Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper DeVries,
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 Michigan. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 12, 2022

When I mentally list off the people I'm most grateful for in my life, Trooper DeVries is included. It's not because I personally knew him but rather for what he represents, A sense of justice, courage, and bravery. On the day he performed his final act, I was a young 6th grade boy attending school at Westside elementary. From my classroom window, I could see the small white brick bank across the street. Its parking lot was filling up with patrol cars. I thought to myself that something was surely wrong. At that instance, I did not yet know that Trooper DeVries had given his life defending our community. That day, the lesson, given by Trooper DeVries heroic actions, has stayed with me my entire life. I solemnly salute you and all that you represent.

Michael Stevens
Grateful Citizen

December 31, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

October 12, 2020

I remember this day often. I was 10 years old. The police searched the woods and fields by my home looking for Kenneth Oliver the lowlife that killed him. I remember the road blocks. The school buses dropping us off at our homes instead of the normal bus stops. I wish the Michigan State Police would've caught him instead of the Mississippi police but at least he was caught and dealt with for his actions. Many, many times over the years I think about this day and Trooper DeVries. God bless him still.

Brian Martin

December 26, 2019

Trooper DeVries, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 9, 2019

I will never forget this day. My now former husband, a rookie trooper, was sent to Niles from New Buffalo and the Chickaming Township police officer, along with a trooper out of New Buffalo came to my home to tell me that he (my former husband) would be working on the manhunt for Trooper DeVrie's killer and to not be concerned. I had heard of the murder on the news and I was scared to death. My then husband had been sent to New Buffalo as his first assigned post shortly after the deaths of Rampy and Stark and everyone was still in shock from that incident. Then to find out that Trooper DeVries was related to Gary Rampy's wife made it all the more acute and tragic. These are memories that one never forgets!

Jeanne Radley (formerly Kroll)
Former Wife of a now retired State Trooper

August 29, 2015

I remember this incident very well. I was a reporter in the area at the time. This was especially tragic as he was related by marriage to Trooper Gary Rampy who was slain with another trooper, Charles Stark, near New Buffalo on Dec. 31, 1971.

Judge Richard Ginkowski
Pleasant Prairie Municipal Court

November 1, 2014

I was in 9th grade at Ring Lardner Jr. High in Niles Mi. on this day, Oct. 12th 1972. From that day I knew I wanted to be in Law Enforcement. I joined the service USN and became a K-9 Officer. Retired after 20 years and went into corrections. I now have 37 years in Law Enforcement. I felt sorrow and anger that day for you and your family. Wright or wrong I felt elated when I found out that your killer had been delt with an eye for an eye. To you and your family sir, I dedicate my years in Law Enforcement. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and God Bless you and your Family.

C.O. David Shoptaw
Florida Dept of Corrections

March 7, 2013

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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

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

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 12, 2011

Mr. DeVries was a great man. He and his wife were very kind to me when I was in High school and helped me get on the right track. I am now 58, did an Honorable tour in the military, successfully raised a family and am a devout Christian. Much of this I owe to Mr. Devries and his kind wife's interest in me. For some reason I was thinking of him yesterday and came upon this site today. His family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ted Snyder

Ted Snyder
Friend

July 21, 2011

Merry Christmas, Trooper DeVries, to you and your family.
Thank you for your sacrifice.

May God's peace be with you this holiday season!

Trooper
Michigan State Police

December 14, 2010

Rest in peace, Steve.

Jim Glessner
brother in law

July 10, 2010

"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

November 15, 2007

On the upcoming anniversary of your passing, we remember you today and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer is pleased that quick and final justice was finally served on your killer

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

October 10, 2007

We are and always will be thinking of thee.....

Olen M. Young Deputy Sheriff
Perkins County SO NE

October 12, 2006

Rest in Peace.

October 12, 2006

A young man gunned down in his prime on what should have been a routine traffic stop, by a criminal without any remorse. So tragic and yet it continues to happen. Thank you, Trooper DeVries, for doing your utmost to maintain law and order in an ever-increasing violent society.

Security Officer
Connecticut

May 21, 2006

My fellow brother, may you rest in peace. Your memory will live on forever. We know that you will guide us and protect us from above. You, your family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Special Agent
Department of Homeland Security

We will never forget your sacrifice brother trooper.

Anonymous