Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Ret.

November 13, 2023

Trooper Boyd,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Texas. And to your Family and loved ones, i wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 11, 2023

Rest in peace Trooper Boyd.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 24, 2022

I was one of the last people, if not the last to speak to him in person before he was killed. He ate lunch in our ODR at Pack 2. I told him to take care of himself out there. 30 minutes later I was advised by our control picket officer that he had been shot to death on Highway 6.

former TDCJ lieutenant
TDC Pack 2

February 6, 2021

When I was about 17 years old I had the honor and privilege to have met Trooper Boyd just a couple of weeks before he was killed. He was telling us about a pursuit he had and talking about how great it was to be a Trooper.
The night of his death I saw more law enforcement officers than I had ever seen, all coming together to find his killer. Being so young I thought “wow” he had a lot of friends.
It was because of that meeting and seeing everyone there for him that I realized I wanted to be part of that. I went on to pursue a career in law enforcement and still to this day when asked why I wanted to be a police officer I tell about the time I met Trooper Russell Boyd.
Rest easy Sir, we have the watch.

Sgt Tony Fourroux
Hempstead Police Department

October 15, 2020

Russell
Never had the privilege of meeting you but just to let you know that Texas DPS awoke that dreadful night. Your brother troopers scrambled all over Texas looking for the criminal that crossed your path. On duty and off duty troopers and other DPS personnel especially in Region 2 and Region 3 hit the roads searching. Other law enforcement agencies also got involved in assisting DPS.
The suspect was arrested in a road block in Wharton County manned by five officers. Three have now joined you. Being in law enforcement you will always have a brotherhood to be by your side.

Retired Senior Corporal Bill Sulak
Texas Department of Public Safety

October 13, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

October 12, 2020

Hi, Uncle Russell. I know we aren't related by blood, but your brother David is my Uncle. I'm so sorry that I never got a chance to meet you. You were (actually, you still are) held in high regard and esteem as a son, as a brother, as a husband, as a law enforcement officer, and as a man. Your story is part of what inspired me to add on a minor in Criminal Justice in my current capacity as a college student. And now, one of my classes calls for a case study, and I cannot think of a more deserving one than yours. I hope to show that you didn't die in vain, and that your sacrifice led to advancements in law enforcement protocol to further protect the men and women who serve. I make this promise to you now that I will honor your legacy and your sacrifice to the best of my abilities.
Love, Jessica

Jessica Harper
niece (once removed) of Trooper Boyd

January 24, 2017

Trooper Boyd, I never met you so I never knew you personally. However you were on my mind every time I got out of my patrol car to conduct a traffic stop. The day you died I was cadet in the Houston Texas Police Department. Little did I know the affect that day would have on my career. Being the west Texas hillbilly that I was, the details surrounding your death left me awestruck. I was used to being respectful to the police, and believed that everyone was too. The one thought that would remain in my mind for the 25 years I was an officer, was that you never stood a chance. You had no idea what was on the mind of your violator. This is a lesson I learned from your sacrifice. One that the police academy can't take credit for. I learned to be cautious and take nothing for granted. For what it's worth, Thank You from me and my children. Your sacrifice was not in vain.

Ret. Sr Police Officer Abel Rodriguez
Houston Police Department

October 13, 2015

Hey Russ. Every time I see a DPS cruiser I think about you. How proud you were to finally be in command of a DPS Highway Patrol unit. Yep, Red Patch. Dad wore one, too for a while. I was always honored to be your brother. Always proud of the way you carried yourself. But I was never more proud of you than when you graduated from the Academy!
I am so glad you were a part of the DPS family. They have been wonderful to us. But I know it's because of you, Russ.
God bless you, all the Troopers who are with you, and all the Troopers who protect us everyday.

David Boyd
Brother

February 12, 2015

Russell,
We were both young men in 1982. Talking about how to survive the DPS Academy and hopefully graduate C school of 82. You were the first person I met and was proud to meet a guy from Weatherford! I made it to retirement but over a 30 year career with our beloved DPS wondered almost daily why? Why did such a good guy get taken from us, barely a year from our graduation? I still don't know that answer and don't know that anyone knows. I look forward to seeing you again.

Fellow C school DPS Academy graduate
Texas DPS

November 9, 2014

Officer Russell Boyd was married to my aunt, & although I did not have the privilege of knowing him personally, I have grown up hearing countless stories of him. I've heard of his courage, his faithfulness, & his incredible selflessness. My husband is also a police officer, and I have come to realize just how much sacrifice goes unnoticed by the public. Everyday is another day, they go into work...knowing there is always a chance they might not return home.
Praying for all other fallen LEO families.
Thank you so much for your service, courage, & sacrifice, Officer Russell Boyd.

Natalie Freymuth-Tumlin

May 15, 2013

Russell,
I still think of you and miss you. You were a great friend in High School and fun to play tennis with. You will always be in my thoughts.
Your friend,
Steve

Steve Holt
Friend from High School

August 4, 2012

Hey Russ;

It's been 28 years ago that I got the call that you and I would never see each other on this earth again.

Your Graduation from the DPS Academy made me the proudest brother in the world. I will always be proud of the uniform you wore and the way you represented the Department and the people of the State of Texas.

I love you. I miss you. Take care up there.

Dave

David Boyd
Brother to Trooper Russell L. Boyd

October 11, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 11, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 11, 2010

25 years have passed but your memory lives on. You are not forgotten.

Anonymous

October 11, 2008

I worked in a neighboring County at the time of Russ's death and knew him well. I was involved in the subsequent manhunt to find his killer and was present during the individual's trial. Russ will always be remembered. To his family...my best wishes and thoughts eternally.

Chief of Police

March 7, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 3, 2008

Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service.

Deputy Jason Hemstreet P-95
Yuma County Sheriff's Office

October 10, 2007

On the upcoming anniversary of your death, we remember you and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer is pleased that justice was appropriately serviced on your behalf.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 9, 2007

Thank you Trooper Boyd for your sacrifice. Your murder was senseless but your service was purposeful.

Officer P. Dorsett
College Station Police Department

May 10, 2007

Time passes as Time must but you are remembered and honored.

October 11, 2006

We did not know each other but I still feel cheated. You see, I am now a Trooper, wearing the uniform you gave it all for. It wasn't till just recently that I learned one of my family members was a fallen Trooper. I say to my cousin, Russell, rest in peace brother.

Trooper C. Jones
Texas Highway Patrol

January 3, 2006

God Bless Trooper Boyd. Although I am just getting started in this dream career of mine, I will carry on what Trooper Boyd and all other officers have left for me. Thank you Trooper Boyd and all other officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless

Basic Recruit - R. Martina

November 27, 2005