Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. While your killer took his own life in a most cowardly fashion, he surely faced a higher court and authority somewhere else. Rest in peace always.

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

June 28, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Heath.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 28, 2019

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

June 15, 2015

I to played football with Gary. I was the running back in a wishbone set. One thing you could always count on was a huge hole where he use to be lined up! I will never forget when we lined him up in the back field to run the "DEEP FREEZE" he scored from 4 yards out draging players on his back. We beat our rivals 7-6 that year in a hard fought game.
I was an officer on the same shift as Gary the night he was killed. It still haunts me to this day. I worked 4 more years with different agencies trying to find peace but just could not. I also resigned.
It was an honor to know such a kind hearted man. He was a great friend. There will ALWAYS be a huge hole where he was standing.

Chuck Branum
Co-worker/Friend

March 5, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th 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 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 Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 20, 2012

We will never forget, the scarifice you or your family has had to make everyday without you here with them. Keep watch over your Mom, Dad, Brother and family. We talk about you ofter and share in the memories, we didn't know you but have come to love your family. We love hearing all the memories.
Say hello to Clint for me.

Connie and Richard Barker
Mother of Officer Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

June 14, 2012

Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer; and may it somehow help to know that, even after all these years,they do not grieve alone.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD

October 26, 2009

Gary, I just wanted you and your family to know that Richard and I thought about you all day on Saturday. We will never forget the sacrifice that you made on this day 14 years ago, or the sacrifice that your family has to make everyday without you.

We were camping with your family a couple of weeks ago, at a campground that we use to take Clint too, your mother and I were sitting out by the picnic table and the lights on the truck kept coming on then going off. I got up once to see if I could make them go off, but they kept coming on then going off, until your Mom and I both said that you and Clint was there with us, well you guessed it the lights went off and didn't come back on. We laughed about that and we still laugh about it. We enjoy all the signs we can get from you both.

You know that we have come to know your Mom and Dad with the way you and Clint died, we wish more than anything that you both were here with us. But we cherish your Mom and Dad, and always have a great time with them. Just keep watch over your Mom and Dad, they know you are close, and let Clint know that we miss him everyday.

HAPPY 14TH BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN

Connie Barker F.W.B. Fl.
Mother of Clint Walker Prattville Al. E.O.W. 1-14-04

June 16, 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

July 11, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer
Chattanooga, TN

June 16, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Heath on the anniversary of his passing. He paid the ultimate sacrifice.
May he continue to watch over you all. Rest in peace.
Heros are never forgotten.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

June 14, 2007

May you rest in peace and may your loved ones be ever blessed.

June 14, 2007

Gary, #70, was 6'0 270lbs and was my strong side tackle, as I stood at quarterback. He was a true friend. I remember Gary calling wanting to be a trooper, I told him to go ahead and get on with a city and get some experience. He had a heart of gold, and would never quit on you. He was as dependable as the sun. He was my friend and pal, and I will never forget him. Whats sad is Gary wouldnt have hurt anyone. His heart was as big as ever. Our 20 year reunion is this June, we will certainly pay our respects, and think of his impact on all of us. I wish I could have been there to help you, I resigned two months later after five years of service. I see your family often and I know I must remind them of you, as they do me. I miss you, and will see you again....Pals

Stacey Tillery, Fmr Trooper
Alabama Trooper, Highschool Classmate

March 22, 2007

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

Officer 11169

October 23, 2006

I just wanted you to know that I haven't been able to post anything until now. I remember how hard you worked to apply for a police department while we were in graduate school at Troy State University. You were an inspiration to all of us and you will be sincerely missed. You're a great friend and classmate. Rest in peace, you earned the right!

Det. Sgt. Buckey Walters (Retired)
Nevada Division of Investigation

October 17, 2006

Gary-
I just wanted to let you know that Keith is on the way up to help you patrol the streets of Heaven. Please, Continue to watch over us. We love you and miss you dearly. I'll see you on the other side at roll call..YITB Chad

PFC. Chad Smith
Baldwin Co. Sheriff's Office/Cor. Dept./Fraternity Brother

October 1, 2006

Gary: I met your mother this past weekend. We traveled to Birmingham for a C.O.P.S. meeting. She is keeping your legacy alive. You are forever young and forever loved. Thank you for your bravery and dedication. I wish I could've met you...Shalom Aleichem...

Kathleen
C.O.P.S.

April 3, 2006

Gary,


Almost ten years ago I lost a good friend and I'm sorry I am just now letting you know what you meant to me. I lost an Officer 4 days ago and just discovered this page.
After graduating the MPD acadamy together I only saw you once but thought of you often. I was heart broken when I heard the news and could'nt believe that it was actually you. I'm sure you know that what happened has become a lesson to be learned by every third shift Officer. I passed it on to every Officer that I trained. They never met you but they sure know you and I hope that you watch over them on their every shift.
I hope you are enjoying working the third watch in heaven and please keep over the shoulder of all of our brothers.

I really miss ya!!

Inv Sgt. R.T. Furlong
Prattville Police Department

January 19, 2004

It's taken a long time for me to get to the point that I could come to this page and look it over. Like Sgt Peters above, I also came to know Gary through our college fraternity. At that time most of us were Cj majors and Gary was the first of our group to go to work as a LEO. I remember the times I saw him after he left school ( to few looking back ) and how proud he was to be on the road as an officer. His enthusiasm for his profession have continued to server as an example for me and others who have gone on to careers in police work. I miss you brother . I hope you know that everyday I put on this uniform and go out into the world you are in my thoughts. Till we meet again YITB Alan.

Cpl. Alan w. Carpenter
Gulf Shores Police Department

OFFICER HEATH,
I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW ALTHOUGH I NEVER HAD THE DISTINGUISHED OPPORTUNITY TO MEET YOU, I KNOW THERE IS A AND WILL ALWAYS BE A SPECIAL BOND BETWEEN US CAUSE YOU SEE MY LITTLE BUDDY, PARTNER & PAL WAS TAKEN FROM US BY THE SAME PERP THAT TOOK YOU FROM YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. OFF. HEATH, DEPUTY ROWELL IS HIS NAME, A YOUNG ROOKIE DEPUTY WITH HIS WHOLE LIFE AHEAD OF HIM AND A VERY PROMISING CAREER IN OUR CHOSEN PROFESSION.I WOULD JUST LIKE TO LET YOU AND YOUR FAMILY KNOW THAT YOU HAVE A PAL IN HEAVEN WITH MY LITTLE BUDDY ALSO YOU HAVE THE BACK-UP EVER.

Anonymous

It is once again that time of year when we honor those who have given all. I am brought back to my rookie year in law enforcement, 1994. It started as an exciting year but, turned to a sad year of reflection on June 14. That was the day a man who loved his job gave his all. Gary Heath was my little brother in our college fraterity. He graduated before I did and entered police work before I did. It is his example of selflessness that inspired me to be the officer that I am today. On May 18, 2002, I will renew my committment to be the officer that Gary Heath would be proud to have called brother, not in a college fraternity way, but in that larger fraternity of life as a law enforcement officer.

To all who knew Gary, let it be known that he may be gone from this world, but he is not forgotten. Everyday, Gary rides with me in my heart and inspires me to be the officer that I can be.

Thank you Gary for having my back.

Sgt. Kevin Peters
Calera, AL Police Department