Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

John Saxerud. So many years we worked together. So many adventures on the job we shared. One comes to mind where you saved me from serious injury. I always held you and your talents in the highest regard. Also your ability as a talented pilot. Thinking of you today, so many years later. Still saddened by the senseless extinguishing of your bright flame. Rest in Peace dear friend. We shall meet up again.

J.L. Webber, Sergeant (ret)
Larimer County Co. Sherriff's Dept.
1979-2003

Sgt. J.L. Webber
Larimer County Sheriff

November 28, 2023

You and your brother are remembered.

Aspiring ICSO Deputy Tyler Hargrave
Civilian

January 4, 2021

33 years who would have thought still remember. Pictures of the memorial in my office with rubbings from the wall.

E.C. Proft Cheif Deputy retired
ICSO

November 17, 2020

To the friends and families of Deputies Saxerud and Heffernan: for whatever small comfort it might give. I grew up in Coupeville and Oak Harbor in Island County. More than one of my friends growing up later became fellow Island County Deputies of these two men or Police Officers in Oak Harbor.

In the early 80’s I became a Police Officer in a small California town. I always retained the lesson learned by the fate of these two wonderful men. Anything can happen, even in a small town. I thank them for their service and sacrifice.

Investigator (retired), Kris Nelsen
Bishop, California Police Department

April 23, 2019

I remember the day clearly. And I feel like I came close to repeating it this week with the ambush death of a deputy with Douglas County, CO. Deputy Zackari Parrish was just about the same age as John Saxerud and has two daughters about the same age John's were when he was killed. One of my cousins is a former dispatcher married to a Douglas County deputy who was not on duty at the time the incident last Sunday. It was a bad day, Nov 14, 1987, for Island County, WA and a bad day in Colorado last week.

Nina Wood
Oak Harbor Police Dispatch in those days.

January 6, 2018

Well it's been thirty years now. Bill & Johns pictures are on a wall in my home with one of my badges that still carries the black ribbon I wore. There are rubbings from the Memorial wall with bot names & I remembered every time I look at that wall, one of the worst days of my career.

E.C. PROFT Chief Criminal Deputy
ICSO retired

December 21, 2017

I am again reminded of the day I received the call from dispatch that you and Bill Heffernan had been killed in the BA room. Today I was advised that your widow, Regie Saxerud has passed as a result of cervical cancer. While I am not a devote person, I hope that you and Regie will meet again in a better world.

Chief Deputy (Retired)
Island County Sheriff's Office, WA

September 29, 2016

You have not been forgotten. R I P

citizen
Tampa,FL

November 14, 2015

Twenty seven years ago November 14, I received the worst call of my life from your Step dad Ron telling me you had been killed. We had a short time together, but it was some of the best times. I still remember you often. You will always have a place in my heart.

Annetta Saxerud
1st wife

May 25, 2015

He was a suberb human being and had no equals as a husband and father. Bless you my dearest....

Regie A. Saxerud
Widow

May 23, 2013

-- RIP BROTHER, YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN --

Edd Proft -Chief Deputy-retired
ICSO

November 29, 2009

-- RIP BROTHER, YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN --

Edd Proft -Chief Deputy-retired
ICSO

November 29, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss John.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 13, 2009

On November 14, 1987 I received a call. The ferry in Clinton had an intoxicated driver waiting to board. I was asked to meet the ferry when it arrived in Mukilteo. As the ferry departed I recieved another call that Island County was near Clinton and had taken the man off my hands. Later that morning I got a phone call from my dispatcher. The two Island Deputies had been shot and killed by the man I originally was asked to stop. A senseless killing of our brothers for no other reason than they wore a badge.

I stood in honor holding back my tears as we layed them to rest and said goodbye. Two brothers across a stretch of water, I had never seen. Yet gave their lives in place of me.

Only a handfull of people know my story. But a story not uncommon. From the silent untold stories to the Brothers and sisters that perish in our arms, this is mine.

Dear John and Bill, there is not a day that I do not remember you, and your sacrifice in the early hours of Novemeber 14th. I am now 50, The past 22 years have been a blessing to me, that I would not have if not for your sacrifice. Lord bless you in Heaven and keep peace upon the loved ones you left behind those years ago.

Patrolman 1982 - 1988
Mukilteo Police Departmant

November 3, 2009

There is not a day that goes by that my heart doesn't ache. You see, John was my older brother. I will always remember the good times that we had enjoying the Outdoors. I have seen John's Memorials at Island County, Olympia, Fort Collins, Lake Mills and Washington D.C. John can fell proud about these lasting Memorials.

I miss you John, you are in my prayers.

Your Loving Brother,
Wayne Saxerud

Wayne Saxerud
John's Brother

October 20, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 28, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 30, 2007

John, I think of you often and of your sacrafice. I feel you and Bill watching over us as we carry on our work, thank you. As we held our memorial for you and Bill today, I know you felt the love and honor we feel for you. You will never be forgotten.
Your sister in arms, Laura

Deputy Laura Price
Island County Sheriff

May 15, 2007

I was a young truck driver, making deliveries to Coupeville, and the rest of the Island. I heard on the radio of this tragedy in 1987 , I then drove past the courthouse and witnessed the boarded up area where Darren Hutchinson left the area where he killed the two deputies, 19 years to this very day. It made me sick, to think of what happenned, and it is something I have never forgotten. It seems strange that tonight,exactly 19 years later , I thought of these two good men, and found my way to this website. I don;t know what else to say other than, "Thank you both for your service, and may God bless you both".

Edward Dawes
civilian

November 14, 2006

Deputy Saxerud,
I was a dispatcher at Mount Vernon Police and working the graveyard shift when I overheard Island County Dispatch put out the "officers down" on the radio. I was physically ill when I heard it come over the radio. I will never forget you and your partner being killed for no reason.
You will never be forgotten for your sacrifice. Officers in our area came to realize that no arrest is just ordinary, take all precautions, even if you have arrested the same person time and time again.
May God Bless you and your family,
Renata Marlow

Records Specialist Renata G. Marlow
Mount Vernon Police, Washington State

December 1, 2003

Rest in peace Brother John, you will not be forgotten.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla