Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

When I began the research of my gg Uncle James it was just a story passed down to me by my Grandmother. In 2003, I decided to find out the who, what, when, where, and how. It took a while combing through old newspapers but his story was always there I just didn’t know it at the time.
His actions at a time when there was no electricity going into a dark house with only a match to have light is heroic.
I, as his gg niece am very proud of his service as a Constable and proud to know he is now forever remembered.
God bless all who serve our great nation.

Kaye Sass
GG Niece

April 6, 2023

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Foster.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 9, 2022

Deputy Constable Foster,
On today, the 125th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Lauderdale County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 13, 2020

I am the GG Niece who had my Uncle honored. I finally was able to get the end of the story of the man who killed my Uncle. The killer was suppose to be hung, but, Alabama court commuted him to prison and he died about 3 years later from TB in prison.

Regina Grisham Sass

July 29, 2016

Your heroism and service is honored today, the one hundred and seventeenth 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

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

April 13, 2012

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge. Proverbs 14:32

Thank you for your service.

Friend of USFS Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

September 30, 2010

Coming from many generations of law enforcement ,and losing a great grandfather in the line of duty i know how hard this sacrifice is on the families of ours.I pray for you,and your family.Thank you for everything you did for our county,and may you watch over us everyday as we continue to fight against evil.You will not be forgotten.

DEPUTY LAURIE DAVIS
LAUDERDALE COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT

June 6, 2008

As I look back on my GG Uncle who was taken at such a young age it is hard to imagine back then a life being lost over chickens. As I along with a kind volunteer by the name of Lee in Florence AL who is assisting me with the final outcome of this case, I still reflect back on this young man who was admired by many and taken way too young. Time heals all wounds and I can imagine how my gg grandmother must have felt when his lifeless body was brought to her home after it happened. My goal is to work with the local police dept in my home about placing a memorial marker on his grave so when future generations visit Ray Cemetery in Rogersville AL and see a young man taken so soon, there will be a marker to let them know this young man was killed in the line of duty.

To all those who serve in uniform protecting our streets, thank you and may God always watch over you.

Regina Kaye Grisham-Sass
Tampa, Florida

Regina Kaye Grisham-Sass
GG Niece

May 28, 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

July 11, 2007

Although I never knew my great uncle I have always remembered hearing of his dying in the line of duty and admired him. I admire all those who faithfully defend our people putting their own lives at risk.

Eletha Howard
Great Niece

May 11, 2007

Thank you for the kind remarks for my GG Uncle. Rogersville is a small little town in Lauderdale CO in NW Alabama. The citizens are so wonderful there and I am proud to have been born there. Service to our communities has always been important to all of us. So if you ever go through Rogersville, in a small cemetery called Ray Cemetery rests this young man along with his parents and a couple of sisters. May those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their community be never forgotten. I am also proud that my G Grandather on my Mom's side served with the Huntsville AL police Dept for over 14 years until his death in 1959. God Bless all of you who serve and may you always be protected. Kaye Sass, Tampa, FL

Kaye Sass
GG Niece

May 11, 2007

I am so honored to have GG Uncle James honored this year. As a child growing up I always heard the story, yet, did not know the full story until I located the numerous newspaper articles. I try and go home to AL at least every other year and always make a point to visit his grave as well as his parents, my GG Grandparents. He gave up his life at a young life before he could marry and have children of his own. I can only imagine how the times were back then. I am sure he would be smiling knowing that after over a hundred years his service is finally recognized. God Bless all who serve in uniform protecting their citizens.
Kaye Sass
GG Niece
Tampa, Florida

Regina Kaye Sass
GG Niece

May 1, 2007

We pause to remember Constable Foster and honor the ultimate sacrifice he paid serving the citizens of our state.

May he never be forgotten.

Major D.W. Warren
Montgomery Police Dept. - Montgomery, AL

April 25, 2007

Deputy Constable Foster,
It has taken almost 112 years, but you are finally being honored. I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Lauderdale County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

March 21, 2007