Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I spoke with Hercules widow in 1999. She told me the story of her hero. She also shared the story of how he was buried in Berkely Springs and the desecration that his headstone was enduring. My father was a MI State policeman and the story did not sit well with me. I organized everything to bring back Hercules to a place of honor and brought him to Follansbee WV. There we dedicated him finally to the Honor spot he so truly deserved. Years later I was driving on 522 and saw that they honored him and Trooper Johnson with a memorial. You could've taken a bucket of water and poured it over my head and would not have matched the joyful tears I shed that day. Trooper Hercules, although we never formally met, you live with me for the rest of my life. Bless you and your 2 boys and probably several children and grandchildren by now. What an honor to have shared this world with you for the short time you were here.

Kimberly Harris
Friend

July 6, 2022

Rest in peace Trooper First Class Hercules. A fitting last name for an honorable Mountaineer warrior!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 23, 2019

As a cadet at the academy, in 1988, this situation was still being taught as a situation to avoid The death of these two Troopers has had a profound effect on the way that Troopers and Officers conduct themselves even today. Your death has probably saved the lives of countless Officers. We will all see you on the other side. Rest well Devil Dog.

Sergeant Albert Vincent
Goodlettsville police department

January 12, 2017

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Laslater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was also your brother in green so I bid you semper fi.

Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all of 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 12, 2012

TFC Hercules,
Sir, on today, the 33rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the USMC during the Korean War. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous

January 12, 2010

Trooper Hercules your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 27, 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

March 2, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 4, 2008

TFC Hercules, you died a hero and will never be forgotten. We remember and honor you on the anniversary of your death. Rest in peace my brother in green.

Cpl. C. D. Siler
WVSP

January 12, 2006

Tropper Hercules we honor you as a true Hero and pray for your family. Where there are memories one is never forgotten. Rest In Peace.

Citizen Grace
St. Louis County

December 6, 2005

My dad John H Mutt Fox SR was a member of the Oak Hill Police Department for 20 years and was Chief Of Police when Trooper Hercules was stationed in Beckley West Virginia.I remember as a kid my dad speaking highly of Trooper Hercules and considered him a good friend.He always said he was a good man and a good policeman. Rest in peace TFC Hercules you are not forgotten. Mutt Fox II

John H Mutt Fox II

October 15, 2005

I knew hercules he was a very close friend of the family I always think about him.To me he was bigger than life miss him very much and hope that he is at peace .

August 20, 2004

06/12/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Trooper Hercules.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

June 12, 2004

Trooper Hercules,

You will never be forgotten, continue to Rest in Peace Brother....

Officer
NC

June 3, 2004

Rest in peace Brother, you are a true hero and not forgotten.


Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7.15.73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla

January 12, 2004