Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The best man I have never met. My son is named after him.

James Amandola
family

March 18, 2024

Love and miss you everyday dad.

Annmarie Scala Doran
Daughter

January 24, 2024

Rest in peace, brother.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

January 24, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Scala.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2020

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

January 24, 2018

It was my honor to research newspapers, books and magazines and finally find your 1975 ID Card Photo in a Spring 3100 magazine from that time and make sure your photo was put on this site. I wanted to put a face to your heroism in the Line of Duty. I did the research because you are a brother officer and no matter how many years past, you will always be remembered. Rest Easy Hero.

APO Christian Durante
NYPD: 68th Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit

February 5, 2016

As our Nation reflects and mourns the loss of so many of your Brothers and Sisters, my heart still reflects on YOU, Uncle Johnny ... my 'Baby Uncle'. In my youth, I remember you as one of my earliest Heroes - and you still are to this day. I can still see that mischievous twinkle in your eye, and feel the warmth of a smile that welcomed the world with love. You have been gone so long, but have never been out of my mind, heart, soul and prayers.
You lived and died as a true HERO ... May God's Peace and Love be with You and your precious Family always.

Joann Scala
Niece of Officer John Scala

May 15, 2015

My father, Patrolman Samuel M Brooks, Badge #2732 was John Scala's radio car partner for several years. I remember attending Patrolman's Scala's funeral with my father. My entire family extends their deepest sympathy to the Scala family.

Officer Thomas G. Brooks
City of Tampa, Florida Police Department

July 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th 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.

Time never dimishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever, I hold your family in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 25, 2012

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Scala and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

January 19, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Scala and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

January 19, 2009

33 yrs. ago and you have not been forgotten.
God Bless the family & friends of Ofc. Scala.

Ret. PO
City of Miami PD Fla.

January 24, 2008

YOU ARE REMRMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 21, 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

December 20, 2007

It was my privilege to prosecute the two killers of Officer Scala in 1975 when I was an Assistant D.A. in the Manhattan D.A.'s Office Homicide Bureau. He was working off-duty as security for St. Luke's Hospital, delivering money to the hospital's payroll office, when he was ambushed by the two armed robbers. He was shot three times, but managed to wound of the assailants with a bullet in the face. That bullet was Officer Scala's in-court identification of the killer, and was critical to the murder convictions we obtained. His last act as an officer was heroic.

Hugh Anthony Levine
former Manhattan Assistant D.A.

January 23, 2007

Even off duty you upheld the law.Thank you for your courage and service.Such acts are never forgotten.

January 24, 2006

You are remembered.

January 24, 2005