Union Pacific Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Wednesday, April 6, 1977
Reflections for Chief Special Agent Dean L. McLaughlin
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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 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.
I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
April 7, 2012
Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.
James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
April 6, 2010
Agent McLaughlin,
On today, the 32nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
April 6, 2009
To go 36 years and then die in the line of duty at the hands of a fellow officer is heart-wrenching. My heart goes out to those you left behind. Though today makes 32 years since that tragic event, no doubt the sadness lingers. Whatever personal hell your killer was going through, it was no excuse for taking your life. I know God will forgive him and I hope the two of you can patch things up in Heaven, whenever he/she gets there.
Railroad cops help to protect the goods, services and customers of one of America’s most vital resources, the railroad itself. It’s not an easy job but you do it day in and day out and I thank you for that.
God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
April 6, 2009
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE
Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH
April 7, 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
January 24, 2008
On the anniversary of your death, I thank you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.
April 6, 2005
I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).
We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.
Agent McLaughin, you are remembered on this date of your death. You will always be remembered.
These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.
...Gone, but never Forgotten....
Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
April 6, 2004
Dean, I instruct a course on officer safety involving railroads. Your memory is honored by each officer in every class I teach. God bless.
Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police
February 26, 2004
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