter the age.


What Makes A Mother?

I thought of you and closed my eyes,
And prayed to God today.
Asked what makes a mother and I know I heard him say, "A mother has a child. This we know is true. " But God, can you be a mother, when your child's not with you?

Yes, you can, he replied with confidence in his voice. I give many women children. When they leave is not their choice. Some I send for a lifetime, and others for a daym and some I send to fill your womb but there's no need to stay.

I just don't understand this, God, I want my child here. I took a breath and cleared my throat and then I cried a tear.

"I wish I could show you what your child is doing today. If you could see your child smile and say,"

"I went to earth to learn a lesson of life and love and fear. My Mom loved me, oh so much, I got to come straight here. I feel so lucky to have a mom who had so much love for me. I learned my lesson very quickly. and was set free."

I miss my Mom, oh so much, but I visit her each day. And when she goes to sleep at night, and l Iisten to her pray. I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek and whisper in her ear, 'Mom, don't be sad today, I'm your child and I am here.' "

So you see, my dear sweet one, your child is okay. Your child is here in my home and this is where he'll stay. He'll wait for you with me until your lesson is through. And on that day that you come home, he'll be waiting at the gates for you.

So now you see what makes a Mother... It's the feeling in your heart. It's the love you had so much of, right from the very start.

Author unknown

I loved you from the moment you were born at 9:04 p.m. and my love has been and is everlasting. I miss you so much, my beloved son.

Mom

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 31, 2012

Today, I was researching Kentucky disasters for a paper due this semester, for a fire serice degree that I am working on. I decided to write about a Police officer that was killed 25 years ago in the City of Radcliff, KY where I work as a Firefighter. This Police officer Was overcome by toxic gasses while trying to save the lives of others. What struck me was the reflection that was most recently posted by Larry's mother. The reason that I am writing this is long overdue. I'd bet Larry is looking down at me as I'm pecking away at the computer keys thinking, hurry up Staff Sergeant What's taking you so long. After all he was the brains of the platoon and he made me do all the work. I was his Platoon Sergeant at 1st Tank Bn. Lt Lasater was a great leader whom I would follow anywhere. He always had something good to say no matter how bad a situation seemed I wasn'nt going to bring this up but he would never let me forget.... Yes Sir, I still remember you beating me on the tank firing qualifications by 5 points and yes I know you had a Perfect score. The most important thing was that you were a truly good friend and I have seabag full of great memories. God Bless, Semper Fi, I miss ya!

Firefighter Gary Smart
Radcliff Fire Dept/ FRIEND

March 29, 2012

Officer Lasater thank you for your service and sacrifice. Mrs. Lasater I grieve for your loss. I am sure Larry is beaming with pride knowing after all these years of your love and devotion. I pray you find happiness and Cody is blessed for having you as a mom. God bless you and yours.

Mike Hanson
Retired NYPD

Retired Sergeant Mike Hanson

March 28, 2012

Cody,
I did not know your father but I have great respect for him. He is a true hero both for the Armed Services and for us guys in blue. I lost a friend in the line of duty and I know its tough. Just remember to talk to him every night as you say your prayers because he is up there and is your protector now and forever. God Bless

Sgt.Michael A. Stonecipher
Illinois Dept of Corrections

March 28, 2012

I miss you and wish you were here. Cody wants to throw a coin in a fountain and wish for you to come back. It breaks my heart. He told me he wants to go tomorrow. Sometimes I feel it's me and Cody against the world. I love being his mom and feel blessed that you left me such a wonderful gift.

Jo Ann

March 19, 2012