Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service, both military as well as police, and please know that your heroic sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

April 14, 2021

Rest in peace Sergeant Schaffer. You were killed on my 10th birthday.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 28, 2019

We came to St. Mary’s Cemetary today to pay respects on this 50th anniversary of your heroic sacrifice. Wanted to bring your daughter Joan- my mother as well. But there was a blizzard in the middle of April! She is 72 years old now and still remembers the night you did not come home.

James R Colby
Grandson

April 14, 2019

Sgt. Schaffer,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during WW II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

April 14, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service to this country.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 14, 2019

It will be the 50th Anniversary of you death soon on April 14, 2019. You have four Great Granddaughters that have been taught about your sacrifice. His daughter Joan and I have been members of Chicago Gold Star Families since inception.

Lieutenant Robert Colby
COOK COUNTY SHERIFF'S P.D. (RETIRED) Son-Law of Sergeant Schaffer

January 30, 2019

Sgt. Schaffer,
On today, the 46th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served in the U.S. Army during WW II. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 14, 2015

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Schaffer. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 43rd 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 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 Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 14, 2012

It has been 43 years since you and Detective Stubig made the ultimate sacrifice, but the CPD will never forget.

My father-in-law was on the scene that tragic day. He was the one who climbed the stairs during the seige and had to determine you two were gone. He has told the story a few times and has never forgotten. During his 40 years on the job he stated that day was one of his worst.

We'll remember you today in a prayer and I shall go by the location and remember your contribution.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

April 14, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 14, 2010

Dear nephew of Sgt. James Schaffer;
I am the grandson of Sgt. James Schaffer- in fact I am also named after him too. Is you middle name
Robert just like his/ mine? Unfortunatley I never got a chance to meet my grandfather- but I am one of two sons of Sgt. Schaffer's only child Joan G. Schaffer/ Colby. I am not sure if you are aware that Joanna Schaffer- James Schaffer's wife- my grandmother- passed in October of 2003- she is dearly missed and I think about her often. Perhaps we could get a chance to contact each other. Please leave another post and email adress so we can update each other's families.

Anonymous

September 26, 2009

I just wanted to say good bye and I wish I had a chance to meet you uncle. Having your brother name me after you, not a day goes by I do not think of you. I have had many conversations with my young sons about what a hero is. It is not a homerun hitter or a slam dunker but guys like you that put your life on the line during war and peace time. It’s so hard for me to comprehend how you made it through ww2 and had your life senselessly taken in the streets of Chicago. Some day I hope to find the answer. Maybe down the road when we finally meet face to face in that better place. I feel you watching over me everyday.
Thank you for all the safety and freedom for me my kids and the people of this nation that you provided.
I love you and miss you.
James Schaffer

james schaffer
nephew

September 10, 2009

To the family of Sgt. Schaffer,

My condolences for your loss many years ago. I read the narrative provided on this page; it was quite a tragic day in Chicago.

I praise all war veterans because there is a constant "war" among us- on the streets of Chicago.

Thank you, Sgt. Schaffer, for both your service in WWII and on the job.

Never fogotten.

Rest in Peace

Police Officer
Chicago Police Department

December 31, 2008

Now it has been 39 years since your tragic murder. Again, I want to thank you for your bravery, dedication and sacrifice. May your loved ones find solace in the fact that you will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

April 14, 2008

Over 38 years have passed since your tragic murder. May your family take comfort in knowing that you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

July 26, 2007

Thank you for the comment. Sorry for your loss so any years ago He is a true hero!! Thank you again the Rolniak Family

May 11, 2007

Rest in Peace Grandpa.
Wish I could have gotten to know you.

None
Grandson

April 22, 2007

Sgt. Schaffer,

Thank you for your service to the City of Chicago where you paid the ultimate sacrifice...... Rest in Peace my BROTHER!

Senior Officer D.W.Reichhardt
Virginia State University Police Department

May 29, 2006

Hero!

October 7, 2004