Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Luther,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Sacramento County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 25, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Luther.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 12, 2019

I met Deputy Luther who came to Guest Lecture my high school R.O.P. Admin. of Justice Class,
1974-1975, in Sacramento, CA.

May the Souls of the Faithful Departed, through the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace;
May Light Perpetual Shine upon Them.

jerry+

Fr. Jerry Connors
Chaplain, Federal Bureau of Prisons

February 9, 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

April 25, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service. May the coward who took your life suffer and rot.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 25, 2018

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 26, 2017

I didn't know officer Luther I never got the chance, he was my grandfather, how can I get information on this case? Like names of suspects or a list of things that may have been stolen after he was shot there's reasons why I ask but I need to know these things I can't get any info from the sources I've tried but I know it's gotta be available somehow to me?

stephen Luther

December 7, 2015

Gene:
Gone but not forgotten. Just today retired SSD sergeant
Donald Pelkey (SSD 1961-84) were speaking about you and your so untimely death. You have not been forgotten after all these 33 years and never will.
Rest in Peace my brother.

Senior Inspector-Retired Budd Johnson
United States Marshals Service

June 13, 2013

Rest in Peace, Deputy Luther. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 21, 2012

Deputy Sheriff Luther,
On today, the 31st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Sacramento County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

April 25, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today as we approach the 29th 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. He was shot twice when ambushed on April 23rd when he was on a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, 25 years after you were killed.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officers Larry Lasater

April 25, 2009

Thank You for your service and your untimely (murder) death will never be forgotten.

Detention Deputy G. Carew
Seminole County Sheriff's Office

December 30, 2008

"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

September 20, 2007

Deputy Luther, your story rings so familiar. My brother, too, was shot and killed in an attempt armed robbery. Although on duty, he was working under cover and no one would have ever guessed he was an officer. When the offenders found his weapon and Jay began to identify himself as an officer, he was fired upon and struck in the liver. He fought valiantly for one week before succumbing to his wounds.
I wish peace for your family and eternal rest for you. You will always be remembered as a hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

February 13, 2007

I hope that I will act with the courage that Deputy Luther showed when my time comes. I was only 8 years old when he was killed but he is now an inspiration to me and I hope I can serve my country as well as he served his.

Police Constable Neil Bowles
Metropolitan Police Service England

June 7, 2005

On the 25th anniversary of your passing, you are remembered.

April 25, 2005

I know something of Officer Luther. I shall be anonymous.
That he lived and served has an affect these many years
afterward. Where should we be without him.
In Pace Requiscat.

Anonymous

February 12, 2004

No peace officer is without reflection. Thank you for your service. May your killer be judged with no mercy when it is his/her time. May your family know that you are not forgotten nor will you ever be. God bless.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

December 27, 2003