Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I visited your final resting place today. What a beautiful spot. Thank you for your service, Sheriff Mason.

Sgt. R.B. Myers (Ret.)

October 11, 2022

Rest in peace Sheriff Mason.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 16, 2022

I worked with Virgil while I acted in an ABC-TV show in Silverton. I understand his son Virgil moved to Michigan and would like to see the TV episode we filmed there. I can send it to him if I know where to send it.

William Owen
TV actor

August 12, 2019

Sheriff Mason,
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 San Juan County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 2, 2018

I knew Virgil and the family back in the 60's. He was a good man and fair. He is missed.

Taylor, Foreman
NR Bar Ranch Montana

August 4, 2015

He was my saving grace
One of a kind.
Sorry we lost contact and him!

Jennifer Hancock/Stainbrook
Friend

December 12, 2014

It was a privilege to know Virgil Mason in the 70s. A man truly larger than life.

Vanessa Grimmett
Friend

December 2, 2013

Thank you for your service and doing your part to protect this country and all who live here.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

October 2, 2012

I knew Virgil Mason and will always remember the night he died.
Sincerely,
Richard O.

Richard Ostendorf
friend

May 7, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sheriff Mason. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 28, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd 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
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 2, 2011

God Bless You Virgil........

Billy Fuchs
Family Friend

May 20, 2011

Sheriff Mason - Sounds like you were leading from the front, Sir. Two Fridays ago I stood in the State Assembly chambers when your name was one of the almost 250 read off during a vote regarding next month's Police Memorial Week. You are not forgotten. Thank you for your service to the people of San Juan County and the state of Colorado. 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)

May 4, 2010

"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 9, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

December 3, 2007

Sheriff Mason,
On today, the 27th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of San Juan County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

December 2, 2005