Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. McAteer,
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 La Plata. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 5, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered and honored. Rest In Peace always.

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

July 5, 2020

May you rest in peace Sergeant McAteer. You are not forgotten. Thank you for being that warrior.

Chief Jim Spratlen
Durango Police Department

June 5, 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 13, 2015

Thank you for your service sir.

Deputy B.M. Fender
La Plata County Sheriff's Office

February 16, 2015

Although I never had the blessed opportunity to meet Sgt. McAteer, his wonderful wife Georgie was my babysitter and shared many stories of of her husband and his kindness. In deed he was the love of her life, her soul mate. I honor you Sgt. McAteer, thank you for your bravery, and for giving the ultimate sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.

Kizzi Hogan
daughter in love

November 9, 2013

My mother Georgie is an amazing woman and has always kept my dad Frank alive through her stories. She still suffers the loss of her soul mate and I will never understand how God works in those unfortunate life events. My sister and I were left without a father, my mom without a husband and father for her girls and now our children without a their grandpa. I know he is still in our lives everyday though and am thankful for the little reminders. I Love you Dad

Casie McAteer
Daughter

November 7, 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 31rst 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

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater

December 29, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sergeant McAteer. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 26, 2012

Sergeant McAteer - Two Fridays ago, I stood in the State Assembly hall when they voted on a motion in regards to next month's Peace Officers Memorial week. Your name was one of the almost 250 read off. Thank you for your service to the people of La Plata County and the State of Colorado. You are not forgotten. 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 3, 2010

Dad, your life was too short, and yet you touched so many. Good cops are a precious asset to any community...you paid the ultimate price doing what you loved so much. I tried to walk in your shoes...but they're shoes that can't be filled. I love you. Until we meet again...

Amie

Amie C. McAteer
Daughter, former police officer

June 6, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

March 27, 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 9, 2007

THOSE WERE THE GOOD OL' DAYS, MAC.
WISH YOU COULD HAVE HAD MORE.

TILLMAN

PHILLIP TILLMAN SR. DEPUTY #470
MISSOULA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT.

December 17, 2005

Sgt. McAteer,
As one officer wrote in another fallen officer's reflections-"No fallen officer should be without a reflection." I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of LaPlata County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

May 19, 2005