Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Koch,
On today, the 40th 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 USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 29, 2024

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

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

July 29, 2020

Art
I was in the United States Air Force stationed at Travis Air Force Base.
At the time I was working part time at J C Penny’s in Fairfield part time as the assistant director of security.
I will never forget that Saturday the day you were killed, we worked a shoplifting case together.
We talked about your up coming promotion and vacation, and then returning to a desk position at the department.
Not a day goes by that I have not thought about your senseless murder.
I have been retired from the Air Force since 1992.

Detective Allen miller
Ward Police Department Ward Arkansas

March 28, 2020

Art
I was in the United States Air Force stationed at Travis Air Force Base.
At the time I was working part time at J C Penny’s in Fairfield part time as the assistant director of security.
I will never forget that Saturday the day you were killed, we worked a shoplifting case together.
We talked about your up coming promotion and vacation, and then returning to a desk position at the department.
Not a day goes by that I have not thought about your senseless murder.
I have been retired from the Air Force since 1992.

Detective Allen miller
Ward Police Department Ward Arkansas

March 28, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Koch.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 23, 2020

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

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 29, 2018

Art.I will always value our short friendship we had.Never forget all the times you tried to get me to transfer over to FPD.Miss our talks.Rest in peace my friend.

Patrol officer
SCCPD,SUISUN CA

September 1, 2017

Daddy,
Myla had her Transitional Kindergarten celebration this morning. For her performance she counted to 15 in Spanish. She looked radiant in front of the crowd and was so proud. It's such a joy to be a parent. Myla is almost the age that I was when you died. I grieve when i think about how small and innocent I was and how much was taken from you, me and our family. I talk about you often to my kids. They call you grandpa Art and ask me if I miss you. I tell them I miss you everyday and that you were an amazing person who helped others. I love you. I wish you could be here as grandpa. You are present in all of our hearts.

Sarah Koch-Schiller
daughter

June 10, 2017

Dear Sarah,
I delivered flowers to your Daddy's mom and dad the day after he was killed. They were living in Vacaville.
It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. They were so kind and comforted ME.
I hope you don't mind, but I share the memory of that morning with others, sometimes.
God bless you. I know it was his last night as a street cop and your family was getting ready to go on vacation the next morning.
Please know that I will never forget him.

Sincerely,
Shirley Hutton

Shirley Hutton
Florist delivery, the next morning

September 5, 2014

Daddy,

I came home tonight and heard Kenny Rogers on the radio. It immediately reminded me of you and I began crying.... Sometimes the tears are hard, but good. It's nice to feel so deeply connected to you during those moments.

As I am confident you know, I am due with my first child today (although she has yet to make an arrival!). I've been thinking a lot about you and wishing that you could be here in person to share in the joy and journey. I am sure you are part of it in your own way and I feel that this very special girl is being sent to us partly because of you! Mom and family are SO excited. You would be so proud of mom - she is the most amazing grandma. Just as I am sure that you would be an amazing grandpa...

I see hummingbirds often in our garden and I think of you each time. I envision their fluttering wings as a wave from you. They will always remind me of you and I feel blessed for these frequent encounters. It calms me.

I think of you often and feel so much of you in me. I can't wait to tell my daughter about the hero that you are.

I love you so much.

Sarah

Sarah
Daughter

September 26, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th 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 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. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I am sure that you are proud that your daughter is continuing your legacy of serving by the great work she has done with the NORCAL COPS chapter and now the national office.

Many years ago I sat in on some of the trial of the man who murdered you, and I remember the anquish visible on the faces of some of your co-workers. In reading your reflections, I can see you made an impact on the lives of many people and that you were well respected. I have always liked the quote "It is not how they died that is important. It is how they lived." Your character seems to exemplify that quote.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 29, 2010

Miss you every day Art. Your children have grown into responsible, fun-loving, fantastic adults. Bobbie did a great job and you should be very proud of all of them. I love you bro.

Pam McGee
Sister

May 14, 2010

Art, I have never forgotten all you taught me when I was a new officer at Fairfield PD. I remember those nights we talked on the phone after I moved on to Seattle PD. What a good friend you were. I remember the calls from FPD dispatch that horrible night. I remember your funeral, I am sure you were proud of how the community and law enforcement family turned out. I have never stopped thinking of you. You are always with me, even if it’s just the picture on my office wall. Last month my wife and I finally got to Washington, D.C., to the Memorial. It was very emotional for both of us. Just after we got back, I got the call I’ve dreaded since I have been in Homicide, a fine young SPD officer, killed by ambush. The flood of pain and memories was tempered by the need to get to work. Once again, a community and law enforcement family came together. My squad of detectives, my department stepped up and worked tirelessly to catch this killer. I hope we’ve made you proud my friend.

Sergeant Bob Vallor
Seattle Police Department

November 23, 2009

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Koch. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Gone but not forgotten

Anonymous

September 9, 2008

I tip my Cowboy Hat to the firefighters and police personnel working on that fateful day!

For one wearing the uniform, nothing is worse than knowing that one of us is down and it is unsafe to approach to conduct an officer rescue. On that fateful day no greater example of police - fire personnel as a team was demonstrated. While an officer rescue was conducted placing fellow officers in the line-of-fire, firefighters also placed themselves in harm's way shooting water in the direction of the last known location of the suspect. It is an incident that should be studied by all involved in teaching tactics.

Devil Dawg:
May Your Soul Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

July 29, 2008

Your service and dedication will not be forgotten. You and by brother Chuck were partners, as well as friends. Several months ago, while talking with Chuck a out his career, I could still see the sadness in his eyes. You touched so many lives, and never will be forgotten.
Gary Timm

Sergeant Gary Timm
Columbus PD-Montana

December 7, 2007

"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

August 28, 2007

Sgt Koch

I never knew you but my wife and I have had the honor of getting to know your beautiful daughter Sarah. You would be so proud of her and the person she has become. I know you are up there watching over her and see all she has done for the other survivors. We have loved spending time with her at the COPS Kids camp this year and in group sessions with her. I know someday you will be together and you can tell her how proud you are. God makes special people every now and than and I think Sarah is one of those very very special people and we love her!

Todd and Steph Thomas

Todd and Stephanie Thomas
COPS Kids

August 6, 2007

Hello Sgt Koch and family, I never really know what to write. I met your daughter Sarah at the candlelight vigil in Wash DC this year (2007). Sad how we all meet each other but I am sure good things will come out of our meeting. I am sure you are very proud of her and her work with the COPS. God Bless. Ellen

Special Agent Ellen Pierson
US ICE

May 16, 2007

It has been 22 years since your were tragically taken from your loved ones. I don't know what brought me to this web site on this day. However, I do believe it was for some reason.

"For those who pledge to uphold it, freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know."

My condolences to Jason and the rest of the Koch family.

N.L.
Richmond Police Department

July 29, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Fairfield Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Sergeant Koch deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Sergeant Koch is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

June 11, 2006

Daddy,

I can't believe it's been 21 years since your death. Not a day goes by that I do not think,of you, and I know that mom, Trisha, and Jason feel the same way. Even though you are not here physicially, you are very much alive within my heart. I see so much of you in the person I have become. I am influenced by you daily in my work as a therapist and in my relationships with friends and family. I feel so honored to be your daughter.

I must say that getting married two months ago was the most difficult thing in my life thus far. I SO BADLY wanted you there to walk me down the aisle. While I was so worried about breaking down with giref during that moment, I actually felt you by my side. You would have been so proud of me and of Jason. He took care of me that day like you would have. Thank you for being with us and giving us the strength to truly enjoy the day. We all felt you there.

Oh daddy, I miss you dearly. I wish so badly that I could hug you, talk with you, and ask you all the questions that I have wanted to throughout the years. I truly believe we will have that chance. Until then, I am comforted and warmed with you in my heart.

I love you. Thank continuing to be with me.

Your daughter, Sarah

December 1, 2005

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. REST IN PEACE BROTHER, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!!

SGT. DANIEL ABRAHAMSON
OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

October 18, 2005

I was a Marine recruiter in Fairfield in the 80's. I met some outstanding Fairfield officers while assigned there. I only wish I could have met Sgt. Koch. Rest in peace Sir.

Sgt. A. Whitney
Yuma County SO, AZ

September 13, 2005