Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

An unimaginable tragedy that these brave men encountered, but on this 120th anniversary of their heroic and untimely death it’s important to note that no passage of time will ever erase their memory, service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.

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

April 7, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Gassaway,
On today, the 120th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Deputy Sheriffs and Sheriff who was also killed in that incident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Colbert County.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 7, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Gassaway,
On today, the 116th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Officers who were also killed in that incident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Colbert County.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 7, 2018

A just end to a filthy scum. Kudos to the Alabama State Militia in this case for not allowing this animal the chance to ever kill again.

Deputy Gassaway, you are a true hero. God Bless you and may your rest be forever peaceful.

Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

April 6, 2016

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 107th 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. Rest In Peace.

This truly must have been one of the darkest days in law enforcement history. What a devastating blow this must have been to the families and agency.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 6, 2009

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 7, 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., Columbia, SC

July 11, 2007

On the anniversary of his death, we paused to honor and remember Deputy Gassaway and acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice he paid.

May he and his fellow deputies, and his brother never be forgotten.

Major D.W. Warren
Montgomery Police Dept. - Montgomery, AL

April 9, 2007

I cannot even begin to express my sadness over what I am sure is one of the deadliest days in law enforcement in Alabama history. These brave men will always be remembered for their courage and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

April 7, 2007

Rest in Peace, Deputy Gassaway. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2006

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

Deputy Gassaway, you are remembered on this date of your death. You will always be remembered.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 6, 2004