East St. Louis Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Sunday, May 25, 1975
Reflections for Patrolman Manuel Farmer, III
Wow! It’s been 49 yrs since that horrible day May 25, 1975. I was 21 yrs old, and I was hired as a Fingerprint Tech/Photographer and worked for and was trained by Manual. I was so impressed with his background and he was always professional. Charlee, his sister-in-law was working that day, she called me and broke the sad news. Chief Gene Moore had me organize flower girls, and when I tell you representatives from the Army, Navy, Airforce and Marines, along with Officers from across the USA was all in attendance it would not be an exaggeration. I learned so much from Manual, and now at 70, I am the person I am today because of his expertise and training.
Dorothy Washington
Employee of Manual Farmer III at East St Louis PD
May 25, 2024
Happy Heavenly New Year...
Love
Kevin Farmer
Kevin Farmer
January 1, 2023
Manuel Farmer III will always be remembered as a hero to so many, a great father, and an incredible human being. I am honored to be his daughter, although young, was able to see his impact and imprint on the community.
Years later, the pain of his loss remains, but the joy and love he brought to my life extends beyond this world.
I love and miss you tremendously,
Toni
Dr. Toni Farmer-Thompson
Daughter
May 25, 2022
Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 28, 2020
Now 45 years later, I reflect upon your inspiration and love. It helps me want to conquer, achieve, and transform the lives around me...exactly what you did. I can still feel your protection and love. I'm still learning of your impact...I continue to be amazed by how much you were able to accomplish in your short time on this earth, 30 years. Know that your living and passing were not in vain. As your daughter, it is my hope to make you proud as I know that you are looking down on me. Please hug Pammy for me.
Love,
Toni
Toni, Daughter
May 25, 2020
Rest in peace Patrolman Farmer.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 8, 2019
Mr. Farmer,
I remember, when I was just a "lil fella." I was 9/10 years old, and I asked you, "can we be friends?" You said "of course we can be friends." Since that day, in 1974, in that grocery store, you've been MY FRIEND! I remember the day, when I heard that you were killed. It was a sad day in my household. My father (Chief Dye), cried that day, and so did I. I hope you've been able to rest well. Please know, that I think of you quite often, and I cherish the conversations, and I smile at the conversations, that I remember the two of us having. You were TOO COOL! Rest In Peace, my friend.
Robert Dye
FRIEND
June 27, 2018
I miss Mr Farmer every day. I will never forget his bravery and courage. Not a day goes by that I don't relive that fateful day.
A GREAT MAN AND FATHER!
Elliott Dye
Friend
Son of Police Chief William Dye
June 27, 2018
This time of the year is extremely hard for me. I think about you everyday of my life. Dad I love you so much and miss you dearly. I am still having a hard time remembering your/our face. Your genetics are so strong that we are identical and looking at myself everyday still does not bring solace because I do not remember you. The only thing I do remember is you holding me when I was very small. It was so comforting and I've felt that comfort only one other time in my life while I was sleeping. RIP! Your son Kevin....
Kevin
son
May 26, 2016
I love you!
Kevin Farmer
SON Kevin Farmer
February 19, 2016
Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless
Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas
May 25, 2015
You are the most incredible man I have ever known. I think of you everyday and miss you more than imaginable. You are still my inspiration and my role model! I love you forever.
Antoinette
Daughter
September 4, 2013
This year was rough. I am in hopes that your resting in peace now. I never understood the signs. I now know why your not resting. I pray that GOD will unveil the evil associated with your murder. There's no doubt in my mind that this black cloud over me has every bit to do with the secrets that are behind your murder.
Love you
Your son,
Kevin Farmer
KEVIN FARMER
SON
May 28, 2013
Rest in Peace, Patrolman Farmer. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
May 5, 2012
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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. Rest In Peace.
I hold your family in my heart's embrace today and pray for their solace
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
May 25, 2010
"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
October 18, 2007
To you Dad,I can only say I remember the day you died and dont remember your face, Althought you sacrificed your life to save someone elses it is still a part of me that will never rest easy knowing that I wasn't able to spend my life with you. RIP, I will always love you because I am a part of you. YOUR SON Kevin.
Kevin Farmer
July 20, 2005
Patrolman Farmer,
On today, the 32nd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of East St. Louis.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
May 25, 2005
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