Fallen Hero Memorial

Name	End of Watch	Agency	State/Country
Koren, Larry In Memory Of Larry Koren Bernalillo County Sheriffs Department, NM End of watch: 2022-07-16 Aircraft: Bell UH-1H On July 16, 2022 at approximately 7:20 pm, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department helicopter known as Metro 2 crashed just outside of Las Vegas, NM. The helicopter and its crew were assisting with a wildfire in the area, providing bucket drops and other air logistics needs to fire crews on the ground. All four members of the crew, Undersheriff and Pilot Larry Koren, Tactical Flight Officer Lieutenant Fred Beers, Tactical Flight Officer Deputy Michael Levison and Rescue Specialist Lieutenant Matthew King, perished in the crash. Thoughts and Memories of Larry Koren No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2022-07-16	Bernalillo County Sheriffs Department	NM
Koren, Larry In Memory Of Larry Koren Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, NM End of watch: 2022-07-16 Aircraft: Bell Helicopters UH-1H Plus The summer of 2022 brought many devastating wildfires to New Mexico. Tens of thousands of acres of land, hundreds of homes, and countless families were severely impacted by the fires. On July 16, 2022, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office received a request for assistance in fighting a wildfire near Las Vegas, New Mexico. Undersheriff Larry Koren, without hesitation, put together a plan to help with fire suppression. On the second mission day, after countless bucket drops and equipment drops to aid wildland fighters on the ground, Metro 2, a Bell UH-1H Plus helicopter, departed the fire scene to return to Double Eagle II (KAEG) airport. Metro 2 and its crew did not make it home that evening. At this time it is unknown what caused the aircraft to crash. All four crew members perished as a result: Undersheriff Larry Koren (pilot), Lieutenant Fred Beers (tactical flight officer), Deputy First Class Michael Levison (tactical flight officer), and Bernalillo County Fire Department Lieutenant Matthew King (rescue specialist). Larry began his law enforcement career in 1998 with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. He was a fixed wing pilot prior to starting his law enforcement career and was instrumental in the creation and development of the Bernalillo County Metro Air Support Unit (MASU). Larry was not only a highly skilled pilot and mechanic, he was also a mentor and a teacher to many who were part of the MASU Unit. Larry’s drive, determination, love of aviation, and his oath to help those in his community are what drove him to work tirelessly to push the unit forward through the years. Larry was highly skilled and trained in wildland fire-fighting, mountain rescue, and many other missions related to air support. He saved countless lives, property, and protected our deputies and officers from above; always, “Serving from Above”. The only thing he loved more than serving his community was his family. Larry is survived by his wife Maria, and sons Justice and Carson Koren. He is truly missed by all. Thoughts and Memories of Larry Koren No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2022-07-16	Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office	NM
Koren, Larry In Memory Of Larry Koren Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, NM End of watch: 2022-07-16 Aircraft: Bell Helicopters UH-1H Plus The summer of 2022 brought many devastating wildfires to New Mexico. Tens of thousands of acres of land, hundreds of homes, and countless families were severely impacted by the fires. On July 16, 2022, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office received a request for assistance in fighting a wildfire near Las Vegas, New Mexico. Undersheriff Larry Koren, without hesitation, put together a plan to help with fire suppression. On the second mission day, after countless bucket drops and equipment drops to aid wildland fighters on the ground, Metro 2, a Bell UH-1H Plus helicopter, departed the fire scene to return to Double Eagle II (KAEG) airport. Metro 2 and its crew did not make it home that evening. At this time it is unknown what caused the aircraft to crash. All four crew members perished as a result: Undersheriff Larry Koren (pilot), Lieutenant Fred Beers (tactical flight officer), Deputy First Class Michael Levison (tactical flight officer), and Bernalillo County Fire Department Lieutenant Matthew King (rescue specialist). Larry began his law enforcement career in 1998 with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. He was a fixed wing pilot prior to starting his law enforcement career and was instrumental in the creation and development of the Bernalillo County Metro Air Support Unit (MASU). Larry was not only a highly skilled pilot and mechanic, he was also a mentor and a teacher to many who were part of the MASU Unit. Larry’s drive, determination, love of aviation, and his oath to help those in his community are what drove him to work tirelessly to push the unit forward through the years. Larry was highly skilled and trained in wildland fire-fighting, mountain rescue, and many other missions related to air support. He saved countless lives, property, and protected our deputies and officers from above; always, “Serving from Above”. The only thing he loved more than serving his community was his family. Larry is survived by his wife Maria, and sons Justice and Carson Koren. He is truly missed by all. Thoughts and Memories of Larry Koren No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2022-07-16	Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office	NM
Koren, Larry In Memory Of Larry Koren Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, NM End of watch: 2022-07-16 Aircraft: Bell Helicopters UH-1H Plus The summer of 2022 brought with it many devastating wildfires to New Mexico. Tens of thousands of acres of land, hundreds of homes, and countless families were severely impacted by the fires. On 7/16/2022, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office received a request for assistance in fighting a wildfire near Las Vegas, New Mexico. Undersheriff Larry Koren, without hesitation put together a plan to help with fire suppression. On the second mission day, after countless bucket drops and equipment drops to aid wildland fighters on the ground Metro 2, a Bell UH-1H Plus helicopter departed the fire scene to return to Double Eagle II (KAEG) airport. Metro 2 and its crew did not make it home that evening. At this time it is unknown what caused the aircraft to crash. All four crew members perished as a result: Undersheriff Larry Koren (pilot), Lieutenant Fred Beers (tactical flight officer), Deputy First Class Michael Levison (tactical flight officer), and Bernalillo County Fire Department Lieutenant Matthew King (rescue specialist). Larry began his law enforcement career in 1998 with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. He was a fixed wing pilot prior to starting his law enforcement career. He was instrumental in the creation and development of the Bernalillo County Metro Air Support Unit (MASU). Larry was not only a highly skilled pilot, and mechanic, he was also a mentor and a teacher to many who were part of the MASU Unit. Larry’s drive, determination, love of aviation, and his oath to help those in his community, are what drove him to work tirelessly to push the unit forward through the years. Larry was highly skilled and trained in wildland fire-fighting, mountain rescue, and many other missions related to air support, and saved countless lives and property, and protected our deputies and officers from above. Always, “Serving from Above”. The one thing he loved more than serving his community was his family. Larry is survived by his wife Maria, and sons Justice and Carson Koren. He is truly missed by all. Thoughts and Memories of Larry Koren No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2022-07-16	Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office	NM
Koren, Larry In Memory Of Larry Koren Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, NM End of watch: 2022-07-16 Aircraft: Bell Helicopters, Huey UH-1H Plus The summer of 2022 brought with it many devastating wildfires to New Mexico. Tens of thousands of acres of land, hundreds of homes, and countless families were severely impacted by the fires. On 7/16/2022, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office received a request for assistance in fighting a wildfire near Las Vegas, New Mexico. Undersheriff Larry Koren, without hesitation put together a plan to help with fire suppression. On the second mission day, after countless bucket drops and equipment drops to aid wildland fighters on the ground Metro 2, a Bell UH-1H Plus helicopter departed the fire scene to return to Double Eagle II (KAEG) airport. Metro 2 and its crew did not make it home that evening. At this time it is unknown what caused the aircraft to crash. All four crew members perished as a result: Undersheriff Larry Koren (pilot), Lieutenant Fred Beers (tactical flight officer), Deputy First Class Michael Levison (tactical flight officer), and Bernalillo County Fire Department Lieutenant Matthew King (rescue specialist). Larry began his law enforcement career in 1998 with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. He was a fixed wing pilot prior to starting his law enforcement career. He was instrumental in the creation and development of the Bernalillo County Metro Air Support Unit (MASU). Larry was not only a highly skilled pilot, and mechanic, he was also a mentor and a teacher to many who were part of the MASU Unit. Larry’s drive, determination, love of aviation, and his oath to help those in his community, are what drove him to work tirelessly to push the unit forward through the years. Larry was highly skilled and trained in wildland fire-fighting, mountain rescue, and many other missions related to air support, and saved countless lives and property, and protected our deputies and officers from above. Always, “Serving from Above”. The one thing he loved more than serving his community was his family. Larry is survived by his wife Maria, and sons Justice and Carson Koren. He is truly missed by all. Thoughts and Memories of Larry Koren No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2022-07-16	Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office	NM
Koteek, Mark In Memory Of Mark Koteek U.S. Coast Guard, CA End of watch: 1994-07-12 Aircraft: HH-65A Dolphin This crew was responding to a grounded sailing vessel. It was dark and the weather was poor as this crew attempted to descend through the fog to assist the vessel in distress. The helicopter impacted the side of a cliff and the entire crew was lost. The aircraft was crewed by LT Mark E. Koteek (CG Aviator #3113), LT Laurence B. Williams (CG Aviator #2887), ASMCS Peter A. Leeman, and AM1 Michael R. Gill. Thoughts and Memories of Mark Koteek David Gahn Mark was a Coast Guard Academy class mate. He was a jovial sort of fellow and well liked by all. We miss him. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1994-07-12	U.S. Coast Guard	CA
Krenz, Douglas In Memory Of Douglas Krenz Blaine Police Department, WA End of watch: 1978-09-04 Aircraft: unknown airplane Reserve Officer Douglas Orville Krenz and Assistant Chief of Police Larry Dean Duronso were killed when their plane crashed while searching for a murder victim in Whatcom County. Officer Krenz was piloting the plane when the engine failed. Thoughts and Memories of Douglas Krenz No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1978-09-04	Blaine Police Department	WA
Kurelic, George In Memory Of George Kurelic Illinois State Police, IL End of watch: 1997-10-30 Aircraft: Eurocopter AS350 Pilot George Kurelic died while conducting flight training at Frankfort Airport at around 0345 hours. The aircraft tipped, rolled over and burst into flames. Kurelic, a civilian, had contracts with both the State of Illinois and the Chicago Police Department. Also killed was Trooper Erin Hehl, 34. Thoughts and Memories of George Kurelic Donna M. Villa No mater how long it’s been since the last time I spent time with my brother-in-law, it will always be the same feeling as the first time. I have so many vivid memories of family, friends, love, and a strong sense of loyalty and commitment to not only his family but to his dedication to being the best that he could be. He somehow always made you think about doing more, being better, and always, always, helping people along the way. We talked about respect, and he told me, you don’t just get respect, you have to earn respect. I miss him, but I know he’s with me, and I’m grateful for having that. Kriston Kurelic Ten years later I don’t know why but I decided to Google my Dad’s name and this came up. I miss you so much Dad! Now that I am older I feel like we could have had an even greater connection than we had before. It’s so hard to believe it’s been so long because I will remember that day like it was yesterday for the rest of my life! The years we had will live on in my heart forever. I hope to make you proud! I love you! Lisa (Calarco) Adamso My Uncle George was a wonderful man and an awesome example of how to be a great human being. He died doing the one thing he loved the most, flying. He is so missed every day and will continue to be so for the rest of time. In my heart, he is my hero. Maryalice Bennewate What a family I have, I think of my brother often so on days when something happens in my life I think of him. I Googled his name today and see my family has done the same. I wonder how my life would be different if he were still here. I see my own children growing up, and I think what they have missed in not knowing him. I laugh when I think of him, which comforts me. He is missed so much even 10 years later. I miss him! What a treat to be able to express my feeling again! George you will always be our HERO! Nick Calarco George was and will be my best friend forever! We grew up together and had many great times. George was my best man at my wedding and I was his. George was my daughter Lisa Marie’s Godfather and I am his Daughter Kriston’s. I will always remember the days we spent together and I will never forget the times we had! George lived his life the way we all should, everyday to its fullest without regret and with a passion for life! Nicole Kleidon (Soria) I find myself in the same boat as Kristen, ten years later, googling Uncle George’s name. When we were little, we were so excited to see Uncle George in his helicopter. Every time one flew over our house, we would have and scream “Hi Uncle George!”. Now, ten years later I have two daughters of my own, and I am teaching them the same thing. I love you Uncle George, and I miss you everyday. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1997-10-30	Illinois State Police	IL
Laffick, Dennis In Memory Of Dennis Laffick Oklahoma National Guard, OK End of watch: 1995-08-28 Aircraft: Bell OH-58A U.S. Army Oklahoma National Guard Pilot Chief Warrant Officer Dennis H. Laffick, 49, died when his helicopter struck a power line while chasing narcotics suspects. Bureau of Indian Affairs Agent Michael Miller, 33, also died in the crash. Thoughts and Memories of Dennis Laffick Alice Zahalka Ewert I first met Dennis when I moved to La Grange Park, IL, in 1957. We attended the same church, St. Michael’s Lutheran, and we were in the 6th grade together. I remember he gave me my first serious Valentine. We socialized through youth activities at church. While I was away at college, I heard Dennis had enlisted. When he returned from his tour of duty in Vietnam and I had graduated, I walked the dog past his house and talked to him. We dated briefly. I last saw him at our 25th reunion from Lyons Township High School in October of 1988. I knew that he had no immediate family, as they had all predeceased him. Dennis was a sweet guy and I was very saddened to hear of his death. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1995-08-28	Oklahoma National Guard	OK
Lane, Mike In Memory Of Mike Lane Beaumont Police, TX End of watch: 2004-09-16 Aircraft: Bell OH58C Beaumont Police Sergeant Mike Lane, 54, was killed while investigating what was initially believed to be a boat on fire in a lake. An obstacle was observed in the water, and the pilot, Jefferson County Deputy Jeremy Battenfield, made a sharp right turn in an attempt to better identify the obstacle. During the turn, the helicopter descended, the right front skid contacted the water, and the helicopter plunged into the lake. Mike Lane graduated from Beaumont High School in 1969 and received his pilot’s license even prior to high school graduation at the young age of 17. He attended Lamar Tech, now Lamar University, until he decided to answer the call of law enforcement. In 1972, Sergeant Lane joined the Beaumont Police Department where his lengthy legacy began. He spent 32 years with the same police department in southeast Texas, fighting crime, helping people. A son of a retired Air Force member, Mike Lane was raised in airplane hangars all over the world from Japan to the United States. He had the passion of the Wright brothers for flying. He had aviation in his Texas blood. In the mid-80s, the Beaumont Police Department seized a plane used to smuggle drugs from Belize to Texas. After acquiring the plane, they began using it for local missions. Sergeant Lane immediately jumped at the chance to get in the pilot’s seat for the citizens of Jefferson County. He was one of the two designated pilots for the Beaumont Police Department. Just as policemen are drawn together by common goals, pilots seem to congregate together as well. His partner in the sky was another pilot in the police department, Deputy Chief Weldon Dunlap. Deputy Chief Dunlap recalls, “Mike had an amazing wealth of knowledge about aircraft. He literally ate, drank, and slept airplanes.” When the Army gave the Beaumont Police Department two helicopters, it was only natural that Lane would be heavily involved in the helicopter operations that would come up. Any time there was a mission or training, Lane was the first in line to take part in it. On the evening of September 15, 2004, the neighboring Port Arthur Police Department reported a boat fire on Sabine Lake. Lane was one of two pilots who was called to duty for the search and rescue mission that took place that moonless night, a night that Deputy Chief Dunlap recalled was extra dark. During the flight, Lane was tasked with shining the spotlight on the large, murky, marshy Sabine Lake near the Texas-Louisiana border while the other officer maneuvered the helicopter through the intense, immense darkness that surrounded them. Flying a mere 6 feet above the lake in an effort to get closer and look for people or debris in the water, Sergeant Lane was once again fulfilling his oath to protect and serve the people. Sergeant Lane and crew made last contact shortly after 10:30 p.m. and after that, there was only silence, silence in the stillness of the damp, dark, dreary night. A helicopter search team spotted the wreckage almost 4 hours later at 2 o’clock in the morning. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Battenfield, who was piloting the helicopter, survived the crash with minor injuries; but in the line of duty, doing what he loved and what he did best at the age of 54, Sergeant Mike Lane lost his life in the stillness of that September night. Hundreds of law enforcement members from across Texas and Louisiana traveled to South Park Baptist Church in Beaumont to pay their respects to a unique and talented officer and pilot that will never be replaced. He was laid to rest in the same church where he served as a deacon and a mentor to kids. Thoughts and Memories of Mike Lane Chad Hanks, Bryan, TX Police Dept. I first spoke with Sgt. Lane while I was preparing a paper for my class at Texas A&M on airborne law enforcement. I had a deep interest in the subject since I too am a police officer and my dream is to fly. I came across Sgt. Lane’s name and number during my research, and since I was from Bridge City, just east of Beaumont, I figured he would be a great person to talk to. I spoke with Sgt. Lane on several occassions and he was always very helpful providing me stats of the air unit and their missions. Sgt. Lane even invited me to come down to the airport and check out the aircraft next time I was in the area, but I was able to talk him into a possible flight. A few months later Sgt. Lane was killed and I was unable to meet him. However, I can only imagine how special a person he was due to the extreme amount of respect I gained by just talking to him on the phone. Renee Lane (wife) One of Mike’s greatest loves was flying, but he also had an even greater love for God, family, friends and his church. Mike managed to find ways to bring these together. 1st date was an airplane ride. Many kids from church, family, & friends got their 1st plane ride from Mike. We spent many afternoons at the airport with a line of kids waiting for their 1st ride. He always wanted to be sure anyone he took up enjoyed the flight & felt safe so they would also love flying. When his son, Ben was born, Mike could hardly wait till he was old enough for that 1st ride. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2004-09-16	Beaumont Police	TX
Lane, Matthew In Memory Of Matthew Lane Ferry County Sheriffs Department, WA End of watch: 2003-05-30 Aircraft: Cessna 172 Undersheriff Matthew Lane was killed in an airplane accident on May 30, 2003, during a search-and-rescue mission near the Sherman Pass summit at 1000 hours. He and a civilian pilot were part of a rescue effort searching for a missing woman. The woman was found later in the afternoon when she walked out of the woods near the point where she was reported missing. The pilot of the Cessna 172 was also killed in the accident. Undersheriff Lane had been with the eight-person department for 13 years and had previously served with the Republic Police Department for four years and with the Soap Lake Police Department. In 1999, he was shot in the cheek when he responded to a neighborhood disturbance. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, two daughters, Kacie and Marcella, also his parents and brothers and sisters. Thoughts and Memories of Matthew Lane No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2003-05-30	Ferry County Sheriffs Department	WA
Lawrie, Harry In Memory Of Harry Lawrie Killin MRT, UK End of watch: 1987-02-01 Aircraft: Westland Wessex HC2 One of the numerous civil rescue teams operating the often dangerous ground task on a voluntary basis was the Killin MRT. Financed by local subscription, donation and local government subsidies, the unit was administered, trained and equipped by the Central Scotland Police. Membership comprised a mixture of local people and police, each of whom underwent training to augment an interest in mountaineering. Part of the training included helicopter familiarization at RAF Leuchars. Early in 1987 the leader of the Killin MRT was Sergeant Harry J. G. Lawrie. This 47 year old officer had 26 years service in the police, of which almost half of which had been as a sergeant in the Killin and Callander areas and closely connected to the MRT. He was awarded the British Empire Medal [BEM] in the Queen’s New Years Honours list in 1987. At 1547hrs on Sunday February 1, 1987 a “999” emergency call was received at the police control room in Stirling. The caller, Werner Kittel, reported that his walking companion, a 27 year old Edinburgh film maker Sarah Noble, had been seriously injured on the north side of Ben More, Crianlarich, over an hour earlier. It was cold and snow lay on the ground. A message was sent to Sergeant Rose, an officer then engaged with enquiries into an earlier fatal accident, who telephoned the various members of the MRT and arranged for them to meet him at Benmore Farm near the scene. Almost an hour later the 34 years old language instructor Kittel arrived at the farm in an understandably distressed state. Although he thought that the injured climber was still alive when he left her, he believed that she was quite likely to die of her injuries soon if not rescued. Shortly afterwards Sergeant Lawrie requested helicopter assistance, as members of the MRT met up with another climber who, whilst climbing down Ben More, had found a woman’s body and was on his way to alert the emergency services. She was undoubtedly dead but, with the pressure off, the team had a more precise location for her. Appraised of the new situation, the Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Pitreavie, Fife, allowed the helicopter to continue to Benmore Farm as it had already left its base and was due to arrive at 1735hrs. The helicopter dispatched was an 22 Squadron RAF, “B” Flight detachment, Westland Wessex HC2, XT674, piloted by Flight Lieutenant Hugh Pierce with Flying Officer Christopher Palgrave as his navigator and Michael Anderson as Winchman. Wing Commander Rodgers, commanding officer of 22 Squadron, was an additional passenger. It was dark by the time the helicopter arrived at the farm. The aircrew decided to take members of the Killin MRT to assist them both in locating the body and to enable them to be dropped in the vicinity of the location. As they were both suitably dressed for the flight, Sergeant Lawrie took Constable Joseph Ramsey with him in the Wessex. Leaving Wing Commander Rodgers at the farm, they took off at 1745hrs and commenced an air search of the north face of the hillside with the aid of powerful searchlights attached to the undercarriage. The remaining members of the ground team set off to start their own search of the lower slopes. After checking their bearing with the observers remaining at the farm after ten minutes it was found that the Wessex, visible by virtue of its searchlights, was searching the wrong area. The helicopter moved westwards only to find that the wind and down-draught at the new location were unfavorable. On safety grounds it was decided to abandon the air search and drop off the Killin MRT pair wherever they chose. Sergeant Lawrie asked to be dropped off near to the ground team. In seeking a suitable landing the pilot, Hugh Pierce, descended from a high hover with the fuselage of the Wessex parallel to the hillside with the starboard door, locked in the open position, facing onto Ben More. Flying virtually blind, he wa Thoughts and Memories of Harry Lawrie Lance Rattray, Retired Chief Superintendent of Police This is a very accurate account of what happened on that fateful and tragic day. Harry joined the police about the same time as myself in 1958 as a cadet. He worked as an operational beat officer and traffic patrol officer and spent much of his service in the Callander area where he enjoyed walking in the hills and mountains and it was not entirely unexpected that he should become a member of the Killin MRT. He was instrumental in making this team one of the finest in Scotland. The team comprises a group of very special individuals who carry out this highly dangerous and arduous work on a voluntary and unpaid basis. Harry was a very special guy and is sadly missed by all who knew him and worked with him. Shortly after his death a memorial was erected at Callander Police Station in his memory and the family and members of Killin MRT erected a memorial cross on the peak of Ben Ledi overlooking the town of Callander. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1987-02-01	Killin MRT	UK
Leatherbury, John In Memory Of John Leatherbury Prince George's County Police Department, MD End of watch: 1968-03-21 Aircraft: unknown helicopter Private John William Leatherbury Jr. died in an unknown police helicopter accident. Thoughts and Memories of John Leatherbury No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1968-03-21	Prince George's County Police Department	MD
Leeman, Peter In Memory Of Peter Leeman U.S. Coast Guard, CA End of watch: 1994-07-12 Aircraft: HH-65A Dolphin This crew was responding to a grounded sailing vessel. It was dark and the weather was poor as this crew attempted to descend through the fog to assist the vessel in distress. The helicopter impacted the side of a cliff and the entire crew was lost. The aircraft was crewed by ASMCS Peter A. Leeman, LT Laurence B. Williams (CG Aviator #2887), LT Mark E. Koteek (CG Aviator #3113), and AM1 Michael R. Gill. Thoughts and Memories of Peter Leeman Casandra A. Leeman I want to thank the ALEA for this dedication. This fallen hero was my uncle and he is and always will be greatly missed. Darlene Leeman Thibeau Words cannot express the feelings that i felt that morning in July as I answered my door to an early morning knock to see my neighbor standing there in his dress blues…he was crying. Peter was my husband of almost 16 years, our daughter, April, 15, was still asleep upstairs unaware that her life was fprever changed. Our life was built around the Coast Guard and Pete’s career and it was a life we valued, knowing that this godly man was doing what he loved, serving his country and making a difference in the lives of others. To all those who remember Pete, thank you Steve and Nancy J. Leeman My youngest brother Peter. He was a true hero and was very much loved. The family is so proud of his sucess. He always had a crowd around him when he came home. He had such intersting stories. About the places he went and the church he went to. He was very much loved in his church family and his family at home. Tom Throssel I was stationed at Humboldt Bay with Chief Leeman and he had a great impact on my life. He was a godly man who loved his family deeply. I recently watched the movie “The Guardian” and was reminded of the times we worked together. He was a true hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1994-07-12	U.S. Coast Guard	CA
Leonberger, Loren In Memory Of Loren Leonberger Pima County Sheriffâ€™s Department, AZ End of watch: 2011-01-31 Aircraft: MD-530F On January 31, 2011 the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s helicopter “Survey 3” crashed near Waterman Road and Avra Valley Road while scouting for possible radio tower sites as part of the PCWIN project (working to establish common radio communications between local public service agencies). Tragically, veteran pilot Loren Leonberger was killed in the crash. Thoughts and Memories of Loren Leonberger No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2011-01-31	Pima County Sheriffâ€™s Department	AZ
Lerner, Craig In Memory Of Craig Lerner U.S. Coast Guard, PR End of watch: 1990-08-24 Aircraft: E-2C Hawkeye Coast Guard Officers Craig Lerner, Paul Erik Perlt, Matthew Baker, and Duane Stenback were killed when their E-2C Hawkeye crashed in the Caribbean while on a narcotics surveillance. Thoughts and Memories of Craig Lerner COL Kevin Shwedo Craig was a magnificent Company Commander at Valley Forge. He was able to demonstrate the leadership traits we would expect of far more mature officers at a very early age. There is no doubt in my mind why he was able to succeed in the Coast Guard! Jimmy Woolford My CO, during my plebe year at valley Forge Military Academy and College. Good man, good friend. Never forget you! Larry Carroll You were a great leader and friend during my plebe year….This leadership was again applied during your service in the Coast Guard…You will always be remembered…. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1990-08-24	U.S. Coast Guard	PR
Leveille, Paul In Memory Of Paul Leveille U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, CO End of watch: 1999-09-01 Aircraft: unknown airplane On September 1, 1999, Special Agent Paul Andrew LeVeille, a licensed FBI pilot, was killed in an aircraft accident while participating in an FBI-sponsored mountain flying pilot training course in Colorado Springs, Colorado. SA LeVeille, at the controls of the Piper Archer aircraft, was executing a box canyon turn when his aircraft crashed. SA LeVeille, along with his flight instructor, was killed instantly as a result of the impact of the aircraft into the mountain. SA LeVeille was assigned to the El Paso Division at the time of his death. After graduation from the FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia in 1996, Special Agent Leveille was assigned to the El Paso, Texas Field Office. Previously, he flew for the New Mexico Air National Guard. Special Agent Leveille was a skilled pilot who enjoyed flying. Special Agent Leveille resided in Anthony, Texas, and is survived by his wife, Joyce, and six children. Thoughts and Memories of Paul Leveille No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1999-09-01	U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation	CO
Levison, Michael In Memory Of Michael Levison Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department, NM End of watch: 2022-07-16 Aircraft: Bell UH-1H On July 16, 2022 at approximately 7:20 pm, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department helicopter known as Metro 2 crashed just outside of Las Vegas, NM. The helicopter and its crew were assisting with a wildfire in the area, providing bucket drops and other air logistics needs to fire crews on the ground. All four members of the crew, Undersheriff and Pilot Larry Koren, Tactical Flight Officer Lieutenant Fred Beers, Tactical Flight Officer Deputy Michael Levison and Rescue Specialist Lieutenant Matthew King, perished in the crash. Thoughts and Memories of Michael Levison No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2022-07-16	Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department	NM
Lewis Jr., Edwin W. In Memory Of Edwin W. Lewis Jr. Civil Air Patrol, CA End of watch: 2007-11-08 Aircraft: CAP Ed Lewis was both a CAP and USAF command pilot with more than 28,000 flight hours. He retired from Pan Am as a commercial airline pilot in 1989 to become a research pilot with NASA. Since 1997, he worked at Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., where he instructed in four aircraft C-12, C-20A, DC-8 and T-34C supporting NASA-Dryden flight test programs. He also was the centers aviation safety officer. Lewis military awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medals, Meritorious Service Medal and others. His CAP awards include Distinguished Service Medals, Exceptional and Meritorious Service Awards, Gill Rob Wilson Award, the Search and Rescue ribbon, and others. The CAP airplane crashed on a clear, but moonless night on Mount Potosi about 35 miles SW of of Las Vegas, approximately 2000 ft. below the peak. The cause appears to have been loss of situational awareness. Thoughts and Memories of Edwin W. Lewis Jr. No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2007-11-08	Civil Air Patrol	CA
Libolt, John In Memory Of John Libolt Costa Mesa Police Department, CA End of watch: 1987-03-10 Aircraft: MD500E Officer John Libolt and Officer David Ketchum were killed in a mid-air collision with a Newport Beach Police helicopter. In a double funeral that drew an estimated 1,150 uniformed officers, Costa Mesa Police Chief David Snowden said the call signal Eagle II will be retired in honor of fallen pilots James David “Dave” Ketchum and John W. “Mike” Libolt. The retirement will leave a numerical gap in Costa Mesa’s helicopter division – a reminder of the void left by the two deaths. “They died making Costa Mesa a safer place to be, “Snowden said his voice faltering with emotion. “As they would have wished, we’ll continue to patrol the skies of our city.” About 3,500 mourners – including federal, state and local law enforcement officers from San Francisco to Calexico – crowded the main hall and three overflow rooms at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa. Ketchum and Libolt, both 15-year veterans, are the first Costa Mesa police officers killed in the line of duty in the department’s 33-year history. As part of the memorial service, the crowd moved into the chapel courtyard where police helicopters from throughout the county flew overhead in a V-formation, with gaps left for the missing pilots. Libolt was survived by his fiancée Wilson, son David, 19, daughter Katy, 15, four sisters and his father. Thoughts and Memories of John Libolt Jerry Holloway Been 20 years now. Does not seem that long ago. We will always remember. Mike would have been 60 this year… Joyce Libolt-McGregor Mike’s sister, Janet, followed him in death in 1991, his father in 1999. I’m sure he was there to meet them. Mike, you are missed every day. Chris has followed in your and Jerry’s footsteps and is a Police Officer in La Verne. He is very much like you. Keep the faith and we’ll all see you again one day. Love, your sister Joyce. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1987-03-10	Costa Mesa Police Department	CA
Liguori, Giovanni In Memory Of Giovanni Liguori Italian State Police, ITA End of watch: 2007-10-16 Aircraft: AB 206 B Addestrative flight concerning emergency procedures. An Italian Police Air Service helicopter AB-206, from Pratica di Mare air base, crashed at 5pm local time in Pomezia, south of Rome. The helicopter was piloted by Unit Commander Giovanni Liguori and second pilot Inspector Eliano Falivene. The first died in the crash, the second just after few hours in the hospital. The helicopter was out of maintenance and in perfect condition October 3, 2007. At the site of the crash, there were no obstacles (cables, towers, power lines, etc.) and the area is well known by Police pilots as they often fly there for training. There were no alarms sounded or emergency contact with a control tower so the cause of the crash is inexplicable at this time. The crew was well experienced. Thoughts and Memories of Giovanni Liguori Marco He was the best manager and Leader in our 11 Aviation Units of the Italian National Police !! One of us !! LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2007-10-16	Italian State Police	ITA
Lindenberg, Jeffrey In Memory Of Jeffrey Lindenberg Los Angeles Police Department, CA End of watch: 1976-06-11 Aircraft: Bell 47-G Officer Jeffrey B. Lindenberg was killed during a helicopter training flight while practicing pinnacle landings near the Los Angeles Zoo in the hills above Hollywood. Officer Lindenberg had been with the LAPD for seven years. He was survived by his wife and infant daughter. Thoughts and Memories of Jeffrey Lindenberg Maj M. B. Parlor We are the LAPD ! We do not leave any Men or Women behind, and we do not forget any LAPD Brother or Sister, who may have fallen in the line – of – duty. Officer Lindenberg, may Your Soul Rest-In-Peace. Steve C I lived that crash I was only five My father was the other pilot The one who was left alive The police car showed I stood on the curb Knowing things weren’t right Old enough to be disturbed A man in Blue yelled for mom I only stood and stared The neighbor took us And told mom she cared The car drove away Something happened to dad As the man and my mom left I could tell she was sad Hours had gone by And still no word The only thing I could remember Was mom’s cry I heard I was told to look into a window There I saw my dad I was too scared to look And that made him sad He wanted to, at the least To kiss, hug, and hold me I did not recognize him As badly as I wanted to see That’s not my dad I said Yes it is mom reassured This is not even a man You must be absurd Go touch his hand That man is you father Go and see him It will be no bother I walked to him He said I love you son As I grabbed his hand He said I am your father, I am the one Time has passed And I still have my dad Knowing things will never be the same Still makes me sad Then I think of what could have been My father still a cop The accident wasn’t up to him His life planned out by the Man on top An outstanding person in all With the memories left in ash I was there on that day I lived that crash. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1976-06-11	Los Angeles Police Department	CA
Lippy, Mickey In Memory Of Mickey Lippy Maryland State Police, MD End of watch: 2008-09-27 Aircraft: unknown aircraft Trooper Mickey Lippy and civilian Pilot Stephen Bunker were killed in a helicopter crash while performing a medical evacuation of two critically injured teenagers from Charles County. During the flight, the EuroCopter Dauphin helicopter encountered severe weather and Pilot Bunker radioed to have two ambulances meet them at Andrews Air Force Base to complete the transport. At approximately 12:30 am, air traffic controllers lost contact with the helicopter. A ground search was initiated and approximately two hours later the wreckage was found in Walker Mill Regional Park. Both troopers, a Charles County EMT, and one of the two patients were killed in the crash. Trooper Lippy was appointed to the Maryland State Police four years ago. He had been in the Aviation Command as a flight paramedic since April 2007. He is survived by his wife and four month old daughter. Thoughts and Memories of Mickey Lippy Lieutenant David Rosenblatt Mickey you will be missed. May God bless you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you! LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2008-09-27	Maryland State Police	MD
Lloyd, Hubert In Memory Of Hubert Lloyd Charleston County Sheriff’s Department, SC End of watch: 1992-06-07 Aircraft: Enstrom 280FX Sergeant Hubert Lloyd and Deputy William Nalley were killed when their helicopter crashed as they were preparing to search for a serial rapist. The officers were flying the helicopter from one airport to the Charleston International Airport when it crashed less then one mile after takeoff. Sergeant Lloyd had been with the agency for 20 years. Thoughts and Memories of Hubert Lloyd No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1992-06-07	Charleston County Sheriff’s Department	SC
Loftus, Terrance In Memory Of Terrance Loftus U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, IL End of watch: 2004-05-28 Aircraft: Cessna 206H Special Agent Terrance Patrick Loftus of the DEA was killed in Illinois while piloting an aircraft on a drug mission. He had departed Midway International Airport in Chicago, Illinois en-route to St. Louis, Missouri. Shortly after take-off, he radioed the tower and reported an engine failure before disappearing from radar. He attempted to land in a large field, but crashed into a residential garage becoming completely engulfed in flames. Loftus was the sole person aboard the aircraft. Special Agent Loftus was born in Hasting, Michigan, and graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He served in the United States Army from 1981 to 1988. Terry was hired by DEA and assigned to the Washington Division, Baltimore District Office beginning September 10, 1989. While assigned to Baltimore, he served in the active reserve of the Maryland National Guard. He was an experienced pilot with 1,700 hours of flight time. On November 11, 1999, he was assigned to the Office of Aviation Operations in Chicago, Illinois. Special Agent Loftus is survived by his wife Deborah, and their children, Dornier, Banon, Mallory and Ross, his parents Iris and Patrick Loftus of Hasting, Michigan, his brother Andrew of Annapolis, Maryland and his sister Denise Garn of Jenison, Michigan. Thoughts and Memories of Terrance Loftus Denise Garn Dear Brother, Sept. 1, 2007 would have been your 48th birthday. We miss you everyday! You died doing what you loved to do, flying! Ted Nelson Terry was a great Agent, friend and family man. He will be missed!!! LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2004-05-28	U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration	IL
Logasa, Charles In Memory Of Charles Logasa San Francisco Police Department, CA End of watch: 1971-02-11 Aircraft: Bell 47G-5 Officer Charles D. Logasa died when his helicopter crashed into Lake Merced. Thoughts and Memories of Charles Logasa No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1971-02-11	San Francisco Police Department	CA
Lucas, Harry In Memory Of Harry Lucas West Virginia State Police, WV End of watch: 1984-09-12 Aircraft: unknown helicopter Trooper Harry G. Lucas Jr. died when his aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances. Thoughts and Memories of Harry Lucas No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1984-09-12	West Virginia State Police	WV
Lunn, James In Memory Of James Lunn U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Mexico End of watch: 1976-05-14 Aircraft: unknown airplane Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent James T. Lunn, a pilot, assigned to the Office of Enforcement at DEA Headquarters, died on May 14, 1976, in a plane crash north of Acapulco during an operations flight in support of Mexico’s opium eradication program. He was 35 years of age at the time of his death. Special Agent Ralph N. Shaw, a passenger in the plane, was also killed in the crash. Special Agent Lunn had been assigned to the Kansas City Regional Office since joining the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs in April 1972. He was transferred to the Office of Enforcement in April 1975, and assigned to the Domestic Investigations Division, Special Enforcement Programs. An experienced pilot, he had been a civilian flight instructor for the U.S. Air Force and a commercial pilot. He graduated from Central Missouri State College with a bachelor’s degree in aviation technology and was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Thoughts and Memories of James Lunn No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1976-05-14	U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration	Mexico
Lynch, Michael In Memory Of Michael Lynch U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, OH End of watch: 1982-12-16 Aircraft: unknown airplane On December 16, 1982, Special Agents Terry Burnett Hereford, Charles L. Ellington, Robert W. Conners, and Michael James Lynch were killed in a Bureau airplane accident near Montgomery, Ohio. The Agents were accompanying a bank fraud and embezzlement subject, Carl Henry Johnson, and an individual from the law firm representing Johnson to Cincinnati. They were attempting to locate $50,000 in embezzled money, which Johnson had hidden in that area. The plane, piloted by SAs Hereford and Conners, crashed on approach to Cincinnati’s Lunken Airport near Montgomery, and all aboard were killed. There were indications that the aircraft encountered altitude read-out problems, was flying at a low altitude, and hit some wires before it went down. Thoughts and Memories of Michael Lynch No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1982-12-16	U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation	OH
Magly, Bliss In Memory Of Bliss Magly Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department, CA End of watch: 1980-10-23 Aircraft: Hughes 500c - "Angel II" At approximately 8:50 p.m. on October 23, 1980, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department helicopter crashed and burned in a vineyard located just north of River Road, ½ mile south of the Sonoma County Airport. Both the pilot, Deputy Sheriff Brent Jameson and, co-pilot, Deputy Sheriff Bliss Magly, were killed instantly upon impact. At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evening, the sheriff’s department helicopter had responded to assist in an earlier incident wherein a California Highway Patrol Officer had been shot at. The helicopter was summoned to assist in an area search of Ludwig Avenue as the suspect had fled into the rural countryside. The Highway Patrol Officer was not injured, and a short time later a suspect identified as Alfredo C. Fernandez, 23, was arrested and charged with attempted murder. The helicopter was responding back to the Sonoma County Airport when the crash occurred. Just before the crash, the helicopter crew had been in radio contact with the Sonoma County Airport Tower. The crash occurred only seconds later. Thoughts and Memories of Bliss Magly No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1980-10-23	Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department	CA

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