Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dwain, I know it’s been 42 years as of this last May. I vaguely remember accompanying my dad to your apartment and you and he would tease me telling me about how I was got to live with you because I was being traded for that prized pistol. Dwain I didn’t know you all that well because at the time of your tragic and untimely passing I was only 7.
I do recall my Dad talking about that tragic day and how He and the other Deputy involved where the ones that were to be on that plane May 4,1979 but because he (my dad) had forgotten his binoculars at home, you asked if Dad minded if you went instead.
I remember the night you passed away and how my Dad came in the house with the 2 collar pins in his hands, one was yours and one was from dads coat that he placed over you after the crash, both had blood on them. He wore those 2 pins for the rest of his career with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office until 1991 when he left office as Sheriff after Don retired.
But as I’m sure you are well aware by now my Dad is I hope with you and Jim Conyers and your all laughing and talking about the good times you all had together and I hope you all have matching pistols.
Dwain I thank you for your service to the citizens of Albany County and it is with a heavy heart I say thank you for your sacrifice that day.

Cliff Bennett
Friend

July 25, 2021

The upcoming May 4, 2019 date will mark forty years ago that Deputy Hardigan was killed. I was the Sheriff of Albany County at the time. Dwain, along with the pilot, was killed on the search and rescue mission. A second Deputy was seriously injured in the accident and has suffered life-long. There is very little time that passes between the times I remember Dwain, the day the accident occurred and the loss to Dwain's family and fellow law enforcement officers. I know I will see Dwain in God's Heaven along with all other law enforcement officers who have served this great country and our communities, as they all truly deserve a special place in the hereafter. Rest in peace my friend, my brother, my fellow law enforcement officer.

Donald Fritzen, Sheriff, retired.
Albany County Sheriff's Office, Laramie, Wyoming.

April 4, 2019

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. 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.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 28, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

November 24, 2012

Dwain, you were a very importan person in my life. Thank you for being a officer in our county. We miss you and so did your parents.

Kim Johnson
Friend

July 28, 2011

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 5, 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

February 22, 2008

Thank you for your sacrifice. I used to live in Laramie, and I know that you all do not get enough respect.

Godspeed.

Jim Adams

Jim Adams PO1
Boise Police

July 4, 2004