Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

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

June 16, 2020

Rest in peace Chief of Police Shoemaker.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 16, 2020

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 16, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 20th anniversary year 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

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

November 21, 2012

Dad.. seem so long ago, so many changes so many unanswered questions and so few memories. you would be 74 now.. Thanks for doing what you did.. Still very mush missed.. I am the big 50 now, looks like i got more behind me than in front. I love you and miss you.. see ya soon Howard :(

William Howard Shoemaker
son

August 29, 2012

"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

God Bless your family and please know that you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

June 16, 2007

Chief Shoemaker,

Thank you for your service and dedication to the citizens of South Centre, Pa. I am saddened to read about this incident, where training should be a controlled enviroment. You served well, may you rest in eternal peace........

Senior Officer D.W.Reichhardt
VSUPD (Chesterfield, Va.)

June 16, 2006

Derle was a good friend, he was always there when ever assistance was needed. I worked for the neighboring Police Department (Briar Creek Township PD, Berwick, PA). I was surfing this site and I found his Tribute, I only wish I had a picture of him to upload to the site.

It has been a long time since I left the police dept. to accept a position with the Federal Government. I often think of all the good times I had while working with the guys from the surrounding departments.

Derle, you are missed and remembered by the officers that knew you and respected you.

God Bless

Bob Nagy, CBP Officer
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

February 23, 2005

As an instructor, I am deeply saddened by accidents that occur during training. These are accidents that took the life of a loved one, friend, co-worker. But God has a purpose for these fine HERO'S. May they sit upon thrones of gold and serve him, for no harm will come unto them now. RIP BROTHERS/SISTERS.

Senior Corrections Officer W.R. Phillips
CCA Lake City Correctional Facility