Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Bustard,
On today, the 50th 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 U.S. Army during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 29, 2022

Ptl Bustard was a kind and friendly Officer. At the time of his tenue, I was a young black man. I felt the genuine regard that he felt for me. We would chat when I would pass him at his post. He would tease me about eating ice cream during the winter months. I have thought of him often over the years, and I still consider him my friend.
I am in the winter of my life now, and the feelings of friendship for Officer Bustard have not diminished

Delford A Jones, Retired Juvenile Senior
Ocean County Juvenile Detention, Toms River, NJ (also former officer a

March 17, 2021

Rest In Peace always and know that your service and sacrifice are always remembered.

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

September 29, 2020

Thank you for your Service!

Montclair Historian
The Book On® Montclair New Jersey

August 12, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman Bustard.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 17, 2019

In researching my ancestry, I just found out of this tragedy. Raymond T. Bustard is my 2nd cousin 1x removed. I was unaware of the relationship or that my distant relative was a police officer so close to my own home, no less the tragic death itself. I am a 26 year retired police officer from nearby Wayne Township and was a fatal investigator and traffic officer myself. Rest in peace and thank you for your service!

Cpl. Nathan J. Foulds #135
Wayne, NJ. Police Department

September 9, 2014

Your service is honored as we approach the anniversary of your tragic and untimely death. Thank you for your service not only to Montclair, but our nation as a veteran of our Armed Forces.

God Bless!

Anonymous career Air Force veteran
Former Montclair resident

September 16, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst 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.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

August 10, 2013

Fond memories of you never fade.

Debbie Tavares
niece

March 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

December 12, 2007

Rest in peace always as you are never forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

September 29, 2007

We think of you today on the 34th anniversary of your sudden death and are thankful for the good memories that we shared, though they were not for very long.

Lisa Fertik
stepdaughter

September 29, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A grateful citizen.

September 29, 2004