Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today marks the 41st anniversary of the cowardly sniper attack on you and your patrolman partner. When I work down at Cabrini Green I always visit the plaque nearby the spot you were murdered and say a prayer in the memory of you and your partner. I take fellow officers there and relate the story of your sacrifice. Please know you will not be forgotten.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

July 17, 2011

I think so often of that day and wish the clock could be turned back. Have lost all articles on the shooting. Would like to get them again

kathleen jurkowski
Lt. Dennis Jurkowski's wife

July 7, 2011

2011 Run To Remember will take place April 30, 2011. The Severin Family will be running with both Sgt Severin and Sgt Shine's number to honor them.

Jeanne Severin Cabel
Niece

April 5, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th 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.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both their pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 17, 2010

You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 17, 2010

You are remembered. Your bravery and service to the citizens of Chicago are not forgotten. Many fellow officers have shared wonderful rememberances of your career and have shared the sadness of that day in Cabrini. We will never forget. Rest in Peace.

Sergeant Christine Blaul

Sergeant Christine Blaul

March 18, 2010

The men and women of the 18th District in Chicago are amazing! Next time you drive down Division street in Chicago, check out the Honorary street signs in front of the 18th Chicago Police District. Thank you Sgt. Al for all your work....you and the officers of the 18th will always be family to the Severin Family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Jeanne Severin-Cabel
Niece

July 23, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 17, 2009

My continued condolonces and respect to the Severin family.

As a six year old child growing up in Chicago, my father worked for Sergeant Severin's brother downtown near the John Hancock building. I recall the shock and despair that gripped both of parents for weeks at the news of this senseless murder. My father taught me about life and death as a result and encouraged me to extend my sympathies (even as a six year old) to his boss - Buzz. I'll never forget shaking Buzz's hand and saying "I was sorry for his brother." Buzz was genuinely touched and very gracious in light of the tragedy. He proudly displayed his brother's nightstick and hat in a shadowbox on his office wall, alongside a news article of this crime.

Nearly 40 years later, I recall the emotions of the time vividly. Again, my continued respect to the Severin family and his relatives.

John Torres, Federal Agent
Familial friend

June 18, 2009

Sgt Al phoned this week with the news that the Chicago City Council voted to rename the corner of Larabee and Division. The corner will know be known as Severin:Rizatto. We are all planning to get together on 18July2009 at the 18th. Congrats to Sgt Al for all his hard work and dedication to his district and his city. We are lucky to call him family.

Jeanne Severin-Cabel
Niece

March 31, 2009

Hey Uncle Jim,

Just to let you know that JohnnieVeal's parole was turned down for another few years. The family can all take a collective sigh and get back to life here on earth. Still thinking of you after all these years. Say hi to Dad for me...will you?

Jeanne Severin
Niece

March 5, 2009

I never got the chance to meet you because your life was taken before I was born. But still, I have heard so much about you from my father (your nephew)Steve Mudd, my grandmother (your sister), Joan Mudd Severin, and many of my other relatives. It hurts me that I never got the chance to meet you because I have heard nothing but good about you.

I went to your memorial a few years ago. To this day, my heart is still moved from that memorial. Literally, the whole room was packed with people there for you and Officer Anthony Rizzato. That really showed me how great of a person you were. I could just see how much people respected you. I really wish that I could have met you.

Memories from you are still passed on in our family. My dad showed my your "magic finger tricks" that you used to do. Old photographs are still kept and looken back on, every now and then.

I will never forget you. Though I wasn't fortunate enough to meet you, I love you.

marlo j. mudd
neice

November 27, 2008

Just received the news that Clifford Knights was turned down for parole for another three years. We have Johnnie Veal in the fall of 2008 and then we can take a long breath and forget about them for three years. Thank you to all that came and helped us in May. It is truly touching when these fine people take time out of their day to help our family in our battle to keep Uncle Jim's murderers in prison. All this still after 38 years. They really meant it when they said we would always be part of the Chicago Police Family...they said it to us at Uncle Jim's funeral and they are still proving it by their calls and faithful appearance at the parole hearings. Thank you from the Severin Family.

Jeanne Severin
Niece

July 2, 2008

Thinking of you today, May 15th, National Police Memorial Day. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and let them feel your presense so they know you are protecting them. I know they speak of you every day and carry you in their hearts. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 15, 2008

Both Johnnie Veal and Clifford Knights are up for parole this year. The Severin Family is starting to organize. Try to remember to collect signitures and write letters to the Illinois Parole Board......we cannot afford to let these guys get out of prison. We owe it to Uncle Jim to honor his name and keep his flame alive. So all family, friends and officers....help us honor Sgt. Severin by sending a very strong message to the Illinois Parole Board that release of either inmate is off the table.

Jeanne Severin

January 16, 2008

I meet your niece in the spring of 2007 while doing a report on community policing for my BA. from Lewis U. I had breakfast at her house and learned an awful lot about you. You were truely a great man and did not deserve to die. I plan to go to the Prisoner Review hearing to request that the cowards who guned you down remain in prison. Two convicted Chicago cop killers have been released since 2004. This is a travesty of justice. I will not allow another to be released. You all deserve better.
Rest in Peace Sgt. Severin. I promise to keep fighting.

P.O. Kurt G. Kaner
Chicago Police Officer

November 28, 2007

I am Jackie Mudd, the daughter of Uncle Jim's twin sister Joan Mudd-Severin. At the time of Uncle Jim's murder, I was the youngest of his nieces. I remember that hot summer night, my brothers, my sister and I were taken to the neighbor's house so my Father could get my Mother from work (she worked 3 to 11pm at Lutheran General Hospital) and bring her to her brother.

The days, and years after his death are often filled with sad memories of his murder, but my memories of my uncle are wonderful and precious. Uncle Jim was so tall, he rarely could fit under doorways. His heart was so big, he always had a joke, a magic finger trick, or a gift for his nieces and nephews. He was so cool, he had the best Ford Mustang I had ever seen. His death devastated many, especially my Grandmother who passed away one year after his murder when she died from injuries sustained in a car accident while she was on the way to the cemetary to visit Uncle Jim's grave.

My mother is the only living sibling of Uncle Jim. My Aunt Katie Kizorek, and Uncle Bill Severin passed away recently within months of each other. My Uncle Bill was passionate about keeping the spirit of Uncle Jim alive, and he worked very hard to seek and maintain justice against those who murdered Uncle Jim, and his fellow officer Anthony Rizzato.

My thanks to Jean Severin, all my cousins, everyone in my family, and the CPD who worked hand in hand with my Uncle Bill Severin. Jean continues to carry the torch for spirit and justice. My mother honors her brother every year by placing a memorial in the paper on the anniversary of his death.

Jackie Mudd
Niece

November 22, 2007

I am very proud of him and miss him very much! I have his picture on our mantle and see him every day. What a smile!

David

David Kizorek
nephew

October 26, 2007

Dear Uncle Jim,

Jeanne has just reminded family members of the 2 parole hearing we can expect in 2008. We'll be there, protesting parole for your killers.

Though I am now 12 years older than you were at the time of your death, when I look at this photo of you I feel 13 - the age I was when you died. I still miss you. I still speak of you. Your legacy will live forever.

Love forever,

Mary

Mary

Mary - Niece of James Severin

October 24, 2007

We all miss your smiling face and wonderful soul that enlightened our lives and made us all better human beings.

Our efforts continue today to keep your spirit alive in the hearts of all of us and we will never forget.

Edward S.

Edward Severin
Newphew

October 24, 2007

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

October 17, 2007

to the Mudd Family;

I recently saw the memorial piece in the Daily Herald. I went to school w/ Mary, but the part I remember most was my brother Matt telling my family that Steve Mudd's uncle was one of the Chgo police officers killed. I also remember Mrs. Mudd talking to my Dad in front of our house....telling my Dad about losing her brother. I am not certain exactly why, but this is something I have always remembered, along with a kindergarten classmate who missed Sunday school because his brother was killed in VietNam. Certain childhood memories really stick for some reason.
my condolences to your family........

Luke Praxmarer
classmate of neice/nephews of Sgt.Severin

July 24, 2007

For the past six years I have been assigned to a division that today houses more residents of housing project developments than any other city in the U.S. I constantly remind younger officers how compared to the infamous Cabrini-Green Housing Projects, back in the 1960's-1970's, things are not so bad here. Consideration was being given to me living with my sister and her husband in Chicago.

The summer of Your murder, I was visiting Chicago, passed Cabrini-Green on several occasions, and even attended the now discontinued College All-Star vs. Chicago Bears NFL preseason game. Shortly after Your murder, my brother-in-law was murdered by suspects who may have resided within Cabrini-Green....

Thank You for having served and may Your Soul Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

July 17, 2007

Your memory and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and may you always rest in peace.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

July 17, 2007

I remember meeting this hero when I was a boy . I was a good friend of his nephew Danny. he showed us a switchblade that he took off some one . HE was one of the best human beings I ever met.I remember seeing jesse jackson at the wake. I remember all the police from everywhere at the funeral . I remember how much he cared .I miss him.

bob farrell
family friend

January 15, 2007