Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Wife of slain SDPD officer reflects on death more than 3 decades later

Posted Aug 27, 2024
10 NEWS SAN DIEGO

POULSBO, Wash. (KGTV) — Heavy emotions weighed on the wife of a San Diego police officer killed in the line of duty more than three decades ago.

“It brings everything back in a flood of emotions and memories,” said Wendy Pate.

An emotional Pate spoke over Zoom from her home in Washington state after hearing about the deadly crash that claimed the life of a San Diego police officer.

"It's like going through a little bit of grief all over again when I hear it because I know the impact it has on a family,” Pate said.

The morning her family's life changed forever was a foggy September day in 1991. Her husband, 24-year-old Ron Davis, had been a San Diego police officer for two years when he was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call at a Skyline apartment complex.

“I remember, it was all a blur,” Pate said.

Pate received an early morning knock at the door.

“The police chief doesn't come to your door at four o'clock in the morning to have coffee, and I remember not wanting to open the door,” Pate recalled.

The death of her husband left her two sons without a father: Luke, 1, and Matt, 4.

Sixteen years later, Matt took his own life.

"He just was never able to cope with the whole situation, and it caused a lot of depression,” Pate said.

The tragedy also shaped her life in other ways. Inspired in part by her husband's service, she became a police officer in Washington a few years after his death. Later, she led a chapter of a nonprofit supporting the loved ones and coworkers of officers killed in the line of duty.

"I really enjoyed the aspect of helping people and being involved in the community,” Pate said.

Her son Luke also followed in his parents’ footsteps, becoming a correctional officer decades after the on-duty shooting. The shock and pain of that day is something another family is now feeling.

“I know exactly what they're going through. Your officer goes out to work and never comes home … It’s nothing you ever get over. I just feel for the family and the survivors,” Pate said.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

August 28, 2024

I’m walking today in a 5K walk in Clermont, Florida to remember the fallen heroes.
I remember the day my former husband (he is still with the SDPD) telling me Officer Ronnie Davis was killed in the line of duty.
It was a day difficult time for the department as one cannot imagine.
Now I’m just remembering him on this day. At the time I had not served in the Navy and did not recall he was a Marine as well.
Semper Fi and Rest in Peace and blessings to your family.

Gail Wisniewski, LCDR, MSC, USN (ret)

February 24, 2024

Rest in peace Officer Davis.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 27, 2022

Officer Davis,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC-especially with the 1st Marine Division as an 0331 Machine Gunner! And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog and Guns Up!
A fellow LEO; former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 17, 2021

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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

September 17, 2020

Ron, I was a rookie officer when you were taken from us and I still remember that night all too well. I stood guard for you, while you were waiting for your final resting place. Its been almost 28 years since then and after a long career, it was a true honor to guard a fellow United States Marine and San Diego Police Officer.

Detective Michael Beamesderfer
San Diego Police Department

July 13, 2019

Wendy, FORGIVE ME.....IT SEEMS INAPPROPRIATE now..... sooo long after Ron was murdered.....then that SOB babysitters boyfriend took his Service Weapon. ......I HOPE/KNOW you moved on...I HOPE this is not self serving and I APOLOGIZE......I WILL end with......I REMEMBER RON

Glen r scherer
SDPD

November 19, 2018

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

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

September 17, 2018

RIP my friend. Time doesn't heal old wounds.

Lieutenant Tod E. Bassett
San Diego Police Department

September 17, 2017

Ron was probably the most jovial person I ever met in or out of the Corps. He was one of the youngest in the battalion at the time but still referred to just about everyone as “baby cakes” at one time or another. Always motivated, always giving at least 100 percent, he was inspiring. I had the pleasure of accompanying Ron to stop by & say Hi to his wife, Wendy the spring/summer of 86 when she was in Okinawa for a brief time on reserve duty. “They say we die twice. Once when the breath leaves our body, and once when the last person we know says our name…” – Al Pacino (Stand up Guys)
If ever there was a stand up guy, it was Ron.
Happy Birthday & Semper Fi brother.

Corporal
USMC

December 10, 2013

Semper Fi & Happy Birthday Brother!
Ed
(CPL Mayer, Super Squad, Lima Company, 3/5 1986)

Corporal
USMC

December 10, 2013

Ron,
22 years...
Semper Fi.

Tod E. Bassett
Sergeant, San Diego PD

September 18, 2013

It's been 21 years bud. Loved working with you as your machinegun team leader at Kilo 3/5 and seeing you at the academy. You are missed by many. Rest in Peace.

Randall Alexander

September 16, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Davis. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 21, 2012

Ron,
Hard to believe it has been 20 years. I really enjoyed those days and nights long ago and the great fun we all had on the squad. Miss the trips to the river with the gang. I still cant believe you found that set of keys in the water! I think about you and your family often. Thank you for the great memories and the laughs we all shared. Your friend. Semper Fi Marine!

Tod

Sgt. Tod Bassett
San Diego P.D.

October 31, 2011

Thought of you today bro, 20 years later... Had a rough day in PT and ran out of steam, but heard a voice urging me on. It wasn't your voice, but it sort of was- all at the same time. In my current class we offer up each day of advanced safety training to an officer or special agent on this site. I offered up the first for you. The much younger men and women in this class, most with no LEO experience will hear about you and honor your life with their day of training. As they prepare to step up to the 'thin blue line' that you so boldy stood upon, I will ensure that they know you as I did. Rest easy up there, we've got it covered down here and will never forget your sacrifice, service, or friendship.

S/A Edward Schwer
Federal / former Classmate- SDPD 120th police academy

January 26, 2011

Thinking about you Ron.

Randall Alexander
former U.S. Marine & LEO

September 17, 2009

Ron and I served on a machine gun team together in the Marines (Kilo 3/5) for a short time, then I saw him again at the academy a few times.

It broke my heart when I heard the news.

Ron was a wonderful and dedicated family man. He will always be remembered as a role model and a genuinely nice person; as a Marine, a peace officer and a friend.

Rest in Peace Ron.

Randall Alexander

Randall Alexander
Friend

May 6, 2009

To the family and friends of Officer Ronald Davis and his fellow officers in the San Diego Police Departmeent

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Ronnie's memory on the seventeenth anniversary of the day Ronnie so tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.

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 still experiencing. Ronnie, Larry was your brother in green as well as blue. We also salute your service to our country as a Marine. Semper Fi.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Officer Davis gave to his community and the citizens of California, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 17, 1991.

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

Pyyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 17, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

September 20, 2007

Although no longer an officer I graduated from the SDPD Academy 111th. I morn your loss as a fellow graduate. Thanks and we will meet one day....Jack

ofc Jack Lane
Escondido P.D

February 11, 2005

I can still hear you calling me to catch up to the pack in academy, exactly 15 years ago. You carried me through many a bad day with your laugh and your positive attitude. In my mind you are 10-8 to this day. Your radio may be 10-10, but I have to believe you are still out there. You were not the kind of man to leave a brother behind. To the finest officer, gentleman, and friend anyone could ask for.

Ed Schwer

January 22, 2005

Ronnie,

You probably haven't heard anyone call you Ronnie since we were kids. I Think of you, your family and mom often. You didn't get to meet Matt here on earth but maybe in heaven you have. I remember the fun times we had as kids. I wish we had kepted in better touch as adults. Take care.

Wife, Virginia
Wife of Officer Matthew J Lane EOW 05-30-2003

July 7, 2004

I attended the Police Academy with Ronnie. You see that "smirk" on his face in his picture? All cops know you're not supposed to smile in those photos, but no one could ever take the smile off Ronnie's face. He was voted "Most Inspirational" out of the Academy. When his name was announced for the award I remember jumping up with him and giving him a slap on the shoulder. He was so touched and excited tears welled in his eyes immediately. Less than 18 months later, he responded to his last call. I was on duty when I heard the news. I sat behind a department store in my patrol car and cried. His wife gave me a patch from one of his uniforms. I still carry it in my patrol vehicle.

Ron Davis was a man, a father, a Marine, and a Cop anyone would be proud to know. He had a young son who he talked of endlessly. He loved family, friends, and life. In my 14 years as a cop, I've never gone more than a few days without in someway being reminded of the sacrafice he made.

Escondido Police Department

January 30, 2004

Ron,

You & I never met, but we worked for the San Diego Police Department together. I attended your services after your death and I saw you had no reflections under your name here on this website. I just wanted to let you know that you have not been forgotten by this officer brother. I remember that day like it was yesterday and I know that your wife is now working as a police officer in Washington State. God Bless you and your children Ron!

Sgt. Mike Genack
Kennewick Police (WA)

October 4, 2003