Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

March 10, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Ketchum.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 10, 2020

During National Police Memorial Week we remember the service and sacrifice of two police officers in the community in which my wife and I now live. It was 32 years ago when Officer James Ketchum and Officer John William Libolt were killed when their helicopter crashed with another police chopper during a pursuit of a suspected car thief. A civilian observer, Jeff Pollard, was also killed in the crash.

The guardians of our communities are working around the clock, on land, sea and in the air. They are the gatekeepers keeping their communities safe from those who would cause harm. Please remember these heroes during Police Week.

Chief (Ret.) Mark Spawn
Fulton (NY) Police Dept.

May 16, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

March 10, 2018

Even after all these years, when I look at "David's" picture, my heart aches. He was a hero in life and his young life held endless possibilities. Your family misses you.

Debbie Sullivan
Cousin

May 18, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th 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 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 California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 10, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends as another year passes. May they know that you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 10, 2010

Rest in Peace, Officer Ketchum. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Dave was one of the first guys I rode with when I hired on at the Costa Mesa Police Department. I had the privilege to later work with him in the Detective Bureau. Dave and I were neighbors and I always remember that two of his favorite movies were "The Searchers," and "The Music Man." Every time I see those movies I think of Dave. He was one of the best in our department. Rest in Peace my friend.

Investigator Russ Rose
OCDA and CMPD - Retired

April 15, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 13, 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

November 25, 2007

Dave, I think of you and Mike often and not only one March 10th. All who knew you miss your quite good nature. I think of you two when I drive by the crash site every morning coming to work and know you were doing what you loved. Well brother you rest in peace things are good here. Eagle II 10-98

Bob Fate, Inv
Costa Mesa PD

March 11, 2006

Dave,
I always enjoyed your perspective when I got to fly overtime shifts with you. Your heart for police work and your commitment to the folks on the ground was greatly appreciated. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf!
Loren

Loren Wyrick LT
Costa Mesa PD

March 10, 2006

"Dave",
I got the honor of flying with you on a few occasions. We all miss you both very much, and you will both always be in our hearts and prayers. I also pray for your family. You are a wonderful role model for all and touched the lives of so many. God bless you.

May 23, 2004

Brother, may God bless you. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York

January 3, 2004

Rest in peace.

Dep. Eric Thoresen
Marion County Sheriffs Office

December 16, 2003