Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Randy was one of my first field training officers. He was patient and professional as well as passionate about policing. I recall an incident in which we were EOW in the locker room when a request for assistance sent him back out the door into the back seat of a responding unit. He took the initiative to disarm a mentally unstable woman with a knife without injury to her or anyone else. Randy was a good man and a great Police Officer.

Sergeant Brett Papworth (retired)
Los Angeles Police Department

May 31, 2023

Randy & I worked on the “duece watch “ at CTD Motors for a few years. I eventually transferred to Narcotics, Central Bureau, but we remained in touch. I found him to be one of the most professional people in law Enforcement I encountered. Randy was my partner and a close friend. God Bless you Randy.
Doug Urschel, Det. II, Cent. Bur. Narcotics, ret.

Detective II DOUG URSCHEL
LAPD, rtd. Partner, Friend

February 1, 2023

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement family. Rest in peace always.

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

June 2, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Marshall.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 5, 2020

When I was with Randy I was the only one and he only had 2 beautiful girls that he always spoke so highly of , and everyone only knew about 2 girls not 3 and it’s not ever been confirmed and since he is gone they is nothing to confirm ,now,in the year 2016 I have been reunited with these 2 beautiful ladies .

Civilian - Sandy Margolis
LAPD , civilian Property Division Girlfriend

June 14, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 31st anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 2, 2018

I lost a dear friend that day. R.I.P. You are not forgotten

Karon Hudson/LAPD/Civilian/Friend

May 31, 2018

I remember the day officer Marshall died....June the second was a Tuesday and I was attending the Los Angeles police department motor school at the airport grounds of the Ontario airport....after this incident I felt the instructors were a little harder on our class of twenty seven prospective motor officers.....

James lopez
Gardena police

January 3, 2017

RIP Officer Marshall. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff LASD
Class 295

June 2, 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

June 2, 2015

The last words he said to me was, "Gayleen, I have something I want tell you..I'll be right back..."
As I wondered what he was going to tell me, the word hit the Van Nuys station like a tornado, Randy was down. I'd just seen him a few minutes before he'd
rushed off in his usual 80MPH style - and the he was gone..
But never forgotten by anyone lucky to have known him, not ever. He's one of those special souls that burns into your heart. I'm sure his legacy of strength, humor and dedication lives on in his family, his genes are too strong to disappear.
Rest easy, my Friend, your family and friends keep your fire burning.

policewoman
LAPD

May 17, 2015

Randy, it was an honor to of had the pleasure of working with you! You were a true inspiration.

Sergeant
LAPD

September 9, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th 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 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

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

November 15, 2012

Randy was one of my first field training officers. I will always remember our time in a Blk/Wht together. Rest in peace partner, God Bless.

Sgt. Brett Papworth
LAPD (Ret)

June 3, 2012

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

Officer 11169

January 14, 2012

Officer Marshall - Thanks for your service to the people of Los Angeles. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 16, 2010

This is about the third or fourth time I've tried to write in here. I hope I can complete it this time. I was an LAPD Explorer in Van Nuys from 1977-1983. I knew Randy as he was our Advisor's husband, and we had the privilege of his company on many trips. Whitewater rafting, horseback riding, he even taught me how to ski on our first ski trip. He was one of those "great to be with" people. Even though he was old enough to be my father, (almost) he treated me and the other Explorers like kid brothers, always trying to teach us things, joining in on pranks, and always there to protect. I still remember coming home that night and hearing the message on the answering machine from a friend informing me and my girlfriend at the time, another former Explorer, that Randy was killed in an accident. We hardly slept that night. While I didn't go to LAPD, Randy, you were one of the people I sought help from in earning my badge. Every time I go to Van Nuys Station, I make sure to say hello to your picture on the wall. I haven't found where they moved it, since I noticed they've re-done the lobby, but I will find it next time I'm there. Be well and Rest In Peace, big brother.

Michael Enright
Special Agent U.S. DHS/ICE & Former LAPD Explorer

July 28, 2009

I just wanted to let your family and friends know that there are many out there who know the pain that you feel today. My brother Roger was killed 4 years ago today on June 2nd. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many folks who care. I pray that God will bless you with many precious happy memories to help fill your heart "especially today".

Judy Coleman
Sister of Roger Lynch

June 3, 2009

Although I never was given the honor of meeting you, I feel like you have been a part of my life for the past 12 years. I am your Son-in-Law, married to your beautiful Daughter (Jennifer Marshall Thayer). I have been in your Daughter's life since 1996 and have heard nothing but honorable stories about you from your entire family. Our own home has several photos of you throughout, one of which is the photo that Officer Gil Contreras captured and referred to in his earlier "reflection."

In 2001, I followed my dreams of becoming an LAPD Officer. I want you to know that you played an important role in my successful completion of the testing process, the Academy, and my probationary period. I would sometimes look up towards the sky and ask for your help through some of the tough times. When times got tough and I felt that I had no more in me, I would just dig a little deeper, and push a little harder, thinking of the ultimate sacrifice that you gave to this city, department, and to your family. Randy all I can say is that you definitely answered my calls for help and then some.

Jennifer and I recently had a Son that we named to honor your memory. I even have a tattoo on my chest to honor you. The tattoo is of you grabbing a hold of the “Grim Reaper” and preventing him from finding me. These are just the little things that I can do to say thank you and to show you what a large impact you have had on my life. Everyday that I strap on my ballistic vest, I sit and ponder to myself that if today is my day to go, than I would be honored if you met me at the gates.

Your Son-in-Law,
Brian Thayer

LAPD Police Officer Brian Thayer
LAPD/ Son-in-Law

January 3, 2009

It's been a long time since my dad was killed and before now I have not spoken out. My sister Jen and I appreciate all the sympathies that have been given to our family. As Jen and I start our own families it's difficult to know that he will not be there to share in the happy times with us.We are both married now and he was not there to walk either of us down the aisle.We must continue life without him. My sister has a baby boy that is named after our dad. It's special to see that the baby now has the Marshall hands just like some of us in the family. Thanks again for all the heart felt messages. Randol Marshall will never be forgotten and he lives on in the hearts of his children, and now his grandson.

Melissa Collins
Daughter

December 1, 2008

ITS BEEN 21 YRS NOW AND I STILL THINK OF THAT TERRIBLE DAY WHEN MY LIFE CHANGED AND NOT FOR THE BETTER.
I'M STILL VERY SAD AND STILL VERY MUCH IN LOVE WITH THAT WONDERFUL MAN RANDY.
I'M GLAD HIS DAUGHTER JENNIFER FOUND THIS SITE ITS VERY NICE TO READ HER COMMENTS,I THINK OFTEN OF HIS TWO GIRLS AND ALL THE FUN WE HAD WHEN THEY WERE LITTLE I HOPE GOD TAKES GOOD CARE OF THEM AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY.
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE LOVER AND FRIEND.

SANDY-RETIRED

RETIRED-SANDY-GIRLFRIEND-LAPD

May 5, 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

December 1, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

June 2, 2007

Brother >> 20 years have past and you have family out here looking for pieces of your life and ways to know the man they hardly got to know.. I pray they find that and that they know in their hearts you are not forgotten...Rest in Peace Motorman !!

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol..Ret

June 2, 2007

My mom told me that Randy's partner told her that he was coming to see me at my grandmothers house in Reseda when the accident happend. I really want to know what happend and who my family is. This is the only way I can contact someone.
Thank you,
Amy

Amy Lena Marshall
daughter

January 10, 2007