Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This week we lost another brave officer. It prompted me to come here to pay my respects to the Corpus Christi Officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty. So, Officer Sartain, may God embrace you for eternity.

From a fellow CCPD Officer.

O Flores

April 26, 2024

Patrolman Sartain,
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 Corpus Christi. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 20, 2021

I knew his killer, Richard Ridyolph. These were troubling times, horrific. This is the 50th anniversary of this horrid event. It still darkens my soul.

Frank Wagner

August 19, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 20, 2020

I was a civilian employee at the department when John Sartain was killed. My heart goes out to his family every time I think of that awful time.

Daphne Miller (Dee Wray at the time)
City employee at the station

February 2, 2020

I was 12 years old when Officer Sartain was gunned down by a coward on a warm summer night. I remember my mother crying on the phone while talking to my dad about what had happened to this young man. 48 years later and I still remember the immediate aftermath of that tragic day. Thanks for your service John. The community of Corpus Christi will always be thinking of you and the sacrifice you made.

Anonymous

NA
NA

October 3, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman Sartain.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2019

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

October 1, 2018

As we prepare for our 50th Reunion for the Class of 1967 of L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas (to be held this June 24, 2017), we remember and honor you, Johnny Sartain. It hurt then when we heard about your death, and it still hurts today. You are one of us, we will always remember you, and hold you in our hearts and minds. We honor you and thank you for your law enforcement service and for your sacrifice for us and for all the citizens of Texas.

Bob Bardo
Classmates and 50th Reunion Committee, Class of 1967, L.D. Bell H.S.

September 13, 2016

As we prepare for our 50th Reunion for the Class of 1967 of L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas (to be held this June 24, 2016), we remember and honor you, Johnny Sartain. It hurt then when we heard about your death, and it still hurts today. You are one of us, we will always remember you, and hold you in our hearts and minds. We honor you and thank you for your law enforcement service and for your sacrifice for us and for all the citizens of Texas.

Bob Bardo
Classmates and 50th Reunion Committee, Class of 1967, L.D. Bell H.S.

September 13, 2016

Rest In Peace Patrolman John William Sartain. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of Corpus Christi, Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers. I also Pray that the hounds of hell forever gnaw on the soul of your murderer.

Amen.

B. Sherwood Senior Special Agent retired
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

August 20, 2016

Heroes live forever, Patrolman Sartain, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Corpus Christi and the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

August 20, 2013

My father, Sgt. Larry L. Bolt, told me the story of Patrolman Sartain's death several times when I was a child. It was a painful incident for the department, and one my father never forgot.

Cody L. Bolt

April 10, 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 42nd 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.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

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

March 16, 2013

Rest in peace, Patrolman Sartain. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Corpus Christi and the great state of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

August 20, 2012

I grew up across the street from the Sartains...I had the biggest crush on John when I was little...I still remember going over and having tea with his mom and then taking a nap on his bed...I remember the day John was killed...my mom and dad were on their way home and I remember running to the drive way and telling them the news...we were all so devestated. I had the pleasure of knowing Ruth Mary and babysitting Voss, what a precious child. I will never forget this wonderful family and the sacrafice that John made....34 years seems like yesterday...Rest in peace John.

Mary Wood Bailey
Friend

July 16, 2009

RIP.You are not forgotten.

Anonymous

November 19, 2008

"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

February 5, 2008

Only the best, a loss still thought of today as yesterday. Corpus Christi thanks you, your comrades miss you, your family will never forget you.

Officer Scott Parker
Covington Texas Police Department

September 16, 2006

My son, who is Johnny's nephew, sent me this web site to peruse. I am extremely proud of my brother who made the ultimate sacrifice. I think of him almost every day and still can't believe he is gone; even after 34 years.

You were much loved and much respected, Johnny and I miss you terribly.

Russ Sartain

Russ Sartain

August 29, 2005

John was 22 and his badge number was 133. He was a wonderful son, brother, husband and father of his two year old daughter, Voss. He died doing what he believed in.

nancy sartain
mother

August 28, 2005

God bless you for your sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

May 19, 2005

God bless you and keep you always.

DE
St. Louis City Police

December 13, 2004

ALTHOUGH YOU HAVE BEEN GONE FOR A LONG TIME, YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN. THE CORPUS CHRISTI LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORER POST #133 WAS NAMED AFTER YOUR BADGE NUMBER, AND HAS MADE IT PROUD. MANY RESPONSIBLE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PROGRAM AND WILL NOW BE ABLE TO FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY, AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

November 26, 2004

Johnny, I remember the pickup football games we used to get up in your front yard in Hurst with your brother Rusty and my brother Tim. Every time I drive by your old house I think of you. Rest in Peace Brother in Blue.

Cpl. C. T. Skiles
Euless P. D.

June 21, 2004