Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Key,
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 Hernando. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 28, 2024

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

June 28, 2020

Patrolman Key rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 6, 2019

Officer Key your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to The City of Hernando and the citizens you were sworn to protect! Continue to rest in peace my fellow LE Brother!
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13

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

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, TroopD

June 28, 2016

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

July 4, 2015

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to the Citizens of And City of Hernando! Continue to Rest in peace Officer Key!
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

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

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, Troop D

June 28, 2015

As all the family come together to celebrate the life of Rory Welch Key, it astounds me that most of the family never even knew him. He was my Grandfather and was killed when I was 6 years old. I have very few memories of him. As he looks down upon all of us, I hope he can say he is proud of the family that he started but then was taken all to soon to enjoy grandkids and great grandkids. We will always remember and honor you Papaw.

Renee Key Whitley
Grandaughter of Rory Welch Key

May 11, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary year 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

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 9, 2012

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 Patrolman Key.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 2008

officer key you did a great service to god your country and the people of the great state of mississippi kenny morgan jr brother and son of police officers

March 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

November 29, 2007

God bless you and your family on this anniversary of your tragic death

Detective
Cranford Police Dept (NJ)

June 28, 2007

Never forgotten brother, Never forgoten. God bless you and your family.

Officer J.O. Rodriguez
Mcallen, Tx. PD

September 26, 2005

You will never be forgotten. Rest easy brother we will NEVER forget you or your service.

SGT P Abdoo
Macomb County Sheriff's Office

February 1, 2005

He died a hero's death. Rest in peace

S. Yates