Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Van Cleaf (Great Great Grandfather)

Your great grand daughter (my grandmother) has shared me your story as I joint the NYPD almost 10years ago now. I have your various photos from those years in the NYPD that I have cherish and although I never got to meet as your LOD death passed decades before I joined the ranks of NYPD but wish I had the chance to meet you. God Bless, the family has carried on your Watch.

PO (Family of Alfred Van Cleaf)
Retired NYPD/ Douglas County Sheriffs Office

April 10, 2024

I get to disciple your great grand son who is also a police officer. He looks just like you. You are not forgotten!

Det. (Ret.) M.C. Williams
Elizabeth PD

April 10, 2024

Patrolman Van Cleaf,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New York City.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 4, 2023

Rest in peace Patrolman Van Cleaf.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 1, 2022

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

December 5, 2017

I said a little prayer today for Patrolman Van Cleaf and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

December 3, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 87th 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 officer Larry Lasater

December 4, 2010

You are remembered today and thank you Sir your for service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 3, 2007

Judgment Day for a NYC Patrolman

.....Author Unknown

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

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

The Patrolman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
Can't always be a Saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my work 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,
I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times 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 silence all around the Throne
Where the Saints had often trod.
As the Patrolman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, Patrolman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Sgt. Edward Chaves
Broward County Sheriff's Office

December 24, 2006

Rest in peace motorman.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

December 3, 2003