Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Mawaka, it has been 51 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement continues to serve and protect and make life secure for our part of the country. I honor your 9 years of law enforcement service to the citizens of Springfield.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

October 30, 2024

Officer Mawaka, it has been 50 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your law enforcement service

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

October 30, 2023

Officer Mawaka,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Springfield. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 30, 2023

Forever loved, cherished and missed... Your loss continues to cut deeply though my memories of you bring such joy. Your legacy lives on in your children, your grandchildren and all of those who love you most. So very proud and grateful to have you for my dad.

Kimberly
Daughter

February 16, 2018

it's now been 42 years and it's so wonderful to see family and friends staying in touch. God Bless you, Brother and keep the streets of Heaven safe.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

October 30, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41st anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 2, 2014

You will always live in my heart,with dad and mom.


Brother Phil

May 25th 2013

Pastor Philip Mawaka
Brother

April 24, 2013

39 years...You live on in our hearts.... Miss you dad.

Laura
Daughter

October 30, 2012

You live on in our hearts and minds,you always will, your family and friends remember the way you lived, Thank you Mo

kevin callahan
family friend

June 23, 2012

Dad, Please watch over your newest angel in heaven, his family left behind, and the rest of his family in blue... <3 Love and miss you.

Laura
Daughter

June 5, 2012

<3

Laura Mawaka
Daughter

May 17, 2012

Brother, you have truly been missed these many years. Jesus my savior has comforted me and all you left behind.Hope to see you soon.

Love Butch

Pastor Philip F Mawaka
Brother

January 25, 2011

Rest in Peace motorman. You will never be forgotten. The person that caused your death will be found. Thank you for your service sir.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
CMPD Charlotte, North Carolina

February 10, 2010

I will never forget the times when you would stop by our house on Vadnais st on your Harley and deputize me and my older brother to keep watch of your Harley while you would be on your coffee break talking with my Dad and Mom. Thanks Mo,thanks for letting me and my brother be the coolest kids on the block. I will never forget you.

Kevin Callahan
Close Friend of the family

July 2, 2009

I think of "Mo" often.I remember the night.My father,a Firefighter was a close friend,Our families close. We were with the kids the next day,I didn't know what to say.The oldest of three daughters Laura,was 11, my age. She reminded me of her father, and I felt so bad for her,and Wendy & Kim and his wife Claire. I hear Laura has a son Paul, I was happy to hear that. 36 yrs ago,still like yesterday. I've kept him in my thoughts and prayers and I know he's still with us. In our hearts and thoughts always.

Robert Callahan, Jr
Close family friend

June 24, 2009

Officer Mawaka,
On today, the 35th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Springfield. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

October 30, 2008

For those who want to see, and remember, I have added your photograph. Your family misses you.

Laura A Mawaka
Daughter

September 4, 2008

I think of you often, and look to you for guidence. You have helpe me through some hard times. Keep watch over us. I miss you daddy.

Laura A Mawaka
Daughter

September 3, 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

February 18, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

October 29, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

October 30, 2006

Officer Mawaka, today marks the 33rd anniversary of your tragic death. Springfield is a wonderful city and has so much to offer; however it’s also a very troubled city due to crime. Its current Police Department tries to protect the city and does a phenomenal job in spite of the lack of adequate manpower in its ranks. Though you left this world so long ago, you, were never truly replaced and the loss of so many fine officers over the years has only contributed to Springfield’s current problems. Thank you for your service and efforts.

God Bless you and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

October 30, 2006

Rest in peace motorman.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

October 28, 2003