Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I rode with Wilbur when he was in Second district. He taught me much in our few times together and I was at the beginning of my career. Jack I had met but did not know him well. So long ago but seems like yesterday

Donald Howard Patrolman
Louisvolle Division of police

May 4, 2021

Det. Hayes,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Louisville. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 2, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement family. Rest in peace always.

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

May 2, 2021

Both killers were sentenced to death. Both were paroled some years later!! One of the killers name still shows up in the Louisville paper as "not paying child support" !

CH Schaffner
Retired 1988 LPD

May 2, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman Hayes. Bravery and humility as you displayed won't be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 31, 2017

Jennifer beautiful tribute to your dad. I knew him and patrolled with him on several occasions.

Donald Howard Patrolman
Louisville Division of Police retired

December 9, 2016

I have finally let go of a lot of the anger Ive held in and I am trying to underdstand that mistakes are made. Lord knows .....and you...that I have made mine. Your killer has been put back in the place where he belongs but I feel for his family. I am learning more about you by drilling your beautiful wife regarding who you really are. Since youve been gone there have been far too many officers, soldiers, firefighters, and first responders injured or killed and it is devastating to all. I hope you watch over those now out there in the streets an I will continue to pray for the families. One last thing , your ooldest grandson Roman will marry this year in your birthday an your youngest will leave for mission work in Kenya..Please watch for their safety . You were the strongest man Ive ever known and will always be my net. I love you Daddy.

Jennifer Hayes
daughter

April 9, 2015

RIP my friend....We were best friends from the day we entered the first grade, I often think about you and Regina and all the great times we had growing up!!!! Have missed you many times over the last 41 years, you are gone but never forgotten.....

Retired KSP Detective Mike Winn
Friend

June 8, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today on the 41rst 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 that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family. especially your wife and daughter, for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

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

May 2, 2012

i was 10 yrs old in Kansas when we got the call that Uncle Wilbur had been killed. those long trips to & from Kentucky to visit mom's family had been adventures & my best memories of him & Aunt Jeannie were of lots of laughter with the cutest little cousins, Jennifer & Cara, anyone could ever imagine. probably my earliest memory of Uncle Wilbur was of the family going to a basketball game he was playing in, (in leitchfield?). and you're right Jennifer. to the best of my recollection, he was very stubborn, independent & determined. it is amazing how genes manage to find their way down the bloodline, i agree. i have one good full-length picture of grandma & grandpa hayes & last time i looked at it, it hit me that my son. now 28, could pass for Grandpa Hayes' twin - his great-grandson. amazing, but yes, part of them definitely lives on in these people. it's been 40 yrs now & we can never know how many lives Uncle Wilbur touched and affected. i'm sure he'd be the proudest grandpa ever seeing his grandson, & who knows, may be smiling down upon you all every day.

anita hazlewood
niece

June 20, 2011

Hi Dad. I was just thinking of you and thought I would write. I wanted to let you know a few things that I never got to tell you.I think of you often and I wonder what we would be doing right now together. Your oldest grandson looks just like you and getting ready to go to college. He is the sweetest, funniest, and handsome young man. Wish you could be here to see. From what I'm told your youngest grandson acts just like you. Imagine that. He even has your hazel eyes. He is the star quaterback of his football team and very very very confident. Does that sound familiar? Your wife is still the same "Old Jeanie" , and as for me I'm just a Hayes so I'll never change. Wish we could all be together under this beautiful sky tonight.See you when it's my time.

Jennifer Hayes RN
daughter

November 2, 2010

I remember how happy Wilbur and Regina were together. The nights I spent with you and Regina in your apartment when I was little. You are a hero in my eyes.

Debbie Glenn Saltsman(Niece)

Anonymous

October 25, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 2, 2008

The 37th anniversary of your death is upon us. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and miss you. I can't help but wonder how my life and your daughter's lives would be today if we had not lost you on that terrible day.
You have two beautiful grandsons that I know you would have loved to have known and seen them grow up.
We miss you, we love you.
Regina (Wilbur's wife)

wife

April 29, 2008

Patrolman Hayes,
Thank you for your service and sacrifice Sir! You are a HERO.. You will ever be forgottten... Rest in Peace..

Joyce
Sister of Officer John P Harris EOW 8/19/1994

April 18, 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 30, 2007

God bless you Wilbur. The Commonwealth was a better place because of your sacrifice.

An Ohio brother
Montgomery Co., Ohio

August 20, 2007

Everyday I look in my son's eyes and see nothing but a reflection of you. My only hope is that you will someday meet him in heaven

jennifer hayes
daughter

July 18, 2007

Patrolman Hayes,
Thank you for your service to Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Your are a hero and will not be forgotten!

Patrolman Brad Riley
Lexington Police Dept. (KY)

June 9, 2007

I remember the newscast telling of your death. I was still in High School. Because of that, I made sure all the officers on my shift went home o.k.
Your sacrifice possibly saved other officers for almost 30 years during my career.

TAC#8

December 18, 2006

Patrolman Hayes,
On today, the 34th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Louisville.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

May 2, 2005