Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

December 21, 2019

I served with Butch Laws in 1978 for about a tear. Shortly after I left the dept. he was killed. I attended his funeral. I remember it like it was yesterday. Greta guy.

Fred Erben Patrolman(Res)
TCSO

August 22, 2018

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty-two 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 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

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

December 20, 2011

"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 5, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 11, 2007

I am in the Cedar Park Police Department Honor Guard and participated in a ceremony recently where a park was dedicated to you. The William T. Laws Jr. City Park. It was a good turn out. The Austin Police Pipe and Drum Core participated as well. I have been with the department for over 8 years and your story is told to every new officer. The original painting of the one on this web site, is hanging on a wall near a front enterance of the police station. I give several tour of our facility and I make it a point to show your picture and tell your story. You live on within the Cedar Park Police Dept.

Cedar Park Police Dept.

March 10, 2006

Brother Laws,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

January 18, 2006

I was 11 years old when Officer Laws was killed. My father was a State Trooper at the time and when he came home to tell us what had happened, it was the first time I remember seeing him cry. Officer Laws was a good friend to our family and his loss was devastating. The city just recently dedicated a park in his memory. You are not forgotten.

Tx DPS

November 3, 2005

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

Rest in peace.

December 20, 2004

I RECENTLY HAD THE HONOR OF TALKING WITH YOUR FATHER, HE STILL SPEAKS OF YOU, AND WE ALL SHOULD BE SO LUCKY TO BE REMEMBERED WITH SUCH LOVING WORDS, REST IN PEACE, KNOWING YOUR MEMORY STILL LIVES ON.

APD

August 12, 2004

I agree with a previous writer who wrote “No officer’s death should be without reflection.” It is an honor to be the first to leave a reflection in your memory. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

February 19, 2004