Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thinking of you today

John Santos
Son

July 22, 2023

55 years ago today you died. Mom has never recovered from your loss. You were her first love and when she dreams, she dreams of you. Mark and I got to feel your touch. We got to be cradled in your arms, told stories, comforted, and loved by you. While those memories have long been lost to time, we at least had the chance to hear your voice….our brother Bill never did.
Everyone that met you has a story. How loved you were. How you would help anyone in need. You were the kind of police officer that gave people a second chance…ultimately to your own peril. Your loss has rippled through so many lifetimes. The bullet that entered your body, entered our family. So much died that day.
For a long time, it was hard to speak to others about you. Not because I couldn’t find the words, but because there are so many. Years back when Mom, Mark and Bill went to Guam to participate in your memorial, I couldn’t bring myself to go. As much as I wanted to be with them, to be home, I could not go back to the place that took you away from us…to the people that took you away from us. I have spent my life climbing this mountain buried inside me.
Your body may not be here, but you have never stopped protecting us. That late night so many years ago when I was heading home from work. I heard your voice tell me to wait and let the green car pass. I was compelled to turn right, away from the green car and in the opposite direction from home. Confused, I would make a U-turn only to come upon the crash site a mile down the road. Everyone in green car had been killed in the head on collision with a drunk driver. Years earlier when we were swimming and the undertow pulled us all away from the shore. I was twelve and Billy was seven. Mark and Mom were able to get back to shore. I was panicking but felt a calm cover over me. I heard your voice tell me to grab Billy and we made it to a rock. You have always been there, keeping us safe.
I will be 60 this year. I have given you grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They know your story. I know you are with them…as you have always been with me. While your body lies on the other side of the world, the space that separates us is less than a breath.

John E Santos
Son

July 22, 2021

My brother John, I missed you over the years. You will always be in my heart and you will never be forgotten. You taught me a lot, working by your side. I know you with Dad,Mom,and Doll. Also our grand parents Dolores and Jervico Santos, and our nephew John and John Paul. Please ask our Lord to wrap his arms around our sisters Lola and Rosa. They are feeling sick and needs your help and prayers. One last thing my brother John, please pray and ask our Lord God, to help my son Ryan be free and come home to his family. We all love and miss you

Frances Santos California
Brother

May 17, 2021

Thank you for your service. You honored our name and your family.

Ret. Lt Magdalena Santos
Colorado Springs PD

January 11, 2021

You and your three children are still in our thoughts and prayers.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

October 10, 2020

Thank you for your service and today we remind you and your family 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 22, 2020

I was always told fond stories about Uncle John, my mother's oldest brother. How he would at times...patrol the beach area or parks and if anyone was doing anything rowdy or bad he would stop and talk to the kids or individuals. He was a respected and nice police officer. He served the Island of Guam with high standards and integrity. I wish I could have met him in person. Thank you for your service.

Belinda Snyder
Niece

May 12, 2020

Uncle John, I have met and spoken to retired GPD officers who knew and served with you. They all only had much respect for you and kind words. You were a man of great integrity. Sir, it would have also been an honor and privileged to have known you in person. May you Rest in Peace. Love and eternal salute.

Stephanie Snyder
Niece and former CQII Officer Guam

May 14, 2019

My deepest and most profound condolences to Mrs. Juan Santos, and to your three children. Juan's soul will forever watch over his family from Heaven. May God bless the Santos family.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop D

January 26, 2018

Rest in peace my brother Officer John M. Santos.

Frances Santos
Brother

May 16, 2016

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

February 1, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 47th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

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

January 15, 2013

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 15, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Santos. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 7, 2012

May you continue to rest in peace. On this day, the 45th anniversary of our loss. It would have been an honer to meet you. RIP...
-Steve

Petty Officer Steven Santos
USCG/ Grandfather

July 22, 2011

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

June 14, 2008

Officer Santos,

May you continue to rest in peace and one day your killer will be brought to justice, if not by the judicial system a much higher power.......

Senior Officer D.W.Reichhardt
VSUPD

July 15, 2006

Remembered this day.
04-28-05

April 28, 2005