Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Almost 52 years have passed since I walked into the SE District and I've never forgotten you. I also served in Vietnam but with the 1st Cav in the Bong Son before coming to BPD. Our lives were so similar yet so different. My two sons both went into law enforcement and I'd like to think you helped watch over all three of us over the years.

SAC Jack E. Hurley, Jr. (Ret)
USACIDC formerly Baltimore City Police Department; SE District

March 10, 2024

Officer Gray,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO; former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 26, 2022

Officer Gray, thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten.

To your sister Benita and your entire family, God Bless you all and take some small comfort knowing that the heroic and untimely departure of Officer Gray will always be remembered by his LE brethren.

Rest in peace always sir,

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

July 26, 2020

Hello,

Officer Lorenzo Gray was my older brother. I’m Benita, and I’m sure many of you I did have an opportunity to meet. I will never forget the night it all happened and how slews of squad cars came to get my family and take us to Johns Hopkins Hospital. I am so grateful for the brave men and women he worked along side during his tour of duty at BPD. I am so grateful for the awesome friendships he shared with many of you. My life was never the same. I am now an Episcopal Priest here in the MD Diocese. Lorenzo was the oldest of six children and he was our “rock.” Many thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers over the years.

Blessings,
Benita+

Benita Keene-Johnson
Sister

July 11, 2020

Audra,
My dad worked with your dad in the 70’s. I remember him speaking of your dad and the angry he felt after your father died. I grew up hearing stories of you father and so many brave mean and women that served the City. My name is Barry Brooks Jr. My dad worked for the City from 1968-1978 and left as a Sgt.
My dad passed away in Jan and as I was looking thru picture, badge etc I thought of the many times he spoke of your dad. I googled his name and found this page.
God Bless,
Barry

Battalion Chief
Father worked for Baltimore PD

April 13, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Gray.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 26, 2019

Dear Audra
I worked with your dad and he was my best friend. We were working in narcotics at Southeast.
When you dad lost his life I was with him. I knew he was gone . I was holding his head trying to comfort hin.

Every thing was confusing that night. I have a few pictures of yours dads funeral. To this very day my heart
hurts for his family. My number is 410-285-1745 and I have a lot of stories I can share with you.

Where your Dad was shot is now te Sparks Motor Lodge or at least it was the last time I passed by it. Please call me any time. I live in Dundalk now Pastor the Merritt Park Baptist Church at 1799 Merritt Blvd. Baltimore Md. 21222. Been there for 44 years now.

I would love to hear from you.
Ron
your dad would always say Heronnnnnn when he saw me. I spent more time with your dad than I did my family. He was and still is to me a Great Man.

Officer Ronald Wright now retried
Baltimore City Police Department

August 9, 2018

Thanks to all who are still commenting and remembering my father. This really warms my heart as I visit this site quite often to read new reflections. I was so truly blessed to have had a dad like mine. Even though I was only 5 years old when he died, I still remember it all as if it were yesterday. If anyone has anything that remembers or recall my dad's services in the Marine Corp or BCPD, please share. I would love to read or hear about it.

Audra Gray-Batson
Daughter of Lorenzo Gray

April 30, 2018

REST-IN-PEACE My Brother in Arms

Anrae Godley-Cooper
U.S. Army Military Police

April 28, 2018

EVERY 26TH OF JULY SINCE THAT NIGHT, I RELIVE THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO LORENZO'S FINAL CALL TO DUTY. I STILL PRAY FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY. I'VE BEEN FORTUNATE TO HAVE LIVED A DECENT AMOUNT OF TIME, YET MORE AND MORE I SEE FELLOW OFFICERS WHO WE WORKED ALONG SIDE OF PASSING AWAY. IM SURE GOD HAS A SPECIAL PLACE FOR ALL THESE GOOD MEN AND WOMEN. REST IN PEACE LORENZO.

CARROLL HEROLD RET. SED 246 CAR
BCPD 1970-2000

July 26, 2017

In April of 1969 I was assigned to file police reports in the Central Records Div. of the Baltimore Police Dept. until my academy class began training. I worked along with another recruit, “Lenny” Gray. We both had been in the Marine Corps and served in Viet Nam so we worked well together. We started the academy several weeks later and were seated alphabetically next to each other and even our weekend assignments were always together. Upon graduation, Lenny went to the Southeastern Dist. and I to the Western but we ran into each other from time to time. I remember coming to work and was sitting in roll call when the Lt. announced that a SE District police officer had been shot earlier that night. It wasn’t until later that they announced over the radio that Officer Lorenzo Gray had passed. I sat in the patrol car the rest of the night unable to speak to anyone. I went to the funeral home after closing because it was too emotional. I noticed his military medals were missing so I returned the next night and gave them my medals to put on his casket…he would have be awarded the same ones. I assume and hope that the medals are with him or his family. I knew I couldn’t bear to attend his funeral and even after all these years its still difficult to think about. I left Baltimore and the Police Dept. and I am now retired from the NJ Transit Police Dept. When teaching classes at the academy I would tell each recruit class about Lenny and the lesson that no matter how good you are “the job” can take the very best of us from our families and friends in a heartbeat. I have always and will always remember Lenny as a good man, a Marine, a great partner and most of all a loyal friend.
Semper Fidelis,
John T. Egger

John T. Egger
BPD classmate

May 6, 2017

41 YEARS AGO TOMORROW, I WAS TALKING TO LORENZO JUST BEFORE HE RESPONDED TO THAT FATAL CALL. I WAS WORKING THE POST CAR NEXT TO HIS. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THEM, ONCE THEY PUT ON THE UNIFORM AND GO OUT ON THE STREET. ONLY GOD KNOWS. ALL THESE YEARS I'VE WONDERED WHY HE CHOSE TO TAKE LORENZO THAT NIGHT.
I ONLY KNEW LORENZO AS A COP. AND AS A COP HE WAS DEDICATED, SMART AND WAS ALWAYS THERE TO BACK YOU UP TIL YOU TOLD HIM THINGS WERE OK. GOD SURELY TOOK HIM AWAY TO SOON. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
I AM FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO STILL BE AROUND AFTER ALL THESE YEARS AND I FELT IT WAS FITTING TO LET OTHERS KNOW THAT EVEN THO LORENZO IS GONE, HE'S NOT FORGOTTEN.

C.W.HEROLD RETIRED BCPD
FELLOW OFFICER

July 25, 2013

Thank you for your service Officer Gray and so sorry that you had to pay the ultimate price as a police officer. May you rest in peace.

God bless his daughter, grandchildren and family.

It angers me to no end as I read about these older cases where the murderers are PAROLED!. Office Gray can't get a second chance so why in the world are the offenders given a second chance? As in this case they usually go right back to their life of crime.

J. Gantner
Grandson, Son, Brother of NJ P.O.'s and NJSP

January 16, 2013

Rest in peace and may god bless you.

Pfc. J.P.
cmpd

July 26, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I am sure you are proud of your daughter continuing your legacy of protecting and serving.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 26, 2010

I was only five years old when my dad was killed, now 41 with children of my own. I remember when the officers came
to inform my mom of his death, she passed out instantly. Daddy I still think of you everyday and never a day goes by where I won't hesitate to let your grandchildren know that if it wasn't for you giving your life for me and others, they would not be here today. What a great dad and man you were to all of us. And to all that knew of my father and worked with him, God bless you all as well for not a day goes by where I don't think of everything you've done for my entire family. Peace be with you all.

Audra Gray-Batson
Daughter

March 12, 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

November 7, 2007

Rest in peace.

Boomer

July 26, 2007

Officer Gray worked the southeast district. Officer Gray's Daughter became a Baltimore Police Officer in 2003. We were in the same academy class 03-03.

M. Esparza

March 3, 2006

We ask Thy blessings and eternal rest to all our brothers and sisters
Who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of
their duties. Give their loved ones the peace and
Strength to bear the anguish of their loss. Remove all
resentment from their hearts, knowing that eternal
peace and rest will abide their departed loved ones
forever. This we beg, Thy name forever and ever,
Amen.

Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police

November 21, 2005

You are not forgotten....................

Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ

April 8, 2004

I held your head and cried as the tear fell from your eye On that hot summer night. I think of you still to this day and tell others stories about you. You were a great partner and a great friend. Thanks for always being there saving me. I am so very sorry that I could not save you. If only? I would have been there. Things would have been different. God Bless You.
Your car Partner and Friend
R.L.W. Area 3 Narcotics

Officer R.L.Wright
Retired Now South East Aera 3 Narcotics

30 years has gone by since the day I walked into Southeastern District as your replacement. I've thought of you often in the past and what my life would have been like if you hadn't fallen. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Special Agent Jack E. Hurley, Jr.
USACIDC

You did not die in vain, nor will you be forgotten. Thank you.

Anonymous