Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Was just walking the park and seeing your name, wanted to see what was up and how you died. I hope you are in heaven, sounds like you had a life of dedication to your country and your community. It's sad you know that such a coward took the life of someone who saved so many lives sadly lost their life after saving so many and serving so many. May you rest in peace and may the coward that took your life hopefully find Jesus or rot in hell.

Garrett Lampert
Civilian

June 28, 2023

Rest in peace Officer Scanlon.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 10, 2020

I WAS THE DETECTIVE IN CHARGE OF THE HOMICIDE OF OFFICER JOHN SCANLON AS HE WAS KILLED ON VALENTINES DAY FEB 14 1985.JOHN WAS NOT ONLY A FELLOW POLICE OFFICER BUT ALSO A GOOD FRIEND.WE ALL LOST SOMETHING THAT DAY AND REALLY VALENTINES DAY WILL NEVER BE WHAT IT SHOULD BE.WE ALL WORKED LONG HOURS AND ARRESTED RONALD SCHNEIDER IN HIS APT WHICH WAS NEXT DOOR TO THE FUNERAL HOME WHERE JOHNS REVIEWAL WAS TAKING PLACE.HE WAS ARRESTED AND INDICTED FOR 1ST DEGREE MURDER KIDNAPPING AND BURGLARY.HE IS CURRENTLY STILL IN PRISON AND I WILL CONTINUE TO WRITE LETTERS AND NOTIFY THE COMM. OF CORRECTIONS THAT HE SHOULD REMAIN IN PRISON TILL HIS DEATH.JOHN YOU PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE AND TO THIS DAY YOU ARE STILL IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS.GOD BLESS YOU.......I MISS OUR TIMES

DETECTIVE RONALD H. ENGBLOM/RETIRED ROBBINSDALE PD,MN.

April 30, 2020

I was in the Robbinsdale PD today for some paperwork and saw the plaque remembering Officer Scanlon and wanted to know more.

I’ve only been a Robbinsdale resident for 10 years, but I remember hearing about this tragedy when I was a kid in Minneapolis.

I just wanted to say that this Robbinsdale resident appreciates Officer Scanlon and his family’s sacrifice 33+ years later.

Sending prayers to all officers and their families.

Jenny Bergman
Robbinsdale, Minnesota Resident

September 7, 2018

Your sacrifice is not forgotten sir. Bless your family as they continue their journey without your bright spirit.

Ellen Dinwiddie Smith
Surviving sister of Killeen (Texas) Police Detective & Swat Team Member Charles “Chuck” David Dinwiddie #cd63. EOW 5/11/14.

September 9, 2017

RIP sir

Anonymous

December 31, 2014

Wow. This was the year I got out of high school; things haven't changed much. LEO's can never let their guard down; though I would have given the shooter the death penalty. Very sad that a murderer will live longer than the person trying to work and make a life for himself and his family.

Professor of Criminal Justice
State of Louisiana

April 17, 2012

My NO PAROLE letter will be sent asap. Thoughts are with you and your family as you continue to go through this nightmare.

My son-in-law, Officer Mark Anthony Sawyers of the Sterling Heights MI police department joined your loved one John in heaven on June 5, 2004. He was murdered under almost the same conditions. If you can say our family was fortunate as Mark's cowardly killer took his own life 7 weeks later using Mark's service weapon he had stolen. He did this as the US Marshals closed in on him, breaking down the door. So no trial, and no parole issues to deal with. We know your pain, and that it will never go away, no matter how much time passes. That is why we will fight for you!

Diane
Surviving Mother-in-Law

March 31, 2012

A "No Parole" letter for the thug that killed you has been sent. You will never be forgotten!

Kristi
Surviving Adult Child

March 30, 2012

I am so heartbroken at such horrific violence. I will keep your friends and family in my prays. I pray they keep the monster that took your life behind bars for the rest of his natural life. Thank You Officer Scanlon for your selfless and brave service
You are a true American Hero that will never be forgotten
May God watch over all

Wife of
Sgt. Howard Stevenson EOW 1/9/2005

March 30, 2012

Thank You so much for your service, I believe you have touched the face of God. Peach be with you brother of the badge. My Letter to the Parol Board went out today.

Retired Police Officer
South Lake Tahoe Police Department

March 30, 2012

I just mailed a letter to Minnesota authorities asking that your killer be denied parole at his upcoming hearing. I pray for justice for you and your family.

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

March 30, 2012

May you continue to rest in peace, my brother in blue. You will never be forgotten and will always be remembered for being a true AMERICAN HERO !!!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers, especially the ones who were with you on that fateful night.......

p.s. I sent my parole letter in the mail today making sure your cold blooded killer never gets to see the light of day again. Rest in peace sir.....

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

March 30, 2012

Never forgotten.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 14, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th 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.

Rest In Peace. I pray for the solace of all those who love and care for you.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 18, 2010

John NOT a day goes by without thinking about you.
It has been 25 years, Joanie and NICK YOU WOULD BE VERY PROUD OF. NICK TURNED OUT TO BE A GREAT KID AND HAS DONE WELL IN LIFE WE ARE ALL VERY PROUD OF HIM.I'M SURE YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN HIS HEART ALL THE TIME.

SUE MCGREEVY 2/13/10

susan mcgreevy
sister inlaw

February 13, 2010

John and I went to Rookie School together in Minnesota. He was one of the top recruits in the class. The state of Minnesota lost a good officer.

Mike Melin
Rookie School Classmate

March 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 15, 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

November 29, 2007

Never forgotten could not be more true. Valentines day has never been the same. I can never forget the morning my father got the call for this tragedy. I was only thirteen, I did not understand, I begged him not to go. He went, just like you would have done for him. B R O T H E R S.... Rest easy John you are not forgotten.

police officer
st.paul

November 6, 2006

Reading about fellow officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice is one of the saddest things that I do. Officer Scanlon was a distant relative who I have heard about from my father. His memory is kept alive every time I suit up for work. Remembering his sacrifice is part of my job, the same as putting on my uniform.
Take care brother. May you spend your days patrolling the roads in heaven.
You will always be rememebered.

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

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends".
- John 15:13

Deputy Sheriff
Hennepin County Sheriff's Office

April 14, 2005

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

November 11, 2004

You have touched us all. God bless you and your family!

Captain Cory Moles
Escondido PD, CA

December 2, 2003