Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

50 years ago. If time heals all wounds, it would appear half a century is not enough, for the pain of your loss is as acute now as it was that night.

NC Officer

October 5, 2024

Patrolman Canipe,
On today, the 50th 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 County as well when you served with the U.S. Air Force. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 5, 2024

Unbelievably, it has been 49 years since that horrible night. I remember listening to a Highway Patrol monitor from several counties away as the dispatch center acknowledged various Highway Patrol units checking on, and en route to Buncombe County. We did not know the tragic gravity of the situation at the time, but as the hours passed, and the volume of units responding, particularly upper command units, increased, we began speculating and fearing it involved serious, if not fatal injury to a Trooper. It wasn't until the next morning our fears were not only confirmed, they were doubled with the news we had lost both you and Sgt. William Dean Arledge. Just reflecting on it tonight brings that same sickening feeling to the pit of my stomach. On this fateful anniversary, know you, your service and your life are still remembered, and appreciated.

NC Officer

October 5, 2023

October 5th is a particularly dark day for North Carolina law enforcement. ODMP cites seven who gave their all for the Tarheel state on this day of the year. We lost Sergeant Arledge with you that horrible evening, further compounding our grief. Nineteen years later, we would lose two more out of the same incident on another violent and tragic October 5th. All seven of you share not just an end of watch date, but a fidelity to service. The fabric of our profession was strengthened by the contributions you made, and weakened by your loss.

NC Officer

October 5, 2022

Thank you for your service to both our country and state. RIP Patrolman / Trooper Lawrence Canipe Jr. You will never ever be forgotten. RIP sir.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

August 18, 2022

Your life is still celebrated, your service still appreciated and your sacrifice still mourned...and you are still remembered.

NC Officer

October 5, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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

October 5, 2020

Your life and service to the State of North Carolina and to our profession continues to be remembered. Thanks.

NC Officer

October 5, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Canipe.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 28, 2020

I turned 10 on Halloween that year, so I was 9 years old, and my dad had a police scanner in the den and had it on. We were listening when it happened. From all accounts, Patrolman Canipe and Sgt. Arledge were good officers. My contacts with NCHP in the past few years have been aggressive and not very pleasant. But my cousin's late husband was a sergeant with Troop G (Terry Frank), and there was never a more compassionate person in uniform. It just seems things have changed with people going into law enforcement, more aggression and less de-escalation. But I believe in my heart that Canipe and Arledge gave their lives for us; they were old-school.

Phil Alexander

August 28, 2020

I knew Larry and his wife when I was a kid. I see a post from Jim Miller .You say you knew Larry Canipes brother. Do you have any way to contact his wife ? I was a friend and moved away from NC and a few of us were talking about old times when he used to drop by my parents home. Just wondering if you had any con tact? I used to be a EDWARDS an I lived at brick landing ,nc.

Sheila Edwards.

January 10, 2020

I did not know Officer Canipe, but I went to high school with one of his brothers and knew the family well. I remember this tragedy well, and want the family to know that he is not forgotten. I know how proud of him his family was.

Jim Miller

April 5, 2016

On October 5, 2012 @ 1730 hours the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office will be recognizing and honoring both Lawrence Canipe, Jr. and Sergeant W. Dean Arledge. The very room this tragedy struck 38 years ago on October 5, 1974 is currently the Sergeants office for Court Security. These brave men both gave the ultimate sacrifice serving this great state as well as the citizens of Buncombe County. We in Court Security would like to dedicate our office space and place a memorial in the office to protect and preserve their memory. We want the family to know that the memory of these wonderful men will not be forgotten and with this dedication cannot be forgotten.

Sergeant Jeffrey Littrell
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office

September 13, 2012

Patrolman Lawrence Canipe, Jr. and family,
While doing research on many of our Fallen LEO Heroes, I came across your hallowed name. May your family, department, fellow LEOs, and your community know that this family remembers you always...your service willnot be forgotten. Rest In Peace, Brother.

Once Blue, Always Blue! A Family that Serves.
Daughter of a deceased Police Sgt., and US Navy Vet WWII
Wife of a USAF SAC Vet, ICBM Missiles
Mother of a US Army Soldier
Former 911 Communications Officer/ Dispatcher

Pamela West, 911 Communications Dispatch
former, Charleston PD, Charleston, WV.

March 14, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state and the birthplace of my son. 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

Anonymous

October 8, 2009

Patrolman Canipe,
On today, the 35th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Trooper for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of North Carolina. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

October 5, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Patrolman Canipe.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 19, 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 27, 2007

Forgive me, although I can't imagine you would mind, I left two rememberances for your partner and through I had left one for you,. Glad I check back.

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

vandenberghe
Neighbors for a better manchester, NH

October 15, 2007

TROOPER CANIPE, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

October 5, 2007

We express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and all the members of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Patrolman Canipe deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Patrolman Canipe is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

July 7, 2006

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

A hero never dies....

God bless, hero. Rest in peace.

A grateful citizen.

October 5, 2004

A good man. May God Bless You In The Heavens.

Lt. Thomas
North Carolina Highway Patrol