Tustin Police Department, California
End of Watch Sunday, January 7, 1973
Reflections for Officer Waldron George Karp
I saw the sign on the 5 as I was transitioning to the 55 and did an online search and thought about how many drivers pass by without seeing the sign in your honor. I do not want anyone to forget about you and the other brave men and women who keep us safe and each day make our lives better.
With todays technology we should search each Highway marker and learn your stories.
Thank you for your service and May God Bless you.
Mike Dunn, Traveller
5 and 55 freeway
October 16, 2023
Officer Wally “Coach” Karp was an early influence as my coach at Estock school.
Solid man, treated us well and taught me lessons. I regularly stop by the memorial at TPD whenever I’m back in town and keep a picture of it on my phone.
Still thinking of you and your impact on my life.
Continue to Rest in Peace.
Rich Driscoll
He was my coach
February 9, 2023
Officer Karp,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
January 7, 2023
Rest in peace.
J.R.
May 29, 2021
Wally, will always remember what you said to me, you had a bid part.in my life, thanks for the ride alongs and words of Wisdom.
SGT. David m. Crawford
US Army
April 28, 2020
Rest in peace Officer Karp.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 26, 2019
Rest In Peace Ofc. Karp. You are never forgotten.
Law Enforcement Explorer Joshua Both
Tustin Police Department
February 27, 2019
Rest In Peace, Brother.
Law Enforcement Explorer Joshua Both
Tustin Police Department
February 26, 2019
Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 45th anniversary of your EOW.
Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA
January 7, 2018
Rest in peace, Officer Warp.
Police Officer #1151
Tustin Police Department
January 14, 2015
Rest in Peace, Officer Karp. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
January 23, 2012
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
January 7, 2010
Bro:
Today, I added a pic of Your Memorial to my personal site, as well as to a site for present/former Tustin residents.
May You Rest-In-Peace.
Semper Fi,
"Major Pain"
M. B. Parlor
November 30, 2008
TPD has been there for me for more than 25 years. I was there when the dedication was made with the statue erected in front of the renovated station that includes Officer Karp.
Officer Karp: Keep an eye on my Brother-a proud member of TPD and his coworkers.
Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
January 7, 2008
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE
VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
January 1, 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
September 20, 2007
Officer Karp,
I've been with your department for less than a year and I have seen the memorial for you but never actually came here to find out how you died. I came from another agency who has lost four officers, two in the last 4 years, both friends of mine. Although I didn't know you, I know the heartbreak of losing a fellow officer and friend. It's sad that officers are not honored more when they are here and that most people don't realize the sacrifice they make for their community, until they are gone.
I was thinking of you today and of the sacrifice you made over thirty years ago. You have touched the lives of many, even people you never knew, even now, so many years later... God bless your family, those who have had to suffer your loss all these years... it never gets easier and my heart goes out to them.
Your sacrifice has not been in vain Officer Karp and I shall not forget you. Say hi to Tony and Dan for me, I look forward to meeting you one day!
Shirl
Tustin Police Department - Former OPD
July 4, 2007
God bless this family. Officer Karp's sacrifice and love for his fellow man has not been forgotten.
Patrolman D.E. Hucthison, retired.
Irving, Texas Police Department
March 16, 2005
God bless you and your family.
DE
St. Louis City Police
June 29, 2004
I wanted to tell you sir that I am the lucky man who married your step-daughter Katherine. I am sorry you were taken away from her so early, you would be so proud of her and your grandchildren! I wish I could have had the chance to meet you down here. I know you are in no more pain and are in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I promise to keep up the good fight until He returns or it's my End of Watch. We'll meet then!
Officer Steve Ahearn
Santa Ana Police Department
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