Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We are looking for all family survivors from Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Florence Arizona. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office holds an annual memorial service the first Thursday in May, and we would like to mail surviving family invitations to be able to view the service via live scan or in person. Please contact me at Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.

Admin. Assistant Deborah Lopez
PINAL COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

September 2, 2016

I was the Bureau of Indian Affairs Agency Superintendent when this tragic event happened. When I was notified of what happened, I couldn't believe it. He had just taken me on a tour of the flooding and damage that was occuring. As it happened, my wife Beverly was with us as it was a Saturday morning and she was with me when I was notified of the flooding.

Kevin was an outstanding young man, a Sergeant at that time, and I and our Captain of Police, Warren Redbird, discussed working toward making Kevin our next Captain.

Unfortunately, that was not to be. My wife cried when she heard the news.

Rest in peace Kevin!! And continued love and condolences to his family and friends. I definitely will never forget you Kevin, Velda, and all the kids.

Paul J. Smith
Pima Agency Superintendent, retired.

Paul J. Smith, Pima Agency Superintenden
Bureau of Indian Affairs

February 4, 2016

cant believe its been 21 years since you were taken from us, i was just a kid and don't remember being told i would never see you again but this year it feels like it just happened...
This year has been very hard and i miss my dad soo much. But I know when the time is right I will see you again...

Laura
Daughter

February 5, 2014

Doesn't seem that long ago but then I realize how old the kids are now. 21 years have gone by. I could never think of a title for this but wanted to share it here...


The bitter breeze whips trough the air as a winter storm approaches.
A mother awaits the arrival of her son.
Her home is kept warm by the heat of the oven which has been busy cooking a special birthday dinner.

The phone rings...
"Save me a piece of cake," he says. "There is an emergency and I must work today."
Not uncommon in the life of a police officer.

Night has fallen and with it rains that pound on the rooftops.
A child awaits the arrival of his father.
He sits among the beautifully wrapped boxes.
Struggling to keep his eyes open while overcome with sleep.
He is only kept alert by the thunder as it crashes through the silence of the house.

The phone rings...
"We have lost contact with your husband. We are doing all we can to find him."
The words an officer's wife never wants to hear.

Waiting.
For the man who has made her proud and who will always be her little boy.
Waiting.
For the man who held her hand as she have birth three months ago.
Waiting.
For the man they called "daddy" and would carry them in his strong arms.
Waiting.
For the man we knew as uncle but acted as father because no one else was there.
Waiting.
For the man who lived next door and provide a sense of security as he patrolled the streets.

A the storm smugly retreats, the flood subsides to reveal the life it has stolen.
The waters may have taken you away but they cannot drown the memories we hold in our hearts.

Still waiting...
For the day we can see your smile.
For the day we can hear your voice.
For the day our family will be whole again.

Dustin Williams
Nephew

February 4, 2014

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

February 4, 2013

You have not been forgotten as true heroes never die. Continue to watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

February 4, 2010

You're picture, plaque, and badge are displayed in a glass case at the PD, Sarge. A memorial to you is embeded in the Skousen Bridge over the Gila River...the bridge that was washed out that night. I've been told you were working Overtime - covering a shift. But that because of the flooding, you had been busy with calls and because you were coming home so late, the bridge you crossed on your way to work was no longer there.

I've met the man who put your memorial there. He swore you were present as he put the final touches on it. Said, "He's in the breeze that comes over the bridge...over the long-dry river.

Whenever I'm working District 1, I stop there. I shut the patrol car off and I listen...

Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Sarge. We'll take it from here.

Officer J. Stevenson #1214 Gila River PD

October 4, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

February 4, 2009

I am remembering you with the deepest respect for the many years of distinquished service you gave to the citizens of our country and your people. On this the sixteenth anniversary of your tragic death, I am embracing your family in my heart and in prayer.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 4, 2009

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 27, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

February 1, 2008

Kevin..I was going through the fallen officers and came across your name. I'll never forget that day...I called your cell over and over, in hopes you would answer. I'll never forget you Sarge..you were the best.

M. Sue Antone

October 8, 2005

I honor you Sergeant.

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

November 17, 2004

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

Rest in peace. God bless.

September 29, 2004

I can't believe it's been over 11 years since you've been gone. It still seems like yesterday when we last saw you. Your kids are so grown up now and you would be so proud of them! They have grown into the young adults you dreamed them to.
The whole Community has not forgotten you. The "old" officers make it a point to educate the "new guys" about you and how you died serving your people. They all have so much respect for you. You were never one to want or need attention so I'm sure you were say none of this is necessary. That's the Kevin, or K.T. like they all called you, we all know and miss. A memorial in your name will be put by the bridge. That is the only place where we can find peace. It is so peaceful out there. Even when Karla was so small and never knew you in your physical life, since she was only 5 months old when you went away,she's known you're watching over her. In her words when she was only two, "My daddy's night-night with the fishes now." She knew so much. You are missed so much and are remembered by all whose lives you have touched in one way or another.
Rest in peace, Kevin.

Anonymous

March 28, 2004

A hero is never forgotten..........Thank you Sergeant Lewis for your sacrifice..........Rest easy........

Anonymous

November 12, 2003