Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My family knew Austin when he worked at a Radio Shack next door to our ice cream shop in West Hollywood. I was a teenager and Austin was inspirational to me. We did learn he became a police officer and were devastated at his loss.

Peter Cherberg
USAF Retired

November 5, 2023

Officer Hepburn,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 27, 2023

I lived on NW 1st Court in Hallandale through high school and my brothers and neighborhood friends used to play basketball on the street where my Dad (who was a police detective for Miami Metro Dade County) put up a backboard & hoop on the light pole. Officer Hepburn would often stop to chit chat & shoot a bucket or two. I was just starting my freshman year at the U.S. Naval Academy when he was tragically killed in the line of duty. It was a very sad day for us all on !st Court.
RIP Officer Hepburn! God bless you always.

Daniel R. Shinego, Commander, USN (ret)
citizen

April 24, 2022

BIG brother, I remembered, when you protected me as a little girl.
Miss you, "My Hero"! Gone but not forgotten. " Love Katie". . .

Katie Hepburn
"Baby Sister"

September 16, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 27, 2020

Austin was walking in sqadroom door coming to work I was leaving my shift as motor officer was done last time we spoke when I got to my home the phone rang it was Sgt Lockwood get back ASAP the search was on suspects captured in Geo on a bus

Maj. J V Moticker Ret.
Hallandale PD co worker

December 25, 2019

I was just going to work and was at the light on Hallandale Beach Blvd. and saw the sign for the Hepburn Center, and wondered who it was named after. After reading the heartbreaking story of the loss of a such a nice person it really touched me. Even though I will never know Officer. Hepburn the testimonials left by family, friends and strangers truly describe how he was a beautiful soul and exceptional officer. G-D bless

Anonymous
Anonymous

December 12, 2019

I was just going to work and was at the light on Hallandale Beach Blvd. and saw the sign for the Hepburn Center, and wondered who it was named after. After reading the heartbreaking story of the loss of a such a nice person it really touched me. Even though I will never know Officer. Hepburn the testimonials left by family, friends and strangers truly describe how he was a beautiful soul and exceptional officer. G-D bless

Anonymous
Anonymous

December 12, 2019

Was just sitting here thinking of things past. Remembered that day, just over 46 years ago. Went to the Academy with Austin. He was my friend. He is still missed. He had a great laugh!

George Robinson
Broward Police Academy Classmate

July 30, 2019

I was young when I attended the funeral of my cousin Austin Hepburn Jr. I remember it though, like it was yesterday. It would be many years later as I worked for the Broward Sheriff's Office, I would hear the familiar ceremonial performances of Tapps. It still brings sorrowful memories. My cousin was always nice to me. I looked up to him and respected him. I was proud of him. This is my reflection and my memory of Austin Hepburn Jr. ...RIP!

Wendy Johnson
Cousin

May 18, 2018

Today at The Peninsula where I do Friday Sabbath services, there was an interfaith breakfast and your cousin, Reverend Gilbert Hepburn was there. Fifteen years ago at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Hallandale Beach, we met and spoke. It was during the 911 period in which our country was under siege. Planes were hijacked and innocent lives were lost. Today, I told your cousin I would leave this humble reflection for you, Officer Hepburn. A man of faith and resolve. Rest in peace and thank you for serving the people of Hallandale Beach, a place my family once called home.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 27, 2016

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged 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.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections

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

January 20, 2013

HEROES live forever, and you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace Officer Hepburn, we will never forget....

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

July 27, 2012

Rest in peace Officer Hepburn. I have passed your building often when driving in Hallandale Beach.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 7, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Hepburn. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 10, 2012

Officer Hepburn, you sir are a hero that we will never forget. Thank you for your service, dedication and protection to us all. Continue to rest in peace hero.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

July 27, 2011

Officer Hepburn was the visiting officer to our elementary school, Chester A Arthur, in Hallandale (now the site of Hallandale High). He was friendly and cheerful and treated us the way we treated him - with respect. I was 10 years old when he was killed. It is a young age to learn that the life of a friend can be snatched away so quickly and without warning. Even now, though, many years on, I remember his smile, his laugh and how he taught us that what's on the inside matters far more than the skin color on the outside. I loved him with the wide-eyed wonder of youth. Wherever he is, I hope he is proud of me. I am proud to have known him.

Lisa, Just a Citizen

November 7, 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 2, 2007

REST IN PEACE BROTHER!GOD BE WITH YOU

J.CISNEROS
LOS ANGELES SCHOOL POLICE

July 26, 2005

I find myself,
in between

that space where life stands still
things as I knew
no longer are

a quiet lull
in void of you
that lingers in my grieving days
as I learn to be...
in between

the no-mans-land where two worlds meet
death and life
a still retreat / a raging storm

still movement forward
standing still
is empty now

and struggle I to find my way
waiting, lingering
curling, stretching
standing still
closing
opening

making room for something new
my in between

and waiting now for life to come
midst this death

important time...this in between
to feel / to grieve and hold / be held
to heal / to say goodbye
and reach hello
and wait for what is next

..to enter in

March 12, 2005

To those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while for if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

January 8, 2005

R.I.P. Ofc. Hepburn. You will NEVER be forgotten.

Officer
Clearwater P.D., FL

July 25, 2004

You are not forgotten. Rest in peace.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

March 10, 2004