Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

While I have never met him, the stories of my great grandfather I remember in great detail. I always enjoy reading the stories about him, and knowing how honorable he will be remembered.

Emily Crabtree
Great Granddaughter

January 10, 2022

In Honor And Respect, Trooper Larry Crabtree, Sir, Thank You For Your Years Of Dedicated Service... So Tragic And Heartbreaking How Your Life Was Taken From You... I Honor And Remember You Today, Trooper Crabtree... May You Rest In Eternal Peace...

Gail Mercado

April 4, 2021

I was a 7 year old kid riding to tulsa with my family when a little red Volkswagen passed us very fast. I remember my mom saying something about a nasty looking fella with his shirt off. I seen the fella too, about 10 minutes later we came over a hill and there was a trooper lying on the side of the road another car or a semi was already pulled over my dad got out to try to help but dad came back to the car and said there's nothing he could do as Trooper Crabtree took his last breath and closed his eyes. I will never forget that day and I think about it every time I go down the turnpike. Today I stopped at McDonald's on the way to Oklahoma city and seen his memorial . When I got home this evening I told my fiance about it and looked it up and found these stories about him and decided to share mine.thank you for your service Trooper Crabtree and the Oklahoma highway patrol .

Mike W

November 12, 2020

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

April 4, 2020

Rest in peace Trooper Crabtree.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 6, 2020

I was on my way from Oklahoma City to Tulsa on that date. Like most vehicles I had a cb radio, and other drivers were broadcasting the Highway Patrol Officer's location. As I started up a small hill someone over the cb said, "The car that shot the smokey is a red Volkswagen." That was a puzzling comment until I came to the top of the hill and saw a red Volkswagen pulling off the shoulder into traffic. There was a Troop lying on the shoulder. I pulled over immediately, and ran across to the officer. My military training let me recognize the serious nature of the wound, and I understood it was not survivable. At that time, before cell phones, I had one of only 180 mobile phones in Oklahoma. I ran back to my car and immediately dialed 911. Within a few minutes other law enforcement vehicles started arriving. It's a moment I will forget, and I feel a sorrow to this day for his family, and other officers he served with.

Kenny Belford
Just a citizen.

June 3, 2018

My father, Fred Rowden, was the Trooper on duty with Larry, on the west end of the Turner Turnpike, when this incident occurred. We didn't know for several hours if it was my dad or Trooper Crabtree that had been shot. Dad joined Trooper Thornton and others in the apprehension of the killer. All the Troopers who patrolled the Turner were a tight-knit group and were deeply affected by the murder of Trooper Crabtree. I will never forget the feeling of helplessness as we waited to hear the details of this tragic incident.

David Rowden

January 9, 2015

My father John Thornton was a trooper that worked with Larry on the Turner Turnpike. Dad had just gone off duty when he heared about the shooting on the police scanner. He immediately got back in his crusier and was one of the troopers that apprehended the killer on the turnpike. It was a great loss for dad. He and Larry were good friends.

Danny Thornton

July 29, 2014

I worked on the Turnpike @ the Phillips 66 travel center and remember Officer Crabtree, he was a very down home type of guy, I had a few cups of coffee with him during my working hours, and on more than one occasion had to re open the pumps so he could fill his cruiser , I left the job before he passed and his loss was a heartbreak as I read about a few weeks later,

Steven Neumann
Freind

August 16, 2012

I have the great pleasure of knowing your family. Beverly, Mike, Ronnie and Tony, what a great family inside and out.

Larry was a great role model for the young people around him. He was an awesome father, a good husband and most importantly a genuine "nice man". Some officers intimidate those around them because of the uniform or the gun etc., but Larry always got down to your level.

One of the sad things about Larry's death, the guy he pulled over and was later convicted of killing him, didn't have to shoot him. Larry was the type of guy who would normally just "let you go" with a warning. Unless, of course, you were doing something grievace.

Beverly has gone on to be with the Lord and Larry, but your boys leave you with a legacy you would be proud of. Thanks to all the men and women who serve our towns, communities, and states and are willing, if need be, to lay down your life.

Darla Hobbs-Beverlin
Friend of the family

May 16, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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 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

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

April 4, 2012

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 9, 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

January 9, 2008

Trooper Crabtree, thank you for your service.

married to retired LEO

May 18, 2006

Trooper Crabtree,

I had the distinct privlidge of making the aquaintance of your son Tony this past week. We met during the National Police Week in Washington D.C. Tony was staying in the room next to mine at the hotel, and we traded patches, and I gave him one of my Department's challenge coins. Tony is a little older than I am, so I feel funny saying this, but you raised a fine son, I genuinely enjoyed talking with him, and learining about what he does. He was not aware of this website, and I shared it with him, and vowed to check it for you. I am very pleased to see that you are included on it, and am even more pleased to have met your son, who I am sure you know followed in your footsteps to become a proud member of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol!

Very respectfuly, and sincerely,

Detective Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Detective Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

May 17, 2006

I honor you my brother. Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer).

Special Agent Jim Crotty
ATF (SA, Retired)

April 8, 2004

Trooper Crabtree is gone but not forgotten. Another brother officer who gave his all. To his friends and family I wish you God's Blessings.

Senior Trooper Keith Miller
Oregon State Police

On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State University, Police Department, our thoughts and prayers to the Crabtree family and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Virginia State University Police Department