LaPorte Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch Friday, September 9, 1988
Reflections for Sergeant Richard Jacob Lawrence
Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
September 9, 2020
I knew Dick from my time at the Sheriff's Department. He was a quiet, thoughtful guy who was always on an even keel. His death brought home to a lot of us that gunfire and vehicle accidents were not the only on duty dangers. Rest in peace Dick, you're still remembered.
Major (Ret.) Dennis Bernth
LaPorte County Sheriff's Department
September 9, 2019
Rest in Peace, Sergeant Lawrence. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
April 5, 2013
Thank you sir for your 16 years of service. Rest in Peace my friend.
La Porte Citizen
September 9, 2009
Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty -first 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.
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
Anonymous
September 9, 2009
Rest, brother.
Cpl Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police
June 17, 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
January 9, 2008
Thank you, sir.
Policemen
Boston PD, Boston MA
February 4, 2006
Thank you Sir for your 16 years of service, professionalism and courage.
Detective T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police
August 9, 2004
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