Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Foster,
On today, the 120th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Greer. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 2, 2024

Thank you for your service and please know that no passage of time will ever erase your sacrifice. Rest in peace always.

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

July 2, 2020

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

July 4, 2015

In just a few hours, it will be 110 years since Night Policeman Willis (Zonk) Foster (1876-1904), my Great Great Uncle, brother to my Great Grandfather James (Little Jim) Foster (1865-1923) was killed in the line of duty in Greer, SC. Sometimes we wonder what our legacy will be. Will anyone know that I even existed in 100 years? We sometimes sing the old Stamps Hymn by Sherrill Brown, "What Will I Leave Behind?" It serves as a reminder to live our lives in a way to be remembered fondly, and to prepare for the next life.


Let us make preparations for our future, obey and serve Him before it is too late. In the meantime, Ofc, Foster, Uncle Zonk, just know, that even though 54 years passed between the time that you left this earth and I entered, you are still remembered. We honor your service and sacrifice today and everyday. There are many cousins that I have never met, but I ask the Lord's blessings on them today.

Godspeed. We've got the watch now.

Officer Joel Foster
Greenville Technical College Police, SC

July 2, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 108th anniversary year 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

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

December 21, 2012

RIP Sir, thank you for your service.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 2, 2012

1904 was tumultuous for many reasons. The loss of one single officer impacts the entire community. God Bless Every Officer that stands behind a badge!

Security Officer Rebecca Hipp
HLS (Descendant of Officer Foster)

February 20, 2010

Thank You for having served the Carolina Community.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

July 2, 2008

Officer Foster your watch ended 104 years ago but you have not been forgotten. May your family always know that your service was appreciated.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

July 2, 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.

July 10, 2007

01-01-2004, MY BROTHER, YOU LEFT US 100 YEARS AGO TODAY. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. A HERO NEVER IS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

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

January 1, 2004

The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got to steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

G. Houston
South Carolina

September 19, 2003