Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

8 or 9 years my senior, grew up with him back home in Englewood on Sheffield Ave. I have such fond memories of him growing up, always credited him for teaching me ice skating tricks on Crystal Lake. He was quite the skater back then. Always admired a particular fuzzy winter coat he wore, 2 shades of blue and white stripes forming a V that he let me wear once on the ice. Canoe cologne comes to mind.
Never heard of him since he left Englewood, but will never forget him. He was a special guy. RIP...and Marie, I remember you too from Phelps. Hope all is well.

John Gottschalk
A Friend

October 5, 2021

For National Chaplain Academy class 2101, I have been assigned to Agent Connelly as a silent partner. In seeking to honor our fallen brother and prepare myself for the potential need to offer a eulogy for another, I have been tasked with preparing a training eulogy on 4/20/2021.

Are there any family, friends, or coworkers who can share a few personal stories as I seek to give an accurate account for this agent?

Chaplain Smoak
USBP Class 778

April 19, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 6, 2020

Rest in Peace, Keith. We graduated together from the Border Patrol Academy in Texas in 1971.

Jack Pool, U.S. Border Patrol, 1971 to 2002. I have personally known many officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, may they rest in peace.

April 4, 2020

Agent Connelly,
I just left a reflection for you and I think I put down the wrong anniversary year. On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country and to the Patrol.

Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol

September 6, 2019

Agent Connelly,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country and to the Patrol. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Mike Casey
EPT/EPS

Border Patrol Agent Michael Casey
United States Border Patrol

September 6, 2019

Keith was my co-worker and became a friend. He became a friend that could always help in bringing the darkness to light and giving hope. He was great in helping to bring enjoyment to the job at the LIV/FRS station. We miss you co-worker and FRIEND!

Chief Patrol Agent Carey James, Retired
U.S. Border Patrol

May 19, 2019

Keith was my classmate at the Border Patrol Academy at Los Fresnos, Texas in 1971. RIP, Brother.

Jack Pool, U.S. Border Patrol, 1971 to 2002. I have personally known many officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, may they rest in peace.

May 29, 2018

I carry his card while on duty as he is my silent partner. Thank you Keith for your service and I know are watching over us all.

Border Patrol Agent Francis Iweze
U.S Border Patrol

May 24, 2018

LIV/FRS was my assigned duty OS from Jan. 1977 to SEP 1980. I ran a few miles with Kieth through the length and width of the San Joaquin Valley, The Sierra Nevadas and The California Coastal Range. He was a fine friend and a good man. WE miss him .......

T. M. McCann
USBP, BPA< LIV/FRS

January 25, 2017

Frank,
I also worked with Agent Connelly. I was stationed in Livermore Sector Headquarters. One can not imagine the feelings in Sector Headquarters that night.

DDP Officer Robert Antoine
Livermore Sector Border Patrol

January 12, 2015

Keith is one of my best friends RJ 's father. He treated me like his own. He and the famiy had to go out of state for the summer when we were kids, Marie and him asked my parents if I could go and they were fine with it. I do not remember the reason I did not go.. To this day, I wish I had. I love that whole family like a second Family, Keith and Marie like a second Mom and Dad and RJ and Shaun like brothers.

DCC (SW) Frank J. Enos US NAVY
Family Friend

September 6, 2014

We miss you, Keith. You will be forever in our thoughts an prayers.

John
Co-worker

September 6, 2014

Knew Keith growing up in Englewood Nj, he lived down the block. He was a good friend a couple years older than I. Like all kids we shared our dreams for life. From the first time I met him his dream, his plan for life was to become a Border Patrol Agent. Keith was maybe 16 years old at the time. Lost track of him after Highschool. I never doubted that he would get what he wanted and thought of him from time to time over the years. The internet has finally allowed me to track him down. Sadly it was far too late. Please pass on my condolences if possible and appropriate and pass on the fact that Keith was a person of such character even after nearly 50 years I still consider him one of the most important positive influences in my life.

steven bittmann
old friend

October 4, 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 24th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

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

April 29, 2013

Support our fallen comrad and write, call, talk to the press to let law enforcement officers voices be heard. It's an injustice to allow the murderer to be released on parole. DO something and let your voice be heard.

BPA Andrew Garcia
USBP

February 5, 2013

Rest in peace. A classmate of the 100th session

Border Patrol Agent (Ret) Larry Weinbren
U.S. Border Patrol

January 19, 2013

Your murderer will never see freedom as long as I live I love and respect you sincerely Chase.

NO ONE
a person

October 7, 2012

Thank you for your Heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

September 6, 2012

I worked with Keith in the Prosecutions Unit of the Chula Vista, CA Sector. He was a dedicated, hard working, wonderful guy.

RIP friend and bother.

Senior Special Agent John Randolph
US Immigration Investigations

September 5, 2012

You are gone, but never forgotten. I remember the day you were taken as if it were yesterday. We named our son after you. RIP Keith.

Wife of former INS agent
Wife of former INS agent

December 11, 2011

I can not beleive it has been twenty two years since you left, It seems like yesterday. I remember Jerry(border patrol) and russel (us marshal) telling me about it. I remember the date within a day or two, just like it was yesterday. You were a fine agent, RIP jackson.

deputy
fresno county

September 8, 2011

I can remember car pooling with Keith to work as if it were yesterday, although it has been over 20 years. As an Agent said above, you were the best. Easy going, a ready smile, with a wealth of experience and knowledge to impart to us new Agents back in 1978.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. As is said, "some gave all".

Deepest condolences to family, friends and co workers. Rest in Peace.

Retired Agent Al Ferguson
US Border Patrol

August 3, 2011

As I look at the faces of the men and women here, I see the faces of my co-workers. I can imagine each of them shooting the bull and swapping war stories at choir practice as the meat sizzles on the grill. I see them laughing, pranking and teasing their fellow agents, as we often do when we relieve stress. I wish that each of them were still here to share the good times.

And I feel compelled to look at each of the faces here and remember…to remember that each of them made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country and we should NEVER forget them or their service.

Too often the sacrifices of those who serve our country are overlooked or casually dismissed by the very public they served so selflessly. But WE should never forget them…each and every one of them. May they each rest in peace eternally in God’s loving embrace.

Hopefully, the coward who murdered Agent Connelly will not be released next year. That piece of **** should remain imprisoned for the rest of his miserable life and I hope it is as miserable as it can be.

SBPA James Doran
US Border Patrol

July 22, 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 18, 2008