Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Latimer,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cotton County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 19, 2020

I am the nephew of of sheriff Joseph Latimer that is where I got my time from thank you for the post that you said about him and the thing you said to our family. I am a teenage

joey latimer
nephew

March 21, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fourteenth 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.

To your family: I understand the meaning of lives forever altered and know that when you lose someone so precious to you that the pain never goes away...the pain and the pride is forever. I pray for your solace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 19, 2009

"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

January 9, 2008

~Never forgotten~ God Bless your family.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

October 19, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
nh

October 16, 2007

Only today did I discover that Jody's page existed on this site. I am so sorry not to have shared the memories before now. Jody was one of the most gentle men I have ever known. His time as an officer was so very short, yet he had already made such a difference. Jody never had the opportunity to attend even basic training before his death. He was provided minimal field training, and then, due to a shortage of manpower, was sent to work. On the night of his death, he and I ate supper together and shortly after, a neighboring department called for help involving a shooting. Jody rushed to their aid, but never arrived. His life was cut short, leaving a baby and wife behind. My Brother, know this, I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU OR THE PERSON YOU WERE. God bless you.

Chief Don Murray
Friend

September 19, 2007

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace. God bless.

October 19, 2004

Your brave action and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten. Rest in peace.

A citizen

October 19, 2004