Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

40 years ago today, so hard to believe! The memories of that day are still so vivid. I think of you every day. You will always be my hero!

Love you always and forever...

Lisa
Daughter

November 15, 2017

I had the opportunity to meet the widow and son of Deputy Chief Mayerle today. They certainly miss their husband and father. Thank you for your honorable service and for sacrificing your life to arrest a robbery suspect. You are missed, and will never be forgotten.

Ofc Tom Pitzl
Roseville PD

July 4, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th 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

November 15, 2011

Miss you!

Anonymous

January 29, 2010

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

November 28, 2007

"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

November 28, 2007

It is hard to believe you have been gone thirty years. Your children are grown and you would be proud of them. You also have a beautiful little granddaughter who has your surname.We still love you and may you rest in peace

mary ellen
wife

November 16, 2007

It is hard to believe that today marks the 30 year anniversary of you being taken away from us. It seems like yesterday. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I just wish I would have had the chance to say good-bye and tell you that I love you. I know you are watching over us.

daughter

November 15, 2007

I remember the day "Donny Milo" died. My father, Don Lindahl who was also a Keewatin Police officer, told me. My grandfather, Sig Lindahl, was the Keewatin Police Chief for many years. I have been a police dispatcher for 11 years now. Our neighboring city just had their second police officer killed in the line of duty this year. Hits close to home since I grew up with all the police friends of my dad's and now the police department has become my career. The officers were one big family as I grew up and it is still that way today. You are all heroes! Rest in Peace Donny. You, my dad and grandfather now patrol the heavens.

Diann (Lindahl)
friend of family

December 5, 2006

This is the 29th anniversary of your death. Little did the children and I realize we wouldn't see you again and never got a chance to say good-bye and tell you we loved you. Peace be with you and may the perpetual light shine upon you.

Mary Ellen Mayerle
wife

November 15, 2006

Dad.....There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I remember that day so vividly 29 years ago. You were my hero then and you are my hero now. I ran into many of your old friends at the 100 year celebration. It is such a wonderful feeling that so many people loved and respected you. What hurts the most is how fondly your friends and family talk about you. It hurts in a GOOD way because you have touched so many people. When your name was mentioned tears came to their eyes. When I told them that I am Donny Milo's daughter they wanted to give me a hug. All I can say is that I am proud to be your daughter. I miss you so much and it truly hurts my heart that I missed out on growing up without my dad, MY HERO. You will NEVER be forgotten. All my love.....your "little Lisa Potica"

Lisa
Daughter

November 15, 2006

It's really hard to believe that it's been such a long time since you left us, Don. You were always one of my very favorite people and have been a good friend to everyone in our family. I am so sorry that your children had to grow up without you in their lives and that they didn't get to know you and love you as the rest of us did. I have so many fond memories of growing up in Keewatin and seeing you at our house in Hayes and at your house at the barbecues and other family get togethers. You will always have a special place in my heart and will not be forgotten.

A grateful friend always -

Virginia

Virginia (Carroll) Johnson
friend of the family

November 15, 2006

Someone so special...
...can never be forgotten.

You are so sadly missed.
didi

friend

November 15, 2006

My Friend Don(Popsie)

I have very fond memories of knowing you as a young man. I was a caddy for you on the golf course, washed your Mercury's and Army jeep. You had a great sense of humor. My friends and I loved you. By the way, on Keewatin's 100th celebration(you would have loved to have been there),
I had the pleasure of meeting your wife and all three of your children. You would be proud of them, Don

Sincerely,
Your friend,
Jim DeFonso
11 Pond Street
Waltham,Mass. 02451

Jim DeFonso
Friend

July 5, 2006

Rest easy, Brother; you are not forgotten.

Sgt. Barbara L. Beland
Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN USA

November 15, 2004