Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I never had the pleasure of meeting you officer Konopasek. I see your headstone regularly. My Mom and Grandparents are very close to your resting location and your picture on your headstone caught my attention years ago. I was a young Deputy when this tragic incident occurred and remembered hearing about it when the incident memo was posted on our board. I always pay my respects to you when leaving flowers for my family that's there. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice RIP.

Retired Deputy Vaughn Anthony
Civilian

January 10, 2024

28 years and counting since you were taken away from us. Keith's funeral was the first for a friend lost in the line of duty.

He had the quickest humor and was the best boat driver in our unit.

He was serious when he explained how he was going to pursue a law enforcement career. He buckled down with the books, raced through the coursework and was quickly accepted into the academy.

I remain proud of how he carried himself as he began working patrol.

Keith, the impact you've had on the lives of our Army Reserve family is still strong.
God Speed brother!

MAJ Patrick Washington (Ret)
US Army Reserves

July 15, 2023

I was Keith's watch commander that day. After roll call he came to my office to discuss taking leave for his upcoming wedding and honeymoon. I told him we would work it out for him. I saw him again a few hours later as they were loading him into the ambulance, and again an hour or so later when he had died. His nickname in the academy was "Paper or Plastic" from his previous work as a supermarket checker. A good man, and I still cry for him.

Deputy Chief Patrick Haw
Oakland Police Department

October 19, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 8, 2020

Officer Konopasek,
On today, the 25th 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 U.S. Army Reserve. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 8, 2020

I met Keith through a friend when we all went on a backpacking trip. It was a great trip and I really enjoyed getting to know Keith. Keith was excited about his new job as an Oakland PD Officer. Sadly, I never got to hang out with Keith again since he was killed a few months later. To find out years later that his killer was acquitted was simply insult to injury. May Keith Rest In Peace.

SA Meyers
DHS

January 5, 2020

I didn’t know you well, but you impressed upon me your jovial and nurturing ways during our time together in the US Army Reserves. You are missed and you have inspired me to try and make up the difference.

Spec. Bob Gutierrez
USAR

July 11, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 23rd anniversary of your EOW.

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

July 8, 2018

You may be gone Keith but you're definitely not forgotten. May you RIP and know that I look forward to seeing you again when my time is up. God Bless.

Old Friend
n/a

February 16, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 15, 2015

Every year since 2009 I have made the blue ribbons with the 51 names of the Oakland Police Officers who have died in the line of duty. It is my honor to do this for the fallen officers. The ribbons hang on a tree outside the Warehouse Bar and Grill in Oakland, California for all to see the sacrifice they have made to keep us safe. God bless you all and rest in peace.

A grateful citizen

February 24, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Konopasek. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 16, 2012

Officer Konopasek, your service and sacrifice are much appreciated. You will not be forgotten. Thank you.

C. Yarbrough
Citizen

July 8, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 14th anniversary year 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.

Three days ago I attended the memorial service for your four fallen OPD brothers who joined you after being shot on the darkest day of OPD history.

Phyllis Loya

Phylllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 30, 2009

Keith,

Three more of your OPD brothers were killed today. I know you met them at the gates, help watch over their families and friends. I think of you and the others I've lost often. May you all rest in peace.

Michael D Peterson, S.O.D.
Irving Police Department, Texas

March 22, 2009

"Big Red":

May Your Soul Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

July 8, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

May 2, 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

On the 12th anniversary of Officer Konopasek's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Konopasek is not forgotten.

Agent Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

July 10, 2007

Officer Konopasek served and defended both his Nation, the State of California, and the people of Oakland. He laid his life down to protect the community for which he served. Thank you Officer Konopasek for your dedication and ultimate sacrafice. God Bless the Konopasek family.

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department - Bayview District

March 13, 2007

I served with Keith in the Army Reserves for several years. I was on my way out the door to celebrate my wife's birthday when I heard that an officer in Oakland had been shot. It wasn't until I returned home later that evening and was watching the news that I learned it was Keith. My mind told me that it couldn't be true, but there was no mistaking the last name. Keith's funeral was the first one I attended for a friend killed in the line of duty. Unfortunately, it wasn't the last. May there be no more......rest in peace Keith. God bless.

Michael Peterson, Patrolman
Irving Police Department, Texas

December 1, 2005

Rest In Peace Warrior... Your sacrifice will not be forgotten...May your Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends have Peace in their Hearts..

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp P.D. Lewisburg, Pa.

July 9, 2005

God Bless You RIP

Sgt. Keith Payne
Lake LBJ MUD PD

October 19, 2003

“For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know”