Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Casanata, it has been 43 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your years of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

July 11, 2024

I remember you when I was a Warwick Police Cadet back in 1977-78. May you continue to Rest in Peace, my brother. We have the watch from here in Oklahoma.

Lieutenant Stephen Pappas
Mountain Park Police Department, Oklahoma

February 14, 2024

Patrolman Casasanta, it has been 42 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices that you, your family, and too many others have made for us. Thank you for your service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

July 11, 2023

Patrolman Casasanta,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Warwick. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 11, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 11, 2020

I remember Don as I worked as a young kid at the riccotti's sandwich shop in Warwick. He used to come in pretty much religiously every night for dinner. I'll always remember him as a truly down-to-earth nice guy, not just a police officer, and he always had a smile on his face. It's because of people like him, I chose the occupation as a Police Officer, and still belong to that club today. I'll never forget you Don, rest in peace my friend.

Lt. Allan J. Tetreault
Department of Defense Police K-9

January 9, 2018

I was somehow chosen to be the last person in life to speak with Patrolman Casasanta as he directed traffic around the scene of the accident that I was involved in. Don was obviously a nice guy and it was apparent from the short time we spent together. The series of events that unfolded that day were unfortunate and I will carry the memory with me forever. May he rest in peace.

Ed Figarsky, civilian

May 3, 2015

Donald and I were classmates, and we graduated as the 1st class at Pilgrim High School. He also married my cousin Sandra Long. I thought of Donald a lot over the years, 2013 was our 50 year reunion from Pilgrim.He was one of the best....Karyl Gill (Cost) Sarasota,Florida

karyl gill (Cost)
friend

January 21, 2014

I was best friends with your next door neighbor back in 1981...i remember you as a great guy, always friendly and just a normal good guy...i remember having great respect for you knowing you were a police officer but you always acted like just a regular guy..The Warwick Police suffered a great loss when you passed away...not to mention your family and friends. Still missed and never forgotten Mr Casasanta...
a friend

firefighter
Providence, RI

July 24, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th 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 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 Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 11, 2010

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

July 11, 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

January 24, 2008

Officer Casasanta thank you for your service to your fellowman. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

July 11, 2007

Patrolman Casasanta, today marks the 25th anniversary of your death and for those who knew you, it's the 25th year of sadness. Directing traffic is such a basic function of any cop, and every cop, no matter where he/she works knows the potential dangers. We all miss you, whether we knew you or not.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

July 11, 2006

Rest in peace Sir.

July 11, 2006

May god bless you. Your picture hangs inside the department for all to see. Rest in peace my brother officer, you will never be forgotten.

Police Officer, Warwick Rhode Island

April 22, 2005