Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Auntie,

As I reside in SB currently you give me strength. I’ve said my prayers in many ways, and honor you in so many more. I read the words of the many lives you’ve touched and I’m so proud to be a part of you.

Lovingly,
Your niece, Mary Ann Taylor

Mary Ann (lene) Taylor
Niece

January 12, 2024

Senior Investigator Cleaves,

I just learned of your passing, after getting a NO PAROLE letter request from ODPM. In fact, I just printed it up and will be forwarding it to the California Parole board. I'm so very sorry for your loss, and for the pain your parents, siblings and husband and daughters have been going through over the years. I will be praying for them all. Rest in peace.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. – Matthew 5:9

Daniel Ryan
Private Investigator (Retired)

August 1, 2023

Rest in peace Senior Investigator Cleaves.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2022

Stumbled across this site trying to find some information about line of duty deaths in another agency. Seeing your name and face was a gut punch even though I've known you've been gone since it happened. I knew you through riding and have fond memories of you with horses and teaching children and adults alike. You were always firm but patient and kind. Rest in peace.

Fellow Rider

November 5, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

May 1, 2021

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

May 1, 2020

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

May 1, 2018

Seems like yesteterday. You are missed.

Detective Rod Forney (retired)
Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department

May 1, 2018

Rest In Peace Sister LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 1, 2018

Thinking about you today, Laura. It doesn't seem possible that awful morning when we learned of your passing was almost 10 years ago. Funny story, Diane Evans and I drove out to the cemetery to pay our respects a few months after your death. We had a few lovely minutes with you and when we went to leave Diane's car wouldn't start, even though she'd had no problems with it before. We laughed and said, "Laura doesn't want us to leave". The car acted up badly all the way from your gravesite to the exit from the cemetery, where it started running perfectly, and never gave her any more trouble. Rest in Peace, beautiful lady.

Sandy Garbiso
Retired - Santa Barbara County D.A.

March 31, 2018

Fondly remembering your laugh, and smile, and wit. We miss you, Laura.

Mag
SBDA

May 1, 2015

Laura you were a great investigator, wife, mother, and friend. It was an honor to work with you and visit your family - especially on Christmas!
You are still missed

Joyce Dudley
District Attorney

April 30, 2015

Happy Birthday to you!!

Our dear Laura, you are missed and loved everyday, by all of us whose lives you touched...

Beth S. Bailey, RRS
Lompoc D.A.'s Office

April 19, 2012

Rest in Peace, Investigator Cleaves. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 22, 2012

I came across your page today. I still cannot believe you are gone.

You were and always will be an inspiration.

My love and prayers are with your family.

J'aime Cain DA Investigator I
Ventura County

June 10, 2011

Think about you often and miss you every day! I will never forget you and what you meant to our department.

Anonymous

May 13, 2010

Laura,

It has been two years since you were taken from us. We all miss you around here and your not forgotten. RIP. My friend.

Deputy Sheriff
Santa Barabara Sheriff's Dept

May 6, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the first 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.

I hold your family in my thoughts and prayers today.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

May 1, 2009

I'm proud to be riding for you, to honor your memory this May 2009 in the Police Unity Tour. Keep me strong! Rest in peace sister....

Special Agent Michelle Hunter

March 9, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion
Proverbs 28:1

God bless you and all who mourn you. May God give them the strength to carry on. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

To the daughters: May God bless you and give you peace, may he give you the strength to survive this. Your mom is and always will be a hero, she will never be forgotten. Know that the thoughts and prayers of many are with you.

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

K.L.

February 28, 2009

May God lay his healing hand upon the family and friends of Investigator Cleaves and may they know he will never be forgotten. Thank you Investigator Cleaves for your dedicated service to the people of California and the United States.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

October 18, 2008

To the family and friends of Senior Investigator Laura Cleaves and to her fellow officers, and most especially to Laura:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to extend condolences for the grievous loss you suffered when Laura so tragically lost her life. Her heroism, valor and professionalism will be forever remembered.

May you be continue to be comforted by the support and caring of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. We grieve for you and with you.

Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are experiencing. We know the meaning of lives forever changed.

Rest in Peace, Laura. May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Laura gave to her community and the citizens of California, and the supreme sacrifice she and her family made on May 1, 2008.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

September 25, 2008

RIP

Anonymous

September 8, 2008

To those who loved Investigator Cleaves, my heart goes to you all. Know that you're not alone in this journey you walk. I lost my fiance in the line of duty January 2003 and my world was forever changed. It's been a long hard road, and even as time as gone forward, and I've found many reasons and ways to smile, I still have not forgotten the man that he was. Dennis was a beautiful person and he forever has a part of my heart, just as I'm sure Laura will always be a part of yours.

It takes a special person to put their lives on the line everyday to make this world a little safer for us all. I know many of these men & women never would've thought of themselves as "heroes" but they were in so many ways. It's sad that it they had to lose their lives for some of us to see that. Having said that, thank you Investigator Cleaves for helping to make this world a better place. You will not be forgotten here in Winnipeg. If you happen to run into Dennis up there, please give him a big hug for the kids and I. Dennis was a good man and we miss him more than words can say.

Wishing those who loved you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

August 8, 2008

Rest In Peace.

Senior Deputy
SFSD

June 25, 2008