Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It saddens me that it has taken over 30 years to discover these kind and loving words about Ofc. Reed. Although I never met Edward in person I have thought about him many times since the day he died and my Bailiff showed me the article in the newspaper.
I was the judge who made the decision to release Alfredo Martinez from custody pending his arraignment on a first time DUI the day before he crashed into his and Ofc. Waterman’s patrol car.
If any friend or relative of Edward is still seeking closure for such a tragic death I hope my explanation and expression of personal pain helps.
It’s also important for my closure to state upon reflection at the time and even til today the decision was within all court guidelines and appropriate based on the arrest report and record of the defendant.
Again, I am so sorry for all the pain his passing has caused.
Gary

Hon. Gary Bindman (Ret.)
Los Angeles Superior Court

December 30, 2023

I was a member of this Dept when this happened. Officer Reed was a very nice guy with a bright future. I served as honor guard at his services.

RIP
Edward Reed

Anonymous

April 2, 2023

Officer Reed,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 21, 2023

Yesterday marked the 27 year anniversary of Ed's last night on patrol. I'll NEVER forget that night as Officer Trulock and I received a call for help as the traffic collision was broadcasted to all units. We were one of the first units on scene, when we eventually realized that our brother was fatally injured in the crash caused by a drunk driver. The details and heartbreak will always be remembered as I continue my career in law enforcement.

As I look back and reflect on some of the memories, Ed definitely had an influence in my career. I remember the days of our "extended" pre-academy and eventually academy with classmates Trulock, Gomez, Becerra and Rice. Ed was the PT stud and motivator, as the physical portion came easy to him because of his Army background. He pushed us, but was also light hearted enough to be the class clown at times. He was an awesome friend and partner! It's so unfortunate that his life and career was so short, but I trust that His ultimate plan will someday be revealed to us all.

To the REED Family and Friends, I hope you're well and hope to catch up with you all someday. May God bless you all !

Ofcr. A. Navarro Badge #19456
RTD/MTA PD - Rio Hondo Class 107

February 22, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Reed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 15, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 25th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

February 21, 2018

Ed was a friend of mine...we went to high school together, and stayed in touch even after he joined the military. I joined the Oakland Police Department in 1985, and I remember his desire to also go into police work because he really wanted "to make a difference". That was Ed...a truly selfless and caring man...big and strong but gentle in has manner. I'll never forget his infectious grin and genuine concern for his fellow man. RIP my brother in blue, I'm honored to have known you.

Shaun Thurman, Sergeant (retired)
Oakland Police Department

May 30, 2015

I worked with Ed and was a class or two ahead of him in the academy. He got how to do this job from day one. He really had it together.

I remember when he came to work and told us he got engaged. He did it the right way. Get your job. Pass probation. Save money. He was sooo excited. I think it was only a week or two after he was engaged that he was killed. I went to the hospital to see his partner, who was injured. We were told not to tell him that Ed had died. It was so hard of course because he kept asking about him.

The funeral was gut wrenching. LAPD held down the fort for us while the entire department marched from our headquarters to the church. What a site of blue! When we marched out of the church they played "Oh Danny Boy". Still makes me cry when I hear it.

I have dedicated my life to finding and arresting DUI drivers because of the senselessness of Officer Reed's death. At one time I was on the MADD Board of Directors and ran the DUI task force in my county. I am trying to pair up with legislators to get new DUI laws passed to get these repeat DUI driver's off the road.

Officer Reed you left behind so many people that loved you. You have held a special place in so many hearts. May God continue to hold you in his arms. Rest in Peace my friend!

Former MTA/RTD Police Officer #19263
Rio Hondo Class #104

Sergeant Marla E. Lingo (Miller)
Riverside Sheriff's Department

November 11, 2013

It has been 20 years since Ed died. He loved being a police officer. Losing him devastated many lives who loved Ed. He will never be forgotten but he always inspires us. The world was a better place because of him and it is my hope that anyone who knew him is a better person for knowing him.

Jeanette Star Howard
fiancee

June 3, 2013

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. Jake Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department

February 21, 2012

Just want to say I was born and raised riding the RTD and once the Police Department was develop I felt safe onboard. To Ed first RIP and all my other Brothers thank you for keeping me and family safe. God Bless thin Blue Line

Officer Robert L. Hite #155
Palm Springs PD Florida

September 21, 2011

Ed was a good friend, we met in High School and were roommates in college, he was an amazing guy, a good friend and always fun to be around, just today someone mentioned an old memory of growing up in Eugene, Oregon and it made me think of Ed, he is still missed but I look forward to seeing him again in Heaven!

Patrick Brand
Friend

August 10, 2011

I was stationed with you at Ft. Irwin Ca. as a Military Policemen and later we worked together as Transit Police Officers. Over 17 years later (and every year in between from time to time) you pass through my mind and I am still crushed at what happened on that horrible night! You will always be missed my brother!

Senior Transit Polce officer Mark Warner
MTA PD

June 2, 2010

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

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

To Officer Edward Reed, his loved ones, and his fellow officers:

On this the sixteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with all family members and friends who call you beloved. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today. I can see from the loving reflections left by your loyal friends that you were an amazing man who is loved and missed by all those whose lives you touched.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Ed. I am so humbled by your valor and service.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Ed gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 21, 1993.

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

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

February 21, 2009

Officer Reed, today marks the 16th anniversary of your tragic death. You lost your life in the service of others and for that service you are a hero. Though your agency no longer exists, it will forever hold a place in law enforcement history because of the dedication of women and men like you who served with honor. You have not, nor will be forgotten.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

February 21, 2009

Thank you for your service, sir.

Rest In Peace

Citizen

May 19, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 12, 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

November 28, 2007

Officer Reed, today marks the 14th anniversary of your tragic death. Though your Department is just a piece of history now, you are not forgotten and still looked at as a hero, not because you died, but because you lived, and did the job.

God Bless and may you continue Rest in Peace, Brother.

February 21, 2007

Ed arrived in Oregon in time for football season in the tenth grade. He was big, strong and a veteran of Plano, TX youth football which made him something fearful. We met across the scrimmage line in our first practice and quickly became fast friends. Ed's family, devoutly Catholic, cared for all of us. Ed was a hard, hard worker with a wry sense of humor who often wore his feelings on his sleeve. He was a person of truth; he didn't like academic nuance. He did like to serve and care for people.

Ed had an infectious sense of humor. He used a myriad of nutty facial expressions coupled with faux naivete to create a constant sense of well-being around him even when he was pinning you to the ground in a wrestling match.

Once during high school, several of us were on a river rafting trip when Ed's boat was caught in a dangerous hydraulic. As the story goes, Ed was reaching out, picking people up by the back of the neck and throwing them back in the boat yelling, "Are you okay, buddy?". I suspect that was only one of many times that Ed saved someone from physical injury or death.

Ed served in the Army before becoming a police officer, and took well to the discipline involved. The police life worked well for him because he was the sort of person you could count on to clean up the mess. When Ed died, the world lost a caring man.

Ed's father reminded our small group of friends to remember Ed as a man of grace and not to be bitter at his death. It is a great testimony to Ed that those who loved him most deeply sought to forgive those who hurt him. Ed wouldn't have let us be bitter; he would have cried as we did. He might even have broken a few things in anger, but he would have forgiven.

We remember.

John Talbott
Not affiliated

May 27, 2005

Ed Reed, my friend and classmate at Rio Hondo Police Academy (Class #107). We were boots together working day watch on our first day out of the Academy, right smack in the middle of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. There we sat two burly Police Officers ordered to dawn our helmets and get into the back seat of our black and white police cruiser. We were both lost in a world of violence and confusion watching the city burn around us. We grew together as cops learning the heart beat of the streets, doing what we loved, protecting others from the criminal element. Ed became an experienced police officer very quickly as had I working on the streets of Los Angeles. We shared a common bond. He came from the Pacific Northwest and my family lived in the Pacific Northwest. Just days prior to his death Ed told me that he had just returned from a trip up north, I couldn't believe it, So had I. We talked about where we had been and learned that on one of the days during our trip we might have passed each other. Well Ed someday our paths will cross again. You were a fine young man with a big heart. You were also one heck of a cop. I can’t believe it’s been over ten years since you were suddenly and tragically taken from us. I think of you and your family often as I’m sure most who knew you do. Keep us safe and watch over us.

Your friend and partner,

Sergeant David A. Gomez
Los Angeles Police Department
Former RTD/MTA Police Officer

Sergeant David A. Gomez
Los Angeles Police Department

March 12, 2004

To the family, friends, and co-workers my heart goes out to you. There is nothing worse than losing someone in the line of duty. Always remember that Officer Reed is in a much better place with otherlaw enf. brothers and sisters. We as survivors of law enf. officers are very lucky to have such wonderful guardian angels. Rest in peace Officer Reed your memory will always remain.

Dana Perot
Survivor and Fiance' of Deputy Joseph C. Rodgers eow 4-9-97

God bless.....Concerned citizens of Jones Co. Mississippi

Anonymous

To Officer Reed family and friends our hearts and prayers go out to you.

God Bless you.

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares, Hialeah PD, FL E/O/W 11/6/1986