Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service, Deputy Lackey.

US ARMY

August 4, 2010

Deputy Lackey - Thanks for your service to both the people of Arapahoe County and the State of Colorado. I stood in the State Assembly chambers, last Friday, when your name was read off during a resolution regarding the upcoming Peace Officer's memorial week. You are not forgotten.

May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 26, 2010

16 years gone, but not forgotten.

Officer Matt Lackey
Denver Police Department

October 27, 2009

To Deputy Roland Lackey, his loved ones and friends, and fellow officers:

On this the sixteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your valor, bravery and dedication to your job is remembered.

I hope that your family continues to be supported and cared for by their law enforcement family, and other police survivors. You surely must be proud that your son continues your legacy of serving and protecting.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Deputy Lackey gave to his community and his country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 27, 1993.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

October 27, 2009

I can look into the world and see you in every act of love. Where you once you were one,you are now many.

Always and forever, Robin

Anonymous

October 25, 2009

I just got back from DC & visited your name on the wall for the 2nd time. It's also on a kiosk of the crime & punishment museum. I never knew this cyber spot exhisted - times have changed and I'm sorry you didn't make it to retirement like me. I enjoy reminising about our "big" case with your family & friends. I am honored to have worked with you and to have been a friend.

retired Sgt Shauna Volz
Arapahoe Co SO - Partner

October 21, 2009

What great memories I have of Roland! First and foremost, his being the best man at my wedding. It was supposed to be a surprise ceremony but Roland sure turned it around and surprised us! What a great guy with a fun sense of humor. He is deeply missed.

Stanleigh Chism
Friend

October 20, 2009

They say time heals all things.However I still miss you after fifteen years Roland and I can't imagine a day when you are not missed by your family.
I could list all the things you have not been a part of in our lives but prefer to believe you are always with us rather it be the birth of grandchildren, or sunsets in Colorado.
Matt is now an officer with Denver PD and while he folllowed in your shoes he is not a shadow of who you were but a pround man in his own right. And as he looks at the refection in the mirror he knows the hard work he was willing to take on to get where he is now.
I know that like you Roland when he puts the uniform on and pins his badge over his heart he is determined to serve with pride and integrity and always with fever of passion for a long safe & happy career.

Robin Lackey
Wife

March 1, 2009

I visit this site a time or two a week to remember those who serve our communities with honor. Today Deputy Lackey, I read your story. I may not have known you, but today I honor you. Looks like you did a heck of a job in your time hear on Earth as those left behind to remember you...still seem to have you with them all the time in all they do.

God rest. And thank you for your service.

Laura
Philadelphia, PA

February 2, 2009

Today I did not forget, I just quietly listened for your voice. I can't believe I remember the last time I saw you. Your final words to me as you gave me that little pocket calendar 15 years ago today; "Get organized and get your shit together!". I still have that calendar. I miss you.

3rd child Matthew D. Lackey

Officer Matt Lackey
Denver Police Department, and son of a wonderful man!

October 28, 2008

To Officer Matt Lackey: Your dad would be so proud of you!!

CJ Anderson
Washington Fish and Wildlife

October 27, 2008

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

October 25, 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

December 9, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 26, 2007

I've done it dad! It's been a long, difficult road, but I've finally done it! I start my career with the Denver Police Department, 10/01/07. Watch over me.

Officer Matt Lackey
Colorado State Parks/3rd son

August 30, 2007

"Without belittleling the courage with which men died, we should not forget those acts of courage with which men...have lived. The courage of life is often a less dramatic spectacle than the courage of a final moment; but it is no less a magnaificent mixture of triumph and tragedy.
A man does what he must-in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures-and that is the basis of all human morality..." John F. Kennedy

Robin Lackey
Widow of Officer Roland Lackey of Arapahoe County, CO

May 8, 2007

People speak of you less often now. The things you did are being done by others. I no longer notice your lingering presence in every room.
Then an old friend calls and we tell forgotten tales,or I find a place of yours not yet emptied by my grieving. And I am touched by the reality of you once more, and quietly I celebrate your continuance. From Safe Passage
I am brought to tears to read the many thoughts of those who knew you and were proud to tell the part of your story in their life that touched them. I shall never grow tired of hearing the stories from those who knew you.
You are missed by many my love, not just your family. Forever yours, Robin

Robin Lackey
Wife & Best Friend

March 17, 2007

I remember working graveyards and meeting Roland at the Winchell's as he was on his way to Commerce City P.D.. I remember trying to recruit him to Arapahoe. Later, we worked as team mates, and continued our coffees. The time Roland attempted to reach me during the blizzard of '82, while I sat stuck with three citizens outeast. He wound up not getting home to his family that Christmas eve either!Then his assignment to Investigations, and my promotion to Sergeant. Time marches on, differnt assignments, differant challenges. And the final time, as I assisted in his Inspector's funeral, and later in Washington D.C. with his lovely family and the other deputies there to show their respect. Roland, it's been a long strange trip.....see you in "Fiddler's Green" old friend. May the Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand.....til then.

Captain Eugene P. Reilly
Archuleta County Sheriff's Department

February 28, 2007

Hey dad, I often look for you here in cyber-space. I find comfort in reading the thoughts left behind for you. I am P.O.S.T. certified now, I am sure you would be proud. I never imagined following so closely in your footsteps. I often find myself working along side the very people you once worked with. I wonder if they know you were my father. I am far from the little piano-playing, saxaphone tooting boy you left behind. I miss you. Watch over me while I continue to search for the right badge I will wear in your honor.

Love Always,
your third child, Matt Lackey

Matthew David Lackey
Son

June 1, 2006

Deputy Lackey your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother....God Bless !!

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

March 22, 2006

Roland was the best FTO I every had. He was a fair and honest man that loved his job and the people he served. He is missed very much by those who knew him. Until we meet again brother.

Deputy Dennis A. Steenbergen
Arapahoe County Sheriff

December 26, 2005

Roland and I often talked about fishing and our kids, our hopes and our dreams when we worked in Investigations at Arapahoe. He was a good man! I had the pleasure of meeting his sons and his wife and Roland mad no bones about how proud he was of them. Take care, brother.

Sgt. Jim McCord
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

April 11, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace.

October 27, 2004

Rest in peace brother.

Police Officer
Denver Police Department