Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi popo,
We never met but you’ve watched over me for 19 years now. I’m your first granddaughter, daughter of Virginia and Jason. I’ve heard many stories and great things about you. My mom always says that you sent my dad to her. And I believe her. He’s the best father anyone could have ever asked for. Aj is 22 now and a graduate from ATM. He found a job too! I’m also at ATM now and studying agricultural economics. I just was talking to my boyfriend Tucker about you and it brought me to this page. Your memory lives and will continue to live on. 2521. I love you

Adrianna Manlove
Granddaughter

March 14, 2024

Rest in peace Officer Salvaggio.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2021

Rest in peace.

J.R.

November 25, 2020

Officer Salvaggio,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Houston. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 25, 2020

Officer Salvaggio, although we worked for the same police department I never met you. We may have passed each other some where without having the need to talk. Perhaps at the busy Courthouses or the busy central jail. If we did I wouldn't have known that I had just seen the man I would one day want to thank for making the sacrifice that would save my life. The circumstances surrounding your death made such an impression on me that every time I made a traffic stop (and there were many as I worked Accident Division), I made certain that I could watch both the violator and the approaching traffic, and that I knew what my escape options were should the need arise to take evasive action. In January of 1995, at 1:00 am I had stopped a compact car on the North Freeway, whose driver decided that it would be safe to pullover and stop on the overpass, over Mt Houston. With you in mind, I made my assessment and decided the safest option would be to write the citation while I sat in my patrol car and the violator sitting in his. I had barely written part of the violator's name, when everything went black. The story is long, but the short of it is, that both of us (violator and I) would have been killed if I had stayed outside and wrote the ticket, like I usually would have. If I had placed the violator in the rear seat, he would have been killed, as there was nothing left after the drunk driver, in a 1 ton plumbing truck, plowed into the my police car at 70 mph. And it turned out to be a Hit and Run as well.
In '98 or '99 I had the opportunity to drive one of the vans transporting survivors of HPD officers killed in the line of duty. Before leaving the HPOA building where everyone had met to catch the van to the HPD Memorial, a beautiful young lady was pointed out to me and I was told that she was the daughter of Officer John Salvaggio. I felt compelled to let her know how grateful I was to you and that your sacrifice was not in vain. She told me that at the time of your tragic accident, she was about the same age my oldest daughter was (13) when my near death experience occurred.
John, my brother in blue, I and my children are eternally grateful to you and your family. Rest In Peace.

Ret. Police Officer Abel Rodriguez
Houston Police Department

October 13, 2015

Heroes live forever, Officer Salvaggio, 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.

November 25, 2013

Rest in peace, Officer Salvaggio. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Houston and the great State of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

November 25, 2012

Well Big John, its been a while brother. I retired almost one year ago after 27 yrs. I wouldnt say it was all fun but the first few yrs certainly were when we were partners. And I know its been a while since the last time I stopped by to say howdy to ya. I am doing good. Got 5 grandkids now who are all doing well. Robt taylor and myself went to Johnny's high school graduation. Boy you are most proud of that big stud I know. I have seen Virginia and kathy out before but was never able to say howdy. It seemed when I would visit Marybess I conjoured up that terrible night, and after a while I guess I just woosyed out and didnt go around anymore. But I think your family is one of the finest I have ever met. What I wouldnt give to have things the way they were at one time and to hear you laughing again.

DW STAR (RET)
HPD

July 15, 2012

John,

I am your cousin Joseph "Joey" Salvaggio. Our grandfathers (Jack and Oscar) were brothers. I am sure I met you when I was younger, but my father died when I was very young and I lost touch with the entire Salvaggio family. Like you and my father, I am a police officer as well. I read the posts from your daughters today and it truly touched my heart, bringing tears to my eyes. I too have two daughters and I can see them writing similar things had I died in the line of duty. I have visited your grave and said a prayer at the Police Officer Memorial in Washington, DC each time I go there (which is very often). I am proud of your service and I pray that you are resting in peace.

Joe

Joseph Salvaggio, Chief Master Sergeant
United States Air Force Security Forces

April 29, 2012

R I P Sir....

K Brooks
Houston Police

April 25, 2012

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

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

November 25, 2011

Just a quick hello and a thank you ....Charlotte. friend

Charlotte Yates
friend

October 28, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th 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.

In reading your reflections I can see that you were an amazing guy who is loved and missed by so many. I once read a Louis Mae Alcott quote that said that all we can take with us when we leave this earth is love; you sure took plenty of that with you on your journey.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 25, 2009

HEY, SAL

JUST WANTED TO TOUCH BASE WITH YOU. I JUST GOT HOME AND HAPPENED TO PICK UP A COPY OF THE HPOU NEWSPAPER. WHILE BROWSING THROUGH THE PAGES, I CAME ACROSS A TRIBUTE ARTICLE TO YOU (LEST WE FORGET, NOV. 25,1990). MY GOD, I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT TOMORROW WILL BE THE NINETEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THAT TERRIBLE NIGHT THAT I WAS TOLD MY BROTHER AND BEST FRIEND WAS TAKEN FROM ME. I HAD A ROUGH TIME READING THE ARTICLE AND I SUDDENLY REALIZED THAT YOU ARE NO LONGER AT NORTHWEST. I STILL REMEMBER WHEN WE WOULD HOOK UP EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT DURING OUR SHIFT FOR A CUP OF COFFEE. EVEN THOUGH I WAS AT WEST SIDE AND YOU AT NORTHWEST, WE ALWAYS MANAGED TO GET TOGETHER FOR THAT CUP OF JOE. GOD, I MISS YOU. I MISS YOUR LAUGHTER AND GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR. BARBARA AND I ARE GOING OVER TO SEE MARYBESS TONIGHT. I DON'T KNOW BRO'. I GUESS I NEED SOME CLOSURE. SAL, FORGIVE MY TEARS. I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU THAT I STILL THINK ABOUT YOU AND I WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU. UNTIL WE CAN MEET AGAIN IN HEAVEN, YOUR FIREND AND BROTHER IN BLUE, RON, CLASS #120, APRIL 2, 1984.

SENIOR POLICE OFFICER RON FREEMAN
HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

November 24, 2009

After several weeks working at your brother Charlie's (fabulous) restaurant, I asked about you, as your picture is prominently displayed. Your brother told me of you with tears in his eyes. It is obvious that even after almost twenty years you are still deeply loved and missed.

Your family is in my prayers, and your memory is in my heart now too, though I never knew you.

Thanks for your years of service, and I hope St. Peter gives you roller skates.

Melissa

April 23, 2009

Hi Dad, I just wanted to thank you for watching over us last night. We had a blow out on I-10 as we were trying yo get on 610 we had to leave the trunk in the right hand lane. There were so many close calls where other cars were going to crash into the truck or another car as they were trying to get out of the way. There was no shoulder and no where to get off the freeway. Within seconds HPD passed by he called in for a tow truck. Minutes later a really nice Tow truck driver and his wife came to save us! Come to find out, his brother is one of your fellow fallen officer. I belive his name was Winston Rawlins. You two must have been working together last night. Still patroling the streets from heaven. It was nice to feel your presence. Thank you. I miss you so much and as you know so much has happend. You now have 3 beautiful grandchildren. Anthony is turning 7, Adrianna is 3 and Kamryn is 5 mo. Johnny is Graduating in a few weeks and going to UTSA! We are all so proud of him. He now has 2 state rings from Football. He wears them both just like you would have. Johnny has the deep, hearty, contagious laugh like you did. He has become Mr. Personality who always has a funny comeback. He CAN NOT tell a joke to save his life....Hmmm..Who does that sound like.... I think if you were to see all of us today you would be proud of your family. You would be proud of the men Cathy and I picked to marry! I wonder how your relationship with Jason would be. I think that he is alot like you. He wants to a cop SO bad, but I just can't find it in me to accept it. He started his own business doing remodeling and it has been doing well so far. AJ is starting at St. Cecilia for second grade next year, WOW! Adrianna is Adorable and I think she would Popo's girl. It sounds crazy but it seems like she knows you. She asked were her Popo was and I assumed she ment Popo Bernie. Well she pointed to your picture and said "No, that Popo" they know Popo John is in heaven and looks out for them. I would give anything for them to just see you and hug you and meet you. I always tell mom that I just wish you could see all this. I know you do but I wish you could see it all with mom. Mom is doing wonderful...she is having a hard time cutting the strings with Johnny. She is glue that holds everything together. As we all do she misses you so much, as Johnny has gotten older she sees so much of you in him. She laughs when does goofy things that you would have done. I think that mom has played a good game with cards she was delt. She wants to dream about so badly. she thinks she can't beacuse she tries too hard. I wish you could come to her in a dream and tell her how proud you are of her. She was a lot stronger then she ever thought. Well it has been a while but, I think of you everyday and know that it is one day closer until we see you again. How is Popo? Things are not the same without him. We miss him dearly. He was so sick and it was hard to see him like that. I'm glad that you were there to greet him. He never was the same after you died. The mention of your name would start a trail of tears. I love you dad and thank you.

Virginia Manlove
daughter

May 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

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

November 27, 2007

dad,
adrianna's birthday party was to day, and she was the cutest thing there. Its hard to believe that she is already two and she is already like Virginia. this week i get my state ring, i know that you were there helping me up when i fell. so im going to tell you and everyone that reads this page that im dedicating my ring and the rings to future come in memory to you

Love,
Johnny

Johnny Salvaggio

February 19, 2007

Officer Salvaggio, you obviously continue to live on in the hearts and minds of your loved ones and friends.G-d Bless you and them.

November 25, 2006

I didn't know you , but have come to know your beautiful family.. you left a legacy ...I am so grateful to know your family... Charlotte Yates/ widow 1994

Charlotte Yates /widow
Harris County Sheriffs Dept

March 16, 2006

Hey dad, I have a request. Please continue to watch over us, especially Johnny. He is now 16 and driving the crazy streets of Houston. I don't kow who should be more careful....us or him :) Well we love you and we miss you.

Virginia Salvaggio-Manlove

March 8, 2006

HEY, SAL! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? APRIL 2, 2006 WILL BE OUR 22ND ANNIVERSARY SINCE WE STARTED THE ACADEMY. I SURE WISH WE COULD MEET UP AT THE LOCAL STEAK AND EGGS THAT WE FREQUENTED WHILE ON PATROL AND GET A CUP OF JOE TO CELEBRATE. I SURE MISS YOU SAL. BARBARA AND I WENT TO A ST. PIUS FOOTBALL GAME THIS PAST FALL AND I COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW BIG LIL' JOHNNY IS. MAN, HE LOOKS JUST LIKE YOU! HE HAS ASKED ME TO TELL HIM STORIES ABOUT YOU AND I NEVER SEEM TO KNOW WHAT TO TELL HIM. I JUST REMEMBER LAUGHING ALOT WHEN WE HUNG OUT TOGETHER. I DO MISS THAT FULL OF LIFE, ROBUST LAUGH OF YOURS. REMEMBER WHEN WE HAD OUR BOXING MATCHES IN THE ACADEMY AND OUR CLASS COUNSELORS TOLD YOU THAT YOU WERE GOING TO BE THE ONE TO FIGHT THAT FORMER HOUSTON OILER THAT WAS IN CLASS 121? I'LL NEVER FORGET WHEN YOU STOOD UP AND SAID, "BRING THAT BIG MOTHER ON"! OFCOURSE, MARYBESS SHOWED ME THE VIDEO TAPE OF YOU AND I DOING "BELLY FLOPS" IN YOUR POOL ON THE FOURTH OF JULY. I THINK WE HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK! I GUESS I'LL CLOSE BIG GUY. GOD WILLING, I'LL SEE YOU IN HEAVEN. LOVE, RON. HOUSTON POLICE DEPT, CLASS #120.

SENIOR POLICE OFFICER RON FREEMAN
HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

March 3, 2006

Dear Johnny,

I call you by your name even though we have never physically met. You see, I look at your picture almost everyday of my life as I am eating in your brother Charlie's restaurant. I have often remarked on your good looks and the kindness that I see in your eyes. There is never an occasion that your family doesn't like to share their memories and love of you with me and my family. You can now understand why I might be so familiar as to address you by your first name. I have had many police officers as friends through the years and am very thankful for the way that they put themselves in harm's way just so that me and mine might sleep safely at night. So, Mr. Salvaggio, thank you for the same and the daily visits at Giuseppe's. You have a wonderful family who loves you without measure.

Love in Christ,
Debra K. Scott

Debra Scott

February 27, 2006

I met John in 1985 where I was a fairly new rookie. After my field training I hooked up with John on the night shift where we had a ball policing. It was difficult finding a partner I could work with for one reason or another. After a few years riding with John he had made it easier coming to work. We worked extra jobs together, fishing and other things. Through all the calls and dangers of police work John usually found a comical solution to take the edge off. I am very proud and humbled to say that he was one of my best friends. I just wished he was still around because I miss my friend. God bless John's fine family because I know he would be so proud of them. Dan Starr

Senior Police Officer: Dan Starr
Houston Police Department

December 26, 2005