Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace.

J.R.

November 21, 2024

Investigator Cotter,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of New York. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 21, 2020

John F. Cotter was my father's closest friend and best man at his wedding. Although he died eight months after I was born, "Uncle Jay" lived on in our hearts. He was spoken about in many stories and was always remembered lovingly in my family. His untimely death was a loss that my father never fully recovered from.

Thank you for your service to the community and for all you gave to those who knew and loved you. There's no doubt that you touched numerous lives in the time you were with us.

“The life of the dead is placed on the memories of the living. The love you gave in life keeps people alive beyond their time. Anyone who was given love will always live on in another's heart.”
― Marcus Tullius Cicero

Christine Rocco

June 19, 2019

Rest in peace Investigator Cotter.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 28, 2019

I said a little prayer today for Investigator Cotter and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

November 19, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the forty-first 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.

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

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 21, 2011

"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 20, 2007

rest in peace Sir

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

November 30, 2007

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace.

December 23, 2004

It is an honor to leave a reflection for a man from our long grey line. You have been honored through our K-9 program and your name lives on through the companion of a friend of mine. May you watch over them in their years together.

Sgt Timothy Owens
NYSP - Troop T

March 7, 2004