Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Chapin,
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 Country as well when you served 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

November 5, 2022

The date of the first shooting was 1958. My father was was shot with a shotgun and his belt buckle deflected a fatal injury but was wounded in the elbow and a pellet went through his shoulder and lodged against his spinal cord. This was removed at the hospital and he went home the same night.

Cecile Chapin Gillman
Daughter

October 21, 2022

Today we of FWC Class 39 payed tribute to Sergeant Harry Chapin with a memorial workout. The class pushed through and completed the workout in honor of Sergeant Chapin’s ultimate sacrifice on November 5, 1972. This tragic incident left a hole not only in the hearts of his loved ones but in the hearts of our law enforcement family. By continuing to protect the lands and resources he laid down his life to protect, we hope to honor him and all other members of our family who have fallen. Though his watch has ended, our family will never forget him.

Respectfully,

FWC Recruit Class 39

November 7, 2019

Rest in peace Sergeant Chapin.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 9, 2019

FWC Class 28 would like to recognize and honor Wildlife Officer Sergeant Harry Chapin. We participated in a special workout on the anniversary of your passing. We pushed hard and sweat throughout the memorial workout in remembrance of the dedication you put forth in the line of duty. Thank you for protecting Florida's wildlife and ultimately giving the ultimate sacrifice in doing so. You are gone, but not forgotten Sergeant Harry Chapin.

Very Respectfully,

Class 28

Recruit Class 28
November 11/11/2015

FWC Class 28
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

November 11, 2015

Harry,I was just a kid when you and my Dad worked together at GFC,and strangely enough,many years later I worked there with your daughter,Cecile for a short time. My dad thought alot of you,Harry,and spoke of you often. I even remember when you and Dd "starred" in that wild kingdom film about alligator poachers,along with Bill king. You were taken from us far too soon Harry,and you made one hell of an officer. Say hello to my Dad and Bill for me up there in heaven,because I am sure you three are probably at some fishin' hole swappin' stories.

Randy Sanders
GFC - Former Dispatcher

April 8, 2014

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Chapin. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

Dad, we miss you so very much. While none of your three grandchildren - Charles, James, Sarah and her son Austin got to meet you, I see you in all of them. You and Mom would be so proud! Love, Cile

Cecile Chapin Gillman
Daughter

July 1, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 5, 2010

So many years have passed, but sir we will never forget our fallen heroes...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
E0W 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

November 5, 2010

Sergeant Chapin it has been 36 years since the end of your watch and you have not been forgotten. Thank you for the willingness to serve your fellowman. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother.

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

November 5, 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

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 1, 2007

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

October 2, 2007

Rest in peace

Gary Dunsmore

August 23, 2006

my brother, may God bless you and may you rest in peace. a hero for sure. may you never be forgottem. you served well.

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

November 24, 2004