Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Hughes,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Virginia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 3, 2024

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 3, 2015

I was on my way to my two week service in the U.S. Army Reserves summer camp in central Virginia on an early very foggy morning headed southbound on 95 when I came across the horrible sight of Trooper Hughes's lifeless body in the middle of the third lane. I was one of the first people to see this as others on the ground helped direct traffic around the scene.
It was something that has always haunted me and for years I always wondered who he was until now.
I'm glad that Wikipedia and this site stands as a lasting memorial to the brave troopers that risk their lives everyday so that we stay safe.
I don't know who was right or wrong in this situation but all I can remember was the smell of burnt rubber mixed with the morning fog, children crying from one struck care and a hero laying in the third lane of I-95.
God Bless You Trooper Hughes and Your Family and Thank You for Your Sacrifice.

Nick Contompasis
Northern California
December 21, 2013

Private Citizen
Private Citizen

December 22, 2013

We worked together many years ago and I remember you still. RIP my brother.

SSA Howard J. Cook, Jr.
Virginia State Police (Retired)

September 26, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th 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.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

June 3, 2010

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Trooper Hughes.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 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 8, 2008

See you on the other side.

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

September 26, 2007

Thank you for your service and dedication to the citizens of the Commonwealth. You BROTHER will never be forgotten for the sacrifice you made. May you continue to rest in eternal peace......

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. PD

June 3, 2007

May He ever bless you.

June 3, 2007

I try to look at the Officer Down Memorial page at least once a day. Today your memorial came up in "WE REMEMBER" section. My fathers name is James Hughes who passed away in 2003. Tell him his daughter misses him and I will see him one day. Most of all thanks for your service and sacrifice that you made. You will always be remembered.

Michele
Cumming, GA resident

March 21, 2005

Rest in peace, Trooper. God's peace be with you.

Michigan Resident

October 9, 2004

Trooper Hughes (James) I want to leave a "reflection" in your memory. The years have passed however your sacrifice is no less than it was in 1974. Thank-you James for your sacrifice to hold the line. 09/13/2003.

Sr. Trooper Keith Miller
Oregon State Police

September 13, 2003