Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sergeant De Cross, it's now been 32 years, Ernie, you've never and will never be forgotten.

God Bless and may your continued rest be ever peaceful.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

March 1, 2023

Rest in peace Sergeant DeCross.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 10, 2022

Sergeant DeCross, Ernie, it's now been 31 years since that senseless day. You've never been forgotten nor will you be. I want to believe that each March 1st, the kid (no longer a kid) responsible for your death has to read this and be reminded of what his reckless despicable behavior caused, if he's still alive. Did he reform his life or ruin it further? I'll probably never know.

God Bless you, Brother and may your eternal rest be nothing but peaceful. You are truly missed.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

March 1, 2022

Sgt. DeCross,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Braintree. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 1, 2021

Thanks for your 12 years of services, Ernest.

David

March 1, 2012

Remembering you with respect and appreciation.

Cadet
Colorado

March 24, 2011

Ernie,
Can't believe that it has been twenty years already, can remember watching the tv and hearing the news about you and Greg. At the time I was an Auxiliary/Special Police Officer and remember talking to you all the time and the advice you gave to me about the job and the smile you always had on your face. Your funeral and Greg's funeral were the first LOD funerals I ever attended and was in awe of the turn out, I have attended so many over the years but I remember yours like it was yesterday. I have come along way since then and want to thank you for the help along the way. The policing world was a better place with you in it. Thank you and God Bless my friend.

Kevin J Harrington
Whitman Police

March 1, 2011

I used to visit this site daily. I think I had gotten a little burnt out but today I made one of my now, not that often visits. I always check "Today in History." I didn't realize today was you and Greg's anniversary until I scrolled down and saw your names.

It's now been 19 years. Almost hard to believe.

Keep Resting in Peace.

Anonymous

March 1, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

To his loved ones: I share your anquish in losing a beloved family member which I believe is life's greatest sorrow. Time never diminishes love. You are in my heart's embrace today. May God grant you solace.

Rest In Peace,

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 1, 2009

SGT DECROSS, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

June 18, 2008

Sgt. DeCross,
On today, the 17th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Braintree. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I'm originally from Randolph, a town right next to Braintree and I remember when this happened. I wish that that teenager who you were in pursuit of had gotten more punishment than the slap on the wrist that he received.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

March 1, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service and dedication

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 22, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

February 18, 2008

Sixteen years have passed and you have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

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

March 1, 2007

15 years have passed but you are still remebered in my heart and thoughts. So much has changed, so many roads traveled, but the fruits of your life are growing strong. You were an example of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, and I say thank you.
I understand so much more now than I did then. I'm all grown up-no longer your little girl. No one has ever and will ever take your place. I thank my Father for family, friends, and the chance to have been with you-if only for a short time. I don't know what the future will bring but I will walk with a view of what has been and a hope for what is to come.

MLD

May 30, 2006

Ernie, you were a terrific guy and I can't get over it's been so long since we lost you. You and your Dad were always ready to give a little advice or pointers to a young kid starting out as an Auxiliary. You've been memorialized with a bridge named for you and Greg, but you'll live in the hearts of all who had the honor of knowing you.

Rest in Peace, Ernie.

Ptl. Jim Leahy Jr.
Harvard University Police

July 12, 2005

Rest easy Sgt DeCross, a true hero never dies!

Explorer Mike C
Newton PD (MA)

March 1, 2005