Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer O’Sullivan,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Kansas City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 12, 2018

I so remember that day in December. I remember, too, the very biased reporting of the events surrounding your death, particularly by the KC Star. It sure made a lot of us very mad that their focus was on your killer and his family. It still makes me angry when I think about it.

You were one great officer, John J. Oh, I still carry your handcuff key.

Walk well, my Brother.

Donnie Bowerman
Retired LEO
CMSUPD, IPD, KCPD, JCSD, DEA

August 23, 2018

John, this past evening I attended a bench dedication at the KCMO PD, Trail of Heroes Memorial Park. It was sponsored by your loyal friends from the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In attendance were a number of retired LEO's and other friends. You were fondly remembered and honored by all present. I was proud to be accompanied by one of my sons, who is also a Police Officer. I had the opportunity to speak about you and our friendship. I recalled your kindness and consideration towards others. You occasionally spoke with an obvious Irish brogue and you possessed a great sense of humor. John, you were an exceptional human being. You were a loving and devoted husband and father. You were a cherished friend. You are missed, but never forgotten.

David J. Bernal
Former KCMO PD/FBI-retired

June 27, 2014

The Ancient Order of Hibernians Padraig Pearse Div. K.C.Mo. will honor brother John J. O'sullivan Jan !, 2013 at St. Therse Little Flower, 58th Ecuid, 10.00 am Mass for he and all fallen officers of K.C.P.D.

May you all be sitting on the lap of Christ

n/a
President Padraig Pearse Div.

December 16, 2012

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department

December 12, 2012

I was one of the two paramedics that tried to save Officer O'Sullivan. Please know, my partner and I worked as hard as we could to save you. We always regretted that our efforts were in vain.

My son, all these years later, is now a police officer and I have told him of this many times. I can still remember the day as if it were yesterday. The temperature, that it was a bright sunshiny day. And the horror we felt when we arrived on the scene.

Please know that I have thought of you often.

Terry Benson Louthain
Physicians Exchange Ambulance Service

June 6, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 3erd 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Kelly, you are in my heart's embrace today.
Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 13, 2011

I was attending my second day at the Regional Academy on Tuesday, 12-12-1978, there was a scanner in the day room blaring police calls and students had to raise their voices to talk. Around 0900 we heard the three beeps of an "assist the officer" in Metro. No one talked for what seemed to be hours, amazing what we learned from radio traffic. The next day the paper had a large full face photo of your murderer with a trickle of blood running down his forehead as he was led into court for arraignment. Other photos in the paper were of anguished officers doing their duty to capture your killer almost immediately.

The next day two of my classmates did not show. We were told they re-evaluated their choices and went on to other callings.

I expect to retire soon, your story has been with me every day and I wish I'd had the privilege to have met you.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. My heartfelt condolences to your family.

Detective David Ross
Kansas City, Missouri Police

December 10, 2011

As a young man from a small village in West Cork, you traveled so far to make a better life when times were so hard. Although you didn't get a chance to teach me how to live, the way you lived your life has shown me. I've learned to be fearless and be brave and be proud. In your short years here you managed to leave lasting memories with those you loved that have never faded with time. I am so grateful for every memory they've shared with me. I wish so many things had been different, but most of all I wish I had the chance to even just once tell you how very proud I am to be yours.

Kelly O'Sullivan
Daughter

February 13, 2009

I am currently a Mounted Police Officer with the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. As with many Mounted Units, our unit made the choice to honor our city's fallen officers by naming one of our police mounts after them. My mount is officially named John J. O'Sullivan in honor of this brave officer whoose life was tragically taken by a coward. The "old-timers" that I have talked with have stated that Officer O'Sullivan was a good officer that this city and its citizens were proud of. God bless his wife Carol and family. It is my understanding the suspect possibly died in prison, and was not released. It is my honor to remember Officer O'Sullivan.

Officer Michael Mast
Kansas City, MO Police Department

February 3, 2009

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. John while trying to track down your family I received emails from some of your Brothers in Blue that worked with you. Know that they remember and have thought of you with fond memories. I think your wife and I will become good friends after talking with her. While gathering information on your murder I had chills run up my back when I see that your killer was found guilty and incarcerated in the Missouri Dept of Corrections on March 17, Good ole St Patty's Day. The Saints had a hand in this. Thank you John for the service you gave to the City of Kansas City. I will be here for your family.

Trudy Meyers
survivor

February 3, 2009

I first met John when I participated in the K.C.MO P.D. ride-along program when I was in my late teens. As time went on I got to know him better and we became good friends. He was like a big brother to me, and my wife and I had the privilege of sharing dinner at our home with his wonderful family. John is someone I will always remember and appreciate. He had a great sense of humor and it was in part his influence that led me to join the reserve unit with the Mission, Kansas Police Department in 1977. One of the saddest days of my life was when I attended his funeral in uniform, along with hundreds of others who were there to honor him. May God be with his family and with John. Hope to see you again someday, my friend.

Eben Fowler
Former reserve P.O. - Mission, KS Police Department

May 25, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service, this writer is as always saddened that justice was not served on your behalf.

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 6, 2007

"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

December 6, 2007

Thank you for your bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. It sickens me that the scumbag that ambushed you was released from prison. Oh well, I know where he will spend eternity; you are already there, my brother. So, until one day in Heaven we meet, keep walking your beat on Golden Street watching over the thin blue line. God bless your family and friends. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

October 29, 2007

I was just looking through officers killed in the histroy of Dec 12 and came along you my friend. You are a true Hero to all in Missouri and it sickens me to know the person who took your life is walking the streets today. My current Sgt is a former Kansas City Police Officer and I take true pride my fellow officers across this great state you once help protect. Even though you left us so long ago, we have not, and will not forget your memory. Please say hello to Sgt BIll McEntee my former Sgt who joined the unspeakable fraternity of Missouri Officers killed in the line of duty. God Bless PO Brand 303

PATROLMAN TIM BRAND
KIRKWOOD PD MO

December 12, 2006

Rest in peace, sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

June 26, 2006

Hello cousin John,

While the rest of us grow old you reaain the same.
The smae in the memory, warm and good as you always were.

Man you should see your two beautiful daughters now.

Very best

Cousin Michael.

Michael Mc Carthy
cOUSIN

May 28, 2006

I wanted to let you know I met your daughter. You were taken from her at such an early age in your life. She is a wonderful, kind, loving, giving young lady you would be proud of.
I didn't know you, but I'm grateful you were there to serve your community.
May God be with you and one day may you be reunited with her.

Sandy
A friend

February 27, 2006

No fallen officer should be without a reflection.

Sir, your death was absolutely senseless. How sad to know the responsible party is enjoying his life.

Your life and contributions to your community will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Officer O'Sullivan.

June 29, 2005