Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On the morning of January 10, 1972 I kissed my Daddy goodbye as he left for work unknowingly for the last time. It was supposed to be his day off. That was the day my whole world died. Nothing was ever the same!!!! My father, my hero and my watchful angel THANK YOU forever for giving your life and commitment to protect and serve! Forever proud to call you my father!!!

Sharon Hancock Herndon
Daughter

April 16, 2024

Deputy Sheriff Hancock,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parrish. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 10, 2022

I am the daughter of Ralph Dewayne Wilder. I never knew him or his family. If anyone has any stories about him or know if his family is still living, please write me at [email protected]. thank you. Bonnie

Bonnie Davis
Daughter

January 21, 2020

Miss you dad. I just wanted to drop you a line today on the 47th anniversary of your passing. Mom passed away on September 12, 2019 from colon cancer. I had to have 2 cancer surgeries and radiation treatments in 2019 as well. It's been a struggle lately. I wish you here. I did get to know you a little better as I went through mom's personal items and paper work. I'm so glad that you and mom are finally together again. Love and miss you,
Patrick.

Patrick Hancock
Son

January 10, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Hancock.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 4, 2020

47 years ago today, my mom, dad, sister and I boarded a small single engine aircraft for a short flight to Hammond, La. and back so my dad could log in a few more flight hours as well as checking out this aircraft he was considering to purchase. While we were waiting to land back at Ryan Airport, the door latch popped and the door swung open causing us to make an emergency landing. Cross winds caused a one wheel crooked landing but dad managed to bring us down safely. That was the last family outing. The following day Jan 10, 1972 we all said our goodbyes and I love you's as my sister and I headed off to school and dad left for work. Family dynamics changed later that day. You are missed and will always be my hero, daddy!!! You are forever in my heart!

Patrick D Hancock
Son

January 9, 2019

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN, PAW PAW RALPH.
Though you were taken before I could ever meet you, you have made such an impact on my life. I cannot even begin to describe the love and respect I have for you. Thank you for blessing me with such an amazing father, Patrick. When I went into corrections, you and Dad were my motivation. And now, Im in thr beautiful state of Colorado. I know you loved it here. I take alot of pictures and think of you. Thank you for everything you did for our family, and for your service. I can't wait to meet you. I love you.

Rebekah Hancock
Granddaughter

May 13, 2018

Deputy Hancock was shot from his own gun following orders not to fire unless fired upon. His son, Pat, was a good man and friend of ours and a great guitar player. Played with a band called "Midnight Sun" (Son?) and on some of our studio work which was lost. I haven't seen or talked with Pat for a good while but would love to hear from him.

Dustyn Vaughn
Mgr: The CayJays

November 4, 2017

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

March 21, 2017

Deputy Sheriff Hancock,
On today, the 45th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Deputy Sheriff who was also killed in that riot for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 10, 2017

And once again today EBRSO Deputies and Baton Rouge City Police have been confronted with racists that have taken the lives of law enforcement officers due to racial hatred. All the feelings of 1972 come back again from that terrible day.

God bless all of our law enforcement officers and their families.

Corporal David Hancock (1986-88)
East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office

July 17, 2016

I don't remember much about 1972, but I do remember the day that Patrick didn't come to school. Raymond told me that Patrick's father had been killed. Shot while working downtown. I knew his dad was a police officer and there had been a riot downtown, but I didn't know Patrick's dad had been working. I wondered about my uncle. He was a police officer too. Had he been downtown? I was told everything was going to be fine. There was nothing to worry about. But I was worried. All the men in the neighborhood kept their guns near by; afraid the violence would spread to the suburbs. I saw parts of Patrick's father's funeral on the television news. I saw his mother and sister crying. Things didn't seem normal. When I went back to school, our teacher told the class that Patrick would return to school the next day. She told us not to ask him about his father. She told us to treat him just like we always had. She said everything was normal. There was nothing to worry about. She was wrong. They were all wrong. Over the years I have thought about 1972, or the little of it that I remember, as the year when things did not go back to normal. Fear will do that.

Clay Ashford
Childhood friend

February 23, 2016

I VISITED THE SITE TODAY; RALPH WAS MY TEACHER WHEN I MOVED IN DETECTIVES IN 1969; I WAS A PALL BEARER IN THE FUNERAL IN 1972, AT THAT TIME WORKING IN THE FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPT. LOVED RALPH FOR WHAT WAS NOT TO LIKE??

DETECTIVE, JUVENILE DIVISION 1969
EAST BATON ROUGE SHERIFF

May 14, 2014

Morning Dad, woke up thinking about you today. Miss you.

Patrick Hancock
Son

January 10, 2014

Here it is Jan. 11th again and I find myself missing you and remembering all the chaos that enveloped our family as your body was being prepared at the funeral home. Sharon and I got to stay with paw paw Hancock while mom had to make arrangements. I dreamed that it was all just a scheme to protect and hide you from an undercover narcotics investigation gone bad, but after I had awakened and we all went down to the funeral home, there your body laid. I touched your face and held your hand but you were still and silent. That was 41years ago and it still seems like yesterday. I miss you dad.

Patrick Hancock, Son of East Baton Rouge Parish Deputy Ralph G. Hancock - EOW 1/10/1972

January 12, 2013

A Letter to my Dad, Deputy Sheriff Ralph G. Hancock
Hi dad. I seem to be missing you a lot these days. It's been 40 years since I saw you the morning I left for school. I remember that you were not feeling well that day. The stomach ulcers that you suffered from were really hurting you. I remember the day before, you took us on a plane ride to check out a single engine air craft that you were looking at buying, and as we returned to Ryan airport the door on the plane swung open when the latch malfunctioned. I watched you somehow reach over mom and help her hold the door shut while she keyed the mic so you could get clearance for an emergency landing and kept the aircraft under control until we were safe on the runway. Thanks for saving my life and the lives of my mother and sister, your family, that day. Even though you were not feeling well, when the Sheriff's office called, you went to direct traffic around the incident occurring downtown, but somehow a racist idiot put a bullet in your chest. Over the last 40 years I've learned to play guitar and been in a couple of bands, Accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, had one failed marriage but now in a great marriage for the last 17 years! Her name is Lisa, you would've loved her and the children and grandchildren we have together. Miss you and love you Daddy, your son, Patrick.

Patrick D. Hancock
Son

June 8, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th 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 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 10, 2012

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, I WONDER WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS?

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

January 3, 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 31, 2007

Rest in Peace. Always Remembered.

Dy M. Martin
St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office LA

January 10, 2007

May you Rest in Peace.

January 10, 2007

Rest easy, Brother, you are not forgotten.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, In.l

January 10, 2004