Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

May you rest in peace Mr. Spanos. Thank you for your service. Many blessings to your loved ones who carry on your legacy to this day.

Allie

April 14, 2024

I am not a police officer. I had met officer spanos two years prior. Officer spanos was an outstanding person. He would do anything for anyone in need. He was a model police officer. Took his job serious. Officer spanos enjoyed lots of activities. It was terrible to what had happen to Officer spanos. I pray for his family often to this day

Chad Parker
Friend

July 27, 2023

I am not an officer but was married at the time to a male dispatcher. I was heartbroken when I heard what had transpired there on the corner of Cincinnati. I had to go to Gilcrease for school and my future husband was later a dispatcher. All I could see then and now is me being forgotten by the ride my mother set up and looking out and seeing him being shot. No! It couldn’t have happened that way but my fear of being alone with no ride hits me hard. I was able to use an office phone to call my mother but waited forever it seemed for a ride. Way past dark. I know that area well and feel so much dismay and heartache that he was alone to die. Yes I was at his funeral and made my husband then go with me cuz it was the only right thing to do. I’m still so saddened by this and feel at times I can see him going thru the motions and a gunshot hitting him in the head and I still cry. I never knew him but it breaks my heart for him to have been in wrong place/wrong time. I wish I
Had been waiting for my ride so I could pray with
Him! I’m so sad still for
His unusual loss of life!!!! Haunts Me cuz I hated that corner just waiting for the ride that left me in dark. (Btw….thank u custodian for letting me in to call my horrible mother figure. )

Lisa Arrington
Friend

December 8, 2021

My prayer for all the FBI Special Agents

We thank you, O Lord, for the women and men in law enforcement, for their willingness to answer the call to protect and serve, and for their dedication to the safety, well-being, and protection of others.

Send your holy angels to stand guard and keep watch over them. May their names be always on the lips of your saints in prayer.

Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; fill them with wisdom for the decisions they face; give them courage to handle the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be.

Keep them and their families safe and healthy. Grant them times of rest and renewal. Make them to lie down in green pastures and lead them by still waters.

Bless them and keep them, let your face shine upon them, be gracious to them, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace. All this we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

FEDERAL AGENT: Someone who solves problems you never knew existed in ways that will blow your mind.
See also: ninja; badass; legend.

Glitchy Dancer

October 29, 2021

I played football with Gus at the University of Tulsa. I have found memories of Gus and his roomate Danny. Gus will never be forgotten.

Chad Craig

April 24, 2021

Thank you Officer Spanos for your service and protecting the citizens of the Tulsa area. You are remembered and loved.

Mary Lee Luther

April 23, 2021

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

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 30, 2020

Gus,

It's been almost 24 years since you were taken from this earth. Its 27 years this month sine I began my career. I think of you so often and people who don't wear this uniform just don't understand why.

We were young boys who played football together and your Dad was one of our coaches. I have shown my children our youth football team picture and told them about you.

Every Police Memorial Day I say a prayer for you, every April 23 I think of and pray for you.

You father, though I have not seen him in a few years, would always make sure to tell me to be careful. A truly wonderful man who loved you unconditionally.

The bond police officers feel for one another is like very few other professions. You are my brother, not only my childhood friend.

It will be 24 years since your life was tragically cut short this month. You and your sacrifice shall not be forgotten. I shall always say my prayers for you and when my time on this earth is complete I would be honored to walk your beat with you for just one shift.

Never Forgotten.

Sgt Gary R. James
Bridgeville, Pa Police Dept

April 9, 2017

I was a teacher in Dormont, Pa. in the Keystone Oaks School District. I taught 7th & 8th grade math classes and had Gus as a student. As big as Gus was as a middle school student, he was never a discipline problem. He always seemed to be in a happy mood and smiling. He was fun to be around and had a great sense of humor. I also taught his younger brother Lou. In addition to teaching, I also interacted with Gus as a football and wrestling coach. Obviously he was great at both sports. I lost touch with Gus when he went to Tulsa and was shocked and dumbfounded at the news of his demise. I tiook the day off work to attend his funeral service here in Pittsburgh. I still think of Gus every time I hear the city of Tulsa mentioned and wonder how much better this world would be if he had survived to make a bigger mark in it. Hard to believe it has been 23 years!

Bill Lutz
Friend,teacher, coach.

September 22, 2016

I heard many many stories of you Officer Gus. I never had the chance to meet you, but I live through the stories told about you. Captain Mike Williams, told me about life with you. How you both played basketball and you both were such great friends going through school and the academy together. It's a real tragedy this hero was taken away from us. Rest easy officer, my most sincere condolences to the family and friends.

Explorer Jacoub Shahin
Tulsa Police Department Explorers

August 7, 2016

I was the patrol shift sergeant for 4Adam squad which overlapped with officer Spano's first shift Adam squad I can clearly remember the 10-33 officer down radio call made by the first responding backing officer that night and although it's been more than 20 years ago it seems as if it occurred only yesterday. From a supervisors perspective Officer Spano's was a well respected and competent police officer. He is sadly missed by those that had the opportunity to know him both as a friend and a Tulsa Police officer. .... Godspeed, officer Spanos 04/23/2016

Sgt. George Haralson
Tulsa police department (retired )

April 24, 2016

I was a young college student when I heard the news of his death. Now at 43 years of age I have always remembered his name to the point of looking his memory up on the Internet. I think I was saddened by such a young officer loosing his life at such a young age. I remember driving through Tulsa and seeing a black stripe placed across the TPD shield on the side of the police cars I saw. I did not know him or anyone who did, but his passing has made an impression on me that I will never forget.

Thomas Conklin

December 26, 2015

I guy that I truly miss. And the reason I got into law enforcement. RIP. My Hero and rule model.

Parole Agent
PBPP

April 23, 2015

A Hero in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

April 23, 2015

Nicely said David Garrison. That's the Gus I worked a tragically short time with.

Corporal Jack Ritter
Tulsa

February 11, 2014

I went to school with Gus at the University of Tulsa. I remember meeting him his freshman year before school even started when he and Danny Tarabrella, another Pennsylvania recruit, came to our fraternity house across the street from the T.U. athletic dorm with a one of the T.U. trainers, Nick Perius, who was a fellow fraternity brother. We spent a lot of time together over the next few years and even though Gus and Dan never joined the Sigma Chi fraternity, they were what we affectionately referred to as “pseudo Sigs” in that they hung out with us and were always welcome at our house. Gus was a big guy with a big heart and it didn’t surprise me a bit when he pursued law enforcement. I was just glad he stayed in Tulsa as so many of our grads, especially the athletes, leave Tulsa after school. I graduated a few years before Gus and didn’t stay in touch but knew through mutual friends that he had become a TPD officer and had married. It was before cell phones and social media and all the other easy ways to stay connected. I was out shopping in March of 1993 and I heard a voice from my past say “Dave” and I turned to see a much leaner and distinguished Gus than I remembered from college. He beamed when I told him how great it was and how proud we all were of his joining the TPD. About that time his beautiful wife came up and he introduced me to Christie. I remember thinking that Gus had really done well and was looking forward to seeing what life had in store for him next as I was sure he was going to excel. We exchanged numbers and promised to stay in touch. I never got to keep that promise and catch up more with my old friend because of what happened just a few weeks later. I have thought of Gus countless times over the last 20 years and how his life was cut short so tragically. He never had the chance to do so many of the things that all of us, now in our forties, take for granted. I’m reminded of the sacrifice that men and women in law enforcement, and their families, make because their job entails putting themselves in harm’s way. The way Gus was taken was senseless and infuriating and I cannot begin to imagine the pain and loss that his family still must feel even this many years later. I have no doubt that had he not been taken from this earth, he would have been an exceptional officer and would have continued to have a positive influence on everyone he met. I think of Gus and I see that big grin that he always seemed to have. I hope his family can take comfort in knowing that Gus will never be forgotten by those who knew him and those of us fortunate enough to call him a friend will miss him always.

David Garrison
College Friend

November 26, 2013

I want to say the officer that has said he was sorry he talked Gus into the Tulsa PD. I am a native Tulsan living in Kansas City. Mike Moguin and I had a super slow pitch softball team back in the early 1990's.. Both Gus S. and his buddy Gus Ferote played softtball for us from time to time. They were both awesome at softball.
I remember when Gus Spanos would play for us he was just an excellent guy with a nice smile and personality. I think they were both Seniors and waiting to start their new careers. Gus F. going to the NFL and Gus S. going to the police academy. I am still hurting over Gus S. death. I did not know him as well as his roommate of course.. I will always believe that he wanted to be a police man and he knew the trouble that happens in a city like Tulsa and was willing to give his life to save the people of Tulsa from a Bastard such as his killer. If you ever read this, Gus died serving our great city. I had already moved to KC when this happened. I was speechless when I heard of the incident.
I am still sad about this un timely death. But I will say that about every 6 months. I look at the Tulsa PD web site and I still shed tears when I see his picture. He was a great young man and I will never forget playing ball with both Gus S. and Gus S. I am very sorry about hearing of this but he is living in peace. RIP Gus Spanos. I will never forget you. Jack Fanning

Jack Fanning

June 26, 2013

Gus worked for me in 1Adam Squad. I will never forget that night!! Rest in Peace. Hard to believe it has been twenty years.

Cpl. BC Leonard
Tulsa Police Department - Retired
April 22, 2013

Corporal
Tulsa Police Department

April 22, 2013

I remember being on duty this night in a neighboring suburb and hearing the broadcast go out. I later rode in Gus' procession. Undoubtedly one of the largest I ever saw. Many people turned out just lining the streets paying their respects. Rest in Peace Brother.

Sgt. Bryan Jones
State of Oklahoma

February 14, 2013

To Whom It May or May Not Concern,

My name is George Craig, I went to school with Gus at the University of Tulsa and he was my suit/room mate. Meaning I was in the same Suit as he, his room mate was Dan Terabrela, bad spelling. The traffic stop that killed Gus was set in motion long before he engaged the lights on his patrol car.. I stood in his funeral with his family and watched his wife/widow Christie, sad to say I was there when they met and I was there, standing before him at the funeral home asking him to forgive me for getting him into this business, I was one of his references for Tulsa PD I already knew this job I was with HPD.. I do no not get on line often, however I saw this blog on a search I made. None of you here knew "Gus". I did, you can ask his sister, she punched me in the mouth at is wake for getting him into this line of work. It is without question that he was an exceptional man, a great person, my friend, I have thought about the moment of his death more than than can be measured, With Respects

Senior Police Officer GW.Craig Jr.
HPD/Room Mate in College

September 25, 2011

I was just a little girl, living in Tulsa at the time of Officer Spano's death.
I remember hearing about his shooting on the news, and I prayed for him until he died from his injuries.
I swore I would never forget his name, because his sacrifice is what inspired me to dedicate my life to public service.
Thank you, Officer Spano. You'll never be forgotten.

Anonymous

January 17, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today as we approach the sixteenth 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. He was shot twice when ambushed on April 23rd when he was on a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, 12 years after you were killed.

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

April 5, 2009

RIP...your tour of duty here on Earth is done but you will never be forgotten by all your loved ones.

Doris

September 14, 2008

Gus was a great friend of mine.I was only in the 8th grade when Gus got shot.I'am best friends with Gus's brother inlaw. I knew Gus for along time he was a Big Brother to all of us he would come to are football games and were his TU football jerze. I remember the day Gus grad. police acadamy. He was the next 007. Gus I dont even want to descuse the night it happened. It's still a night mare. Brother it's been 15 years I still love you man your still remembered every day of my life.Because of you today I'am a Chief of Police of a town of pop.1200 people. P.S I'am still Best friends with Justin. Your never forgotten.

Chief Kendall Morgan
Shady Point P.D/ Best Friend

May 29, 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

January 10, 2008