Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This was my father.
Badge #152
He actually was in the accident on Illinois er 294 south .

Retired Officer Cook County
Cook County.. Son

September 25, 2022

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 3, 2020

Investigator Rusnak, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 24, 2020

. Bless you for your service to your department.Rest in peace

Retired Chief of Police Johnny MccCurry
West Point P.D.

October 14, 2016

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 19, 2016

I remember that day, and will never forget.

CCDOC Retired 2013 John A Rusnak JR.
Son

August 23, 2016

I left an incorrect eow date on my previous reflection. 2013 is the 36th anniversary year of your death, and I am sure you have been sorely missed each of those years.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 27, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. I am privileged to post a reflection for you. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 60th anniversary year 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 solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 27, 2013

Rest in Peace, Investigator Rusnak. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 1, 2012

John,
I never knew you-when you gave your life in the line of duty I was 10. I joined the dept. in 1992 and always wanted Sheriff's Police. I got to know all the old guard and are still friends with them today-now mostly retired. Stand-Up cops like Jack Reed,Dirk Lowry,Steve Caldrone,Rich Tollison and Larry Parks. All still to this day,speak very fondly of you John,and still wish Aug.3rd 1977 never happened. They say you were a cop's cop and already a great Detective. You died doing what you loved,and you are highly thought of still,even 33yrs later,by the men who called you their friend and co-worker. What better legacy could a man leave behind. God Bless and Keep You John.

Jeff Conrad
Former Cook County Jail Deputy

October 12, 2010

I remember him well, having worked with CCSPD for seven years by that time, it was a shock to have experienced such an event in my life.

Comm Engineer Michael Kroot
CCSPD

March 29, 2010

"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 1, 2008

Even after all these years you are remembered and will be for all eternity.

Brother in Blue

August 3, 2006

John will always be remembered by me as an outstanding police officer who left all of us that knew him smile warmly with wonderful memories of his police service.

Lt. Robert J. Jacobsen (Retired)
Cook County Sheriff's Police

May 20, 2006

We will not let you be forgotten...rest in peace, my brother

Peace Officers Memorial Foundation of Cook County Illinois

September 1, 2003