Waco Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Tuesday, August 29, 1989
Reflections for Sergeant John Robert Vicha
Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 29, 2020
Rest in peace Sergeant John Robert Vicha. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are a true hero.
Jamie Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office, Ret.
June 18, 2020
Rest in peace Sergeant Vicha.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 11, 2019
Justice has been done. May you rest easier today, Sergeant.
Suzuki Nathie
February 28, 2019
I remember you as a dedicated officer and a great man. We had many laughs and good times at Waco PD as well as other settings. You are greatly missed.
Julie (Congelli) Dixon
August 29, 2016
I only met him a few times but he was a good man. I remember how that tragedy effected so many of Vicha's family and friends including myself. May they rest in peace.
Gail Swift
acquintance
February 15, 2016
I remember John very well. He and Holly Holsten handcuffed me to the fridge in the break room at the west chapel of Connally-Compton. ( they rode motorcycle escort) The almost made me late to drive the hearse. It was not my fault. Well, maybe a little. Because I'd been mouthing at them for being slackers and eating doughnuts all the time and it would take alot more than them to ever arrest me. Well about 4.5 seconds later I was cuffed. Holly was a sarg at the time. Both were really cool guys. Those were some great days.
Steven Vest
January 27, 2016
Today I read a little about the horrific facts behind your murder and the immense struggle for justice. Your family has endured a lot in their quest for justice. I finally found an article that referred to the retrial ending in another death verdict. If this article was accurate, I am glad for the new and just decision, but hate that your family may have to endure more years of appellate scrutiny when it has already been decades.
All your family is in my heart's embrace today for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Rest in peace.
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
August 29, 2010
Your heroism and service is honored today, the twentieth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
I hold your family in thought and prayer today, and pray for their solace.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
Anonymous
August 29, 2009
Thank you for your service and sacrfice.RIP.
Anonymous
September 18, 2008
Uncle bobby: you were the best uncle a girl could ever have. I am so sorry your life was cut short by such a horrible person. You will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace. Love you
Tracy
Niece
August 27, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 5, 2008
What a terrible situation. Sgt. Vicha, thank you for your service. Neither you, nor your sacrifice, will ever be forgotten.
Rest in peace.
Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
November 6, 2007
You have not been forgotten as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over yuour loved ones and close friends. Also, keep watch over those still out on patrol.
Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
August 28, 2007
Vic was one of my first Field Training Officers. He was all business, but fair and caring. He was one of the finest examples of what a police officer should be. Firm, but with compassion. Rest in peace Vic..see you soon..Bob Lester, Badge#147.
Retired Police Officer Bob Lester
Midland PD
April 13, 2007
TODAY WE REMEMBER THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE THAT SERG VICHA GAVE, HIS LIFE.
HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. HE IS ONE OF OUR HEROS.
GLB
August 29, 2006
What a tragedy. Thank you for your many years of service and for your sacrifice, Sergeant.
A Private Citizen
May 6, 2006
Your inspiration pushed me to become what I have grown to love. Your sensless and untimely death was in the preservance of life and our family.
I will allways respect your dedication to duty. Not a day goes by that you are not thought of and remembered.
Your Loving Cousin
Candice
Officer Candice W. Boyd, Patrolman
Mexia P.D.
July 31, 2004
God bless you brother. A hero never dies and you will never be forgotten. May God comfort those you once held.
Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
August 29, 2003
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