Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I played baseball on that very field the day of the shooting. We had left the field maybe an hour or two before the shooting. It was a sad day! I was 15 years old. Our trophies and end of season ceremony was dedicated to those two beautiful police officers.

Derrick Young
Cabrini Green Resident

October 29, 2024

I am a product of the infamous Cabrini Green Housing Projects. I was 15 years old on the day the two police officers were killed. My mother used to sit on the bench in the rear of 1117 N. Cleveland, the building that set just east of the baseball field where the officers were shot.

The day of the murders, police officers walked by the bench my mom was sitting on drinking her RC soda, and they were very friendly and social. They were participants in the "Walk-n-Talk Program. It was a program implemented to bring the Chicago Police Department and Cabrini Green residents together.

My young sister was on the tenth floor and witnessed the two officers drop to the ground. She was terrified as she cried like a baby.

As a young boy growing up in Cabrini Green, I experienced so much racism, hatred and discrimination. Nevertheless, I was and still is angry how two men were shot down for no other reason than because of the uniforms they wore.

Dwight Taylor
Concerned Citizen against Violence

June 23, 2021

Thanks for looking out for me when I was a Chicago Police Cadet assigned to Area 6 Task Force. I've thought of you and Tony often over the years. You will never be forgotten.

Deputy Chief Patrick Pender - Retired
Mundelein Police Department

February 28, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your LE brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

July 17, 2020

Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice.

Anonymous Civilian
Chicago

July 13, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Rizzato.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 22, 2019

Tony was a good man always laughing and had a joke to tell. I didn't know at the time what had happened, I just saw the Police cars there. They blocked off the street. When I found out a C.P.O was murdered I never thought it would be him. But it was, along with Sgt. Severin. Both were shot down by snipers from the tall buildings. Later Nick would tell me that he was there returning fire, knowing his brother was dead. The rounds from his pistol hit the bricks below the window. His sister, Louciel and I talked a lot about how it changed Nick and the whole family. Tony touched so many lives, he was a man that cared about people. This post brought back the memories of that hot summer and how two good men walked to talk to people and show them them that the Police were their friends. I've prayed so many times for Tony and all of his extended family. His son and daughter grew up never knowing their father. His wife never remarried. To all you men in (018) be safe and never forget. I know I won't.

Red Wemette
FBI informant and close friend

May 5, 2019

The ultimate sacrifice of our fellow officers Tony and Jim will forever remain in our hearts, thoughts and prayers, especially today, the 48th anniversary of the day that they were taken from us.
Rest in Peace.

Sgt. Al
(CPD/018 ret)

July 17, 2018

Patrolman Rizzato,
On today, the 47th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Officer who was with 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

July 17, 2017

Tony,
On December 20, 2014 Two New York Police Officers were assassinated sitting in there squad on duty. Both were shot in the heads at close range by a lone assassin he walked up to the squad and, as he posted on the internet earlier, gave wings to a couple of pigs today. Also stating to other pedestrians, watch what I'm going to do. You and Sgt. Severin were also
assassinated together in Cabrini Green, by snipers with rifles, from the eleventh story. I was at your parole hearing and will be at the next one. I'm so sorry for these families of the officers from New York. It touches me so, still

Marilyn Rizzato-Reines
sister-in-law

December 23, 2014

Marilyn Rizzato-Reines
thank you so much for your offer to look through what you have. I would love to very much

Was at the 18th on Saturday. It is truly a very moving and wonderful memorial they have
Again My prayers are with the family

Kathleen Jurkowski
wife - Lt. Dennis Jurkowski

July 16, 2013

The memories of the horrific event seem like yesterday. Dennis would never talk about it. My prayers are with your family as these officers will never be forgotten. I am appreciate so much anything you have regarding that day. I am trying to piece it togther for my children.

kathleen jurkowski, wife
Lt. Dennis Jurjowski

July 9, 2013

How can I thank you Ed Wodnicki for the acknowledging that Ptlmn. Nickalos R. Rizzato #12174 was also working on the "Walk and Talk" community relations program with the children in Cabrini Green. Not everyone knows the story of the previous confrontation or that fatal day. I do, from my deceased husband Ptlmn Nickalos R. Rizzato. No one knows that whole story on what happened to Ptlmn Nickalos R. Rizzato July 17, 1970 except his wife of 21 years. He suffered from severe PTSD he never recovered.
I can't express the gratitude and respect I feel for you Mr Wodnicki for having the courage you had to even mention
Nicky's name, most people don't even know he was there My son can hold his head a little higher because you said something nice about his father., No one else ever has. My brother-in-law Ptlmn. Anthony N. Rizzato #12407 was as fine a police officer as could be found. He and Sgt. Severin #1319 so sincere in what they were doing in Cabrini Green Housing Project. Helping little children.

Marilyn E. Rizzato-Reines
Sister-in-law

June 18, 2013

July 17, 1970, 43 years since Sergeant Jim Severin and I met in the 18th District Tactical Unit Office before we proceeded to Cabrini with our respective teams to engage in the "Walk & Talk" program. A previous day confrontation necessitated having an additional person on my team for the day. Your brother Nick a good copper as yourself worked with my team and you remained with Jim. What followed was the vicious calculated murder of you and Jim Severin. Albeit, there was another victim that day, your brother Nick who could never fathom what occurred. Rest in Peace.

Dpty Supt (retired) Ed Wodnicki
Chicago Police Department

May 1, 2013

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Rizzato. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Today is the 41st anniversary of the taking of you and your partner. Whenever I work down at Cabrine Green I stop at the plaque posted for you and the sergeant near the spot you were killed. I take fellow officers there and tell them the story how you two were brutally (and cowardly) murdered. We will never allow your tragedy to be forgotten.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

July 17, 2011

I am very touched to see this dedication to my uncle and to the rest of the wonderful and loving family left behind by his sacrifice. Were my father alive today he would be overjoyed to know so many people still remembered what happened to his beloved brother and our family on that terrible day. Through my life I was told so many times what a wonderful man my uncle was. My father always felt there was something more he should have done on that day...somehow he could have helped make a bigger difference. Seeing this he would know that those kind souls out there truely DID care and understand what happened that day. I literally do not know what else to say other than thank you. God bless you all for your kind words and understanding...

Nick Rizzato
nephew

July 11, 2011

Dear Sir -
Had the honor of knowing your son Tony in High School back in the early 80's. He was a good friend then, and I'm sure a great man today. Thank you for your sacrifice and please know you are not forgotten!

Anonymous

May 2, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both their pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 17, 2010

You have not been forgotten.

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

July 17, 2010

You have not been forgotten. 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

July 17, 2009

I never had the chence to meet you, however had the honor of playing in a band with your son tony in the 1980's. God bless.

Detective David Roberts
Friend of his son tony.

January 6, 2009

You are in my thoughts today, May 15th, National Police Memorial Day. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones, protect them and continue to give them guidance. They will forever carry you in their hearts and will keep your memory alive. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer

May 15, 2008

I did a paper about you and Sgt. Severin regarding community policing last spring and had the honor of meeting your family. Your daughter envited my fiance and me over for dinner to talk about you. I learned alot. You were a great husband and father who payed the ultimate sacrifice for the city of Chicago. Your wife misses you something awful. They should of named a building after you and Sgt. Severin. You both went into a hostile environment to reach out to a community that was in dire staits. How many politicians would do the same??? We know none. You are a true hero and I know God holds a special place for people like you.
God bless you and your family.
Kurt Kaner, son of slain officer Kenneth G. Kaner.

P.O. Kurt G. Kaner
Chicago Police Officer

November 28, 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

October 17, 2007