Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It’s Oct 8th.. Haven't reflected on my dads page for a bit, but this year is a lil harder for me.. I have gone through some medical hardships as well as trying to raise 2 teenagers during the Covid pandemic, as you all are. If I haven’t thanked you all personally, do not think that I left you out! I read all messages and am so very thankful that I have my LE family always on top of things reminding us of how much we contributed and still do as survivors to our loved ones who are gone but never forgotten! Words keep us survivors strong and let us know that someone is out there to support..
Sadly, I have to say, there is no longer a BIA Law Enforcement Services on my reservation with whom my dad worked for and gave his life for.. They have since demolished the Hopi Jail and have transferred services to the Hopi Tribal Police. There have been no efforts to reach out to our family for support as we have had held memorial runs at the Hopi Police Dept for a few years. I don’t understand how you can not come out and support one of your own who gave their life!!

Denelle James
Daughter

October 8, 2020

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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

September 17, 2020

Thank you to border patrol officer.. may u be safe n thank you for your service..

Denelle James
Daughter of Dean M. James

January 15, 2019

Officer James,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country and the Hopi Tribe. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 17, 2018

I miss you dad! My dad is the first officer on the Hopi Reservation to be classified "Killed in the line of duty". His murderer has since passed away in 2011.

Deanelle James
Daughter

December 6, 2014

I remember the day you left us. I wished it wasn't true. I was your baby girl. Still am. I have dreams that you're still here. I want to touch you, hold you make sure it's for real. Im only dreaming, but I know you're near....
My father was and is to this day the first law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty on the Hopi Reservation. His murderer, Craig Hoyungwa was released from prison in 2010, died of who knows what and buried in the state of his wife's residence.

daughter

December 6, 2014

RIP HERO! You are remembered today for your bravery, Sir!

It is a shame this murderer only got 25 years. What kind of Judge would let this happen? It makes me furious! The void this Hero left behind is a LIFE sentence for his family, friends, colleagues, department, and community! Very very disappointed in the judicial system!

Frmr Sheriff's Deputy
Marion County Sheriff, Indiana

May 5, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 17, 2013

Thank you for your heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 30, 2012

To the family and friends of Officer Dean James and his fellow officers

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Dean's memory on the twenty-second anniversary of the day Dean tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.

Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are still experiencing.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Officer James gave to his community and the citizens of our country and the tribal nation, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 17, 1988.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 18, 2010

"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

March 27, 2008

Though i just started my career in Law Enforcement approximately 1 year before you left us. I still remember your face clearly and the words of advice you talked to me about. I stood at your shoulder at your services and often think of that dreadful day the call came in, "Officer Down!"
Brother we still miss you and think of you often. I'm sure your with the creator and watching over us.
Peace Brother.

Special Agent William M. Coochyouma
BIA OLES Hopi Agency

May 10, 2006

Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township PD NJ

January 23, 2005