Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Bland,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Newport News. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 13, 2024

I have not forgotten you.

Anonymous

December 23, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Bland. A terrible tragedy and to have your spouse also an officer locate your body. God bless your family.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 5, 2019

I remember him well, when he was a auxiliary officer for Newport News police , as I was then a security officer for the woodsong apt complex., I always asked him why do you it for free ? And he just looked at me with the smile on his face and said " Its for the good people ". He was such a nice person and found good in us all.

Military Veteran Lawrence Coleman
Citizen

June 1, 2017

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 13, 2015

Larry, I think of you everyday my friend. I wish I could have been working my zone beside you that night. Perhaps it would have ended differently. I remember the scene like it was yesterday. You are in my prayers and I know you are in heaven. I will see you and Steve there one day. God Bless you and your family.

Detective TJ White
Fort Lauderdale Police Department, FL (former Newport News PD)

February 27, 2015

Always remembered. God bless.

Sgt. Eric Hampton
Homewood Police Department

June 1, 2011

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Thankyou for your heroic service to others. You will never be forgotten

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 13, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today on the 16th 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. He was shot twice when ambushed on April 23rd when he was on a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, 11 years after you were killed.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry lasater

May 13, 2010

My Dearest Family and Friends

Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.

The Day I had to leave you when my Life on earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan. Theres so much we have to do to help our Moral Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad. I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.

Please don't be afraid to cry, it does releive the pain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.

To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.

So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that with my life. it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know Im walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentel breeze or wind upon your face thats me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.

Anonymous

November 5, 2009

Your service has not been forgotten. RIP brother, we have the watch.

Sgt. Jason Slaughter
Radford City Department of Police

May 13, 2009

Larry,

You will be missed forever and will be remembered forever.

Anonymous

February 24, 2009

RIP.You will always be remembered by the ones who love and knew you.

Anonymous

October 13, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 13, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 3, 2008

MY BROTHER, AFTER READING YOUR REFLECTIONS, I KNOW THAT YOU WERE A PROFESSIONAL POLICE OFFICER. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY EVERY ROOKIE COP READ HOW ONE YOUR FELLOW OFFICERS WROTE ABOUT YOUR WORK ETHICS. DOING SO, I KNOW WE WOULD HAVE YOUNG OFFICERS THAT WOULD MAKE A GOOD COP. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

February 7, 2008

Larry was a friend and customer of our convenience store. He was a wonderful, caring person. He will never be forgotten

Kathy Hoover
friend

January 6, 2008

A heart that overflowed with kindness and love for his fellow men. Larry was an inspiration to me and his spirit lives on in the hearts of all that new him.

Sergeant Scotty Williams
Newport News Police Department / Newport News FOP #25

December 16, 2006

Larry, I worked with you in the department for a short time. I will always remember you and Carol. God bless you and may you continue to rest in peace.

Joan R. Jones
Suffolk Police Department

March 24, 2005

Always willing to help anyone in need. That is what I remember most about Larry. We will not forget your sacrifice or friendship.

Jeff Duckworth
Newport News Police Department

July 7, 2004

Dearest Larry,

I will never forget the times we spent walking up and down Washington Avenue on foot patrol. I remember how important it was to you that we stopped by all the establishments and acknowledged each individual business owner, letting them know we truly cared about their well being. No matter how cold or hot it got, we were always on foot checking the businesses.

I remember how important it was to you that we treated everyone we met while on-duty with dignity and respect. You never had an ill word for anyone; not even the worst society had to offer. You always told me that no matter how disgusted you were at some of the things you witnessed; it took too much energy to be offensive or impolite. A day does not go by that I do not think about the positive impact you had on my career.

I remember laughing to the point of tears at some of the jokes you would tell as we ate dinner, our police units parked side by side. I also remember crying uncontrollably, as I stood by you in the church for the last time, unable to speak. It changed my life forever. I learned very quickly how precious life truly was and I promised I would never take anything for granted especially the love of family and the fondness of a good friendship.

You will always be a fine police officer, a gentleman, a friend and a hero. As I promised you ten years ago, I have always done my best to keep your spirit alive in everything I do. Sometimes, when things get hectic I stop and ask myself "What would Larry do in a situation like this?" The answer always comes easily, "The right thing."

God bless you my friend and peace be with you. Words cannot express how much you are truly missed

Anonymous
Newport News Police Department

June 8, 2004

The memory of that night still lives within me, always reminding me of the risks, yet still the duty and devotion with which you did your job. So few can understand the love we have for police work, it is in your memory that I surge forth each day doing the job you loved. We will never forget you, my brother. God bless you.

Auxiliary Deputy David Lyons
Isle of Wight Sheriff's Office, VA

February 17, 2004

Officers of the Newport News Police Dept. never forget their own no matter how much time has past. Rest in peace and we thank you for serving your city and paying the ultimate price for our freedom.

Officer M. A Cooper
Newport News Police Dept.

Still miss you, my old friend. Wish you'd stayed with National Linen Service.

We went through the academy together and were friends.
It was a long course, in the evenings, but we did it.
You were doing what you loved and will be remembered that way.
I left the force long before you signed off, but am getting back into law enforcement again.
One of the requirements of the class was to visit this site.
That is where I found you and another.
It is difficult to see all of our brothers and sister listed here.
My God watch over you now My Friend

You will always be remembered.

Edward Burritt