Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace, Uncle John. I only got to know you for the first 13 years of my life but have never forgotten the fun times we had visiting you and Aunt Barb at your home in Hubertus. I remember the names of your horses, playing at the gravel pit, and of course that horrible week in August 1977. 44 + years later, you're still a hero to me and always will be.

Brian Kurtz
Nephew

October 10, 2021

Rest in peace Patrolman Taylor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2021

Today I will take my children to your annual memorial service in the park with your name. To teach them what true heroes are. Thank you, Officer Taylor, for giving everything in service to your community. And I’m so sorry to your wife and family for all they had to give as well.

Anonymous

May 16, 2021

On behalf of the acting U.S. Attorney, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and support staff for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, we honor law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. During National Police Week the focus is even greater that we never forget the officers and their families. Today, May 14th, 2021, we honor and remember you Officer Taylor. Rest in Peace.

United States Attorney's Office

May 14, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your memory, service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 6, 2020

Third squad on the scene, Office Terry Hansen was attending to Officer Taylor and I was the first supervisor. I can recall that Officer John Taylor was one tough SOB, but he was fair and gave more breaks than not. He always had your back. God Bless this man.
Sgt. Daniel Schramm

Daniel Franklin Schramm
Police Sgt at the time of the incident

November 24, 2019

Patrolman Taylor,
On today, the 42nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for for the citizens of Menomonee Falls. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

August 6, 2019

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

February 27, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36 anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. 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 solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

February 1, 2013

Hi Uncle John, thinking of you as always which I hope you know. I didnt have a lot of time to get to know you since I was only 7 yrs old, but now at 42, I can remember you like it was yesterday! Putting the cuffs on me was always fun for me, and will never forget the memories I have. Thank you so much for being my Uncle..till we see eachother again Uncle John, miss you, Todd

Todd Karashinski
Nephew

December 18, 2012

Thank you for your dedication and Heroism Sir, RIP now brother. I've worked respectfully with Officers who now serve with the Menomonee Falls PD and they are good officers and were fine partners as we all got started in law enforcement together. A Hero may fall but shall never be forgotten.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

April 12, 2012

Your service and sacrifice will never be forgetten. Rest in peace, and God bless.

Police Aide Mackenzie Koster
Menomonee Falls PD

January 16, 2009

You are not forgotten by those who love you.

Anonymous

January 10, 2009

"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

February 22, 2008

I'm so sorry for what happened to you that fateful night. My sister was the passanger in the vehicle who that hit your car sir. She was nearly killed and her face went through the windshield as she screamed for the driver to stop. I know your family suffered as did mine and my sister still bears the scars today and lives with the pain and horrible memories of that night forever. Please forgive her for even being there, it was not her, it was him. God bless you Officeer John Taylor, I hope you can hear me.

Kim Preston
Dept of Corrections

October 1, 2007

Thirty years ago Officer Taylor was taken from us. He was a friend to so many and is a hero to all who know of his tragic passing.

Your badge number is commemorated on the wall of our agency and it is the first thing that we officers see when we walk through the doors to suit up for the day. We pay you honor each year at the park bearing your name and many of us give pause when we pass by the park each day and night.

Our Honor Guard Unit was created to honor you and all those law enforcement officers who put others above themselves. We are so very grateful for your service to our community and we will continue to have you in our thoughts for all the years to come.

May peace be with you and your family now and forever.

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Respectfully submitted on behalf our department,

Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls (WI) Police Department

August 8, 2007

Johnny, it has been many years since we enjoyed each-others company. All of the "Old Gang" have retired ,Tommy Schall and Dicky Parquette have died.
You are thought of often and I rub your name on the National Police Memorial in Washington D.C. each year while attending the Memorial Motorcycle Ride.
My sons Shawn & Tim are grown men however each stills talks about you and "Hagan".
Rest in Peace my friend, you are missed.

Sgt. Danny O'Toole (ret)
Menomonee Falls Police

October 2, 2003

I was 12 when Uncle John was killed and will never forget that night. He was on his way back to the station around 11 p.m. to end his shift and answered a call to set up a road block. He didn't even have the chance to take off his seatbelt when he was broadsided. The Town of Menomonee Falls lost a fine police officer, and I lost someone I truly admired and loved, but I thank God for the time He gave me to know my dear Uncle, Officer John S. Taylor. Uncle John's memory also lives on at the John S. Taylor Memorial Park in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Eileen Kurtz