Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

a friend forever just to have known rhis man is ahonor
neighbor my family

bill mm3 us navy
adopt my brother and neighbor

May 14, 2022

My dad was on duty the night you were shot. He never got over the fact that he was so close, but not close enough to reach you in time. I know that it was many, many months before I could get a good nights sleep when dad was on duty after your tragic death. I often wonder how your family has been since then. I hope that God granted them peace and helped them to deal with the loss of a loving husband and father. You made the ultimate sacrifice and all Virginians thank you for your service. I'm sure that you have reaped the greatest reward which is well deserved. God bless you, G.W.

Louis Slade, Jr.
son of Virginia State Trooper L.S.Slade (deceased)

April 28, 2015

Hello Garland

You were best friends with my parents and I grew up just a few hundred yards from you and your family. I remember playing with Alicia while my dad and you worked in your garage.

I went into law enforcement partly because of you and I am now a supervisor for a North Carolina agency. Recently one of my rookie officers did something that required an educational moment.

I made him read about you and I told him the facts that occurred on I-85 that sad day when we lost you. I told him all about you (how great of a man you were) and your family also.

When I was done I asked him if he understood that the profession we have has enough dangers without him adding to it. His eyes were wide open and he said yes sir.

I wanted you to know that you are still touching lives in a positive manner and I am proud to have known you. I continue to try and be as good of a man and a law enforcement officer as you were. The bar you set is very high and I know that I may never achieve to reach it but you are an inspiration still.

My prayers to you and your family.

Cpl. C. C. Fisher USMC/Durham P.D.
Durham Police Department

February 14, 2015

We were shift mates and due to the limited number of Troopers assigned to Dinwiddie County, G. W. was working the entire county alone since it was my night off. I often wonder if I had been working with him that night, would the outcome have been different.

G. W. survived the Vietnam War, only to be killed in the line of duty. A good and honest man taken away far too early. REST IN PEACE, my good friend, and thank you for your service to our Country and State.

First Sergeant (Ret.) Jim Onley
Virginia State Police

December 29, 2014

RIP Trooper Fisher. I attended the 41st session of the VSP Academy with Garland in 1964. I will always remember him . God watch over his Family and all LE.

Former Trooper Ken R. Bays
Virginia State Police

March 12, 2014

I tried my best that wet night but was unable to alter the outcome. I think of you daily. I pray for your loved ones and you. Being cheated of the future as you were, haunts me.

DH Matthews ,
ÑCSHP 1973-1980

April 30, 2013

GW,MY BROTHER.YOUR MEMORY IS ALWAYS NEAR MY HEART.I LOST A BROTHER THAT NIGHT,THE WORLD LOST A GOOD AND RIGHTEOUS MAN.YOUR MILE MARKER 44 IS STILL THERE FOR ANY ONE TO SEE AND REMEMBER.YOUR STREET MARKER IS STILL THERE.NEVER GO BY EITHER LES I CHECK YOUR LIFE REFLECTED ON SO MANY BUT YOU WOULD BRUSH OFF AS IT WAS MEANT TO BE.NOW YOU HAVE ANOTHER BROTHER THERE WITH YOU KILLED NEAR THE SAME SPOT
MILE MARKER 45 FOR TROOPER WALKER MAY YOUR SOULS REST IN PEACE

BILL COLEMAN/FRIEND

March 12, 2013

I was 16 years old when the man I considered my "other" father was taken from this earth in the line of duty by the call of our Master. It has been 36 years and I have not and will never forget what this man meant to my parents and me. He truly walked as a man of God, not only off duty but while he wore the uniform of our finest. I know you watch over all of us and there will never be anyone like G.W. - the best of the best!! We still miss you, but I know that we will see you again and for that I am so thankful. Thank you for your service and for giving your life to make us safe.

Pamela Coleman Kissner
Friend

March 12, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 15, 2010

I was just a kid who helped out my Grandmother at Gene's barbeque in Dinwiddie County. I watched all the Troopers come in daily to eat and exchange equipment between shifts. Your death greatly affected my family. When I told my Grandmother (Minnie Maitland) I was joining the PD she said, she wanted me to be like Trooper Fisher. Thanks for being an inspiration and an example to so many.

J D JENKINS
VBPD 640 RET

June 23, 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

April 8, 2008

We tried to save you but failed. I have never forgotten you or that event. God bless your wife and daughter.

Doug Matthews
NC Highway Patrol

April 5, 2008

Daddy,
I love you and miss you. You are my hero and inspiration to live life to the fullest. I'll never forget the memories. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with me in the short time we had together. I can't wait to see you again when this life is done.

Alicia
daughter

March 14, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 28, 2007

I went thru AIT at Ft. Gordon, Georgia with him in
1967 and bunked near him so I got to know him. He
was an outstanding young man and I knew he had a
great future ahead of him. What a tragedy and loss
for his family and friends. I was looking at our
training picture from Ft. Gordon and located him in
the picture. May he rest in eternal peace.

P.G. Gentrup
Rising Sun, Indiana

P.G. Gentrup
Fellow soldier

January 11, 2007

MY BROTHER, 30 YEARS AGO TODAY, HEAVEN RECIEVED ANOTHER HERO. GONE, BUT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THOSE THAT STILL MISS AND LOVE YOU. REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

November 15, 2006

On angels ...
"The wings ain't anything but a uniform, that's all. When they're the field so to speak they always wear them." - Taken from Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Garland ... 30 years today. I remember my bossman telling me about the incident. He actually had to examine the firearms evidence for your case. He felt really bad for you and your family. Life can be so unfair, especially for the good guys. You're not forgotten ...

November 15, 2006

Rest easy, Brother; you will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Barbara L. Beland
Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN

November 15, 2005

I wish I could have had a chance to have met you. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with some officers that knew you. Your sacrifices are not unnoticed and you remain here with us in our hearts. HEROES LIVE FOREVER. Respectfully,
Your Great Nephew
Aaron C. Fisher
Serving since 06-2001

Private Aaron C. Fisher
BWXT Police Department

August 14, 2005

Continue to watch over all of us in blue.

December 26, 2004

Rest easy, Brother; you are not forgotten.

Sgt. Barbara L. Beland
Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN USA

November 15, 2004

In honor of Trooper Fisher, thank you for your sacrifice. You are not forgotten.

M. Bartholme
Richmond (VA) Police Department

July 29, 2004

"The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us."
- Jean Paul Richter

Hi Garland,
You're not forgotten here in North Carolina. Rest in peace.
November 15, 2003

Anonymous

November 14, 2003

I was a rookie when I attended your service. I have never forgotten it, or the tragedy that happened. I hope that your family is doing well. Jesus Loves You, Troop! So do we.

Retired Officer RB Wade
Richmond, VA., Police

August 28, 2003