Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You were my mom Calene's cousin and my Grandma Catherine Brown's (O'hanlon) nephew, and my mom always talked about you and how much she loved you and how close you were as kids. She would come and visit from California and stay for the summer and thought of you as her brother and looked up to you. I've never got to meet the O'Hanlon side of the family, but it makes me proud to know you were a big influence on my mom. It's also probably why my father was a cop also!

Phillip Brown
O'Hanlon clan member

December 23, 2022

Officer O’Hanlon,
On today, the 35th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 13, 2020

Yours was the first LODD funeral that I went to... I was 6. I didn’t really understand what was happening at the time, but I knew it was important. I remember seeing all of the officers in their hats and knowing that my friend and schoolmate had lost his dad. It made a big impression on me. There are lots of reasons why I signed up for the job, but seeing all of those Officer supporting your family may have been the first.

Sgt. Sean Fullerton

July 21, 2018

I remember him from the time I was a young boy. He was my cousin: his mother and my father were brother and sister. His father, Reds O’Hanlon, was my godfather. I always looked up to him and every visit was very special. My father always loved him very much.

Richard O’Brien, Retired Trooper
PA State Police

May 31, 2018

My academy class is dedicated to Officer O'Hanlon. As a class I hope we do right by his name. Thanks to Officer O'Hanlon, for his service and ultimate sacrifice, as well as the rest of his family who serves on the force.

Recruit Officer Jamie Litzner
PPD

September 21, 2015

i wasn't born at the time but i really wanted to know you because you are my grandpa and you sound so nice.You are not dead you are living your second life in heaven at God's kingdom of angels and love or care. Your story really touched me like my poems and one day i will share a poem about you to everyone to see how much i love you. Even though i haven't met you your my favorite person ever. i really look at my dad and see a boy who was raised by a wonderful police officer and you are going to be so proud of him because he raises me like how you raised him, like a good man should be raising his kids. My dad really misses everyone does. You are in everyone's heart and always will be forever like how the sun shines and the birds fly you saved helpless people and people from bad people. My dad is the best because he is just like you and every O'Hanlon in history. I love you and the O'Hanlon history.





Love,
Your grand kid Alex O'Hanlon !!
U

Alexandria O'Hanlon
Grandaughter

May 27, 2015

A Hero now in Heaven, Always remembered and NEVER forgotten.

Kim Weigand - PA C.O.P.S.
Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand E.O.W. 9/14/2008

November 13, 2014

I was reading the stories and reflections that people wrote on your page and it speaks volumes of your character and the type of man you were. I will always be proud to be your son. I miss you and think of you everyday.

Terrence O'Hanlon
Son

April 6, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your 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.

How proud you must be that your family has continued your legcy of protecting and serving.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 13, 2011

You were my father's uncle so mine as well I never met you; you passed before I was born but I cannot stop looking at your photo and feeling like I know you; probably because all O'Hanlons look alike; God I wish I had the chance to meet you and my pop-pop. I CAN NOT WAIT TO CARRY ON OUR FAMILY NAME WHEN I BECOME A PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICER and make you, my dad, my granddad, my uncle, and my cousins proud.

John
nephew

October 21, 2011

Thinking of you today, you are a hero who will never be forgotten. God bless your family.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

April 2, 2011

You are greatly loved and missed by so many and thought of every day.

Anonymous

March 16, 2010

The first night i worked with your son in the 24 he showed me your memorial. He shared this story with me so i figured I would leave it here for you.

He told me he was drinking at a bar or lodge just a block away from state road under 95 where your memorial is..
He walked down to it and took a few minutes to remember you as he saw what looked to be a local homeless man walking up to him..
In his mind he figured the guy was gonna say something stupid like WTF are you doing here, or why are you staring at that..
Then the man said to your son suddenly "hey what are you doin here"..
Your sun briefly stated he was just reading your plaque..
Then the stranger said to him something like this.."ok, i thought you were pissing on it, and i would have been really mad if you were doing that..a philly police officer died here..you have to respect this spot."

Your son was shocked, I would have been too..
It shows that you never know what people think of you as you do your job 8 hours a day. It shows that some people care about cops, even if they cant care for themselves.

Your son is one of the funniest cops i ever met..you would be very proud of him!!

#4951
ppd 24dst 3sqd

February 22, 2009

I lived next to Mr O Hanlon for 3 years i dont really remember him that well but i heard stories about him when he came over to talk to my dad and have a beer with him. Mr O' Hanlon you are not forgotten be me or my family. Rest in Peace my friend.

John
neighbor

June 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

January 24, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

November 28, 2007

Rest in peace always and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

November 13, 2007

Rest well Officer O'Hanlon. You are not forgotten.

SGT. Jim Morace #458
PPD

November 13, 2007

Mr. O'Hanlon,
I grew up with Terrence and I will always remember the day you were taken. I never knew you personally but I honor your memory. It makes me proud to read that your sons have become fellow brothers in blue. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Agent Paul Bruno
DEA Task Force West Palm Beach, FL

September 12, 2006

mr. o was like a second dad to me i practically lived at his house he was agreat dad and a hero i remember going to watch him at the thrill show and just amazed at that stunts he and the other highway cops would do he was a hero to me and i still miss him

john delaney
family friend

June 12, 2006

P/O O'Hanlon, you are not forgotten. Your family is strong and proud, a reflection of you.

P/O #5434
Philadelphia PD

May 30, 2006

I never knew Officer O'Hanlon personally, but I knew his family very well and I will never forget him or the time I spent with his loved ones on Fuller Street. I am proud to have known his family, proud of his sacrifice, and proud of his legacy.

December 9, 2005

I's quite a testament to you that all of your sons are now Philly Blue; and it is a reflection of your wife's bravery that she supported every one of them coming on the job. I came out with Matt and occassionally saw your nephew when he was in the 9th. You would be proud of your family. A good, solid Police family. You can rest in peace knowing they, and the department never will forget you.

P/O Joseph Leighthardt
Philadelphia Police

December 1, 2005

Every November 13, I remember Police Officer Charles O'Hanlon and his sacrifice. I remember his family especially.

A Friend

November 14, 2005

HE WAS MY UNCLE CHARLIE I HAVE SUCH GREAT MEMORIES OF HIM,WE WOULD ALL GO SWIMMING IN HIS POOL,BARBQ,AND LISTEN TO IRISH MUSIC. HE WAS THE FUNNIEST PERSON I HAD EVER KNOWN-- WE ALL MISS YOU

sgt.john patrick o'hanlon
philadelphia police

August 4, 2005