Essay by slain officer's wife could win Antioch firefighting crew $100,000

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Contra Costa County Engine 83 - Firedog Across America Heroes Finalist

These three firefighters went into an unsecure area to try and save a fellow law enforcement brother who had been shot. Please read the essay below written by Jo Ann Lasater, the slain officers widow. Click on the link at the bottom of the page, watch the video, and PLACE YOUR VOTE.

On April 23, 2005, three firefighters from Antioch, Calif., Engine 83 proved to be true heroes. My husband, Officer Larry Lasater with the Pittsburg California Police Department, was in pursuit of two bank robbers on the Delta De Anza Trail. One of the bank robbers shot my husband in the leg and the neck. As a gunfight ensued with Larry’s fellow officers, Larry was unconscious on the ground. They were able to apprehend one of the suspects and it was thought that the shooter was still hiding in the bushes. My husband’s fellow officers decided to take cover and get Larry out along with Fire Captain John McNamara, Firefighter/Paramedic James Gallagher and Firefighter Christopher Freyler, all with Contra Costa Fire Engine 83. These three firefighters went into an unsecured area under police cover to help my husband. They could have waited for the scene to be cleared or for the officers to bring Larry out, but they went in with the knowledge that there may be another suspect still hiding in the bushes. Their main concern was to help Larry, while they were risking their own lives. Only after Larry was carried out was it learned that the other suspect was not in the bushes and was captured several blocks away.

I wish this story had a happy ending, but sadly Larry was unable to recover and left behind an unborn son who was born two months after his murder. I find comfort in the knowledge that my husband was never alone out there. He was surrounded by his friends and fellow officers, paramedics and firefighters; all of them going above and beyond the call of duty.

My husband and I had decorated our son Cody’s room in a firefighter theme. I never imagined how much that theme would come to mean to me and now Cody’s room is a reminder of the dedication and heroism of these three amazing men.

There are no words that can properly thank them for putting their lives on the line for my husband. I am submitting this essay in the hope that you will recognize their bravery by supplying them with much deserved new equipment. They epitomize what a true hero is: courageous, compassionate and willing to put the safety and well-being of others before their own.

Thank you for your consideration.

Jo Ann Lasater
Martinez, CA

Vote HERE!!

[Hockey9019]

Done

[freshgirl]

I voted from all my email addresses and passed it on.

[Rabbit23]

Done and done.

[Valor55]

Done!

[Oscarsjava]

^What he said

[deputywave]

I voted.

[dirtysubie]

Ditto....May his family have my prayers and blessings and may this brave officer RIP

[LA5150]

:D

[hitnrun]

BUMP...for a good cause.

[mxwelch]

Done.

[Kate]

I voted yesterday but with only one email address. I'll be sure to vote again with a few others that I have.

[greenlead]

I voted, and sent an email out encouraging others to do so.

[mcsap]

I voted and they got $3

[Aussie George]

4 votes from me.