Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I will always remember your pride of being a law enforcement officer. I will forever remember my tears of sadness and pride as we passed the numerous law enforcement officers saluting you on the way to the cemetery.

Your professionalism and honor you displayed were an example that led me to pursue a career in law enforcement. I'm now retired after 37 years in law enforcement. I will always be proud of you.

Your loving son, Dan Kartchner, Retired Chief Investigator

Dan Kartchner

October 6, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Kartchner,
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 La Plata County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 13, 2022

Rest in peace Deputy Kartchner. We will never forget.

Chief Jim Spratlen
Durango Police Department

June 5, 2016

May we in law enforcement in southwest Colorado, never forget the dacrifices of our fallen heroes.

Darrell Robertson

October 13, 2014

Rest in Peace, Deputy Kartchner. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 26, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 13, 2010

Deputy Kartchner - Two Fridays ago, I stood in the State Assembly hall when they voted on a motion in regards to next month's Peace Officers Memorial week. Your name was one of the almost 250 read off. Thank you for your service to the people of La Plata County and the State of Colorado. You are not forgotten. May God Grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

May 3, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 9, 2007

On the eve of the anniversary of your passing, we remember you and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 12, 2007

On the eve of the anniversary of your passing, we remember you today and thank you sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 12, 2007

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

God bless. Rest in peace

October 13, 2004