Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I've always loved this poem... R.I.P. Officer Lasater, you will never be forgotten!

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

A Dispatcher
CCC Agency, CA

April 24, 2012

Thinking of you and your family today. May God give them the strength to remember the wonderful memories of you during this difficult time. You are not forgotten.

Janell

April 23, 2012

Two days from now will be the somber 7 year marker of your passing. May God and wrap your loving mother, wife, son and all those who held you dear in his loving arms. I will look up to heavens and know that you are shining your light of love down on us all.

A friend
A Friend

April 22, 2012

You my Son
Have shown me God
Your kiss upon my cheek
Has made me feel the gentle touch
Of Him who leads us on.....

(written by Grace Coolidge upon the death of her son)

Thinking of you and your family

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/2004

April 20, 2012

A son only holds his mother's hand for a little while, but he holds her heart for eternity.

Loving you always, Mom

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

April 19, 2012

A chill runs down me when I hear a bulger sound Taps. I was aware that Taps originated in the Civil War and that the melody was composed by General Butterfield. Taps now honors military and fallen officers.

The lyrics of one verse of “Taps” is "‘Day is done, gone the sun, from the hills, from the lake, from the sky; All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.’

‘Your sun shall no longer go down… for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended.’ Isaiah 60:20.

Loving you forever, Mom.

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

April 18, 2012

If lives are measured by their valleys and their hills, our valleys are deep because of your death But there are hills in memories of you and they are magnificent.

Loving you always, Mom

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

April 17, 2012

Thanks to all who have left reflections for our beloved Larry. They are so appreciated.

Yesterday I left a reflection for Deputy Sheriff Jessie Browning who is being honored in D.C. this year, the 95th anniversary of his death serving the citizens of West Virginia. A beautiful prayer was posted, and I wanted to re-post it as it is so moving and eloquent. The author is unknown.

"It was only a moment, but in that moment of madness our lives an the world changed. Hearts were broken and names previously unknown are now spoken with reverence. The moment passes, but in that moment we mourn for the life that was taken and grieve for the family survivors. Remembering the sacrifice made to protect and serve. It was only a moment-but he is gone, a sacrifice made to give us a future. We pause in our sorrow reflecting what might have been-but then we press on for, by the grace of God, his memory still stands. Amen

Maria and her daughters and other family members and friends are remembered today on the ninth anniversary of Ray's death.
She has been such a blessing to all of us on this journey, especially to Jo Ann. I pray that Ray and Larry will be the last officers lost in our department. It would be so wonderful if no family or department ever had to endure a line of duty death, but sadly that is not realistic.

Loving you forever, Mom

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

April 16, 2012

Thanks to all who have left reflections for our beloved Larry. They are so appreciated.

Yesterday I left a reflection for Deputy Sheriff Jessie Browning who is being honored in D.C. this year, the 95th anniversary of his death serving the citizens of West Virginia. A beautiful prayer was posted, and I wanted to re-post it as it is so moving and eloquent. The author is unknown.

"It was only a moment, but in that moment of madness our lives an the world changed. Hearts were broken and names previously unknown are now spoken with reverence. The moment passes, but in that moment we mourn for the life that was taken and grieve for the family survivors. Remembering the sacrifice made to protect and serve. It was only a moment-but he is gone, a sacrifice made to give us a future. We pause in our sorrow reflecting what might have been-but then we press on for, by the grace of God, his memory still stands. Amen

Maria and her daughters and other family members and friends are remembered today on the ninth anniversary of Ray's death.
She has been such a blessing to all of us on this journey, especially to Jo Ann. I pray that Ray and Larry will be the last officers lost in our department. It would be so wonderful if no family or department ever had to endure a line of duty death, but sadly that is not realistic.

Loving you forever, Mom

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

April 16, 2012

Phyllis,
I can feel your loss.God bless your family.I can tell by the picture that your son was proud to be able to help others.We never forget people like him.I hope that you can find some comfort in the greatness of your boy..mike

Patrolman Michael Olsen
City of Rye,NY

April 16, 2012

You are a true Hero. Thank you for your Service to your Community and your Country, both as an Officer in Law Enforcement, and A Marine Corps Veteran.
You are sorely missed, by those who knew you and loved you. This will never change.
My Father's EOW was September 22, 1960, when I was 2 1/2 years old. I believe you are together now in a better place, with far too many brothers and sisters who shared similar fate, leaving those of us that love you behind, missing you and honoring your memory in respect for the Oath you took and died to uphold. Thank you for your sacrifice. You are well and truly Loved, and will always be honored in our hearts.
My deepest sympathy to your family, who lost you far too soon.
Hold hope, he is still and always will be with you.
Donna Lyle
Daughter of Officer Jack Lyle
EOW 9/22/1960
Menlo Park Police Department

Donna Lyle

April 15, 2012

"I always knew that I would look back at the tears with laughter. I never dreamed that I would look back at the laughter with tears"

Author unknown

Loving you forever

Mom

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

April 15, 2012

I didn't know you, But I know this: All officers may at one time have to make a great sacrifice. Sadly, You had to make the sacrifice. I came upon this page after seeing your Mother's post on another fallen officer's memorial. She had done a great job honoring the fallen. It is great to see so many people coming to your page and posting good words.

Ezra Zurowski
Civilian Supporter

April 14, 2012

Easter was hard but I had to keep it together for Cody. Cody and I went to church and he also hunted for eggs. He had a great time. We had Easter brunch with my family, just like you and I did on your last Easter. I still remember us having Daniel in the truck with us and being so excited that the following Easter would be our baby's first. Now Daniel is 13 and Cody is the age Daniel was on that Easter. I can't believe that. You continue to inspire me and thinking of you will get me through the Police Unity Tour. I'm looking forward to riding in and seeing our son waiting for me by your name. I get teary just thinking about it. Love you

JoAnn
Wife

April 12, 2012

This is a difficult month for all of us. This month will forever be seared in my soul as it is when you lost your life, and the lives of everyone who cares about you were forever changed.
I miss you and wish you could have been here with all of us on Easter. This is so unfair,especially to Cody.



"We thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
We thought of you yesterday, and days before that too.
We think of you in silence,
We remember you with pride, and
We relive our cherished memories when you were by our side.
Your memory is our keepsake with which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping,
We have you in our hearts."

Author unknown

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

April 11, 2012

I don't write as much as I did before and I'm sure you understand why. I think you'd feel the same. I will continue to remember you in my own way by raising our son and giving him the best life possible. For those who have said that losing a child is harder than losing a spouse should walk a mile in my shoes. You know how much I love and miss you and really that's all that matters.

JoAnn

April 11, 2012

Mrs. Loya,
I have never left a reflection before and rarely look at this website. I guess it's out of fear for my own mortality and family, but tonight I was reading about officers killed in the line of duty from my agency and saw your reflection Mrs. Loya and could not believe you had posted a reflection. It compelled me to write.

You see, I attended Larry's funeral. It was the first police officer (LOD) funeral I attended and did so as a rookie officer.

I have since been transferred back to the east coast from California, but often reflect on the day I heard the news about our fallen hero, P.O. Larry Lasater broadcast over our radio and I was called to honor him.

I rode in the Police Unity Tour the year he was honored at the L.E. Memorial and often think about Larry and the bravery and sacrifice he made. I will continue to serve with integrity, honor and bravery, that of which Larry served; and always keep him in my thoughts.

JoAnn,
I read in one of your messages that you are planning on completing the Police Unity Tour. I wish you luck. Your strength to ride will come from your law enforcement family and from Larry. It will carry you through the tough journey.

God Bless and R.I.P Brother. Keep looking over us.

Corporal
East Coast local P.D.

April 10, 2012

Hey this is Dom and Dan, your nephews. We love you and will always remember you.

Love Dom and Dan
nephews

April 9, 2012

I don't have any wise words of reflection to leave, other than to say that you are always remembered, Officer Lasater.

A fellow brother
California Law Enforcement

April 9, 2012

As I read your reflections I feel a connection with you. As I looked at your picture I felt like I was looking into your eyes for the first time and yet they looked so familiar. I want to thank you for your service and am so sorry you had to leave your Mom, wife and daughter so early in life. The reflections that have been left speak volumes about you. Our families have been through similiar tragedy and it is a daily struggle to get thru each day. I pray for peace and comfort for your Mom. For a parent it is not a matter of moving on, it is simpily going on.
Yesterday at our passion play I was reminded how Jesus died for us , he rose and he lives. You like Jesus lost your life in service to others and you like Jesus lives. One day our families will be re-united. Your Mom is a special lady and my heart goes out to her. May your memory never dim from your Mother's eye. Rest in Peace

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

April 9, 2012

A blessed holiday to all of your loved ones, especially your Mom. I know the struggle she faces each day when she awakes and how her life has been changed forever since losing you. I ask that your close friends share memories about you that she may not know as they are important to all of us who have lost a officer, especially a child. I leave this little poem on pages so others might understand through a short poem:

Love Song: To Hear Their Name

The mention of my Child's Name may bring tears to my eyes,
But if never fails to bring music to my ears.
If you are really my friend,
Let me hear the music of his name!
It soothes my broken heart and sings to my soul.
(Author Unknown)

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

April 8, 2012

Larry, Phyllis and Cody,

Just wanted to let you know, you are always in our thoughts and prayers.

God bless!

Retired Deps
ACSO

April 8, 2012

Larry - Thank you for your service to the people of Pittsburg and the State of California. Your mother, Phyllis, is very active here on ODMP and pays tribute to your memory anytime another officer falls, or the anniversary of their death comes around. She inspired me to leave reflections for every member of my first department, LAPD, and for every name on the LODD roll of my new home state, Colorado. May God grant you, Larry, eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 6, 2012

Thank you for your service to this great nation and the citizens of Pittsburg, CA. I visit ODPM everyday in hopes to not see a new face on the home page. Sometimes this happens, then sometimes not. I am still active duty, but I am far away from my corpsman years with C 1/3. Thank you for making a difference is so many people's lives. My prayers are with you and your family.

LCDR (and former C 1/3 Doc)
Navy

April 5, 2012

Tonight I am not strong enough to deal with the pain of losing you.

Mom

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

April 1, 2012