Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I still remember the smiling Al who started on the force 2yrs after I did. We were friends, had a few laughs and a few beers and I can't drive by your resting place without thinking of you and how your life ended way too soon. Your funeral was the grandest procession of squad cars I had ever seen and I was honored to be a part of it.
You were a good officer, and a good friend, and I will remember you always.

Ofc Tom Morris, retired
Arlington Heights Police

March 9, 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

December 29, 2007

AL,
For some reason I was thinking about officers that died in the line off duty and your name came to my mind. I will never forget the sounds on my radio that night, as I was working the midnight shift, I did attend your service all though I did not know you on a personal level. I will always remember the sacrifice you gave. Hopefully someday we will meet and I will greet you and shake your hand in heaven.

SGT. S.PARETS(RET)
Buffalo Grove PD.

September 26, 2007

Al,
I remember getting that fateful call early on that August morning 31 years ago. I was a detective back then with Wilmette PD, our hometown. I want you to know that I dedicated a good portion of my law enforcment career to DWI enforcment in your memory. It's been a while since my last reflection and I wanted you to know I am now a Lieutenant with Albuquerque PD. I am actually up for possible promotion to Captain. Not bad for a former Jewel employee like we were back in the day. I am starting my 34th year now in my 2nd career with APD and have an etching of your name from the Law Enforcement Memorial on my wall. You are my inspiration, Al, and I will never forget our friendship or the sacrifice you made. Thanks for the memories and please watch my back while I'm am hitting the streets down here. 'Til we meet again, God Bless you my brother.

Lt. Michael Geier
Albuquerque, NM Police Dept

July 13, 2007

Thank you for your service. Please continue to watch over your fellow officers and keep them safe.

February 5, 2007

We never got to meet but I was born in the same hospital they took you a few months before. Thanks for the sacrafice and your service to my hometown.

Ofc. G. Tanner
Mesa, PD, AZ

January 14, 2007

Al,
I always adored my big brother, I followed you everywhere, I looked up to you in awe, you became my protector and my hero. I know you are still my protector and you will forever be my hero. I miss you so much. You live on in my heart and my thoughts, always.
Love,
Teri

Teri Vargo-Sachsel
sister

July 25, 2006

Al
I'm so sorry we didn't get to meet. I've heard such wonderful things about you. It's so unfair that you were taken from us so soon but I know you are watching over us everyday! Your brother and I named our son after you...Broc Alan Vargo.
Love,
Robin

Robin Vargo
Sister in law

July 23, 2006

Al,
Although you were taken from our family after just a short time, we have not forgotten you. You were to be Jeff's godfather and he has grown up knowing you are in heaven watching over him. Your tragic death left a void in our family that is not erased with time. My son, Christopher Alan is named after you. You are loved and missed.

Your former sister-in-law,
Peggy

Peggy Dianovsky
Former sister -in-law

July 18, 2006

Al, I can still remember the awful news when I reported for roll call 30 years ago today. You were a great officer but above all a great human being. I am a better person for having known you. Thanks for sharing some of your time with me.

Tony Halachoulis
Mount Prospect Police (Ret)

July 18, 2006

Al, thanks for being a great brother and setting the best example of leadership, commitment, and dedication that has truly inspired all of your family. Your guidance, love, and care touched each of us every day. I will never forget your spirit and your strong desire to serve as an Arlington Heights Police Officer. Your dedication to serve and protect made us proud you were our brother and a brother to the force. Thanks for watching over your family and friends. We wish that you were still with us today and we will always miss you with each day that passes--Love Jim Vargo

Jim Vargo
Brother

July 2, 2006

I feel so honored to have married your brother...he has told me many brave and wonderful things about you. It makes me so sad that we didn't get the chance to meet. Your family is so proud of you!

Myriah Vargo
New Sister-In-Law

July 2, 2006

Officer Vargo... You made the ultimate sacrifice on my 20th birthday...I almost did too on 7/18/86 and had to retire as a result of it!! This year is my big 50 and I will remember you and your family.. God bless you Alan !!

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol..Ret

June 30, 2006

I never will forget.

Brother in Blue

June 14, 2006

Al, as I get ready to retire after 30 years, I find myself thinking about the people who inspired me to go for 30. You my friend were one of those people.We met a few years before your EOW when you were a cadet and I was a dispatcher. Your death came about one month after I got out of the academy. It's a day I will never forget. You lived on in every call I handled, arrest I made and every person I helped. Thanks for being my "Brother"

Brother in Blue

April 24, 2006

I remember cruising Gillson Park with you while we were in high school talking about becoming cops later in life. These dreams came true for both of us in 1973-74. Neither of us knew that one of us would have to make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. I will never forgot that summer night in 1976 and I still devote my work each night on the street to your memory. Thanks for all the good times Al-sometime we will both patrol the streets of heaven together with St. Michael at our side. May God always bless you.

Sergeant Michael J. Geier
Albuquerque, NM, Police Dept.

April 28, 2005

Al, it's been almost 30 years but you live on in all those you touched. Rest in Peace, you will never be forgotten.

Tony Halachoulis
Mt. Prospect, IL PD

April 12, 2005

We will not let you be forgotten

POMFCC

September 1, 2003