Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

DEAR LASATER FAMILY,
I HAVE SEEN THE DAMAGE THESE MURDERERS CAUSE AND HAD LOST A BROTHER BECAUSE OF ONE. I HOPE THIS REFLECTION FINDS YOU WELL! PEACE BE WITH YOU ,LASATER FAMILY AND MAY GOD BLESS OFFICER LASATER! THE FAMILY OF JOHN TUCKER # 9168 CHICAGO POLICE DEPT EOW 08 OCT 1968.

P.O. T KUCHARSKI # 11902
CHICAGO POLICE DEPT

November 7, 2013

I have read this account of your heroism through reading a reflection that your mother had left of another officer who had fallen in the line of duty and I was moved in more ways than one. Being the father of a son who needed a liver transplant in order to live I am touched by the fact that it was your wish to have your organs donated so others could live. From all of those around the world who have been on the waiting list for organ donations, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Unfortunately, a liver didn't come for my son, however I was able to donate part of mine and he is thriving today. Again, thank you Officer Lasater, you are a true hero.

Senior Constable C. Hay
Queensland Police Service (Australia)

October 14, 2013

Officer Lasater... Although we have never met I would like to thank you for your service. You are a true hero in every sense of the word. On more than one occasion I have come across a passage written by your mother in memory of you. I have also read many of the posts your wife has written for you. You are clearly a great man who was loved by many and is missed by all. This post is made with the utmost respect for you and your family. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Rest easy brother...

Sgt. R. Lacher
North Charleston Police Department, South Carolina

October 8, 2013

Today is day of remembrance for me. I came to this site that honors so many and found a reflection left by your mother to my husband, a man she never knew. Her words touched my heart and I realized that we who carry on share a common bond. Time may help diminish the pain of those left behind, but the wounds remain. I did not know know you but your courage and dedication is known by your actions. Words fail and can never voice the gratitude and respect felt by those left behind. God bless and hold you in his arms.

Donna
Widow of Sheriff James Posey

September 29, 2013

LL-

I am on FTO...AGAIN, lol and I can't help but laugh at some of the calls I have already gone to and thought about how you would have loved to have a code three run on these county roads! Even though I roam these roads of Boise Idaho, I know you are looking out for us all... I can still hear the "RDUUUUUB" shout out in report writing. Keep watching over us all.

Deputy Ryan Wilkie #5409/ PPD #265
Ada County Sheriff's Office

September 20, 2013

You are always remembered and remembered for being a good man.

Chris Zammit
USMC, Scout Platoon

September 17, 2013

Semper Fi Officer Lasater. As a former marine myself, it makes me proud to read of your service as a marine and peace officer. You are eternally loved by your brave mother who shows her love for the families of so many fallen officers on this site. RIP hero, you will never be forgotten.

Chief (RET) JA Millan
NCPS, Avery Dist. Campus

September 15, 2013

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greaer Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

August 19, 2013

Missing you! Only a few more days of summer vacation left. Cody had a great summer. Went on a couple of trips and spent a lot of time with his favorite cousin Dominic. He's so blessed that my sister lives right around the corner so Cody gets lots of cousin time with Dom and Daniel. He's excited that I'm going to the Spouses Retreat so he gets to stay with Dominic or my parents. Hoping the retreat will bring me some peace. Love you

JoAnn
Wife

August 18, 2013

A priest read this at the funeral of Colorado Deputy Jason Schwartz who was brutally murdered in 2001. I thought it was a good accounting of the responsibilities and sacrifices of law enforcement officers. Loving you forever and a day, Mom.

An Answer to Why

I am sometimes asked why anyone would voluntarily do what I do. There’s no simple reason. But, I can tell you that over the years I’ve learned there really are people out there that prey upon others; people who hurt, maim, or kill for little or no reason. People who would smash their way into your business, your livelihood; taking your tools, your money, and your way of life. People who would violate your home; leaving the broken bodies and crushed spirits of your family. Taking what they want, destroying the rest.

Who is there to stop them?

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You can call for us. We are always here.

We feel your fear when you’re afraid. We feel your anguish when you cry out in pain. We feel your anger and your despair when you, or the ones you love, are violated. When you lay dying, we hold your hand and then bear the worst news possible to those that love you most. We wear the badges you have given us, but sometimes their weight is so, so heavy.

We have often been questioned or criticized, but we keep going. We have learned to tolerate the questioning of those who do not know, nor ever done, and the criticisms of those who could not, nor would not, do the things you have asked us to do. What else can we do? Quit? Turn our backs on our oaths? Or, turn our backs on you? NEVER! We will not abandon the people we love, or the ideas we hold most sacred and dear.

We have made solemn promises to stand against those who steal, hurt and kill. We have seen the broken child’s body, seen death and pain come in their worst, most horrible forms. We have seen eyes full of fear, questioning if the intruder will return. We have stared into the nightmare and we too have been afraid. We have been hurt and injured doing what we do. And, we have attended the funerals of the many that have fallen upholding their oaths and this line of duty. But, we continue to do what needs to be done; what you’ve asked us to do. Because, we wear the badges you have given us. These badges are symbols of our laws, of your faith in our society and of your faith in us. They are also symbols of our own convictions. Their spirit strengthens us, even as we gather the courage to turn the next corner and enter yet another dark alley.

Everyday parts and pieces are torn from us and left with the victims of our communities. Our hearts go out to them all. But, twenty-four hours a day, everyday, you can call for us. We will pull together the pieces that are left, and we will always be there when you need us.

Is there a better reason for us doing what we do than that we do it for you?

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

August 9, 2013

There are some days when the grief is overwhelming and it feels like a tidal wave has enveloped me and that I am fighting to breathe. You are missed every minute of every day, but there are times that my heart aches with such an intensity that it physically hurts. This is one of those days.

Loving you forever and a day, Mom

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

August 7, 2013

Lar-

I don't post here much, but I check in and read frequently. It's hard to get things out in words......

I have the opportunity to share you and Cody in class this week. I need to share something that represents my values. I was a young guy and a young cop when you passed...and didnt and couldnt have recongnized at the time how as each year passes you become more and more inspirational to me. Thank you! We all deal with your loss in different ways and at different speeds and as Cody grows and Luke grows I am constantly inspired to be a great father and role model. I think Cody enjoys coming to the station and getting to go through your SWAT gear (thats still in your locker) and cleaning all the items left in front of your locker over the years. He's getting older now, so I think I need to find something to add to the experience....I think I am gonna have him talk on the radio next time. Don't worry I wont have him pursue anyone down the railroad tracks...lol. Remember that one! You thought that crown vic was a tank!

Thinking about you more and more it seems....

your friend

Sgt Les Galer
Pittsburg Police Department

August 6, 2013

The LOVE within this memorial, is moving . . overwhelming . . so emotional and sincere. I have been a strong supporter of the ODMP since it's founding . . and have read literally thousands of reflections . . all are heart felt, however, there is that special "something" here. Everyone stay safe . . God bless and keep the Lancaster family.

PS And to Larry's Mom, Ms. Phyllis Loya, a special message of respect, honor and love for continually recognizing and honoring our nation's fallen officers, here, at the ODMP. I feel I can speak for our nation's 750,000 police when I write, "We know that you love us and we know that you care. . . and we appreciate it beyond expression." Stay safe,

Former Richmond, VA Police Officer
ATF Special Agent (Retired)

August 3, 2013

I thought about you a lot today on my drive home from COPS camp. Yesterday, I had the privilege of helping your son Cody catch his first fish. He was so excited! It made me angry that someone stole the chance of you seeing and sharing this with him, but I know that you were watching over and smiling with him. He is a good little boy and I will always remember this important day. You should know that being with your family made me come home and sit next to my boys and just watch them for an hour as they slept in their beds. Your sacrifice will forever make my bond stronger with my sons. Thank you for your service brother.

Shaun Deeney - Conservation Warden
Wisconsin DNR

August 2, 2013

Our son is 8! Hard to believe it. We miss you so much. Continue to watch over and guide Cody. Anyone who truly knows you well would know that Cody is the one you would be guiding. Love you

Jo Ann
Wife

July 24, 2013

I wish more than ever you were here today. Needing a friend in the worst way and not having you really sucks. I miss you, dear friend and would give anything to have just 5 more minutes. Until we meet again, watch over us and guide us.

a friend

July 7, 2013

Thank you Officer Lasater for your service not only to your community but to your Country . You shall never be forgotten. You are the heros that make this country a safer better place. Thank you my thoughts and prayers Shall be with your family and my gratefulness to you and all of the fallen. Who died in the line of duty for us all.

Marlene Dreschsler

July 3, 2013

The tragic loss of an officer, parent, child, partner, brother or sister is a such a life changing event and I can only imagine the true impact upon a family. Yet, I see a reflection left for every officer with a page listed on this site by Phillis Loya, your mother, without fail. So I post this as a thank you to you Phillis, for caring so much that you take that time to leave an important gift on each page for all to read. Your time is well spent as I know what you write means so much to those left behind. Thank you.

Doug Gist, Captain (ret) Washoe SO
Silver State National Peace Officers Museum, Virginia City, NV.

July 1, 2013

Larry,

Father's Day was hard as usual. I started it off with a mud run and I did every obstacle in honor of you. I'm sore but it was worth it. You would've loved doing these mud runs. Then Cody and I spent the day together and went out to dinner with friends. I wish you were here with us. Cody and I talk about you every day and always talk about what could've been. Cody says when he goes to heaven, he wants you and I to be the age I am now and he wants to be 7 again because so far it's been his favorite year. Sometimes he says he wants to go to heaven and be with you now but I tell him you don't want him there until he's an old man and has lived a full life. Then we can all be together as the family we were supposed to be. I love you

Jo Ann
Wife

June 18, 2013

Thank you Officer Lasater for giving all to protect us...You will always be in my prayers

Judy Hudson: Supporter

June 18, 2013

Missing you today and every day. How I wish you could be here celebrating this Father's Day with your son and wife. Cody is an absolutely amazing kid. He misses you so much but you are a constant presence in his life.

Loving you forever and a day.

Mom

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

June 16, 2013

JoAnn,
I am sure your husband must be so proud of the ways you honor him.
I too feel that is the way to honor my husband by being there for our children and talking about memories of their daddy.
I like to read your post because I feel your love for your husband through your words and the way you carry on for your son.
May God bless you and Cody.
Your husband sounds like a special man. I am sure he will always be remembered.
Larry, thank you for your service.

Holley Orr
Wife of Kevin Orr EOW 11-22-06

June 14, 2013

Larry,
I honor you by spending quality time with our son and sharing memories of you. I know that is how you want to be honored. Missing you more and more.

JoAnn
Wife

June 13, 2013

As I read through your reflections as I often do, I am reminded that how we live our lives each day is a mirrored reflection of what we leave behind. Your Mom is so loving & compassionate toward others . Her kind words in the many post have brought comfort to so many people. Yor wife's dedication to your memory is so amazing. I know you are so proud of your son Cody and it sounds like your memory is being carried on through him. You Sir will always be remembered and loved. Thank you for your service and for being an awesome person.

Carolyn Scott
StepMom of Dep Jason Scott LCSD EOW 3/12/04

June 13, 2013

Your Mom is an incredibly strong woman who carries on your legacy with honor & love that is an inspiration to every person who post here. You will never be forgotten & your service will be valued forever!

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 12, 2013