Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lester was a man that was very dear to me. He was my double first cousin and cousin-in-law. I remember over 23 years ago, when he discussed his dream to become a law enforcement officer. He spoke of it with a sparkle in his eyes. It wasn't an easy task for him. He had a family with 2 small children and going back to school was tough to do. He acheived his goal, took his job very seriously, and loved every minute of it. Knowing that he was making a difference. I know he is looking down on us wanting us not to mourn his death, but to celebrate his life. I am very thankful for his time and impact that he had in my life, and will never forget him. I miss him and love him very much. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren. May god bless them, Cathy, Becky, and Jessica. I love you all very much.

Bobbie Sue Warren
double-first cousin

May 3, 2006

Lester was my nephew and a loved member of the family. I broke my heart and saddened me to let him go as I know it did many people who knew him. It gives me comfort to know that he left us all doing the thing he loved to do, because he wanted to be a law enforcement officer and he achieved that goal. There aren't that many of us who can say they accomplished that in life.

I know we will all miss him greatly and that Cathy and the girls will be at such a loss for many years to come but they can have the comfort of knowing that they were the most important people in his life along with the Grandchildren that he was so crazy about and the son-in-law that he was friends with.

I love you all,
Mary Daniels

April 12, 2006

To Deputy Lester Tatum, his loved ones and his fellow officers with the Trinity County Sheriff's Department:

I was so saddened to learn of the death of another dedicated officer in the line of duty. On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences for the grievous loss you suffered when Lester was tragically killed.

Lester, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
In reading the reflections, it is obvious he was a great family man, friend and cop.

Lester, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Deputy Lester Tatum.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Lester gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on December 28,2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 8, 2006

To Deputy Lester Tatum, his loved ones and his fellow officers with the Trinity County Sheriff's Department:

I was so saddened to learn of the death of another dedicated officer in the line of duty. On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences for the grievous loss you suffered when Lester was tragically killed.

Lester, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
In reading the reflections, it is obvious he was a great family man, friend and cop.

Lester, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Deputy Lester Tatum.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Lester gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on December 28,2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 8, 2006

Just a note to say my prayers and love are with you! I am sorry to hear about Mr. Tatum. I pray God's love will shine through for you guys...Also being a K9 lover and advocate of handlers of K9s...I know he had an amazing love for not only his family, but his partner! God Bless you all and I hope you find peace!

Chance Britt
Dawson Co EMS (volunteer/student)

February 18, 2006

It's been weeks since your funeral, so this is later than it should have been. It's 1:00 in the morning and i can't sleep. I keep thinking of you, missing you, still thinking you'r just working an extra job and you'l be coming home soon. But daddy im not fooling myself i know where you are and i know the next time i'll see you won't be soon. I miss you soo much, i miss you playing with my son, i miss you picking with me all the time, sometimes driving me crazy. Your grandson said 'pawpa' a day or two after you passed. You would have went wild, we all just cried. And iv been strong dad, i really have. I helped plan your funeral just the way you would have wanted it, but know i hated every minute of it. Bill was responsible for most of the detials, he misses you too. Hell who doesn't
I just wish you were here, is all. but in my heart i know where you belong and thats where you are. i can't write anymore dad, i love you soooo much

Daughter, Rebekah Clark

January 18, 2006

You are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
CHP

January 16, 2006

God be with your family and department during this time. RIP Deputy Tatum

Sr Disp B J Kendrick
Chesapeake Police Department VA

January 14, 2006

Deputy Tatum and I spent alot of time at work together. He taught me alot about police work, but the one thing he told me was having a good attitude and being a good person was one thing you had to be to be a great officer. Officer Tatum was a fantastic officer and even better friend.

I will miss you greatly.

Jailer Stephen Casper
Trinity County Sheriff's Department

January 14, 2006

May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. May God bless you, your family and brother/sister officers in the Trinity County Sheriff's Department.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

January 11, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sgt.S.P.Lapsley
Clayton Police Dept. N.C.

January 9, 2006

I am sorry to here of the loss of Deputy Sheriff Lester Dewayne Tatum. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The world is a better place because of you. R.I.P.

Patrolman Mike Wilkins
Mayflower PD, AR

January 9, 2006

DEPUTY TATUM, YOU ARE A HERO TO MANY, SIR! I SALUTE YOU AND HOPE TO ONE DAY SERVE BESIDE YOU IN THE GOOD LORDS P.D. IN THE SKY! GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND FELLOW OFFICERS.

SGT. S. ONOFRE #562
BALCONES HEIGHTS POLICE DEPT.

January 7, 2006

Family of Deputy Tatum;

I am truly sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. I know there are no words to ease this pain and sadness you are feeling, so please just know that you are in my prayers and in the prayers of many.

I also lost my father in the line of duty. He was 48 years old and left behind 2 daughters and 2 grandsons. He served his dept. for about 9 months before he was killed while assisting a disabled motorist. Finding other survivors who understood helped me greatly in my healing process, though nothing can take away that pain. If you have a local Concerns of Police Survivors chapter, they can be of tremendous support, comfort and information during this difficult time. They were a listening ear when I needed it, and I know the same awaits you. God bless you and I pray that he sends peace to you and your family.

Again, I am truly, truly sorry for your loss.

Valarie

Valarie Bell Wright
Daughter of Ptl. William B. Bell, EOW 11-19-02 SC

January 6, 2006

In Valor there is Hope. Rest in Peace, Brother.

P.O. Chris Welby
Bridgeton, Mo. PD

January 6, 2006

R. I. P. brother. My deepest sympathies go out to your family and friends.

Mike
Surprise, Arizona

January 6, 2006

God bless you always and may your rest in peace.
my prayers are with you family and friends.

s.samson JerseyCity,NJ resident

January 5, 2006

Lester and his wife Cathy have been close friends of mine for several years. Lester was always someone that could be counted on no matter what the situation was. Lester was the type that would give you the shirt off his back and not think twice about it. It makes me proud to have known this man and his love for law enforcement and knowing that every minute of every day he was always on duty to make a better and safer place for all of us. Lester you were a very huge inspiration to James and turning his life around and there will never be any words to say what a huge difference you made and for that I am eternally grateful to you. Your are now his guardian angel and all of ours too. You will be missed so much but never forgotten. For Cathy and the girls and grandsons and Bill, I wish there was something we could do to make the pain and hurt go away but with time that will soften and they will always have the beautiful memories for all the years you were here with them. Goodbye my friend and may you rest in peace.

Betsy Drew

January 5, 2006

ive lost another friend,lester was always a hoot to be around.rest in peace my friend

ronnie drew

January 5, 2006

Lester was my father in-law, but in fact he was more than that. He was a great friend to talk to about things and he meant alot to me. I will miss most of all, the talks about how each one our days went and joking about them. Lester was a leader to people because he did not believe in following. I know he looks over me each time I place on my vest and hit the road to protect. I will miss his comedy because he always had a joke, if he didn't like you he would not make a joke but I guess he liked everyone because he made everyone laugh. He will missed greatly when my son(his grandson) grows up wanting the stories but I will continue to tell the stories. Lester, you will always and forever be missed but will never be forgotten.
Your Son,
Bill

Trooper I William Clark
Texas Highway Patrol

January 5, 2006

I would like to send my condolences to the family and friends of Deputy Tatum and to the Trinity County Sheriff's Department.

There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well.

Russell Marburger, Investigator
Travis County Sheriff's Office (Austin, Texas)

January 4, 2006

I will aleays remember all of the good times that we had. Lester Tatum was more than an Officer Of The Law to me. He was my cousin and my friend. He was a real person on and off duty. I will miss him greatly. I love you Cathy Jessica and Becky. Through you and those two beautiful children Lester will live on. Dont think he is not watching you. When you are troubled and think you have no way, He will be there and you will know it.

Love your Cousin
Jack Daniels

Sgt U.S. Army Retired Jack Daniels

January 4, 2006

Rest in peace, brother...

Ofc. K. Batchelor - motorscout
Homewood, AL PD

January 3, 2006

Lester, was a great man and a great husband and father, and Grandfather. God call him away oh so soon. But I know God needed him more than we did here on earth. A Great Man always helpful and very thoughtful of others. He died doing what he love most and will always be a hero. We loved him and miss him dearly.

Judy A. Arriola
SIster-In-Law

January 3, 2006

Courage is the thing. All goes if courage goes.

Be at peace Brother.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Tatum.

Ofc. Scott Bachman
Baltimore County (MD) PD

January 3, 2006