Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

May you Rest In Eternal Peace.

Daniel Johnson

March 1, 2020

R.I.P. Officer King. Thank you for your selfless blessing.

V.K.Mary, 911 Communications Officer, Harris County Sheriffs Office, Houston, in the Great State of Texas

December 25, 2019

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 7, 2019

For Lyndon,

I just wanted to remind everyone, that I still think of one of my heroes. Actually, there are 2 on my mind today. Lyndon King and Greg Hunter are on my mind. There really isn't anything else to say. I'm just thinking of my brothers. I'll never forget the things we did together, and I'm grateful for ALL of them...the good times and the bad times. I'm so grateful you both knew Jesus here; because, I know you NOW know Jesus face to face. God bless those you left behind you guys. Old man Burton (Go figure. I'm OLD now.) loves you both.

Sgt. Steve Burton (Retired)
Bartlesville Police Department and
Grand Prairie Police Department

Sergeant (Ret)
Bartlesville Police Department

January 30, 2018

34 years ago today my friend. That shift will be in my memory forever. We had such good times, no matter what rotation we were on with Sgt McClaskey's shift!

Don Wills P054
Grand Prairie Police Department

March 1, 2016

Officer King,

I came on the Department shortly after your passing. Ron Davis was one of my Training Officers and you were frequently discussed, always in a positive light. Your memory was still very much alive.

I don't know how many wrecks I have worked on I-30, but, I never got a scratch. Sadly, your sacrifice may have made a difference for me. I knew how fast it could happen, and your memory kept me motivated to stay alert, know whats going on around me and be ready to react. I'm betting alot of GPPD Officers did the same.

We are in a new building. Your name is proudly, though sadly, etched on the wall as a permanent reminder to all of your duty and your sacrifice.

You will never be forgotten by the Grand Prairie Police Department.

Sergeant 127
Grand Prairie Police Department

January 9, 2014

Officer King,

I came on the Department shortly after your passing. Ron Davis was one of my Training Officers and you were frequently discussed, always in a positive light. Your memory was still very much alive.

I don't know how many wrecks I have worked on I-30, but, I never got a scratch. Sadly, your sacrifice may have made a difference for me. I knew how fast it could happen, and your memory kept me motivated to stay alert, know whats going on around me and be ready to react. I'm betting alot of GPPD Officers did the same.

We are in a new building. Your name is proudly, though sadly, etched on the wall as a permanent reminder to all of your duty and your sacrifice.

You will never be forgotten by the Grand Prairie Police Department.

Sergeant 127
Grand Prairie Police Department

January 9, 2014

I inaccurately listed the anniverary year of your death in my previous reflection. This is actually the 30th anniversary of your death and I am sure you have been missed each day of those thirty years.

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

March 1, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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.


I pray for solace for those who love and remember you. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you. I can see that you were truly an amazing man to have left such vivid memories .

Rest In Peace

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

March 1, 2012

Thanks for your 6 years of services, Lyndon.

David

February 23, 2012

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

Remembering your sacrifice today. My heart goes out to all who still love and miss Lyndon.

RIP brother.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

March 1, 2011

Merry Christmas Officer King.

Anonymous

December 25, 2010

I was working around the house tonight and heard Lyndon King's name on the 10 o'clock news. It stopped me in my tracks! I was in junior high with Lyndon. I remember him as a guy that everybody liked. He was funny and friendly with all of us. I drove through Grand Prairie today. So many memories after all of these years! God Bless you and your family!

Bob Sossamon
Grand Prairie Schoolmate

May 10, 2010

It has been over 28 years since your tragic, untimely and unnecessary death. Thank you for your dedication, service, and ultimate sacrifice. You will FOREVER be a HERO and will NEVER be forgotten!

Sergeant, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

March 23, 2010

Lyndon, Jimmy thought alot of you, not only you, but your Dad and Mom. He left a little over a month ago and now he is with you in heaven. Please take good care of him. love you....

Anonymous

June 18, 2009

I began my career as an officer in G.P. in 1978. I had the privilege of knowing Lyndon in our job as well as playing softball with him. He was a man of great integrity, caring, and always seemed upbeat. Raised by 2 eventual Jurist so he was a natural as a police officer. His death was caused by a drunk driver. His widowed wife was left to raise their infant son. The wife continued to work for the P.D. and city court, the son has made Lyndon proud as he works in E.M.S. Let's keep Lyndons' memory alive as he is truly a HERO.

Retired P.O. Stephen Courson
Grand Prairie P.D.

March 25, 2009

Dear Michael,

I started work as a Grand Prairie Police Officer in April of 1981. There were only 2 of us (Kathy Hummel and me) in training. Kathy had been working at the police dept. for some time in other capacities, so she had a decided edge over me. I was just an innocent kid in those days and really had a lot of trouble getting through some of my field training. My training officers, Bill Barrett, Ron Davis, and finally Don Wills really rode me hard!

One late night, I was walking through the front lobby at 801 Conover, and your dad was leaning against the counter talking to one of the PBX operators. He was holding his report clip pad in one hand, and he appeared to be quite busy collecting information for a report. In spite of this, Lyndon noticed me, turned around and walked over to me with his hand out to shake mine. I was coming to work in kind of a down mood, and I'd really been thinking about just giving up. Lyndon took my hand and greeted me with a big smile. I intended to do the "Hi. Bye." thing, but he sensed I needed a friend and held on! Lyndon actually straight out asked me "You havin' a hard time with your trainin'?" I was shocked and just spilled my guts to him.

You know what he did? He invited me to come ride with him while he worked S.T.E.P., so we could talk. (We could do that in training back then.) I did, and he told me about some problems he and other officers had experienced in their training. I was shocked to hear they'd gone through the same stuff! Your dad played a significant role in convincing me to stick it out.

On Lyndon's last night on earth, I found him in the same place (the lobby), and we greeted each other the same way as we had the night he discovered I needed encouragement. I still vividly remember Lyndon turning and walking away toward the west door to go to work. I never imagined that in just a few short hours from that moment, I would be one of the first officers to arrive at that accident scene.

I was blessed to serve on the Honor Guard at Lyndon's funeral, and I still keep a photo. of Officer Joe Bellino and I guarding his body at First Methodist Church. On the day of that service, the music of Taps took on a new meaning, and my mind races back to that beautiful service in honor of your precious father.

In closing, my memories of your father are of a man who was sensitive enough to recognize when someone was in need of a knowing person to listen and commiserate. I remember a man who loved his precious mother (Yes, I knew your sweet grandmother, Ann, as well.), his wife (Please give my love to Carolyn.), and his little baby boy. He talked more about you than his job! I would have honored your father and your family with this message sooner, but I just chanced on this site by accident tonight.

I pray you and your family are well, and I hope you know that your earthly father is in the care of his Heavenly Father. As all of us who know Christ as their Savior do, I look forward to the day the circle will be unbroken, and we are all in God's presence together!

With love,
Steve Burton (Previously Id. #129 & P059)

Officer Steve Burton
Bartlesville P.D., Ok. and past G.P.P.D. Officer

January 27, 2009

"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

February 7, 2008

I worked with your son for almost a year and I remember liking him immediately; having lost my own father at a young age, Mike and I had something in common. I think you would be very proud of the person he became. He was always smiling and laughing; when he found out he was going to be a father he was ecstatic. I don't see him much anymore, but I will always think of him as a friend. Reading the things people wrote about their own memories of you, I see where Mike got to be the man he is.

Anonymous
former coworker of Mike

December 4, 2007

It has been over 24 years since you were called away from duty and I know you are still thought of every single day by your loved ones and close friends. You will never be forgotten by those that love you nor will the Blue Family ever let you be forgotten. From reading your reflections, I am so glad that your son has become a public servant and I'm sure he is proud of his father who is a hero and will always be remembered as one. I can tell that you kept watch over him and even though you were not here in body, your were in spirit to keep him on the right path in life. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 14, 2006

Michael,

My memories of your family go back to the 1960's. As a little girl, my father Ken Smartt was a dear friend of your grandfather. I remember only knowing him as the "Judge". Any time I saw him, I only remember saying, Hi Judge. I remember the day your grandfather died. The phone rang and my mother began to cry. I went to your grandfather's services. My father took me to the limo and I gave your grandmother a big hug and kiss. I was so proud that she took over your grandfather's position. In the summer, when school was out, I would work at my father's office, and when we would go to the tax office, we would always stop in and say hello to Judge King, your grandmother. I was about 12 years old at this time. I'm not shy. I am 49 years old.

I was born in 1958. In 1959, my father Ken Smartt, started Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. At this time, there were only about 8 officers in the entire department. Each summer, I would attend Law Day at Lions Club and see all of the officer's. I periodically would see your dad on the street, and my dad would point him out. Years, went by, one evening my family was having dinner at the Mexican Restaurant at Dalworth and Main. Lyndon was in eating dinner, as we finished dinner, the hostess came to us and said our check had been taken care of. Lyndon had bought our dinner. He came to the table before that, said hello, but never mentioned anything else. My father was murdered July 18, 1980. We owned Smartt Finance Company on N. E. 4th. I was 20 when this happened and took over the company and continued the business until I chose to teach at SGPHS in 1984. In the years to follow, they named the supervisor award after dad, The Ken Smartt Memorial Award, and our family continued to support that event for years. My father's murder was never solved and today is still suspended, no suspects. I can acknowledge frustration with Carolyn. I remember when your mom and dad married. I thought she was very lucky. Lyndon was a great officer. He was very courteous, kind, and always joined in on the fun. In 1981, I began the process of joining the department as a reserve officer. I was tagged the first female officer hired in GP. I remember fun times on the street at night with Lyndon, and others: Johnny Hicks, Rick White, Ron Davis, and many more. The reserves at that time, were about 40 in numbers. We all would go out patrol, take care of the county line and then things would get very quiet about 3 am. We would then meet and have breakfast, drive around and do fun things to keep each other awake, until shift was over, but those were the good days, and things in Grand Prairie were not what they are today. We all played softball together. We had girls, men, and coed teams. It was a fun time for all the officers and wives, to get together and know each other. Carolyn and I played on teams together. The night your father was killed, I was in bed with the flu. You were about 18 months. I received a phone call from a friend who had passed the accident. She called to tell me someone had been killed. I had no idea it was Lyndon until I called the station. Everyone was in shock, crying, and doing the best they could to keep going.

Your dad's funeral was at First Methodist and it was packed. I am sure I cried as much at your father's funeral as my own father's. When you were a little older, the police association had an awards banquet. The table was long and covered in blue. I remember you asking your mom if your dad was under that table. It looked something like the size of a casket. I continued to keep in contact with your grandmother for years and years. I remember the day, your father was recognized as Lions Club awardee. I was so proud for him. Periodically, I would see you at various events and did at the last Memorial Service. You look so much like your dad. I see so many genetic features. I know he is so proud of you and your accomplishments. Thank you for letting me share my memories of Lyndon with you. I know that he, my dad, and your grandparents are together in Heaven and we some day will join them too.

Tami Ratterree
Grand Prairie Police Reserve Officer

Tami Smartt Ratterree
Grand Prairie Police Department

July 22, 2006

I did not know Lyndon but was hired shortly after the incident. I remember how all the other officer's and citizens alike talked of him. He was respected by all. I remember hearing other officer's say that he was an honest man and great cop and I just don't think a man can have a better compliment than that. Lyndon has not been forgotten by this department and citizens who knew him. When I was in training, Lyndon was held up to me as an example to follow if I expected to be a good cop here. When the instructors at the police academy found out I was going to be a Grand Prairie Police Officer, they informed me that I had some mighty big shoes to attempt to fill if I was going to be half the police officer Lyndon was. I am sorry I missed knowing him on earth, but one day I will have the honor of meeting him in heaven and I cant wait to sit and talk with him.

Detective Mitch Szempruch
Grand Prairie Police Department

June 1, 2006

I can remember as a kid my father taking me to the Ranger games with a bunch of other Police Officers and the Eddelmon boys. I made sure that I ALWAYS sat next to Lyndon because he treated me as a equal and not as a kid and he would by me whatever I wanted to eat and I assure you it was A LOT lol. I bet Lyndon had to work a few hours of STEP just to feed me. Every time I walk thru the Lobby of the PD I always stop at Lyndon's picture and think back to those days as a kid and all I can do smile and remember what a good man Lyndon was and the memories he left with me as a kid.

Detention Officer M.D. McClaskey
GPPD

May 19, 2006

It has been 24+ years since Lyndon was taken from us, the GPPD family. I always thought Lyndon was a true good-guy. I remember how unfair it seemed that he was taken and the other guy survived, just to go to jail. One of the most important highlights of my police career occurred when I received the "Lyndon King Award" from the Grand Prairie Police Association in 1987. To this day I still feel it is my greatest privilege to have received an award that memorialized our good friend Lyndon King.

Detective JD Hicks
Grand Prairie Police Dept

May 19, 2006

My first day as a Grand Prairie Police officer was August 1, 1980. I met Lyndon not long afterwards. Back then we were a small department and it did not take long before I knew each and every one of our Police Officers.

I have heard it said "you never get a second chance to make a first impression." Lyndon King made a life-long and lasting impression on me as a new, rookie police officer. Some of our officer's made me feel like a rookie. Not Lyndon; he took me under his wing and made me feel like there was nothing I could not talk to him about.

He loved his wife and son. I knew both his mother and father, who had both served for as long as I could remember as the Justice of the Peace in Grand Prairie.

The flag pole in front of our Police station is dedicated by Lyndon and his mother (Judge Ann King) in loving memory of his father, Judge E.C. King. Lyndon's mother took over as the Justice of the Peace after Lyndon's father passed away.

I have experienced two of our police officers being killed in the line of duty and both men were the kind of a man each mother or father would want their daughters to marry. It always seems to be the Lord takes men who were excellent family men, trusted friends and professional policeman. Lyndon was all of that and more.

Each year the local Lion's club sponsors an awards banquet during which awards are presents for rookie of the year, officer of the year, detective of the year etc. In October of 1980 I attended my very first Lion's Club awards banquet. Although I had only been here about three months I approached Lyndon before the banquet and told him I thought he would win the award for officer of the year.

Then the announcement came that Lyndon had indeed been honored as the officer of the year for the Grand Prairie Police Department for 1980. I was not at all surprised.

Lyndon King embodied all that a wonderful man, father, husband and police officer should be. A fine example for all to see. Although I only knew Lyndon for 21 months, his memory has not dimished in my mind. Carolyn and his son, Michael are still in the area and occasionally I get to see them. Lyndon has to be looking down on his son with a great big smile, Michael is an excellent young man.

There are only 16 police officers still working here who were police officers in Grand Prairie on the fatal March 1982 day; but I hope others will follow my lead and add their reflections and memories to this website.

Sergeant Alan Patton
Grand Prairie Police Department

May 19, 2006