Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

O God of Peace, so many of America’s Peace Officers who are on the front lines to protect us never make it back home to their families. We pray for these fallen law enforcement officers, Lord God, who gave their lives for us. We pray for the families of these heroes, who have to now endure life without their loved one. Lord God, society tries to move forward, but there is always bloodshed occurring. We approach Your throne of glory and grace to beg of You for peace. Lord God, bring peace to this land – the United States of America. We plead for Your divine intervention to quiet our hearts and unify our communities. Stop the violence that occurs amid our cities. We thank You for all America’s Peace Officers who have died protecting us, and ask that You send an everlasting peace so that America’s Peace Officers on the streets may be safe and return home to their loved ones at the end of their assigned shifts. In Christ Jesus, Your blessed Son, I pray. Amen.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

July 22, 2023

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

July 31, 2020

Rest in peace Trooper Erickson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 8, 2020

It's been 13 years since Byron's death. I still miss him, and Laurie (who ran The Thin Blue Line of Michigan until her death). I miss going to their house, eating fresh apple pie, drinking coffee and a lot of laughing. He and Laurie made the world a better place.

Off. Gary T. Johnson
Tecumseh Police, MI (retired)

June 24, 2016

You were a good man, my brother in law. I miss you, Byron

Police officer
Hudson, Dearborn Heights, Army police, and various Federal jobs.

October 2, 2014

Hello Byron, you and I never met. I did meet Laurie, though. With her passing, Heaven got another angel. If there is a place there for the peace keepers, you are most certainly in good company.

Lt. Roger Czap, retired
Imlay City Police Department

September 4, 2014

Trooper Erickson, I had the privilege of spending a couple of afternoons out on the golf course with you not long before the end of your watch. I only knew you briefly, but you left a lasting impression on me as a teenager at the time. Thank you for your service. You are not forgotten.

Friend

September 27, 2012

Merry Christmas, Trooper Erickson, to you and your family.
Thank you for your sacrifice.

May God's peace be with you this holiday season!

Trooper
Michigan State Police

December 14, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I hold your family in my heart's embrace today and pray for their solace for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 31, 2010

I attended Bryon's funeral and soon after that I pleadged to always honor my fallen brothers/sisters.
His funeral touched me because I had just bagen my career just 2 months prior.
Bryon will forever be remembered in Lenawee County. Rest in Peace my brother.

Ofc. Rob Trevino
Clinton Police Department, Clinton, MI

February 9, 2009

"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 15, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
Tennessee

June 3, 2006

I was saddened by the news of Trooper Erickson's passing. I spent many hours next to him in recruit school. He was a man of honor and integrity. My career with the State Police was very brief but the positive lessons I learned from Erickson's presence will have an indelible affect on my character for a life time.

Lee A Ewell Jr.

Ex-trooper Lee A Ewell
Recruit School Buddy

April 20, 2006

Remembering Trooper Byron Erickson who died in the line of duty 11 years ago, July 31, 1993. Thank you for your dedication and service.

Up North Michigan

July 29, 2004

Byron and I lived in the same town. I worked alongside him periodically, and appreciated his professionalism, and politeness to others. Outside of work, I was fortunate to spend some days having coffee with him at his house. I miss his smile and his friendship most of all. He was a positive influence on me as a law enforcement officer and as a person.

Off. Gary T. Johnson
Tecumseh Police, MI (Ret.)

May 20, 2004

Your memory is honored. Rest in Peace.

SA Darin L. Paul
FBI Detroit

Byron was very committed and really together. He was the oldest recuit in the 105th trooper recruit school at age 31. I had the honor of being placed next to him for 18 weeks of hell that summer. He shared his experience, wisdom, and inner strength with all. He love the Michigan State Police and was living his dream of being a trooper. He was a natural leader displaying a quiet strength. A great loss to us all.

Rest well Byron, you are a living legacy through the good you did while you were here. We will meet again.

Sgt. Therese Fogarty-Cremonte
Michigan State Police - Brighton Post #12