Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer John Richard Sowa

Atlanta Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Sunday, October 12, 1997

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer John Richard Sowa

well buddy,, havent been here for awhile,, sorry about that,,Yesterday i got the bad news of two more down in bastrop la.
one in particular, kept a close eye on kellie when she was going thru her teenager stage.
got a email from ur mom the other day,, things are well, as can be expected.
talked with brenda muhammed, from VWAP not long ago and she told me that the Arse is stil there , still appealing,, Im sorry ,, he should be long gone by now.
well, just wanted u to know im thinking bout ya,, wish u were still here,,, but know u are in a much better place.
I finally got out of the craziness of the crime commission and law enforcement related stuff altogether and am now with Catholic Charities usa,, just got a promotion and am now the Immigration Outreach Specialist,, great title right? pay sucks but we were never in it for the money were we???
well im going to write on chucks site now,, but wanted to come by here first,,,
still missed by so many,, prissy

August 21, 2007

HAPPY 38TH BIRTHDAY MY BELOVED SON....YOU ARE SO SADLY MISSED BY ME, JAMIE AND KIM AND HER FAMILY....IT HAS BEEN A LONG TEN YEARS SINCE YOU LEFT US, BUT I KNOW THAT YOU ARE WATCHING OVER US EVERY DAY.....YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS EVERY DAY OF OUR LIVES.....LOVE MOM

christine roth
mom

July 23, 2007

I am a childhood friend of Rick. In fact, we lived right next door to each other in the same duplex for five years. I first hear the news in 1997 and it was tough to take. I had actually been trying to track Rick down since losing contact in the late 80s. I can't believe it has been 10 years now. My thoughts are with Rick's family. I never met Rick's wife but I knew Kim and his mother. Best wishes to you all!

Rob Nerpel
Childhood Friend

May 18, 2007

well rick, it has been ten long years and now it is police officer's memorial week again....it seems like it was just yesterday that you my son, was taken away from all of us....you are so missed and in our hearts each and every day..it is mother's day and of course got the gift from you from the police hall of fame and each of these gifts over the last ten years are so special to me on this day...love and kisses to you...........mom

christine roth
mother

May 12, 2007

although i did not know john, he is interned at a cemetary in the town that i grew up in & still live. i am truly sorry for the families loss, he is a true hero as is his partner. john may you rest in peace.

April 23, 2007

well today is a new day,, and i just had u on my mind,, I talked to old guys at APD and director of vwap this past week,,, goes back to trial again,,, will it ever be over??/

i dont talk to ur mom as much as i used to, now that i am in louisiana but she and kim are always in my heart..

keep watching over us and we will keep making sure he never gets out,,,

abrazos prissy

prissy
family friend

April 1, 2007

Here it is 10 years later and my memory of you is as clear as yesterday. I think about you often and smile when I remember the laughter and fun that we shared. To this day I carry the wedding picture of you and your wife in my wallet.
The day we lost you was the darkest day of my life. I will never forget you and pray that when I get to heaven that you will be the first to greet me.

Thomas J. Donohue
Friend

February 26, 2007

Well bro, its been 10 long years. Today I received a phone call from the DA's office and we are going to trial again. I will never be able to let this go until he has been put to death. I know that will never bring you back and god how I wish it could. Andy is in his second year of college (you would be so proud of your nephew). He is so much like you. Angela is a beautiful young lady, I know that she was only three when you were taken from us. Well god will get me threw this next trial phase. I love and miss you so much.

your sister
Kim

Kim
Sister

January 23, 2007

YOU ARE TRULY A HERO. YOU DIED DOING WHAT YOU LOVED. YOUR DEDICATION TO THIS PROFESSION WAS GREATLY APPRECIATED AND NO WORDS CAN TELL HOW SORRY WE ARE THAT YOU GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFIC. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN AND I KNOW THAT YOU MISSED VERY MUCH BY YOUR FAMILY.
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS.

MOTHER OF A FALLEN DEPUTY, TN.

October 12, 2006

G-d Bless you and your partner.May Our Lord also shower Blessings on your family.

October 12, 2006

It will be 9 years since your end of watch and you have not been forgotten by your loved ones nor the Blue Family. They will all keep your memory alive as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones, protect them from harm and guide them on their paths in life. My thoughts are with them on this day.

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

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

October 11, 2006

I was living in Atlanta all those years ago... and worked less then a mile from where Officer Sowa was killed. I remember laying flowers in the very spot where he died. For him, and for Officer Cocciolone....

I was maybe 17 years old at the time... and here I sit today, a police officer too. I hadn't thought of these particular officer's in YEARS until I saw their story on the Discovery channel. I remember you and your sacrifice.

Your partner, Officer Cocciolone looked great on the tv... she is talking so very well... Im sure you would be proud of her.

Rest, my brother.........

September 13, 2006

Dear Rick,
Many times I have wished that I had taken the time to get to know you a little after your Mum married Jamie. It is an opportunity sorely missed, but I pray that you rest easy knowing that justice will be served.

Know that you have left your mark on the people that knew you, and not just those who knew you best; all that speak of Rick Sowa speak of your honor and integrity.

So sleep well, my cousin. Your good name carries on.

Respectfully,
Karl V. Roth
Manomet, MA

Lt. Karl V. Roth
PNPS Security/Cousin

July 6, 2006

I remember being on Buford Highway, when the incident came over the radio. So close, yet so far away. I never pass those apts., without thinking about that night. Rest easy...

P.E. Pressley

May 31, 2006

Rest in peace Brother. May God Bless you and your family.

Patrolman

January 20, 2006

I wish to acknowledge the distinquished service Officer Sowa gave to his community and the citizens of Georgia , and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 12, 1997.
Although it has been eight years since your brutal murder, your memory is still held dear. Officer Sowa, you are a true hero. I am so saddened that you were robbed of your life at such a young age.

I rejoice in the continued recovery of your fellow officer Pat...reading about her is an inspiration.


Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

October 13, 2005

It has been almost eight years since you left all of us. However, there isn't a day that goes by that you are not in our hearts. We know that you are watching over us and are keeping us all in your care.

September 28, 2005

Just to let you know that you are thought about on your 36th birthday....Look down upon us all and keep us safe and in your arms.....

July 29, 2005

I met Rick back in 1996 while in Atlanta. He was a cadet and we had a lot in common. I worked in Mass. and was interested in Atlanta. He was aked to show me around ironically which was when we found out we didnt live far away from each other in Mass. and shared many common bonds. I appreciated his help and I feel still for his family. It has been a long time since his last shift and I only met him once but his life and death have made an impression on me. I feel for his family and can tell there was a close relationship with them. My heart goes out to you all. Keep the faith and never forget.

J
Tampa

April 2, 2005

Hi Sweetie,
well it has been a few months since i was on here,, sorry about that, Been talking to ur mom lately we finally found each other again!!!!
Trying to get Chris and Kim to Georgia next week, Lawler is trying to appeal the decision apparently.. Duumb A---.
So I think we need to be there,, We will be there dont u worry!!!
As always in my thoughts!!! p

January 29, 2005

I never knew you, but I remember staying home from work to watch your funeral. My husband, Rusty Stalnaker, had been on the scene that night with you and Pat and many others. He was devastated at your death. Then several months later, I was standing by his casket and in walked your sweet and lovely wife. She was the only person who knew what I was feeling that night. I am so thankful that I met Danielle and her friendship has meant much to me in the years since. I appreciate the way her mom and dad opened their home to me one Thanksgiving when I could not face being at home without Rusty. You married a strong and courageous lady. May the God of peace be with her now and always. You'll never be forgotten.

Dana

December 2, 2004

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

October 14, 2004

gosh, it has been so long since i have been on this site, officer down in atlanta today, I work at sheperd now and see pat now and then and she is doing really good, you are always in her heart, still talk to your mom but i moved a couple of months ago and lost her number, she looks great but I know you know that.. officer is fine, gunshot wound to hand,, she is at grady now,, this is so reminding me of you, hospital is full of blue apd,, Shes Fine buddy....

August 25, 2004

"Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friend". What too many fail to understand is that you considered all your neighbors friends. I know that you are safe and happy in God's hands now. May your family take solace in that knowledge.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD

August 16, 2004

May God bless you John and keep you close.

Rest in peace Brother.

Officer Scott Lundegren
Yarmouth Police Dept., MA

July 22, 2004

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.