Hancock County Sheriff's Office, Indiana
End of Watch Thursday, May 8, 1986
Reflections for Captain Malcolm E. Grass
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It’s been nearly 38 years but you’re dedication and sacrifice will always be remembered.
RIP
Chuck Harvey
Retired FBI
January 8, 2024
Malcom, just sitting here on a cold, beautiful, snow covered morning having coffee and began thinking of you. Your Nephew Shawn and I have reacquainted and hunted together last year. I asked a Firefighter who also hunted with us if he knew Shawn and his reply was I’ve never met him but he’s a legend. See what you helped do. Shawn compared me to you the other day and I had to laugh. You were one of a kind. Thanks for all you did for me as I was moving up as a police officer. You were a great man, Police Officer and Father. Please keep watching over my son and all our officers, as you know it’s getting more difficult for them. Until I see you again, May God Bless and continue to keep you.
Darron Sparks
Chief of Police (Retired) Anderson Police Department Indiana
January 29, 2022
I am a retired Council Bluffs,Iowa Fire Captain.many years ago I attended an Arson Detection and Investigation Class at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg,Maryland with Sheriff Malcom and his Chief Deputy.what an experience,great fun during and after class,sightseeing trips to Gettysburg and Harpers Ferry and around.the evening menu was posted in the Dining Hall and if it was’something exotic or “unpronounceable”,just be by Malcom’s Squad Car in the parking lot,
and you would soon be on your way to the Lincoln Cafe in Gettysburg!
I got to know him as a Friend during that 2 week period.over the years i thought about those times and wondered how he was doing.I was saddened to read on line about that tragic event.He is still my Friend and in my thoughts,so he was the type of man that obviously leaves impressions on people,not many do.Rest In Peace my Friend
Retired Fire Captain
Fellow Student and Friend
June 14, 2021
Captain Grass, rest in peace.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 23, 2019
I remember it like it happened yesterday. I was on my way to Greenfield Hospital to visit a friend and saw so many police cars in the gas station parking lot. I had no idea what happened. When I got to the hospital I ask everyone what happened and they just said they heard a police officer had been shot but no one knew who it was. Finally someone said an officer from the Hancock Sheriff's department was shot but didn't know who. I finally got the answers that I didn't want to hear. Malcolm had been shot. I drove home in a daze. My cousin had lost her husband and the kids lost their dad. Our family lost a great man who died way before his time. I miss you Malcolm. May you Rest in Peace.
Jane Coleman
May 8, 2016
Well Malcolm I got a call from your son Kerry today, what a pleasant surprise I haven't talked with him in years. He told me your killer was found dead in his cell today. I said that's good news! Don't worry as you know you won't be seeing him up there, he's in hell. I guess God knows all and just didn't want him free and on the streets again. As you know there's enough evil out there. You got a great officer at Hancock County SD Jake Lewis a good friend of mine that I hired when I was Chief. I know you are missed and I hope someday to get to see you again. Please continue to watch over my son and all our officers. God Bless you and your family.
Retired
Anderson Police Department
February 3, 2015
Malcolm,
How ironic that today, Peace Officers Mermorial Day, I am playing in a golf outing to help the Hancock County Joint Tactical Team raise money to purchase equipment to make their job safer. My company is also donating a rifle to help with the cause. I think of you on this day and will never forget the ultimate sacrifice you made for us 28 years ago. What most people don't know is you always were there to help no matter who or what the situation. Thanks for inspiring me. May GOD bless your soul.
Chief of Police (Retired)
Anderson Police Department IN
May 15, 2014
The murder suspect denied any compassion for the Deputy Sheriff, or his surviving wife and son's. Equal compassion for the convicted murder suspect is in order.
The Indiana Supreme Court and others across OUR Great Country are clearly not familiar with the pain, trauma, and suffering that occurs when such a tragic loss of life, Policeman or civilian is ended violently.
Judges and S.C. Justices will wake up when their families are victims of crimes such as murder, mayhem, violent rape, et al.
Deputy Sheriff, Retired
Los Angeles County Sheriff
August 31, 2013
Rest in Peace, Captain Grass. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
February 17, 2013
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th 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.
I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
May 8, 2012
To the family of this fallen hero. I came to give a belated thanks to one of the best friends I ever had when I most needed a friend. What a shame I got here too late. May I say that I know Malcolm will make a great angel in heaven's court, because he certainly was a great angel (unawares) in his time on earth. There are no words by which to express my sorrow for your grief except to assure his family and friends that he was a true hero and a friend indeed. God bless you all.
Londis Carpenter
everlasting friend
October 21, 2011
RIP my Brother. Thank you for your service.
Deputy Sheriff
Covinton County Sheriff's Dept. (Mississippi)
July 26, 2010
Malcolm,
Memorial Day was this past Monday, I know this is to remember our fallen soldiers, but I also remember the officers like you who made the ultimate sacrifice. My son is now working the streets of Anderson and is doing so as I leave this reflection. Please watch over him as he works the streets, we are very proud of him. He has the ability to be one of the finest officers. Thanks again for all that you did and we will continue to pray for your family.
Chief Darron Sparks
Anderson Police Department
June 2, 2010
Malcolm,
Your name was read at the memorial service at the State Police Post a few weeks back. It was nice to see Carolyn and Nick Gulling and to hear that your sons are doing well. We miss you and you will never forget you. Thanks for being such a special person.
Chief
Anderson Police Department
June 9, 2009
I never knew you, but I am certainly acquainted with the person who took your life as I am a correctional officer at the facilty where he is serving his sentence. He sure is some piece of work. Nothing is ever his fault. As with most criminals, someone else is usually to blame Thanks for your service to the citizens of this state and your community.
Anonymous
February 17, 2009
Malcolm,
Just sitting at my desk a day after Christmas and thought to leave you another reflection. Yes that's correct Chief Sparks now! I know what you're thinking not bad for a guy who began as a weekend Deputy Marshall in a small town. Well I have to give credit to you and many others who mentored to me throughout the years. Thanks for always being there and for making me feel important and thanks for looking down on all of us. We miss you.
Chief Darron L. Sparls
Friend
December 26, 2008
Mr. Malcom Grass...Not a finer man could be found. The love and devotion he showed to his family, friends and fellow citizens left a huge impact on me. I met him through his law enforcement. He became friends with my family. He saw in me someone who was floundering to find her way and hired me to work with him in his second job as auctioneer. I learned the benefit of hard work and honesty and how having those qualities will impact your entire life especially your reputation. I never new anyone who uttered an unkind word about him, even some of those he had arrested were greatful after the initial incident. I will be forever greatful for the experience of meeting him and will never forget the impact the loss of him had on this world.
sherrie hathcock
friend
August 13, 2008
It's hard to beleve that 22 year's have passed by. My thoughts and extended Sympathies are always with you.
David Annarumo
Eyewitness
March 8, 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
October 23, 2007
Thank you for your bravery, service and sacrifice. May your friends and family take comfort in knowing that you will FOREVER be a hero and NEVER be forgotten!
DET SGT, Retired
AR
September 18, 2007
Malcolm,
You made an enormous impression on me as a young man. I will always remember the times my father (a reserve deputy) would take me to HCSD, and how you would take the time to chat and smile. I know you're watching over me as I patrol the streets...
Officer Michael DeRome
Menomonee Falls Police Department (Wisconsin)
May 18, 2007
Malcolm,
On the anniversary of your passing, I salute you. Please provide aerial support from the heavens for all of us continuing your work.
Deputy Randy Bennett
Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)
May 8, 2007
Malcolm,
Lt. Benny Diggs and I were talking about you yesterday. He remembers you fondly. My son had a little problem in Hancock County a few weeks past and your guys took care of him. I also spoke with Tony Huffman the other day and of course your name came up. We miss you and pray for you and your family. Please watch over all of us and thank you for being the dedicated officer that you were and my hero.
Detective Darron Sparks
Anderson Police Department, IN
August 17, 2006
Rest in Peace Brother
Dep. Bennett
Henry County Sheriff's Dept.
May 8, 2006
Malcolm - What an honor it was to be a reserve deputy during part of your tenure as sheriff. It's difficult to comprehend the nearly 20 years that have passed since that fateful day.
God Bless - Rest in Peace.
Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Hancock County Sheriff's Department
September 11, 2005
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