Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I graduated patrol school in 1978 with Trooper Ladner. He was one of the better Cadets in our school. Trooper Ladner put his life on line for the law in which his oath of office required him to do. May we never forget the sacrifices he made for all. God bless those of his family... I can still she those bright piercing blue eyes with that teeth showing smile he had...Sooo long ago... may we meet again in the Bye and Bye......Hays Stewart

Master Sgt. Hays Stewart
Mississippi Highway Patrol

April 12, 2020

May you rest in peace and fly with the angels Trooper Ladner. I am sincerely sorry for the circumstances that caused your untimely death. To the Ladner family, my deepest sympathies for the loss of such an amazing person.

Anonymous

January 30, 2020

R.I.P. Bruce everyone misses you especially Randy Sibley.
We know that you are with the angels in heaven and one day we will see you again.

Tom Fairley
Former Bay St Louis PD

October 10, 2018

Rest in peace Trooper Ladner. Your bravery was appreciated. I was wondering if you were related to basketball player, Wendell Ladner kille di na 1975 plane crash in New Orleans.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 1, 2018

Trooper Ladner, your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to The Great State of Mississippi and the citizens you were sworn to protect! You will never be forgotten! Continue to rest in peace my fellow "RedLeg"!
"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

April 12, 2017

My heart and prayers go out to Bruce Ladners family. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. I took the 2 things to court and it was not easy... May God be with all of you. I am very sorry that he was taken from such a great family. Rest In Peace Trooper Bruce Ladner.

Deputy Donna Hebert Rodgers
HCSO

April 13, 2016

Everyday I pass the sign on Ms Hwy 49 near the intersection of hwy 53 and 49. The bright blue sign in the sunrise that was dedicated to State Trooper David Bruce Ladner. I will never forget the name. Rip Trooper Ladner.

Peyton Jones 14 years old.

October 13, 2015

Wow, I remember so much when this happened. Mr. Bruce and my uncle were best friends since high school and we were attending the same church. Not too long before this, I was having some family issues and having a rough go at it, and one Sunday Mr. Bruce came and got me out of the pew and took me to the alter with his family to pray. He told me that if I ever needed anything, to let him know. That's how I remember him, as an awesome father to his children. It's a memory that made a great impact on my life. Many thanks to your service and sacrifice, Mr. Bruce.

Teddie Gartman, III
Family friend

April 14, 2015

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to The State of Mississippi Trooper Ladner! Continue to Rest in Peace Fellow "RedLeg"!
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, Troop D

April 12, 2015

Thank you Trooper Ladner for your service to the Great State of Mississippi! You will never be forgotten! Rest in Peace fellow "RedLeg"!

TFC Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol

May 28, 2014

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten. We remember you today as well as the sacrifices of your survivors.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

April 12, 2014

Rest in peace, Brother. God bless you and God bless the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Department

August 11, 2013

He was my cousin. My father new him well. May they both rest in peace. Thank you for all your sacrifices! You will always be a hero!

Linda L. Ladner
Cousin

December 13, 2012

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 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 solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflection.

Rest In Peace.

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

April 12, 2012

Rest in peace, Brother. God Bless you.

A Texas StreetCop #614

Anonymous

December 1, 2010

In May of 1986 my wife and I were rearended by an 18 wheeler on I-10 and my wife was killed.Trooper Ladner apprended the truck which did not stop. A short time later I met Bruce in the salvage yard where he helped me retrieve personal items from my car.He was kind,understanding and the picture of professional empathy.I wondered "where does the State find such men?". Bruce was indeed a rising star in the law enforcement world.Less than a year later Bruce was senselessly shot at the scene of my accident by young people fleeing Florida.I think of him often and pray for his family. He has been a source of inspiration to me all these years.Trooper David Bruce Ladner--- a true HERO.

Anonymous

October 25, 2010

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 on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

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

April 12, 2010

We continue to remember you sir. Thanks for all you did for our community.

Deputy Sheriff
Covinton County Sheriff's Dept. (Ms)

March 10, 2010

May you rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
HCSO

August 5, 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

December 3, 2007

Trooper Ladner-Although I was not privledged to know you personally, I have policed with your son for several years. I respect the ultimate sacrafice that you gave and honor you and your family for a job well done. Your son, Brandon, is a fine example of heritage that you left upon your death. He is a exceptional police officer. Thank you for your service and I pray for peace for your family.

Sergeant Travis T. Foreman
Waveland Police Department

May 1, 2007

I visited Finley Cemetery today to photograph the grave of a "loved one" for a person I have never met. While searching for the grave, I came across yours and was moved to remembrance of your trgic death and the circumstances surrounding it. You have left a huge hole in our community and our hearts. Thank you for serving our community and making the ultimate sacrifice. Your legacy is in your children who have turned out well.

Jim Fullilove
Citizen

December 19, 2006

A sulute to your service and dedication Trooper Ladner, Never Forgotten.

Patrol Officer
Chesterfield County Police Dept., VA

November 19, 2006

Brother Ladner,
I want to thank you for your service to Mississippi. Your tragic death is a reminder to everyone of how dangerous our job in law enforcemnt can be. The thing that murdered you will never hurt anyone ever again. Your son is a fine man who fights the good fight everyday as a motivated professional. As you watch him from above, I know your spirit guides him along the way and keeps him sharp. God bless you brother. You are not forgotten.

Captain
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics

March 4, 2006

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

April 12, 2005