Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Modlin,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Washington. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 15, 2024

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 15, 2020

Rest in peace Control Officer Modlin.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 30, 2020

You were remembered Sat. A hero to more than he knows. ©2004

Emory - Ephrata, WA
Brother of Ferry County WA Undersheriff Matthew J Lane, EOW 5/30/2003

March 4, 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 39th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 21, 2013

Joe:

I spoke with two of your daughters today. It was amazing and unbelievable, Luanne told me it was exactly 36 years to this date you left us. I could not believe it. She has become a real spokesman for the WSP and Memorial Foundation. Told them both about some of the things we did when you rode with me. Miss you my friend.

Trooper Dennis English
Kennewick, WA

Anonymous

August 16, 2010

I wanted to thank you for your service. I grew up in Olympia, Washington, so thank you for your service not only to the people of Washington but to the people of the entire United States. You will absolutely not be forgotten.

Sergeant B. Wolgast
Florida Department of Corrections

September 21, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Modlin.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 18, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 29, 2008

Three decades have passed since your EOW and you have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 19, 2007

Officer Modlin, neither you nor your sacrifice has not been forgotten!

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

April 26, 2007

God bless you and keep you in his arms.

DE
St. Louis City Police

July 25, 2004

Joe:

I just found out about this site and was proud to see your name listed. I think of all the times you road with me while I was assigned Vancouver. You were a good friend and I think of you often. You were special.

Trooper Dennis English
Washington State Patrol

November 18, 2003