Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Investigator Brown,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 26, 2024

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 26, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th anniversary year 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 pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 30, 2012

"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

April 2, 2008

Melvin was a family friend and helped me through the process of becoming a deputy,he always had time to talk to you and help not only me but my family as well.He will be missed and never forgotten.

Randy Harris
Henry County Sheriffs Office

February 27, 2007

I recall very vividly my relationship with Melvin and with Paul Grubb, also killed in the line of duty. Both gave me insight and attention, so deserving of a 16 year old at the time struggling to find his place in life.
They helped me thru the halls of the Sheriffs Office and assisted me with "learning" that someday I would be a Police Officer.
I carry with me daily there memory as I am now a Deputy Sheriff, sworn to protect just as my fallen heroes once did. I am sure that we will meet again in heaven, and hopefully I have made you very proud of me.
Dale Trotter, Deputy Sheriff Maryland

Deputy Dale Trotter
Explorer for the Henry County Sheriffs Office

November 30, 2006

I came into contact with Melvin when I was working as an EMT in Martinsville. He was professional in his actions, showed compassion when it was warranted, and his judgement was always centered. But what I remember most about Melvin was his sense of humor. He has been gone over 14 years and I still think of him often. There are some people who, although you only contact them briefly, make a lasting impression on you and Melvin was one of those individuals. He was a good and decent man. God bless him.

WDM

Melvin was a true gentleman...when i was a rookie with the Henry Co. Sheriffs Dept. Melvin always treated me with respect that I saw many only give to veterans. I will always remember his kindness...God Bless you Melvin...

jim thomas, magistrate
state of north carolina judicial branch