Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Hoover.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 5, 2021

Another example of the inherent dangers LE faces everyday, regardless of the crime in question. Officer Hoover, your service, sacrifice and memory as well as your heroic actions that day will never, ever be forgotten. God Bless you, your family and may you always rest in peace sir.

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

July 9, 2020

Clay will never be forgotten. He went to our church and everyone was so proud of him and what he had acomplished. I spent so many days wondering why someone so young would be taken from us so soon. Heaven must have needed you more than we did Your service will always be remembered.

Retired
Dept. of Criminal Justice

March 29, 2020

After 32 years the impact you had on my life is felt so often. Now, after my career has finished, I still remember this like it was yesterday. You will never be forgotten, and I’m sure you were by my side several, if not many times during my career.

D/Sgt. Mark Relich (ret)
Grosse Ile Twp. Police

July 10, 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

July 15, 2015

Clay was rather new to the department and I had only worked with a few times. He struck me as being a man who enjoyed life; his family and his job. He, and Ira and Dan, left this world far too early and are sorely missed, but not forgotten.

Lt. Glenn Palmer - Ret.
Inkster PD

July 3, 2014

Rest in Peace brother...your dedication and service are remembered today.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City

June 27, 2013

Clay was my friend & co-worker.

I think of him often and miss him.

Friend
Friend

June 18, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th anniversary year 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

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

January 3, 2013

You went to the academy with my dad and inspired many others to follow in this field. Can't believe it has been 25 years Clay. Melissa and I had been best of friends since this tragic day. By now, you know Melissa lost her battle with cancer last June, and was so looking forward to seeing you in Heaven.

Rest in Piece

Terri Ellis-Griffis
friend

July 9, 2012

On this the 25th anniversary of three Insker, MI police officer's death, we honored their memory in our patrol briefing. As with Sergeant Perron, we honor a fallen officer on the anniversary of their death each day. We acknowledge the greatest sacrifice that can be given in our profession. Rest assured Sergeant Parker, Officer Hoover and Officer Dubiel have not been forgotten.

Sergeant Daniel Healy
Suisun City Police Department

July 9, 2012

I will never forget my fallen brothers Clay, Dan and Ira. I was there that nasty day and often think of my lost brothers. I will never forget eating ribs on the hood of the scout car with Clay, having a beer or two with Dan and talking junk with Ira.

Rest In Peace My Friends.

Chief Barry Dobis
St. Charles Police Department, Mi

April 17, 2012

u will never be forgotten. u worked along with my dad and were apart of my family. we will always miss u.

Marine Wife Jessica (Harris) Gonsor
distance cousin/ police family

March 21, 2012

I was a rooki in 1986. This incident over a bad check has made me more safety conscience. I WILL NEVER FORGET. Rest in peace my friend. Kenny 609

Dep. K Fallowfield
BCSO

September 21, 2011

Clay. Not a day goes by that i don't think of you and that tragic day. I'll never forget the phone call from brother john at 0330 (denver time) I'll always remember the Colorado trip and the night we went to Canada. You are forever burned into my memory, RIP my good friend.

Chris

Sgt Chris Gwizdak
USAF/SP/Close friend

June 14, 2011

Im still thinking about you brother

Det Sgt. Fred Sayger
Garden City PD Retired

May 28, 2011

Clay, another of your brothers joined you last week. It made me think of you yet again. I can't believe you've been gone nearly as long as you walked the earth. The day we lost you is one that is forever embedded in my memories.

Mary Tobin

May 3, 2010

On the 22nd anniversary of Officer Hoover's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Hoover is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

July 9, 2009

Officer Hoover,

I grew up and still live very close to Inkster, and alongside my Marine Corps career I plan on becoming a police officer as well. With that in mind, I will always keep the memory of you, Sgt. Parker, and Officer Dubiel in my mind as I strive to become the best that I can be. Not only did you offer the ultimate sacrifice to mankind, but I was also born on the exact same day and year that all three of your watches ended. Thank you for giving me someone to look up to, and forever rest in peace.

LCpl Ben Hohman
United States Marine Corps/ Criminal Justice Student

December 25, 2008

As We as officers of the Law place our Uniform on and go out to defend the public we pray to God to protect Us. We are trained to uphold the law and I would like to say to all 3 officers job well done take your rest and you will be forever know as Heros.

Sgt. Jason Miller
Dearborn Police

November 27, 2007

"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 15, 2007

Thank you for your bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. Today is the 20th anniversary of your tragic death. You will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

Sergeant, Retired
AR

July 9, 2007

It's 20 years later but no time will ever erase the memory of the sacrifice you men made. Always remembered.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

July 9, 2007

Clay,
It was like yesterday and it is almost 20 yrs later and still remeber getting the call at home. I enjoyed working with you at VBPD and was honored to wear your badge number after you left for Inkster.
There are no words to express the grief so many of us went through after that tragic night and can only hope that you and Mike Leibert are enjoying your times in Heaven.

Kenneth Landstrom Former VBFD PO
Friend

May 7, 2007

Officer Hoover, thank you for your service. Neither you nor your sacrifice will ever be forgotten.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

April 26, 2007