Joplin Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch Thursday, September 7, 1989
Reflections for Lieutenant Richard W. O. Gammill
Rest in peace always knowing 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 7, 2020
Rest in peace Lt. Gammill.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 8, 2019
Thank you for your dedicated service to others. You have not been forgotten.
Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
September 7, 2013
To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.
I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater
May 1, 2013
"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
December 6, 2007
THE CREDIT BELONGS TO THE MAN WHO IS ACTUALLY IN THE ARENA, WHO STRIVES VALIANTLY; WHO KNOW'S THE GREAT ENTHUSIASMS, THE GREAT DEVOTIONS, AND SPEND HIMSELF IN A WORTHY CAUSE; WHO AT THE BEST, KNOW'S THE TRIUMPH OF HIGH ACHIEVEMENT; AND WHO, AT THE WORST, IF HE FAILS, AT LEAST FAILS WHILE DARING GREATLY, SO THAT HIS PLACE SHALL NEVER BE WITH THOSE COLD AND TIMID SOULS WHO KNOW NEITHER VICTORY NOR DEFEAT.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Det. Larry Hopper
Joplin Mo. PD
October 26, 2005
You saved my life that night. I'm sure God moved you to the front of the line in heaven.
det. larry hopper
joplin mo pd
October 25, 2005
I never thought much about being a police officer until the night this happened. my uncle was one of the other officer's wounded that night. I know it put my family in pain to see my family that night. My heart and prayers are still with the family of all the ones that were there that night and always will be.
patrolman hopper
cushing police
May 21, 2005
I WORKED FOR HIM DURING 1980/81 AND WAS SADDENED TO HEAR THIS. REST IN PEACE
DISPATCHER KEVIN REYNOLDS
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE / YOSEMITE
March 3, 2005
Rest easy brother. You are not forgotten You are a hero and shall live for eternity through those who continue the fight for freedom; justice. Thank you for your service.
Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
September 7, 2003
Rest in peace blue angel. May 2, 2003
Shannon
concerned citizen
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