Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Officer Spree Desha, her family and her fellow officers with the Los Angeles Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Desha’s tragic death and we honor her for her valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Desha and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

September 12, 2009

Remembering you and thinking of your loved ones on your EOW anniversary. Thank you for your serivce Officer Desha. Your dedication and sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten.

Rest easy hero...

Deputy and Firefighter
Southwest Florida

September 11, 2009

Rest in Peace Officer Desha.
Laura, Stay strong sister, God be with you and your families

Detective Ilan Lancry
Highland Park Police Department, New Jersey

July 30, 2009

Spree--you were my best friend, and the one I could always turn to. I miss your ability to help me see the other side of things and to set me straight. I miss your spirit and sense of humor. I have such tremendous respect and adoration for you and what you have accomplished in your life. I am so happy you and Laura found each other and got to experience such a great love. I know she meant everything to you. She misses you so much, and I wish I could take away her pain. I'm grateful for the many happy memories I have of us hanging out together and with all our other wonderful friends. Those memories will never leave me, and I will always cherish them. I love you! HEAD.

Heather Byrne
Friend

July 10, 2009

Spree,

Thank you for your service and dedication. You will be truly and deeply missed. My condolences and biggest hugs to your love and family. Say Hi to my Scott for me.

Laura,
I know all to well what it feels like to lose the love of your life. I just want you to know you are not alone. If you like we are here for you. Just search me on facebook.

Big Hugs,
Monica Verdusco Sise
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit
Moderator
Officer Down Significant Others - facebook and yahoo groups

Anonymous

March 15, 2009

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

May God be with you and all who mourn you. May he give them the strength to carry on.

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

K.L.

March 6, 2009

Spree ...I never met you but I did meet your Mom & Dad last Saturday. We talked a lot and probably will meet again in DC. My son was killed in the 1st Metrolink crash,so I know how painful this is for your family and your partner. I've been sitting here tonight crying yet again for the loss of my son.It is very hard to lose a loved one,but a child seems to hurt more. I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts.

Maureen Tutino
Mom of Deputy James Tutino EOW 1-26-05

February 25, 2009

I will always remember what a Hard Charger you were at Wilshire but even more, what a wonderful, nice woman you were to everyone there. You are very missed....

Detective
LAPD

January 18, 2009

I remember that night i lost you my friend. When i heard it was you we lost i broke down. I couldn't believe it at first and sadly had to hear it again. I miss your smile and how you would light up the roll call room with it. I MISS you Spree, and you will always be DESHA-HEYHEY to me.

J.G.
LAPD

December 28, 2008

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders
and said, "No Lord. I guess I ain't.
Because those who carry badges,
can't always be a saint."

"I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough...
and sometimes I've been violent
because the streets are awful tough."

"But I never took a penny,
that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep."

"And I never passed a cry for help,
though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I wept unmanly tears."

"I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear."

"If you've a place for me here, Lord,
it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But, if you don't...I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne,
where saints had often trod,
as the policeman waited quietly
for the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets.
You've done your time in hell."


God be with your family.

Det. Matthew Holloway
Fort Smith Police Department

December 18, 2008

Rest in Peace Officer Desha. You have made the ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Los Angeles.

Sgt. James F. Chadwick #1110
Rock Island, Illinois P.D.

December 9, 2008

Spree,

It has been two months, to the day, that your young and cherished life and our dreams, tragically ended. The day I stood by that train and waited to learn our fate was, by far, the absolute worst day of my life. That was the day I lost my spouse, partner, friend, confidant, support system, hero, hope and my whole world. Your loss has changed my life forever. I can not explain the amount of hurt and pain this has caused me and the ones who loved you. I can't imagine happiness without you and simply try to find a reason to wake everyday and breathe.

I feel like so much has been taken from me since the day I lost you, but no one can ever take the memories of the wonderful life that we shared together.

You were everything to me. You allowed me to grow in my own time and made me the person that I am today. You saw potential, when so many had given up on me. You touched so many lives in such an incredible way. The gentle manner in which you spoke and loved made others evaluate themselves and seek out their own compassion. You caused so many smiles and with a simple hug, you would envelope a persons soul and make them feel like the most important person on earth.

The time we spent together was like a dream, so pleasant, so warm, so perfect, but yet, so short lived.

I am so blessed, honored and proud to have been the most important thing in your life for the last six years. Spree, your spirit will always be with me.

I love you Sweet Pea

Motor Officer, Laura Gerritsen
Partner / Spouse

November 13, 2008

I never got to meet Spree but I met Laura at the Police Unity Tour in Washington, DC in May 2008. She was there along with a huge contingent of LAPD officers to honor those who died for us. I am so sad to be here writing this....God bless you Laura and Spree's family. I,too,have trouble in my heart when I see a Metrolink train.

Donna Culwell,Friend
Sister of Duane Johnson, LAPD, EOW 12~19~84

November 2, 2008

Hi, Sis:

I doubt that I will ever be able to look at another Metrolink Train, without thinking about You....

Semper Fi,
"Major Pain"

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

October 28, 2008

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

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

October 17, 2008

May God watch over each and every person that you have touched within your lifetime. May your famiy, friends, and co-workers find some kind of solace somewhere. God Speed.

Heather
Ross County Ohio Deputy Sheriff

October 16, 2008

REST IN PEACE, SISTER.

F OFCR WINSLOW
FEDERAL POLICE

October 11, 2008

May you rest in peace Officer Desha. You were so tragically taken away too soon. You will be missed by all who knew you. To Laura, family, and friends, I will pray that God gives you the strength to make it through the tough times.

Police Officer Garcia
Los Angeles Police Department

October 5, 2008

RIP.Your tour of duty cut short but you will never be forgotten by all those who love you.

Anonymous

October 4, 2008

Thank you for your service, rest in peace. To Laura, it is with our deepest sympathy writing you this message, my partner is a police officer as well and I pray everyday she comes home safely. You are living my greatest fear. God be with you and your families.

Leigh Brandt
911 Dispatcher Panama City PD Florida

October 4, 2008

Officer Desha,
I lost my father due to a train accident. God Bless you and your family. Protect us from above...God Speed

Deputy Tutino

Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Tutino
LASD

October 3, 2008

Spree, I never had the chance to meet you, but I know Laura very well. Rest assured, she will be watched after throughout her career by her brothers and sisters on the Department. Your loss has hit us all very hard. R.I.P. sister.

Sergeant
LAPD

September 27, 2008

Offr Spree May the lord take you under his wing. RIP, Heads up LAPD.

CPL C.Nott
Aust Defence Force

September 26, 2008

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Police Officer III Spree Desha,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Police Officer III Spree Desha. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Police Officer III Spree Desha is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous

September 26, 2008

Spree,

I am so sorry that I never pursued a friendship with you and Laura, that is something I can never take back and regret it will all of my heart. I promise that Joyce and I will look after Laura as best as we can. You will be well missed down here.

MAUREEN DOYLE
ALMOST FRIEND

September 25, 2008