Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

RIP sir; Never to be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police - Troop D

August 4, 2020

I worked with Don Bookbinder from 1989 until his death in 1992. I was pregnant at the time, and he was very excited when he found out I was carrying a baby boy. I was told AFTER his death that Don had been so worried, because he was afraid that the baby's father wasn't going "to do the right thing," (he didn't), and so he was planning on stepping in and being a Daddy to my son. He never got the chance. I would have loved for my son to have met Don. My son was born the following April. I occasionally visit Don's grave, but it's so hard. RIP Bravo 16. You were one helluva good guy!

Elizabeth Compton, 911 operator/dispatch
Youngtown Police Department

June 28, 2020

I was thinking of Don tonight as we were talking about the Pizza Place. Don was a special friend. I worked for AZDPS when he was at Huachuca City PD. Small town law enforcement at it's best. He also owned the Pizza Place and sponsored many of our softball teams. At first he used to give us a free pitcher of beer for every run we scored. We were not very good in the beginning. When we got good, he changed it to one for every win. It was always good hanging out at the Pizza Place. He would back anyone up anywhere. He backed me up from Huachuca City once almost into Tombstone.

Sergeant (Ret)
Arizona DPS

May 27, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

November 28, 2012

I remember ofc. Bookbinder as one of the positive reasons i went into police work. I met him while i was sfill an explorer scout and having second thoughts his positive atfitude and encouragement when i needed it will never b forgotten by me thank you don. I became a ofc. And though a drunk driver ended my career you were a main reason it started thank you brother

Brad Chamberd
former Avondale police ofc.

September 22, 2012

Officer Bookbinder you are remembered by the members of the Boston Police Department. RIP

Det. Michael Kane
Boston Police Dept.

January 16, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventeenth 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 miss you. Both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 28, 2009

Rest in Peace, Officer Bookbinder. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 17, 2008

I am one of many of Don's (Dad's) adopted children. He and I shared a very special bond for many years. I am best friends with his daughter and I know in my heart that Dad loved me as one of his own. Almost immediately I saw him as my "REAL" dad as mine is a dead beat and never around. Dad "took in" many kids, his heart was too big not to! He died too young and it broke all of our hearts but I have to believe that God had much more important work for him upstairs. They say the good die young, well it must be true cause Dad was the BEST!!!!! I will forever miss you and love you Daddy!!!!

Tricia Laytart
City of Phoenix

December 14, 2007

I knew Don when I was a kid in Huachuca City. He was one of the officers that we kids respected and feared. Fearing him only in the aspect that we knew we would have hell to pay with our folks if he pulled up in front of our house with us in his car. I miss his pizza Palace in SV and was very sad to hear of his death. Officer Bookbinder, you are remembered and you had an impact on a young teenager in Huachuca City over 20 years ago. RIP

SFC Mike Hessock
US Army Retired

December 12, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

November 28, 2007

"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 18, 2007

Don,
You're were a great person. I still remember you as the Sergeant for the Huachuca City Police Department. Thank you for taking me in and caring for me. I never thought I'd be a brother in arms. I've been working for the Cochise County Sheriff's Department for 12 years now, who would have ever thought. You are missed dearly. You're son is doing great as a Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer. You made us proud, now it's our time to make you proud.

R.B. Camacho
Cochise County SO

October 6, 2007

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over...

SGT. John L. Gulledge Retired
Escambia CO FL SO

August 17, 2007

The 15th anniversary of your tragic death is rapidly approaching. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. You will NEVER be forgotten and FOREVER be remembered!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

July 11, 2007

I knew Don in the 1970's, when he was a volunteer for the Sierra Vista Police Department while running his Pizza Place restaurant, where I worked part-time. Police work was his dream at that time. I thought of Don tonight out of the blue and when I googled his name, I found out he died many years ago. Along with my sorrow at his losing his life so young comes the comfort of knowing he died doing what he always wanted to do - police work. He was a friend to all who knew him in Sierra Vista. A classic nice guy who would help anyone in need and should have lived forever. Rest in Peace, Don. You are remembered with love.
Julia

Julia Rachiele
Friend

April 2, 2007

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

April 13, 2005

Don, I instruct a course on officer safety involving railroads. Your memory is honored by each officer in every class I teach. God bless.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

February 21, 2004

DON, WE STILL THINK ABOUT YOU AND MISS YOU DEARLY..
LOVE ALWAYS

Det. T.E. VERNON
SURPRISE P.D.