Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Papaianni,
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 Edison. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 16, 2021

I think of Officer Papaianni and his family so often on September 16th...as he was killed a year to the day my dad passed away. My mother was a waitress at the then-named Menlo Coach diner on Route 1 in Edison, not far from the bank. I remember her telling me she was driving behind the ambulance on her way home from work that day. We were also neighbors, living a few blocks away from the Papaianni residence in Menlo Park. God rest Officer Papaianni’s soul and richly bless his family. Rest easy in peace Officer.

Nancy Gimbel Mundie Martin
Fellow Edison neighbor

March 21, 2021

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 16, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Papaianni.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 31, 2019

I was 11 years old in town when this happened to you. I am now retired with 25 years on the job. I thought of you often while I was on patrol. You inspired me and helped me to stay safe. Thank you...

P.O Rich Gulya (Ret)
UMDNJ / Rutgers Police

November 22, 2017

Rest in peace

Sgt. Jim Russo

September 16, 2016

Thank you for your service Sir. Not forgotten...

Sgt Yoli Trujillo, Retired
Corpus Christi (Tx) P.D.

September 16, 2016

I remember the event very well, like it took place just yesterday. I did a benefit afew years later, where I got three local bands to donate their time.

It did well, it helped to bring the message that police officers are our friends and if ever in trouble or harm that you should go to them.

Many years have since passed, and alot of Edison Police Officers have passed through the force and have Officers like Papaianni and Gorman to follow in their foot steps.

Paul William Wolfe
Honorary Member Of The Board
National Police Hall of Fame & Museum
Miami, FL USA

Vice President of Operations
BILL HALEY'S COMETS, INC.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Member

Honorary Board Member
National Police Hall of Fame & Museum

March 26, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst 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.

Time never diminishes respect. You will always be remembered and revered.

Rest In Peace

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

September 17, 2012

"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 11, 2007

~~When Tomorrow Starts Without Me~~~

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see; If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me, try to understand, that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand, and said my place was ready in Heaven far above, and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, for all my life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for and so much yet to do, it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for a while, I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized that this could never be, for emptiness and memories would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things I'd miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne, He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you. Today for life on earth is past but here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past. But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free, so won't you take my hand and share my life with me?" So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart.

April 13, 2005

Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township PD

December 20, 2004

May his badge and all it stands for shine brightly throughout eternity

June 22, 2004