Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Johnny is my cousin, he was a born again Christian and I’m looking forward to seeing him again. We grew up together and trailed through the NW Houston woods as children where Shepherd Forest development is now. Later we were hunting buddies in deep East Texas with other relatives near Lufkin. We were both in Vietnam during the 1968 Tet Offensive at the same time. I always looked up to Johnny and we have many blessed memories together. I love him very much and knowing Johnny, he is front and center volunteering for any difficult task that Jesus needs accomplished.. Simper Fi Brother Johnny <><

Capt David A Trifon, USAF
Christian Brother and close cousin

August 30, 2022

Rest in peace Officer Bamsch.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 30, 2019

September 29, 2016 marks the 44th graduation anniversary of Houston Police Cadet Class 55. Johnny and I were members of the class. He was the friendliest man I ever met. His image has not aged like the rest of us. I think of him often as our surviving list of classmates grows smaller. I look forward to the time we will meet again. Rest in Peace.

Sgt. J. W. Gadus, Retired
Houston Police Department

September 22, 2016

I have thought of Johnny for years. He was my bus driver when I was in elementary school. I was in maybe third grade. He would let me ride right next to him and do the bus route and then drop me off at my house. He was the sweetest guy. I remember when he told me he was going to be a police officer. I cried and asked him not to. I was so afraid of what would happen to him. The day he died my parents told me and I just couldn't believe it. This man will always be in my heart. He was such a good person who cared about people. Even a little third grade girl.

Timothea Creedon
Friend

July 25, 2016

Rip

K. Brooks
Houston PD

January 31, 2016

Remembered for many years by my best friend Sheriff Bill Elsbury (also HPD Retired) and good friend to his parents.

Bob Shelton, Chief of Police
Granger Police Department

October 17, 2014

I rode with Johnny in summer of 1973. I was as in awe of my training officer as I was of anyone that ever walked the earth. He was obviously in charge but treated me with respect even when I was doing something very rookieesque. He drove the car and I listened.

After I was done with my probabtionary period I was transfered out to another station. A few weeks before Johnny was killed I ran into him at court. He encouraged me to come back to North Shepherd nights and chase crooks with him and a very high achieving crowd that included Bill Elsbury, Rick Massey & J.D. Ellis among others. I woke up to a radio news story about his violent death. It hit me very hard. In 39 years that pain has never diminished. I think of him often.

One thing I still laugh about was Johnny's inner rebel. In 1973 when you got out of the car you put your hat on. It was serious no no to be caught without your head covered when your exited the car. That hard and fast rule meant nothing to Johnny Bamsch. When I got in the car on my first night with him he took my hat, threw it in the back seat and said "You won't need that." So began my career. Riding with a great cop, being trained by a great cop who was more interested in fighting crime than obeying some archaic rule. God bless you JB...

Sgt. Thomas A. Britt, (Ret)
Houston Police Department

January 24, 2014

Heroes live forever, Officer Bamsch, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Houston and the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

January 30, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th 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. He was also your brother in green as well so I bid you semper fi.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace.

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

January 30, 2012

Rest in peace, Officer Bamsch. You're not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

January 30, 2012

I'm your namesake and cousin. You passed 10 days before my ninth birthday. I was inconsolable upon news of your murder.

I miss you. I miss my Aunt Mickey and Uncle Roy. They always reinforced the values for which you fell.

Terrell Coble
1st Cousin

September 6, 2011

Johnny and I served our second tour of Vietnam together. We were good friends and had some good times together. I met his dad after we returned, he came out to California to see Johnny, he was a real nice guy. When Johnny was in San Diego before getting out he left his burgundy GTO with me for safe keeping. I lost touch with him after that. I am sure he was as fine an Officer as he was a Marine. I am truly sad to find out I have lost another Brother Marine and Law Enforcement Officer. Rest in peace my brother and friend.

Ed Hathaway
Marine buddy

July 28, 2011

I remember when your dad would come to the station and bring donuts. He talked so fondly of you and so did a lot of the other "old heads" who knew you. Thank you for your service!

Deputy Mike Bilbrey
Harris Co. Constable Pct. 5

January 30, 2011

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.


Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

August 13, 2010

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement and the protection of others. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 30, 2010

Thank you for your courage and ultimate sacrifice. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

SGT Mark B. Hanna, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

January 30, 2010

I went to school with Johnny at Our Savior Lutheran School from the first grade thru the eighth grade 1952-1960. After we left that school I lost contact with him until the news of his death.What a shock that was.God Bless you Johnny.

Frank Furlow
Classmate

July 4, 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

February 13, 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

February 13, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER NH

January 27, 2008

Johnny was well before my time, however I was privileged to know his dad. Mr. Bamsch was a fine man and was often at polce functions. He always looked at us as his family and we looked at him the same way. To Johnny's daughter: I never knew your dad but I felt I knew him through you grandfather. Your dad's picture is on the wall at the North Division and so is the "pig" picture. We are reminded daily of his and your family's sacrafice each time we see them. His memory will never be forgotten.

North Shepherd Patrol Officer
HPD

July 13, 2007

I never had the HONOR to meet Johnny since his death was prior to my time, but I knew his parents very well. After Johnny was killed his parents brought the first five bullet-resistence vest for HPD Officers. They always were very close to the Police Dept. before their own deaths. Johnny after your parents passed I meet your daughter and her husband. I know you never got to meet her. She is a very fine person and loves you very much. Rest in Peace my friend and say hello to Roy and Mickey for me.

Sgt. Charlie Allbright
Houston Police Dept

December 15, 2005

Johnny, may you rest in peace knowing that you are not forgotten after all these years.

We pray that your family has found some type of peace in this horible tragedy that they have had to endure.

Rest assured that we have the watch from here, sir.

ROSS COUNTY OHIO SHERIFF DEPARTMENT
CHILLICOTHE OHIO POLICE DEPARTMENT

July 17, 2005

Officer Bamsch,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Houston.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

January 30, 2005

Thank you!

patrol

January 30, 2005