Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You are remembered today. Thank you so much for the service you gave to the Richmond community.

Michelle Milam
Richmond PD

January 31, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for those who miss and love you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. In reading the reflections, I can see the positive impact you had the on the lives of others. Your memory will always be honored and revered for time does not not diminish respect.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 29, 2009

We had a moment of silence during lineup today in remembrance of your sacrifice. I didn’t have the honor to meet you, but I want your family to know that your service will always be honored by those who come after you.

Officer Walle
Richmond PD

December 29, 2009

It has been seventeen years, but it seems like yesterday this happened. People say the pain becomes more manageable, but when the anniversary date comes around the pain hits like a ton of bricks. We all miss you, and I will check in on your parents today.

Detective Mark Hall
RIchmond Police Dept / Friend

December 28, 2009

Leonard, there is not a day that goes by my friend that I am not reminded of you. I know that I have a guardian angel in you as you watch over our families. I have been blessed by knowing you. You have shared your family with me. Your Parents are the only true grand parents for my two kids. They call your mom and dad, " Nana & Papa"
Your brother Ron and sister in-law Carol are the God Parents of my kids. Auntie Carol & Uncle Ronnie; Brother Ron has been a blessing in your absence and has filled a void I have missed in my you my friend. Your nieces have babysat my kids. Your eldest brother Anthony helped grow my company into the success it is because he joined as the Vice President to run the Atlanta office when he first retired from the US Army. Your youngest brother Daniel and I enjoy the love of Harley Davidsons and have grown a frendship through that venue.

I know you are watching over because I feel your presence and strength. The many hundreds of hours we trained together on SWAT and working narcotics paid off the day I was shot in the line of duty. We fought back that day and won,I knew I was not alone and felt your powerful spirit and courage that day in May. Although I had to subsequently retire from the wounds and injuries, I will be forever greatful for your spirit as I know you were there that day partner to assist me in going home.

God had a different plan for you. For you are the reason I survived the bullet that entered my body that day... You are a hero and will always be present in our lives. thank you for bring the family closer and thank you for giving us your parents. "Nana" has held each of my children from the first day they were born and has loved them unconditionally ever since. There is a verse in Psalms 121:7-8 God will watch over you; coming and going , now and forevermore.

God Bless the Garcia Family
Love always your brother Glenn

Retired Master Officer
Richmond Police Dept. Close Friend

November 7, 2009

Leonard and I attended SWAT school together in February 1992 at Mare Island and again during the summer of 1992 during a one-day class in Santa Rosa. During SWAT school, he was paired up with us. He was with Richmond and I was with Sebastopol P.D., a small department in Sonoma County. It was enjoyable to train with Leonard and I never forgot him. He had a subtle and gentle smile.

His funeral was the first law enforcement funeral I attended and it had a profound impact. Unfortunately, it not the last. I recall his brother talking about a funny blanket used by Leonard. I don't know why my brief encounter with Leonard touched me so much but it did. I suppose that is a tenstament to his character.

I hope his loved ones are doing ok and just know some of us who barely knew Leonard still think about him.

Thank you for his company.

Russ Davidson Sonoma County Sheriff-Retired

Russell Davidson (707) 588-8090
Previous co-worker-training

September 29, 2009

It warms my heart to read how Leonard touched your hearts. Thank you for sharing your memories of him. He was a funny, warm and very strong young man. We all miss him very much. There is not a day that goes by that we don't think of him and hear this funny laugh in our memories. His niece, Megan (my daughter) was married last summer and by chance their was one empty seat on bride's side. I know he was sitting there just smiling and enjoying the day.

Carol Garcia
Sister In Law

July 1, 2009

Each day I try to take a moment to read through a few memorials on ODMP. I came upon yours this morning. What a tragic story. I want to thank you for your service and sacrifice. You left this life a hero, and became an angel in the next.

God bless your loved ones that you left behind.

Laura Haynes
Philadelphia, PA

November 19, 2008

YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED.

MASTER OFFICER JOHN HUGEL
RICHMOND POLICE DEPT

June 27, 2008

On behalf of Richmond PD we thank you for your service and the life that you gave to protect and honor ours.

I never had an opportunity to know Officer Garcia, but I feel the legacy that his dedication and service to this department means every day when I interact with those who knew him. I salute you, and thank you.

In May of 2008 a memorial at the police department was dedicated in honor of all of our fallen heroes. We encourage friends and family to pay us a visit any time.

Michelle Milam
Richmond Police Department, Crime Prevention Specialist

June 1, 2008

Leonard and I attended Cal State Sacramento, we both were seeking our Bachelor Degrees. I just wanted to say lots of us still miss him. Laura Romero classmate friend

Laura Maria Romero
Classmate from Cal State Sacramento

January 28, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 27, 2007

I use to water ski with Leonard on the Sacramento River Delta With Officer Glen Daggs. Good times. I was on my way to Tahoe when I heard the news on the radio.

Det. Eudell Head
Mena Police Department

October 20, 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

September 20, 2007

Around this time every year I take a moment to remember my colleagues.

Captain Alec Griffin
Richmond Police Department

December 29, 2006

Today is 12/28/2006, It has been 14 years since the Richmond Police Deparment Has Lost two of it's FINEST.

Leonard Garcia and David Haynes

You are gone but not forgotten.

Officer Mark Hall
Richmond Police Officer

December 28, 2006

In Loving Memory of Leonard W. Garcia
12/07/1961 – 12/28/1992

I first met Leonard when I was a young boy. My mother was attending college at Contra Costa College in the City of San Pablo California. My mother was majoring in Administration of Justice and kept statistics for the football team. Leonard was also attending Administration of Justice Classes and played on the football team. Leonard became an immediate member of our family.

After football games Leonard and other members of the football team would come to our home and relax and eat some food. While everyone else was consuming some beers and eating what ever was on the menu for the evening, Leonard would be outside playing catch with me. The time Leonard would spend with me was so valuable, since my father would not do the things with me that most fathers would do, like playing catch. Around the time I began spending time with Leonard my father began to use Methamphetamine, so I was even less important than usual. Those times after the Contra Costa College football games I cherished, because I knew I would be spending time with Leonard and my worries as a young boy were over for a short time. There were times that I would go to bed and wish that Leonard was my father or my big brother.

Then the time came where Leonard was accepted to Sacramento State University and due to his busy schedule we never saw him. Leonard then went to the Federal Bureau of investigation (F.B.I.) academy and still we did not see him. During Leonards' absence from my life my mother married a very abusive man. The man my mother married would physically harm her and I, he would make threats to kill us after we would leave the home to escape the violence. One cold winter evening when I was around twelve maybe thirteen years old, my mother and I fled our home, to my grandparent’s home in Richmond after a violent evening involving her husband. My mothers’ husband arrived at my grandparents home after we fell asleep and began banging on all the windows making threats to harm everyone in the home. We immediately dialed 911 for help. A short time later there was a knock on the front door and I heard the words “Richmond Police.” My mother looked through the safety door to assure it was the police and I heard my mother say “O my God Leonard is that you.” I could not believe my ears. I ran to the living room and there was Leonard in his Richmond Police Uniform. A sense of relief came over me like it did when I was younger and I prayed in my heart Leonard would make everything better.

While Leonard was on scene my mothers’ husband called and Leonard answered the phone. In Leonards’ calm voice he told us he was going to talk to him in the other room. Leonard left the room with the phone and returned a short time later telling us he believes that my mothers’ husband would not be bothering us for the rest of the evening. Leonard assured us he would keep check on us all night and would not let any harm come our way. That evening we did not receive any more telephone calls, and I was able to sleep with Leonards’ reassuring words.

After that evening I would see Leonard sitting in his police car in the early morning hours while I was delivering news papers. I would stop and talk to him, give him a paper and continue my route.

Through my whole life I have always said I wanted to be a Police Officer, but after coming back into contact with Leonard, I knew I had a role model to follow. In June 1992, I joined the Richmond Police Explorer Post. I did not tell Leonard about my joining, I wanted it to be a surprise. After all my training was complete, I scheduled my first ride along on late days 11:30am – 9:30pm. As I turned the corner in the police station wearing my powder blue uniform, there was Leonard in a suite jacket gathering forms. I said “Hi Leonard, look what I did.” Leonard looked up at me and gave me that infamous smile. He looked proud of me and told me “Good job” patted me on my back and told me to be safe out there. Leonard and I would talk when we saw each other and we agreed in February 1993 after I turned eighteen I would start riding and training with him.

Then December 28, 1992 arrived. I was working my job at Champs Sports inside of Hilltop Mall. My mother called me and told me to sit down that she had some bad news. My mother informed me of what happened. I did not believe her. I told her she was lying. I called Richmond Police Officer Ron Ward, he was the Officer I would always ride with. Ron knew how much I looked up to Leonard and how much I respected him. Ron said “Mark, I am so sorry Leonard was killed this morning with David Haynes.” I told Ron I had to go, I hung up the phone in disbelief. I left work and drove by the Richmond Police Department. I saw all the news cameras and Leonards’ Red Chevy sitting on Barrett Avenue. My heart sunk my stomach knotted up and I was not sure what to do. I began thinking I no longer wanted to be involved in law enforcement.

I took about two months off from the Explorer Program when Richmond Police Officer Glen Daggs convinced me that Leonard would not want me to give up, and that I needed to continue my journey to becoming a Police Officer.

I did not immediately get hired as a police officer. Then Finally on December 8th, 2001, I graduated from the Police Academy wearing a City of Richmond Police Uniform. Leonards’ parents were there to support me and I felt Leonard there with me also. On December 12, 2001, I was sworn in as a Richmond Police Officer. In Leonards’ immediate absence, Leonards’ mother Vera and his Father Walter placed badge #98 upon my chest.

I hope I can be half the police officer Leonard was. He will forever live in my heart and my Children will know him forever as their fathers’ Brother, Role Model, Hero and Friend.

Written by Richmond Police
Officer Mark Hall #1351 (Badge 98)

Officer Mark Hall
Richmond Police Dept (He was the father I never had)

December 5, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

February 15, 2006

To the family and friends of Officer Leonard Garcia, the Richmond Police Department, and most especially to Officer Garcia:

It has been almost thirteen years since your death, but you are not forgotten. Your valor will be forever remembered and honored. How very sad that you had to die at such a young age.

It must have been a terrible blow to your department to lose two officers in such a senseless and brutal act.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service you gave to the community of Richmaond and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on December 28, 1992 in the line of duty.
Rest In Peace.

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

August 24, 2005

On this, the anniversary of your death, we as a nation salute you Officer Garcia. You sacrificed your life in an attempt to save a woman and child from evil. You died a HERO. You will not be forgotten.

God Bless your families.

Anonymous

December 28, 2004

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor your for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

December 28, 2004

You have made the ultimate sacrifice. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. We are proud of you and thankful for all of your service. May God bless you and your family.
Rest in Peace Brother............. AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

June 10, 2004

04/26/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. No officer who gives his/her life for us need ever be forgotton. You died a hero; rest in peace.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

April 26, 2004

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Tonight, December 28, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Officer David T. Haynes and Officer Leonard Walter Garcia who died in the line of duty on this date eleven years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Haynes' and Officer Garcia's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

December 28, 2003