West Carroll Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana
End of Watch Sunday, June 19, 1988
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Jeffery Mark Gathings
I remember this like it was yesterday.I was just a 17days passed my 18 birthday and I as sitting in church when the church got the news and the pastor let church out early due to them not knowing where the assailant was. My thoughts and prayers to your family and all your love ones you left behind.I know it doesn't ever go away but in time it will get easier.. Rip officer gathering
Roshell
anonymous
September 28, 2021
Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Gathings.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 20, 2019
Thoughts of you often his month, with the deaths of the 3 Louisiana Police Officers this month.
cuz
August 31, 2015
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
June 19, 2015
Think of you aften.
none
a cuz
October 11, 2013
Think of you often.
none
a cuz
October 11, 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. 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 the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
November 27, 2012
I too am a dispatcher at a Police dept. and I am the first in line if gunfire breaks out. I go to work everyday knowing the possibility of meeting your fate can happen to me. Thank you for your faithful and loyal service. You are an honorable man.
Dispatcher Candy Howard
Grambling State University Police Department
June 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
November 5, 2007
my childhood friend and school mate..rest in peace!
friend
July 18, 2006
Too young, too soon. You're a hero, Deputy Gathings.
Anonymous
November 26, 2003
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