Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I think of you often John. I still remember double dating when we went to SPHS - you, Carol, GeeGee and I. I remember seeing you at the swim club after you returned from Vietnam. You are greatly missed.

Dawn Cox Gambone
High school friend

June 28, 2024

I’m just a lineman working in the basement of the tower you where gunned down in front of’
I was just going about my job when I happened to walk by the spot where you where met that ugly fate, something reached through 45 years and touched my shoulder whispering to me quietly “do not worry pal’ nothing will bother you here’ I will not let it” the tremendous warmth brought to my heart in that moment touched my soul, thank you Officer Trettin for your overwatch while I worked today, May god bless you and your family.
C.Mayo local 98 IBEW

C.Mayo
None

June 14, 2024

Your murderer gets a chance to live, you do not. So Sorry. RIP. Strength to your family.

Maureen Walls
Former Philadelphia citizen

March 13, 2021

I knew John from high school he played banjo in the Quaker City stringband. I was a groomsmen for him when he married. I miss you my friend.

Michael Impriano
Friend

January 9, 2021

Officer Trettin,
On today, the 44th 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 the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 29, 2020

Mr. Trettin,

I don't need to let you know that yesterday was a hard day. I'm sure you and Mrs. Trettin are continuing to look down on all of us. I thought it was important to remind you of my promise to you both right before our wedding 2 years ago that I will continue to love and protect John, Brooke, and Little John. You don't have to worry about your baby boy...I got you covered. Just promise to give me some guidance along the way to be the best wife and stepmom I can be. I really wish I could have met you and Mrs T. but I know we will get that opportunity one day in heaven. Until then we will continue to keep your presence alive and well in our home so that you both can continue to enjoy our lives right long with us.

With love,
Arbena

Arbena Trettin
daughter-in law

February 27, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Trettin.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 8, 2019

On this Memorial Day, I just wanted to honor a friend who survived the war, only to come home to die in the line of duty.

Dawn M. (Cox) Gambone
Friend and follower graduate of South Phila. High

May 28, 2018

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/crime/for-juvenile-lifer-who-killed-policeman-44-years-to-life-20170927.html

Due to a SCOTUS decision, inmate Andre Martin was resentenced to 44 years to life.

Citizen

September 28, 2017

Thought of often by classmate. Never will be forgotten.

Dawn M. Gambone
friend and classmate

January 24, 2016

A Hero in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

March 3, 2015

I worked in another squad in Stake-out,but in the end we were all in it together. I remember John as being a long tall drink of water with a reputation of being a gentleman. And in Law-enforcement, calling someone a gentleman was the highest compliment given a street cop. Rest in peace John.

Ex-Stakeout Officer Bob Hurst
Fellow Officer in the Stakeout Squad.

May 3, 2013

John was a gentlemen and a Hero. I work with him in Stakeout. I was in a different squad. Our path crossed when we relived him. John family should be very proud.
John and all other are always in my prayers

Joe Flite
Stakeout 4 squad

May 3, 2013

I was a fellow Officer with John in the Stakeout Unit. To his family. You can tell his grandchildren and anyone else who didn't get to know him that he was a good Cop and a good man. May he rest in peace and God bless you all.

Ret Det.
Ret. Phila. P.D.

May 2, 2013

I remember this horrible incident as a young cops son. i remember my mother crying for this officers family. I remember holding hands with our family when my dad arrived home from duty and praying for the family of Officer Trettin. Well, God answered our prayers because his Son is now my neighbor and their family is just the greatest family one could ever wish for. John Jr. your Dad would be so proud to see such a great father. Your father is a Hero, he put his life on the line to protect and serve the citizens of Philadelphia.

Alex (Son of Phila Detective)
friend/neighbor

March 27, 2012

rest in peace and may god bless you

Lt.J.Pease
B.P.D

February 29, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th 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.

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

February 29, 2012

36 years ago today. Never forgotten!!!!

Lieutenant
Philadelphia PD

February 29, 2012

Thanks for your services.

David

February 28, 2012

Thinking of you today. Thankyou for all you've done, you are a hero who will never be forgotten.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

March 2, 2011

To Officer Trettin,
Please rest at ease after all these years. Your memory still resounds as a man of honor + of fortitude. May all the lads who follow your path into not only Police work, but into the "Special Units" like "Stake Out" be blessed+ looked over by men of your caliber.

John J Monaghan III
Son of a frmr Stakeout Comrade

August 2, 2008

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

February 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 24, 2008

My nine year old son had to do a report on his "Hero" and he told about my dad, even after all these years it's still nice to come to this website and others like it to show my boys about their Grandfather.

Tracey Trettin-Hamilton
John Trettin's Daughter

February 5, 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

January 24, 2008