Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Early,
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 Los Angeles. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 23, 2023

I grew up in this neighborhood. My name is Brian lavette. Officer early gave me my first traffic ticket. When he was injurrd he was in the hospital
my mom worked at brotman memorial. Officer early warned me not to drive too fast as I could die. I was only 17. I would like to solve this murder. Rest In Peace Fred.

Citizen
Resident is west la

December 11, 2021

To be clear, if you connect the dots Fred Early died (over a short period of time) because he was thumped by several criminals who he saw committing a crime. Fred was off duty and he was just trying to do the right thing. He survived the beating but not without serious complications, and after the incident he was admitted to UCLA medical center for treatment and observation. It was while Fred was at UCLA that he died, the exact circumstances are still somewhat cloudy but he was (or should have been) under 24-hour observation.

Speculations aside Fred went out like the warrior he was, trying to do the right thing and being a good cop. He was also a good friend to all who knew him, and all these later he is still missed… may he Rest In Peace, and when the time comes (and it will!) all his M/C riding partners will all hook up with him again for another legendary trip to Mexico!

Fred Romero (P-3)
LAPD Retired

September 5, 2021

Fred early was a friend & partner of my ex husband, LAPD Officer Mike Underwood. I also knew him as Crazy Fred. I have often thought of his daughters & wondered how their lives turned out. My ex was a pallbearer at his funeral so I was surrounded by LAPD Officers & every one of them had tears rolling down their cheeks when Fred's little girls came to the gravesite. I talked to my ex just yesterday & he brought up Fred & we reminisced about some of the fun times. Fred Early is still missed.

Brenda Underwood
Friend

April 23, 2021

Rest In Peace

Mark Mottola

March 23, 2020

Rest in peace Policeman Early.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 25, 2020

Fred Romero,
Thank you for your kind words over the years. It is heart warming to know my father's friends keep him in their memory and after so many years continue to show tribute to a man I miss dearly. Once again, thank you and all those whom express such kindness.

Hollie
Daughter #3

December 10, 2019

Thank you Mary Ellen for caring for my friend and LAPD partner, your kind words after all these years are very much appreciated.

Officer Fred Romero
LAPD Retired

October 23, 2019

It is curious I should think of Officer Fred Early today. As a young Nursing student, I cared for Officer Early at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. I cared for him during his sufferings, but, sadly, never knew the man. I still have a pen holder his mother gifted to me. It is a bronze pig mounted on marble with the following inscription:
"Proficiency Integrity Geniality Sincerity
Friends in Need are "PIGS" Indeed"
I think I would have liked him.
Rest in peace, you are not forgotten.
Mary Ellen Mayer, RN (now retired)

Mary Ellen Mayer, RN

March 26, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 45th anniversary of your EOW. May the coward(s) who took your life find no peace and suffer.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

March 23, 2018

Still unsolved after nearly 43 years. I think this case should be looked at by fresh eyes. Somebody knows something. I'd like to see some re-interviews done. People who were afraid to talk 43 years ago may open up now.

Lieutenant II
LAPD

May 3, 2015

Officer Early and I were partners in 77th Street Division
in 67 and 68. Fred was always a good partner. I enjoyed
working with him. He transferred to West Los Angeles
Division and I transferred to AID and then to motors.

Jim Severson, Motor Officer
LAPD, Partner

March 6, 2015

Yesterday, on Saturday May 11, 2013, the Los Angeles Police Department held its annual Memorial Run at the Elysian Park Police Academy. All officers who participate usually wear a shirt that lists all of the LAPD officers who have been killed in the line of duty. On this date, a squad of officers from West Los Angeles Division LAPD ran in platoon formation wearing a photo of the two officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duty while assigned to West LA Division. One of the two officers was Police Officer Fred H. Early, EOW March 23, 1973.

Before we ran, I read to the current West Los Angeles Division LAPD officers excerpts shared on this page from friends and loved ones of Officer Early. Although he has been gone for 40 years, the officers of the LAPD would like to let his family and friends know that he will NEVER be forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace and we pray for the well being of his surviving family members.

Captain Rolando Solano
LAPD

May 12, 2013

i was 17 years old when officer early gave me a speeding ticket and probably saved my life in the long run by warning me to slow down and not take a chance with death and wreckless driving. i am now 58. i dont think this case has ever been solved. that is a shame and it should be reopened. rest in peace officer early. brian lavette

citizen
data supply center

May 15, 2012

Rest in Peace, Policeman Early. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 14, 2012

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

I pray the investigators find those responsible for your death, brother. No deed this heinous should ever go unpunished. Guide them if you can to the ones who deserve to pay for what they did to you.

You are not forgotten.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

March 23, 2011

Policeman Early - Your death still frustrates one of your classmates, Lt. Loren Farrel, who is still working today. People still want answers. Thanks for your service to the people of Los Angeles. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shone upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 14, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 23, 2010

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion
Proverbs 28:1

You are not forgotten, especially on the anniversery of your death.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th 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 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 23, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 27, 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

September 17, 2007

Officer Earley,
You were performing your duties with vigilance and courage when a coward's bullet struck you down. You are a hero and a credit to your agency and community. Though your killer may not have been held accountable, yet, he will be held accountable by God in the life to come. Thank-you for your sacrifice. Rest in peace, brother.

Detective Corporal Morgan
Park County Sheriff's Office

March 15, 2006

I worked with Fred Early in old Venice Division, and again later in West L.A. Division. We went through good times and bad times together, as most cops do. Of all the things I remember is his his zest for life. His nickname was "Crazy Fred," and he lived and breathed his moniker. His memory will live in my heart forever; he was a true friend and a great partner, on and off the job. There is much more to say, but I'll keep it for another time. May he rest in peace.

Fred Romero, Police Officer
LAPD

November 23, 2005

I hope that the daughters of Officer Fred Early are doing well, I went to school with the oldest as well as dated her for more than 2 years. Many times I felt like a father to the kids during the last two years of high school. They were all wonderful and beautiful kids who I will never forget. May god bless each and everyone of you where ever you may reside today. Barbara, Maryln, Holly and Michelle I hope your adult years have been most rewarding.

Love always,

Gregg Williams

Gregg Williams
none