Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Colebrook,
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 with the U.S. Army as well. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 10, 2023

Just met your niece today, she thanked me for my service as we reflected upon yours. I am troubled to read about the aftermath of your heroic death. Know that we remember you.

Deputy Chief of Police Scott Buchanan
West Valley City (UT) Police Department

March 20, 2019

Your widow has been my back yard neighbor for the last 11 years. She just had her 80th birthday. She is doing well and misses you. I will watch out for her always.

W. F. Poulsen Officer
Salt Lake City Police (Retired)

November 25, 2016

Officer Colebrook, I just found out the my supervisor is your son Gary. We lost another soldier I the fight against evil Officer Doug Barney EOW 17Jan16. His killer was shot and killed same day. It sickens me that you were denied that justice. In this loss Is how I found out I work with your son! Not only were you denied justice your children were denied their father growing up. Thank you for your service and your ultimate sacrifice.

Sgt A C
UPD

January 27, 2016

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Colebrook. I respect your family's sentiments over your senseless death. Your courage, dignity and honor will never be forgotten. My dad worked for a railroad in New York City and was a valued member of the New York City Police Department from 1928-1966 with the 102nd precinct. Your killer will have to answer someday to a higher authority. No sins go unpunished. God rewards His righteous and most faithful servants of which you were to the people of Salt lake City, Utah.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 21, 2015

I remember this well. I was in college studying Police Science. My Girlfriend's Father was a Vice President at Walker Bank with the Killer. I remember her brainwashed defense of the KILLER. We broke up not long after that.

I know in the end justice will be served by the God I believe in, who is no respecter of persons or individual wealth.

RIP Deputy Colebrook.

Lt. Steve Shreeve
Unified Police Salt Lake

March 11, 2014

My Uncle Mel had a good job with the railroad but his dream was to be a police officer. Unfortunately has dream was short lived. Sad that an affluent individual can get away with murder. Miss you Uncle Mel.

Kathy Allen

August 20, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th 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 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.

I m so sorry that you, your famiy and your agency were denied justive. How this must have devastated your family, but the killer will ultimately have to answer to God although every free day the murderer lived grated on the minds of your family.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 10, 2012

Deputy Sheriff Colebrook,
On today, the 38th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Salt Lake County. It sickens me that your murderer was acquitted.And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

March 10, 2011

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

Wendy, your father's murderer cannot escape the ultimate judgement that we all face. I know that doesn't make it any easier or any fairer, but those who kill as Mr Roll did face an eternity of punishment. Karma is not a sympathetic master.

Dep, you're not forgotten. RIP.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

March 10, 2011

Deputy Colebrook, you are a true hero and you are not forgotten. Although your murderer was not held responsible in Utah, he will be held responsible by God! Rest easy Brother.

SPO
Salem, VA

March 10, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends as another year passes. May they know that you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 10, 2010

On this, the 36th anniversary of your EOW, I thank you for your service and am honored by your memory.

N. Huntsman, Dpty Div Dir, Prgmg
UDC

March 10, 2009

Mr. Roll murdered my father on that fateful day in March, 1973. He is a murderer and should have been punished with prison for the rest of his life. Although there were witnesses, the defense managed to derail a rightful conviction due to a very sloppy job with the fingerprint detail. The jury decided that there was not enough evidence even with two witnesses!!! Mr. Roll should have been convicted of first degree murder. All my family received was 25,000 for my father's death. We have agonized over this ever since.

Mr. Roll, you will face God someday. May he have mercy upon your soul!

Wendy Colebrook Newton
father

October 7, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 31, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, AS ALWAYS THIS WRITER IS DISAPPOINTED THAT JUSTICE WAS NOT SERVED ON YOUR BEHALF. AT SOME POINT IN TIME INJUSTICE WILL BECOME JUSTICE AND YOUR KILLER WILL PAY THE PRICE. YOU ARE A HERO SIR JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 13, 2008

Just a note to let your family know you are not forgotten. Though we never met you and I and all that have have served and will serve share a connection and when one hurts we all hurt. The person that did this will pay the ultimate price, if he hasn't already.

Brother in Blue-Retired
IL

March 10, 2008

Even though I thought that my tour of Viet Nam gave me insight into danger and risk, you taught me what it means to face these dangers as a Law Enforcement Officer. I was still a rookie on probation when you were murdered. I never forgot the lesson I learned from you in 26 years as a Deputy and to this day I will never forget.
God Bless and keep you Mel.

Deputy Sheriff (retired)
Rookie who learned from Mel

September 8, 2007

Our Lord will see to true justice on your behalf.Rest in Peace and He will do the rest.

March 10, 2006

Mel was my uncle, and a very good man. After 32 years, I still feel his loss.
Karen earl

December 19, 2005

Justice shall prevail, Sir!! Thank you for your service. Although I did not know you personally, I know you will never be forgotten.

citizen of indianapolis
friend of jake laird eow 8/18/04

January 23, 2005

May your spirit of serving others live on Deputy Sheriff Melvin Colebrook . God's justice will ring true to your killer at a later time.

Deputy P Butcher
Daggett CO SO (Utah)

November 23, 2003

Thank you for your service to the State of Utah and Salt Lake County. You are not forgotton. God speed.

Det. Ferrell
Lehi Police Dept. Ut.

what an injustice.money talks,rich man walks.may this officer rest in peace and his killer burn in hell!!!!!

Anonymous

On the 30th anniversary of Deputy Colebrook's death, he is remembered in my prayers. You are not forgotten, Brother.

TL
UMPD