Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service, Verlyn. I found an article about you in my mom’s things (Connie Winegarden/Peck/Bowen). The Mettler’s are a great family.

Lara Miller
Great Niece

July 23, 2024

Rest in peace Trooper Mettler.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 12, 2020

When I was in high school, I got pulled over by Trooper Mettler for coasting through a stop sign. He had me sit in his car to talk about what had happened. He seemed truly interested in how I was doing in school. I couldn’t help but like the guy. After we talked for a short while, he looked at my letter jacket and said, “Well, Jeff, I will remember your name. I went to Jefferson High School, and he was looking at the partially obscured school lettering. I didn’t correct him. I just said, “Thanks.” He waited a second, and then unfolded the other side of my jacket and said with a smile, “I’ll remember your name, Gary.” I at once felt guilty for trying to mislead him. I was also struck by his friendly, accepting way of dealing with people, even people who might not be as cooperative as they should be. When I heard about his death in the line of duty, I was truly saddened. He was a good man.

Gary Bathurst
Then - High School Student

November 28, 2017

It’s been 40 years since that horrible day but know you are not forgotten. You served your country and then continued serving others by taking the oath as a Trooper for South Dakota. Although I had just met you the week before this tragedy, you touched me with your friendliness and warm, sincere smile. Your professionalism, dedication, and devotion to duty always shined as you touched many lives. You’ll never be forgotten. Continue to rest in peace, Trooper Mettler, your watch is covered!

Former Trooper Rod Warne
South Dakota Highway Patrol

March 9, 2016

Today marks 35 years since you paid the ultimate price with your life for the safety of ours. Thank you for everything you did for this state and know you have not been forgotten!

Becci Hoffman Richardson
daughter of Steven Hoffman EOW 3-12-80

March 9, 2011

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

March 9, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty-third 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 the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes love or respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace, Verlyn. None of our heroes will be forgotten for the supreme sacrifice they and their families made.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 9, 2009

Trooper Mettler,
On today, the 33rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of South Dakota. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

March 9, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 11, 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

YOU WIL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

J.CISNEROS
LOS ANGELES SCHOOL POLICE

June 15, 2005

Rest in peace troop, you are remembered.

March 9, 2005

05/20/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Trooper Mettler.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 20, 2004