Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Brandsma,
It mav be 100 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Grand Rapids. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 8, 2021

It was 100 years ago today that my great grandfather, Officer Brandsma, gave his life in the line of duty. I'm grateful for his service to the Grand Rapids community, and for all of the officers currently working so hard to keep our neighborhoods safe. May God bless and protect you!

Karen Reinsma, December 7, 2021
Great granddaughter of Officer Brandsma

December 7, 2021

Rest in peace always and please know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your fellow law enforcement.

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

September 4, 2020

I am the great granddaughter of a slain police officer. I recently found that he is memorialized at the National Law Enforcement Officers memorial in Washington D.C. I would like to communicate with the family.

Carol Anne Edgar

November 20, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 90th 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
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 7, 2011

Your courage and sacrifice surely grants you a place in heaven. R.I.P. Officer, we'll take it from here.

December 19, 2005

The policeman stood and faced 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 of us who carry a badge
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 awfully 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 time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've 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 a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

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

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

March 16, 2005

The incredible bravery of Special Officer Brandsma will never be forgotten. Truly a hero.

Taryn Walters Ontiveros
Daughter of Officer Larry Walters EOW 11-13-74

March 25, 2004