Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! Please help me honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Willard J. Wolff of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio, and the additional 85 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

July 23, 2024

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Willard J. Wolff of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 82 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

July 23, 2022

Thank you for your service and today we take the time to remind you and your family that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 23, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Willard J. Wolff of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 74 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

July 23, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 50th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 23, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Willard J. Wolff of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 74 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

July 23, 2018

Patrolman Wolff,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Officers who were also killed in that incident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cleveland. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 23, 2018

Patrolman Wolff,
On today, the 49th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your two fellow Officers who were also shot and killed during that riot for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cleveland.
And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USN

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 23, 2017

IN HONORE CASORUM
The Promise: Always honored, never forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

July 23, 2015

Your Sister (my grandmother) always spoke highly of you. I wish i had a chance to meet you. I Know you both are up there now watching over us. I honestly just want to say thank you for everything you have done.

S
Family

December 10, 2014

I was too young to remember much of anything, but I remember my father, your partner, running out of our house to assist in the riots. I remember him telling us that you had died and I remember him visiting your house often to take care of your family. I cry every time I hear "The Night Chicago Died", as I remember you and my father being gone and not knowing if you would return. I had a small taste of this as an adult when my son was deployed to Afghanistan. I knew that you and my father would watch over him, though, and thankfully he came home to me. I can only imagine what your family went through. I couldn't imagine growing up without my father. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, your courage, and your friendship to my family. You will always be our "Uncle Will" and I will never forget. Say hello to my father up there!

Chimo's 2nd Daughter

October 23, 2013

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greaer Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

July 23, 2013

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone but not forgotten.
Your family friends, and colleagues are in our thoughts and prayers today.
Continue to keep watch over us.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department

July 23, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 42nd 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 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. I pray for the solace of those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 24, 2010

I sit here tonight remembering back 42 years ago. It's as though it was yesterday. The television stations reflected on the anniversary of when you were taken from your family far too early. Time goes by, lives change, but you are NEVER forgotten. The 7 years I had with you set the path for who I am today. I thank you for making your family the number one priority in your life. I now share the memories of you with your Grandson you never got to meet. He will know, as I know, that you will always be my HERO. I loved you then and I still love you now Dad. Rest in Peace.

Your Little Girl
Daughter

July 23, 2010

I still remember the night that you were taken from us while doing your duty protecting and serving our community. You and your best friend, my Dad, where my heroes, the good guys - and that night this naive 9 year-old was introduced to the harsh reality that the good guys don't always carry the day and ride off into the sunset.

It was an honor to have known you and to have been influenced by you...especially your endless sense of humor...during my most formative childhood years. When my Dad died I was comforted to know that his best friend, my "Uncle" Will, was there to greet him as he entered heaven's gate. I have no doubt that heaven is a better place for having you both in it and I promise that when I finally get to see you both again up there, I won't fall off the bar stool!

Dan Ciammaichella
extended family

May 12, 2010

My Dearest Family and Friends

Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.

The Day I had to leave you when my Life on earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan. Theres so much we have to do to help our Moral Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad. I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.

Please don't be afraid to cry, it does releive the pain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.

To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.

So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that with my life. it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know Im walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentel breeze or wind upon your face thats me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.

Anonymous

December 17, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Former Police Officer (DHPD)
Virginia

July 22, 2008

Even though I was only 2 years old when you died, your memory will live with me forever. You will always be one of my hero's.


The policeman 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, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No Lord I guess I ain't.
Because those who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough...
And sometimes I've been violent
because the streets are awful tough.

But I never took a penny
that wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just 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 policeman waited quietly
for the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets.
You've done your time in hell."

{Author Unknown}

William J. Ciamaichella
Family

April 9, 2008

OFFICER WOLFF, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

February 14, 2008

Your bravery, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. You are a true hero and will be remembered as such.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

July 23, 2007

For fellow historians: Out of the tragedy of the Glenville Riots, Cleveland street officers were issued portable radios which enabled citywide communications. Also, the fist Tactical Unit was formed, which trained and equipped specific officers to respond to especially dangerous situations such as riots and barricaded suspects. The unit later became the modern day Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, or SWAT.

To the fallen officers - may Your Souls Rest-In-Peace.......

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

July 23, 2007

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over.

SGT. John L. Gulledge Retired
Escambia CO FL SO

April 28, 2007

You and your family gave the ultimate sacrifice. You will never be forgotten. Your nephew gary is a friend and always speaks highly of you. You are a hero to family,fellow officers,and this city. Rest in peace brother. cpd577

cpd577
cpd

November 22, 2006

As I listened that night in terror to the radio for the names of the officers shot, praying my father was not one I remember being gripped with fear as the newsman said your name.."Willard J...he hesitated...at which point I about hit the floor...Wolff" not Aitchison. Later my dad called and said he was all right but they had lost four good men.
Years later I heard the harrowing stories of my dad and your fellow officers who tried to get to you and your fallen comrades through a hail of bullets and gunfire, only to be turned back. Let there be no doubt you are a true hero and my prayers are with your family.

Pam Aitchison
daughter of Lt Willard J...Aitchison

October 16, 2006