Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Lt. O'Connor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 11, 2021

Lt. James O'Connor was a hero in every aspect, not only because he spared the life of the armed robber whom he could have legally shot and killed, but also by refusing to let age, time of service, and proximity to retirement define him. He was a professional Chicago Police Officer all the way, and his example helped inspire a record turnout of young people in subsequent entrance exams for the Chicago Police Department. His descendants have left very moving tributes to the memory of this fine man, and they should know on the 50th anniversary of this sad incident that his sacrifice was not in vain; the memory of Lt. O'Connor will stand for all time.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Milligan
Chicago Police Department (ret.)

David Milligan
Chicago Police department (ret.)

January 28, 2020

Lt. O’Connor,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 28, 2020

Lt. Kensington,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 28, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you Hero and your family for your courage, sacrifice and service. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 28, 2020

Love you Grandpa, gone too soon...You gave him the option to remove arms bc you believed in second chances, You cared and i love that about you amongst everything else! If only he were half the man you were! God bless you Grandpa , So unfair . Miss you and think ab you daily. I love and admire everything ab you and all the stories ab you , I could listen to them over! I Go by ur memorial often to visit, what a monument they put up, as you all deserve for everything u went through ! hope u and grandma are reunited and looking down on all ur wonderful children and us! LOve and Misss Grandma and magic also! xxxxooo ! Love you

Jaclynn Sullivan
Granddaughter

May 15, 2014

I wish I could of known you and knew more about you. Thinking of you today and grandma , I miss her so much ! I'm so proud to share this page and the responses with your great grandchildren .

Kerry O'Connor Stiles
granddaughter

December 25, 2013

Rest in Peace, Lieutenant O'Connor. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 42nd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your many years of distinguished service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered. .

Rest In Peace

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

January 28, 2012

You are not forgotten sir.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

January 28, 2011

I started my career in the police district in which you were killed. I remember an old timer telling me you were a nice guy and related the story about your murder. I thought about it many times over the years as I drove by that spot. Please know your heroic actions will never be forgotten.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

January 27, 2011

You have not been forgotten.

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

January 28, 2009

Thinking of you and all your loved ones on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

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

January 28, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG (37 YEARS) AND DEDICATED SERVICE. YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 25, 2008

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 17, 2007

Your supreme sacrifice should be honored for all eternity.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs

January 11, 2007

Rest easy, hero. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Wisconsin L.E.O.

September 11, 2006

Lt. Kensington,
On today, the 35th anniversary, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago.
R.I.P.
Anonymous

January 28, 2005