Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace always sir. Your heroic actions will never be forgotten.

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

May 13, 2024

I really don’t have a reflection but I would have liked to have met you as I was adopted out. You were told about me but probably thought it wasn’t true. Never the less, reading all the reflection tells me something about you and how you were loved. RIH

Michael Hargrove
Son

October 5, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Fortson has been Honored with a Hero's plauque in front of the Criminal Justice Center. in Center City Philadelphia. His family was present for the dedication. Now all that visit the center will be able to honor his memory.

Paris Washington, Past President DSAP
Deputy Sheriffs Association of Pa.

June 16, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Fortson,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for you service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
a fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 13, 2022

Your incredibly selfless actions that night are the definition of a hero. 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)

September 23, 2020

A Hero now in Heaven, Always remembered and Never forgotten.

Kim Weigand - PA C.O.P.S.
Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand E.O.W. 9/14/2008

November 13, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th 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
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 13, 2011

"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 23, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

November 28, 2007

Here we are one year later remembering and honoring you as always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

November 13, 2007

I've only heard good things of rememberance of him from my mother Linda Pettyjohn who was 16 at the tim of death. I knew he looked amazing from all the pictures I seen. He is missed by all.

Tamikia Jeter
Grandaughter

November 2, 2007

I will always remember Roy, as one of the finest officers I ever had the honor to serve with.

Chief Inspector Jerry Sanders (Retired)
Philadelphia County Sheriff's Office

March 12, 2007

Deputy, today marks 24 years of your untimely yet heroic departure from us. Know that today and everyday we will always remember you for your sacrifice.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

November 13, 2006

As the 24 anniversary of your final call to duty approaches, we will never forget the sacrafice that you made. Keep us safe from day to day, and protect us from above. God has blessed you and your family. walk in peace.

Deputy Sheriff John M Hamilton
Philadelphia County Sheriff's Office

November 8, 2006

Deputy Fortston, you are remembered.

P/O #5434
Phila PD

May 28, 2006

Deputy Sheriff Fortson,
On today, the 23rd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

November 13, 2005

Bless your family, may your son know your love for him and find peace...

November 13, 2005