Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Many good things to reflect. You were taken to soon. I never had that opportunity to learn from you to be a man. So I learned the hard way. I made sure never to disrespect your name. You are missed. RIP Never forget!!!!.

Edward Elwood Groff
Son

October 15, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Groff,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a LEO but for our Country as well when you served with the USAF-especially during WW II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 15, 2019

You have been missed by your family. Although we think of someone passing in their 50's as someone who has had a chance to live their life I can see now that isn't the case. Living life is being able it all the way to the end, soaking up time and love with family. You have family who have missed out on the memories with you and children who will forever miss you. The impact of a life taken isn't on the life missing, it falls on the family left behind. You led a full life of service and you would be so proud to see most of your family has carried on that legacy.

EL
Family

May 1, 2018

I know it has been 37 years but I often think of my friend "Al". He was definitely one of my favorite friends. To this day, I tell my wife or daughter stories of some of our conversations. chats, stories, and mutual laughter. He was a wonderful man and, I miss him still. Rest in peace, my friend.

John Marks
former asst mgr/mgr Gas n Eat Truck stop

May 17, 2016

Happy Father's Day Dad. It's been 36 years since you've been gone and although we didn't always see eye to eye, I loved you. Miss you and wish you were here to see your grandchildren and great grandchildren. You would be so proud. We keep you alive with stories.

Mary
Daughter

June 21, 2015

To my Grandpa who I remember so fondly. Though I was oly 3 when you passed away I carry you in my heart always. I see you in my son who looks just like you ...big and tall, who is also intrested in law enforcement. Thank-you for being so brave grandpa. You are an ispiration to all

Amanda
Grandaughter

May 31, 2012

A reflection of how the world comes full circle, now as your grandaughter whom you never got to meet. I reflect on your story and see your person only in the children that you raised, I see those you left behind and in them I see you. Now married to a police officer myself on a day that my husband will lay another fallen officer to rest. I think of you and your service and I thank you. For all that you are through those you left behind. May we meet in the loving embrace of our heavenly father Jesus.

Erica
Grandaughter

April 11, 2012

This one hit me because my uncle Vincent was also a veteran of the same 3 wars. He was also the kind of man who would handle things himself. God bless you, a real man.

Citizen

February 6, 2012

I will remember you.Your kindness to me helped.
Jim

stxj

October 21, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 15, 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

January 31, 2008

We remembered you today and thank you Sir for your Service.

Your service to our country distinguishes your heroism, you deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for your sacrifice.

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better manhaester, NH

October 12, 2007

I salute you for your dedicated service and heroism to both your country and law enforcement. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten and are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of fallen officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 15, 2006

Deputy Sheriff Groff,
On today, the 26th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but for our Country as well in WWII, Korea;Vietnam.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

October 15, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

September 28, 2004

THE POLICEMAN'S LAST ROLL CALL ...

THE POLICEMAN STOOD AND FACED HIS GOD, WHICH MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS. HE
HOPED HIS SHOES WERE SHINING, JUST AS BRIGHTLY AS HIS BRASS. "STEP FORWARD
NOW, POLICEMAN. HOW SHALL I DEAL WITH YOU? HAVE YOU ALWAYS TURNED THE OTHER
CHEEK? TO MY CHURCH HAVE YOU BEEN TRUE?"

THE POLICEMAN SQUARED his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a Saint. I've had to
work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been
violent because the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny that
wasn't mine to keep, though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just
got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with
fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept many unmanly tears. I know I
don't deserve a place among the people here, they never wanted me around
except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me Lord, it needn't be so
grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod. As
the policeman waited quietly, for the judgement of his God. "Step forward
now, policeman, you've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's
streets, you've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

Deputy
Dane County Sheriff's Office, WI