Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Bill,

Today, 30 years since I got the call, June 21st, 1994.

Seems like yesterday, as I think of you almost every day. Last Wednesday the 19th I called for the FPOA at the monthly board meeting to offer a moment of silence in your honor at this evening's fund-raising poker tournament. I am told they would.

I dwelled on your memory all day to the point that I dug out some old photos of our Colorado deer hunting trips. We both had scruffy beards in just a few days, those were some of the best memories of life I know.

I called Orndoff and reminded him of the date and we rehashed the tragedy of it all and like me he still remembers; it haunts him as well.

Rest in peace my friend, forever more.

Mike

Michael Harris
Detective, Fresno Ca. Police Department

June 22, 2024

Hey buddy just wanted to check in with you , let you know that not a day goes by I don’t think about you. You are truly missed. I remember our last briefing we had on that fateful day. I remember the last words you spoke to me. I remember the chilling broadcast of an accident and the RP saying it was an officer. I remember the silence as we all rolled Code 3. As I rode down the street I remember the ambulance a few seconds behind me. I jumped off my motor and ran up to you feeling helpless looking back yelling at the EMT’s to hurry. I know with faith in God that you are in a better place but I am so sorry that you had to leave your family here on Earth at such a young age. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten. MOTORS FOR LIFE

Art Rivera
Retired Fresno PD(March 2021)
Motors Por Vida

January 29, 2023

Rest In Peace brother. May God bless your family and protect the Fresno Police Department officers. Saw your memorial on CA-99.

Ofc. Jesse Minton
Arlington TX PD

June 7, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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

June 21, 2020

Officer William Lehn will never be forgotten. Thank you sir for your service. May his soul rest in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired, NYSP

January 26, 2020

Officer Lehn,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Fresno. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Mike Casey
U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Station

June 21, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 21, 2018

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 21, 2015

Michael,

Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts. That must have been so traumatic for you to witness the horrible accident. It's nice to know that my father is still in other people's memories as well.

Melissa Lehn-Anzaldua
Daughter

February 11, 2015

i was sitting next to the stolen mustang at a red light. i took notice cause the windows were dark tented, and i thought to myself that they were going to get pulled over for it. it has been a long time now, but as i remember there was four young men in the car. the light turned green and they sped off. i seen they had a paper licence plate. i fell back cause they were going so fast but we were coming up on a red light. they didnt stop. they ran the light. i stopped for it. as soon as i came to a stop i saw officer lehn pull off a side street where he was obviously watching traffic, and hit his lights. i remember laughing outloud, saying to myself " thats what you get". the white mustang topped the hill already, and as soon as the light turned green for me officer lehn was over the hill out of my sight as well, in pursuit of the car. i took off from the light and when i went over the hill i saw the collision. i was the first person there besides a young black lady who was standing over officer lehn jumping up and down screaming histerically. i think about you and your familly all the time all though i have only told the story to a couple close friends. its hard to talk about, i feel like i should have done something. i just want to say thank you. hope we meet again someday.

michael marin
wittness

March 18, 2013

I still remember the night your night, a Friday night. I will never forgot what you did for the citizens of Fresno and surrounds. Hope your family realizes that a lot of people appreicate what you did for the community

Citizen
Citzen saying thank you

January 7, 2012

Dear Bill,

Reading all the reflections above brought tears to my eyes. I read Brian J. Rogers and the sheer thought of the wind chimes took its toll on me. I do not know you, for this, I am sad. You seem like a great person and its a shame you couldnt have stayed a little longer. I want to follow in your footsteps. You inspire me and I am sure a lot of other people. I hope its real nice up there in heaven. I can't wait to meet you... we have so much to talk about, motorcycles that is... hahaha. God Bless you and may god be with all your loved ones.

Anonymous

May 17, 2011

Bill

I pass your freeway dedication sign twice a day with a thumbs up and a good morning. I never forget you my friend.

Mike

Det. Michael Harris
Fresno Police Department

March 19, 2011

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

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 15th 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 can see by the reflections left that you are loved and missed by many. Your family is in my heart's embrace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

June 21, 2009

BILL I MET YOU WHILE STILL ON PATROL BUT I REALLY GOT TO KNOW YOU WHEN WE WORKED TOGETHER IN THE LIGHT DUTY OFFICE' I REMEMBER WHEN YOU TALKED ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. I KNEW THEN THAT YOU WERE A FAMILY MAN.YOU ALWAYS TALKED ABOUT YOUR KIDS AND MOTORCYCLES.I DONT KNOW WHO YOU LOVED THE MOST IM GUESSING IT WAS THE KIDS.YOU WERE A REALLY NICE GUY AND NEVER HAD ANYTHING BAD TO SAY ABOUT ANYONE.I WISHED I HAD KNOWN YOU LONGER BUT I WAS RETIRED SOON AFTER.I WENT TO YOUR FUNERAL AND I WAS IMPRESSED BY ALL THE DIFFERENT AGENCIES THAT CAME FROM ALL OVER JUST TO HONOR YOU.THANK YOU FOR YOUR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE AND FOR MAKING OUR COMMUNITY A SAFER PLACE FOR ALL OF US.YOU SERVED WITH HONOR AND CARE. HEROES ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN TILL WE MEET AGAIN BILL.

AL LLANOS
FRESNO PD RET.

November 20, 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

November 25, 2007

Even after over a decade since your tour of duty ended, you are still thought of by someone each and every day. Watch over your family and keep your wings wrapped around them protecting them from harm. Keep a special watch on those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten as heroes never die.

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

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 23, 2006

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

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 13, 2006

Bill;
I still have the wind chimes you made for me hanging on the porch. The sound of the chimes on a windy day brings me back 15 years and it seems like your standing there in the yard. Maybe you are….My dad asked me about you the other day, his memory is fading as he ages, but he wanted to know the name of the “big cop” that helped him catch a 211 suspect in China Town. He liked you a lot and said you treated him well. You always treated people fairly Bill and I know you are reaping those rewards now. Put in a good word for me and save me a seat.
Brian J. Rogers

Detective Brian J. Rogers
Fresno PD

April 13, 2005

Wild Bill,

I have always regretted not taking you up on the idea of going up to Lake Edison the last time we talked.

I have tried to keep track of your Mom and Brother, and we named the Freeway after you. Your daughters all grew up to be beautiful young women.
I still miss you my friend as I will till we meet again.
Rest in Peace ole buddy.

Mike

Detective Michael Harris
Fresno Police Department

February 10, 2005

Bill,

Your funeral was the first that I attended years ago when I was in the motor unit at my department. I grew up in Fresno and always admired the Fresno cops when I was growing up.

I was struck by the outpouring of emotion and feeling from all that attended the beautiful service at The Peoples Church.

What I remember the most is one of the people who spoke about you talking of your love of Harley Davidson motorcycles. I know you were watching from above, but just in case you couldn't see there was a line about 2 miles long of motor-cops in front of the hearse that took you to the cemetery all of them were riding Kawasaki's except for me and my partner on our FXRP's right in front of the hearse.

I hope you are sitting under a nice shady tree in heaven on a brand new Harley, working radar.

Rest in peace brother.

Detective Dana Cornelison
Salinas Police Department

December 14, 2004

God bless you and your family.

Anonymous

October 16, 2003

Rest in peace motorman.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

Rest easy, brother. You are still remembered. God bless.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)