Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Lasater,

I don't know you but your family to me, your a police officer the same as my son was. I know he's in heaven now with you. He was taken from us a year ago on September 14th. God bless you sir and thank you for being the man and hero you were and always will be.
Your mom, what a wonderful woman she is to think of me, another mom whose lost her son, and sending me a message on the anniversary of his death. Below is a poem that I had written shortly after my son was taken from me for his department and all his friends and would love to give it to your department and friends.

I SEE YOU STILL
I see you still, though you can't see me.
I'm the gentle breeze that blows, the brightest star in the dark night, the gentle rain that softly falls.
I see your hurt, your grief and pain.
The sad smile that comes with a fond memory.
I hear you still, so talk to me.
I'll answer you but not in the way you can hear.
My voice will be the throughs in your mind.
The overwhelming love you feel in your heart, the memories we all once shared.
I knoww you miss me as I miss you, but I'm never far away. Just look around and I'll be there.
I'm the smile on a childs face and that certain twinkle they get in their eyes.
I'm the warm feeling you suddently get, it's my hug to you when you need me the most.
I'm watching over you, as you watched over me all those years and all those shifts.
I'm with you day and night.
In your thoughts, in your memories and in your heart I will love forever.

With the deepest of respect and love,
Kim Weigand
Mom of Sgt. Michael C. Weigand
E.O.W. 9/14/2008

Kim Weigand

September 19, 2009

The below poem written by an eloquent sheriff has been modified somewhat for you

You Don't Remember Me, Do You...
By Tim Lindsey, Lamar County MS Sheriff's Dept.

You don't remember me, do you...
I was the one who unlocked your car
after you accidently locked the keys and your baby up at the mall.
I was the one who gave you money for gas
when you ran out of gas 35 miles from home and had no money and I could see your child was afraid of my uniform.
I was the one who changed your tire
because you couldn't figure out how to work the stupid scissor jack.
I was the one who directed you safely through that busy intersection when the traffic signals weren't working.
I was the one who gave you a jump start after you left your lights on.
You don't remember me, do you...

I was the one who found the item
that identified the guy who raped your daughter.
I was the one who spent my off days in court
to testify and help convict the man who beat your son so badly.
I was the one who located your grandmother in the woods
that night it was very cold and she had wandered away from the nursing home.
I was the one who loaned you the raincoat the night we stood and watched your house burn.
I was the one who talked with you for an hour
about your son running away from home, and then later spent time with your son trying to steer him in the right direction
I was the one who addressed you as Maam as you cross-examined me, answering each question truthfully and politely even though I very much resented your unwarrented attacks on my integrity

You don't remember me, do you...
I was the one who held your hand,
wiped the blood out of your eyes, and calmed you down
while the Fire Department cut you out of what was left of your car.
I was the one who called you at 2 a.m. to come pick up your 16 year old daughter because she had been drinking too much.
I was the one who knocked on your door at 4 a.m.
to let you know your 16 year old daughter
would never be coming home again.
I was the one who did CPR on your 3 year old
after you found him in the pool.
I was the one who brought toys to your house for Christmas for your five-year-old nephew whose parents had been arrested earlier that week.
I was the one who questioned you about why you were climbing in a window in a Santa Claus suit when you ranted that I was being racist, until I pointed out that you were the only one matching the description of a guy in a Santa Claus suit. and then we both laughed as you explained and proved that you had gotten locked out of your own home.
I was the one who after arresting you and transporting you to jail asked what was your favorite radio station and then turned it on for you for the 20 minute ride.

You don't remember me, do you...
I was the one who got the snake out of your bathroom
around midnight.
I was the one who got my knees and elbows scraped up
fighting with the shoplifter with your carton of cigarettes.
I was the one who took your son for a "ride-along"
so he could see what it was really like.
I was the one who gave you the right directions
so you wouldn't miss that business meeting.
I was the one who stopped you
to let you know your right tire was going flat.
I was the one who was able to talk your husband
into going into counseling with you.

You don't remember me, do you...

I was the one who got shot during a foot pursuit of two robbery suspects. I served my country as a Captain in the USMC and loved my marines like they were my children. I deeply loved my wife and was eagerly anticipating the birth of my first born Cody. I loved my mom and brother James and all my other relatives and friends, especially my band of brothers. I gave the gift of life to others by being an organ donor.

Oh, by the way, my memorial service was on May 2, 2005
Do you remember me now?

You Will ALWAYS be remembered Larry. WE love you.

Anonymous

September 17, 2009

Honey, Mom found this poem and it comforted me. You are still my precious son and I will always be proud to be
your mom. You will never be out of my mind and your name will forever be on my lips. There will never be a world without you in it.


Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other
That we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes
We enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me,
Let my name be ever the household word that
It always was.
Let it be spoken without effort,
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am
Out of sight? I am but waiting for you
For an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner.
All is well.
- Canon Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918)

Anonymous

September 17, 2009

Cody started school this week and he has some friends from last year in his class. His best friend is in the class too so he's loving it. He's getting so big! You'd be so proud of him. He talks about you all the time and says he wants to grow tall so he can reach heaven. Not only is he wanting you in his life but he's noticing all the dads at preschool and he's realizing that he's missing out on so much. I'm glad he has my dad in his life so he has a consistant male influence because sadly, he's the only one who has taken a real interest in our son. My dad loves him and he adores my dad. This is not the life I pictured for our son. It's a damn shame. I love you more than anything.

Missing you

Jo Ann

Anonymous

September 10, 2009

Thinking of you today and always. Loving you forever.

Anonymous

September 8, 2009

Ofc. Lasater, I did not have the gift of meeting you but as a Marine and Sheriff's Deputy, I know what you stood for and I also know something of your character. I wish the best for your family and I will keep them and you in my thoughts and prayers for as long as I live. May you rest in peace and I know that through the miracles in Heaven that I will meet you one day. Semper Fi.

Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, AZ

August 28, 2009

Officer Lasater , I hope your wife and child continue to read these reflections posted about you.
There is a special place in my heart for all young men and women that choose to become United States Marines, knowing before they go that they have chosen the best, hardest, and proudest branch of service. Then to become a police officer and continue to serve Americans.
I too am a former Marine and a police officer. I wish I would have known you.

Sgt
Oklahoma City Police Dept.

August 26, 2009

You are in my thoughts all the time and I miss you so much.
I never thought you would go before me and I know all parents who have lost a child share the feelings of the emptiness of a life without their beloved child. Although I love all my family, there is a place in my heart that belongs only to you. I love you so much.

Anonymous

August 25, 2009

Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

Rest in peace...

James Clendening
Glades County Sheriff's Office

August 17, 2009

Joann- Keep the Faith.Rest in Peace Larry

Patrolman
St. Louis City Police

August 14, 2009

Heard this song and thought of you Joann....Larry was a great man and a great officer....

ADDRESS IN THE STARS
by Caitlin and Will

I stumbled across your picture today, I could barely breathe.
The moment stopped me cold and grabbed me like a theif.
I dialed your number but you wouldn't be there.
I knew the whole time, but it's still not fair.
I just wanted to hear your voice, I just needed to hear your voice.
What do I do with all I need to say,
So much I wanna tell you everyday.
Oh, it breaks my heart,
I cry these tears in the dark.
I write these letters to you,
But they get lost in the blue.
Cause, there's no address in the stars.

Now I'm driving through the pitch black dark.
I'm screaming at the sky,
Oh, cuase it hurts so bad.
Everybody tells me that all I need is time.
Every morning rolls in, and it hurts me again,
And that ain't nothin but a lie.
What do I do with all I need to say,
Oh, it breaks my heart,
I cry these tears in the dark.
I write these letters to you,
But they get lost in the blue.
Cause, there's no address in the stars.

Without you here with me,
Don't know what to do
I'd give anything just to talk to you.
Oh, it breaks my heart.
Oh it breaks my heart.
All I can do is write these letters to you.
But there's no address in the stars.

Anonymous

August 11, 2009

Thank you for giving your life to keep us safe. I live in Antioch and prayed for your safety. Your mother left a message on my father's page: Richard D. Duvall. We are one big family who will never, ever forget your sacrifices. Much love to your family.

Deanne Willhoft
Antioch, CA

Deanne Lynne Willhoft

August 1, 2009

Officer Lasater, I wanted to thank you for your bravery, courage and the dedication you showed to your country as a Marine and to the community you served as a police officer. You are a true Hero in every sense of the word. You have made the ultimate sacrifice and I thank you. To your parents and those left behind, I also want to say Thank You, for raising such an outstanding and unselfish young man. May God be by your side always.

Sgt. T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police Dept., CA.

July 25, 2009

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Lasater and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever.

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Lasater, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Lasater is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family, and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

TPD
Special Agent, FBI New York City

July 21, 2009

Thank you Mrs. Loya for the kind words you left on my friends page Ofc. Robert Kozminski Grand Rapids PD, MI EOW 07/08/2007.

The time has gone by so fast and I can't believe that Koz has been gone for two years.

I read through Ofc. Lasater's ODMP Page and he is a true hero. Tears come to my eyes when I think about his wife and the son that he never got to see. I pray for you, his wife, and son that he left behind. I don't know what to say to them and I can't imagine the grief that they have gone through. I had my own grief, but I can't imagine the pain and suffering that is felt by Koz's family and daughter that he left behind.

Your son is a true hero, and I know he is watching over us and keeping us safe.

Thank you again for your kind words.

God bless you and your family

Officer Grand Rapids, Michigan

July 19, 2009

Thank you for your service. You are not forgotten.

SA
FBI

July 12, 2009

We're getting ready to see fireworks. Cody is really looking forward to it. He was so cute today in the Pleasant Hill parade. He rode his bike with his best friend Enrique and other children from the preschool. He rode his bike about a mile. I was so proud of him. He was so happy to see my parents cheering him on in the crowd. He loved that Grandpa and Grandma were there. You would've laughed that he almost ran down the crowd twice because he was in awe being in a parade.

Love you
Jo Ann

Anonymous

July 4, 2009

As this fouth of july celebration drwas near I think alot about you and your family. Larry was a far better man than I and everyday I strive too be just a little more like him.I remember growing up in martinez all the fun summers we shared and adventures we had. Early on I knew Larry was natural leader of men and he would be the guy that would inspire others to do thier best. I miss you alot lil'bro and I love you always. I thnk of Joann and Cody and they are always in my prayers.

George Ybanez
Larry is my little brother

July 2, 2009

You would be so proud of Cody. He's such a good swimmer! We've been swimming every afternoon. All his hard work with his swim instructor has paid off. I can't wait to put him on the swim team next year. Next year he'll do something that I did (swim team) and something that you did when I sign him up for t-ball. Such a great kid.

We've had Seth and Sage over twice to swim. I'm sure that would make you happy since we went for a long period of time without seeing them very often. Cody really likes seeing them and they have so much fun together.

Love you and miss you
Jo Ann

Anonymous

June 30, 2009

Larry,

It has been a while since I've wrote anything, but I continue to read the reflections left by those who love, care and respect you. There has not been one day that has gone by where I'm in the locker room getting ready to go out on patrol and ask for you and Sgt. Galindo to watch over me, and keep me safe through my shift. I’m still fairly new to the streets (rookie), and with each day that passes I'm learning more and more. I carry a picture of you and Sgt. Galindo in my car to remind me of the kind of law enforcement officer I hope to become some day; to have the same kind/humble hearts, and to regain my family and friends I've left behind while on this journey. Now that I'm finally living my childhood dream, I need to become the better daughter, sister, and friend to those who have supported me. It's hard to live a balanced life when everything in the past two years to get to this point has needed my full focus. I'm still trying to find my way back. Thinking of the kind of husband, son, brother and friend you were to those you loved gives me the hope that I too can have a successful career, along with great relationships. I think of your family often, and pray for their well being each day. Continue to inspire me, and help me to make the right choices when I’m faced with challenges on the streets, and in my life. I still keep my Larry Lasater Award from graduation displayed in my room for all too see! I will never forget! God Bless you and your family always!

"Pride is Forever"

V.R.
Class #14 Palomar (SDSO)

June 28, 2009

Yaniza and I went to Oakmont yesterday. How I wish life was such that I would have been able to call you, wish you a Happy Father's Day, and find out what exciting adventure Jo Ann and Cody had planned for you.

Cody and I played Sheriff and dispatcher last week. He was so cute as he asked me if I had any assignments or emergencies for him. I ran out of assignments long before he ran out of energy. He has such a vivid imigination and is quite clever. When I look at him. I see such a mixture of you and Jo Ann. Yes, I know, I am quite the proud grandmother, but he really is so precious.

This weekend I am going to the Loya family reunion. It will be hard as I haven't been since you were killed and it will seem so different without you there, but I am looking forward to seeing the relatives. You will be remembered.

Loving you forever and a day

Anonymous

June 22, 2009

We were stunned to learn that this hero, Officer Lasater, is one of us - a victim of an under 18 offender (one of two in his case, the other an adult) tried and sentenced to natural life as an adult.

We are like Officer Lasater's family in this regard, and we found each other to support the sadly vital work to keep these offenders in prison serving the natural life sentences they received.

Please know our arms are around you all that knew and loved Larry. And we have posted this tribute on our memorial section of our website, www.jlwopvictims.org.

We hope all that care about this fallen hero and others like him will contact us at NOVJL because of the very real threats to release these offenders from prison, and without victim notification. We all must stand with these families to protect them from any further agony.

THANK YOU Officer Lasater, with all our hearts, for what you have done for us. We will never forget you.

The National Organization of Victims of Juvenile Lifers
www.jlwopvictims.org

Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins
National Organization of Victims of "Juvenile Lifers"

June 15, 2009

I miss you so much. I could not have made it the last 4 years without the support of other widows of officers killed in the line of duty. They are the only ones that can truly relate to what this is like. This is a pain that is hard to describe to someone that hasn't been through it.

Cody is growing up so fast. You'd be so proud of him.

Love you
Jo Ann

Anonymous

June 14, 2009

Phyllis,
Thank you for the beautiful reflection that you left on my son's page. Yes I do believe mothers have such an ache when we lose our child that you cannot even put into words. I feel that only another mother can help and you helped me today. Please know that you are in my prayers.

Maxine Clifford, proud mother of
Deputy Josh Rutherford eow 5/29/03

Anonymous

June 14, 2009

Phyllis, Thank you for the kind word left on Trooper Cogdill's site. It sounds as though Larry died loving what he did just as my son died loving what he did...serving people. As the years pass each birthday, anniversary of EOW, holiday brings a longing beyond words to touch or see your child. Yet God's grace and peace carries us through and grows us stronger. Know there will always be another mother praying on your behalf.
Brenda Cogdill East/Mother of Senior Trooper Anthony G. Cogdill EOW 5/30/2003

Anonymous

June 9, 2009