Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Cpl. Emerson,
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 Durango. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 24, 2024

What a hero sir. Thank you for your courage and dedication. I pray for your family. I know they miss you terribly. But I know you rest in the arms of our lord. Until we meet in heaven.

Jerry
Fellow citizen

August 24, 2022

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 24, 2020

Rest in peace Corporal Emerson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 26, 2020

Thank you Corporal Emerson for paying the highest price to keep me safe. Your memorial at out Department will stand proud. May GOD continue to give peace to your family. You are a true warrior! Sincerely,

Chief Jim Spratlen
Durango Police Department

June 4, 2016

Thank you for your service and sacrifice Corporal Emerson. Your tour of duty may have been short, but you definitely will not be forgotten.

Jeffrey Leonard

December 13, 2015

Thank you for your sacrifice. You are not forgotten and your legacy lives on with our department.

Sgt. Deck Shaline
Durango Police Department

December 22, 2014

Thank you Gale Emerson for the ultimate sacrifice that you and my father. N'P. "Nick" Parks III, paid during this horrible tragedy. You will NEVER be forgotten.

Nicki Parks
daughter of NP Nick Parks III firefighter killed by your side

October 25, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. I am privileged to pay tribute to you. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th 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 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know that both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 12, 2013

Rest in Peace, Corporal Emerson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 26, 2012

Corporal Evans - Thanks for your service to both the people of Durango and the State of Colorado. I stood in the State Assembly chambers, last Friday, when your name was read off during a resolution regarding the upcoming Peace Officer's memorial week. You, and the almost 250 others, are not forgotten.

May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

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

April 26, 2010

I have to say I am lucky to have lived in Durango, Co. I want to thank you for your service to such a great town and community. Although your service is finished your work will always be remembered by all the wonderful men and women who serve in a great town of Durango. RIP brother..

VIP
Ventura Calif. police dept

June 8, 2009

Your unborn child never got to know you but im sure your wife told him/her what kind of man you are.RIP.

Anonymous

January 11, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Corporal Emerson.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 18, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

March 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

December 9, 2007

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your dedication and heroism to law enforcement. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, OEW: 8/8/04

August 23, 2007

Your action in a crisis and your willingness to sacrifice yourself to save others have earned you the right to be called "hero". Your bravery will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

A citizen

April 25, 2007

Rest in Peace. Always Remembered.

Dy M. Martin
St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office LA

August 24, 2006

God Bless you brother....you are not forgotten.

CPD