Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and today we take the time to remind you and your family that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 23, 2020

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 16, 2013

rest in peace and may god bless you chief

Pfc. J.P.
cmpd

July 23, 2012

Although I was only a little girl when my grandfather passed away, I remember him most as being Chief of Police. He was always waiting at the fair in his uniform for me to get there with my parents, and was very dedicated to the citizens of East Pikeland Township. Thank you for honoring him, he is a hero in my heart!

Melissa Gates Rogers
Granddaughter

July 25, 2010

Chief Gates, I want to thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are remembered always. To his friends, family and fellow law enforcement officers, God Bless you all.

Christine Ross, PA
Sister of David Petzold (E.O.W. 11/9/06)

July 14, 2010

"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

January 15, 2008

Your bravery, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. You are a true hero and will be remembered as such.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

July 23, 2007

Chief Gates,
It has taken over 31 years, but you are finally being honored. I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of East Pikeland Township. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

March 21, 2007

Chief Gates

Thanks to the hard work of the members of your Police Department, your sacrifice has not been forgotten. You will be added to Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C this year and we will be there to honor you, your family and the sacrifice you made for the citizens of East Pikeland.

Sergeant Wayne O'Connell
West Pikeland Township Police Department

March 20, 2007