Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Fratus, it has been 53 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your years of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

May 21, 2024

Rest in peace Patrolman Fratus.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 29, 2023

Patrolman Fratus, it has been 52 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices that you and too many others have made for us. Thank you for your service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

May 21, 2023

Its hard to forget that fateful day on Friday, May 21, 1971 when Ptlm. Fratus was tragically killed. My father, Ptlm. Norman R. Thatcher, Jr. was working the same special detail literally yards away from the young officer when he was struck by a dump truck backing up.

My mother was monitoring her police scanner at the time of the accident and broke down crying unsure if are Father was the victim of this horrible incident. Ptlm. Fratus who was in his early 20's left behind a wife and two small daughters.

Following this tragedy, laws were passed requiring similar construction vehicles to be equipped with backup warning devices.

David N. Thatcher
Son of Ptlm. Norman R. Thatcher, Jr.

January 5, 2022

Patrolman Fratus,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Warwick. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 21, 2021

Rest in peace Patrolman Fratus.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 31, 2019

Patrolman Fratus,
On today, the 46th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Warwick. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 21, 2017

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 21, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst 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.

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

May 21, 2012

"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 24, 2008

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Warwick Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Patrolman Fratus deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Patrolman Fratus is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

June 10, 2006

Rest in Peace Brother....you will not be forgotten

CPD