Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 22, 2020

Referring to the post of March 11, 2008, and therefore, one of the parents of the author of that post is my cousin. I am the son of the older brother who testified at the murder trial. My father has mentioned this incident, but he has not dwelled on it verbally, and only mentioned it to his family on very few occasions, as far as I know. I am sure that it was a very tramatic event for him and his younger brothers. He also had mentioned that his Dad, my grandfather, who was with his sons, approached the murderer immediately afterward and said, "I think you'd better give me the gun." To which he replied something like this, "I guess so. I've done enough damage." It is the courage of my grandfather that I like to remember. I also feel badly for the family of the murderer--a family that must have suffered in countless ways. Forgiveness is a great aid in healing all, including descendents of all affected.

Mark Larson

September 16, 2013

Sheriff William Levi Black was my Grandfather. The farmer who filed the original complaint over water rights, was the brother in-law of the suspect. He also was killed along with my Grandfather. When my Grandmother was approached, after a relatively short amount of time, as to whether to keep the assailant in prison or to let him go (as was done in those days) she said "two mens lives have been ruined why ruin another, let him go ". A valuable lesson in forgiveness. The death of my Grandfather had a negative impact in so many lives and in so many ways it was heart rendering.

Dave William Black
Grandson

April 22, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 77th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first 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.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

March 25, 2013

I am the descendant of a young farm boy who along with his older brother witnessed this horrible incident while they were playing in a hay field nearby. Although it was traumatizing to them, the testimony of my grandfathers brother was what put this monster away for life. Sherrif Black, thank you for your sacrifice. The Larson family will never forget you.

March 11, 2008

Sheriff Black thank you for your sacrifice. We honor your memory and committment to the people you served.

August 30, 2005