Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was a young girl when this happened and Larry Holder was my older cousin. Remembering that day makes my heart ache once again. Larry left this world too soon, as a hero, doing what he loved, helping others. It is nice to see the town of Algonquin honors Larry with a park named after him, Holder Park.

Ann Otto
Retired Police Records Clerk
Round Lake Beach, IL

July 30, 2024

Rest in peace Patrolman Holder.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 5, 2021

Thank you for your service and today we remind you and your family that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your LE brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

July 22, 2020

Officer Holder's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 4-13-16 to honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
RPPD (IL)

April 10, 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 31rst 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 solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

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

January 15, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 18, 2012

Patrolman Holder,
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 Algonquin. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

July 22, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Holder. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 21, 2012

Larry:

I think of you often. I grew up in Algonquin and looked up to you. You were an excellent roll model to youth in Algonquin. You inspired me to pursue law enforcement as my career and I rode along with you on several shifts. The day you passed I was an Auxiliary Deputy with the McHenry County Sheriff Department. I worked in Algonquin that day of the flooding after being called for assistance. We were all saddened when we found out that it was you that had given your life. You gave the ultimate sacrifice so another may live. God Bless you my friend and mentor until we meet again.

A. Oparyk-Lieutenant Retired
Harvard Police Department

November 15, 2011

Larry,

I happened on this site by accident. You were a good friend and are sorely missed each day. I don't know if I would have had the courage to do what you did that day. I remember it so well. Your friends think about you often ,especially every time I pass the Old Briar Rose and the culvert under Route 31, where the incident occurred. Rest in peace old friend until we meet again. God Bless.

L. Mason-Chief of Police
Now Holiday hills PD, but then ISP

December 5, 2009

Your life and heroism will always be remembered. As a former Algonquin resident I thank you for your service to the community and it was an honor to be your "brother".

Brother In Blue
Mt. Prospect PD-Retired

July 22, 2009

"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

December 29, 2007

Dear Officer Holder,

I live not far from Algonquin, Illinois so I know about and I read about the flash floods that occur in this area. You most certainly knew that too, yet ... with disregard for your own safety, you entered the water to save another. It cost you your earthly life, yet it placed you, as a hero, before Almighty God, forever.

As previous tributes to you have stated ... you will NEVER be forgotten. I pray that God's comforting hand will be upon you family, friends and Police brothers & sisters who knew you. Thank you for your service.

Tom Jensen

Father of Det. Jared Scott Jensen
Colorado Springs Police Dept. EOW 2/22/06

Thomas Jensen

November 16, 2007

As we enter another round of flash flooding in the area, I am reminded of your heroic efforts 25 years ago. They are as clear to me today as they were that fateful day. You entered a shallow, yet fast-moving and swollen park creek to save a child and were swept away form us. Your family and friends will always see your actions that day as whenever asked to envision the true definition of a hero. God bless you, your family, and all who had the wonderful pleasure of knowing you. No one forgets.

Lt. John Mitchell
Barrington, IL Fire Department

August 23, 2007

Because my son plays baseball at the field named after you, I decided to learn a little about you. While there is not that much information, it's enough to see that you made the ultimate sacrifice while helping another. Your valor is appreciated.

July 19, 2007

My friend, my brother, I know its been awhile since someone as left a reflection. Don't worry! Just because nothing is said does't mean its not felt. You are a brother and I hope to see you in the afterlife. P.S. Great Stach.

CPD
CPD

July 14, 2007

From the staff and members of Police Wives Online we would like to offer our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers for the family, department, and friends of Officer Holder. Thank you for your service Officer Holder, you will never be forgotten! You are a true hero.

January 15, 2006

Just a note, that I thank you for your service.

May 25, 2005

Rest in Peace.

P.O.
Albany PD

May 12, 2004