Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Sgt. Vernon Tom Vanderpool, his loved ones, and his fellow officers:

On this the fifteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with all family members and friends who call you beloved. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Tom. I am so humbled by your valor and service.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Tom gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 14, 1994.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 13, 2009

Dar Sergeant Vanderpool,

My fiance, Dave Blitz worked with you at Palos Verdes Estates Police Department and I grew up in the South Bay and remember that horrible event. To this day those that lived in the area are still impacted by your loss. You were so heroic in your actions. Dave often speaks about you and has such nice memories of his time working with you. I always think of you and Captain Tracy whenever I walk by your memorial plaque outside the front of the station and will visit that memorial this Saturday on the anniversary of your death to honor both of you for your service. Rest in Peace.

Kat Meredith
Fiance of a Palos Verdes Estates Police Officer

February 13, 2009

You died on Valentine's Day. What a sad reminder for your loved ones. My Dad
also died on Valentine's Day, but I asked the Lord not to take him on the 13th
cuz that's my birthday.
You and the officer gunned down with you were seasoned officers well on your
way to retirement which you so richly deserved. What a crying shame!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

May 19, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 15, 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

September 20, 2007

Your gone but not forgotten.

P.O. Chris Welby
Bridgeton, Mo.

February 14, 2006

Rest easy, brother. You and your heroism are not forgotten. God bless.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

Uncle Tom, another year has past. I still miss you and think of you often. I have not forgotten the lesson...

Say it Now
Why wait until tomorrow to tell someone you care?
For beyond the dawn tomorrow, you may not find them there.
The past now lies behind us, and tomorrow may not come.
We only have today my friend, to beat upon life's drum.

Friend, why not say, "I love you!" to those you hold dear,
for time is such a fragile thing that death may soon appear.
Let others know you love them so there's never a doubt.
The best time is now my friend, to try and work things out.

If you keep your love a secret, it cannot multiply,
for love when it's neglected, begins to slowly die.
Go hug your wife and children - Go shed a happy tear!
And love will pay grand dividends each day throughout the year.
Clay Harrison

Lest we forget.

Sergeant Kenneth Gow
Oceanside Police Department