Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

26 years ago today, I lost a close friend & colleague in the line of duty when he was struck by a car and killed on I-675 while investigating a traffic crash on icy roads.

The month before he was killed, John and I had spent three weeks together in evidence technician training at the Miami Valley Regional Crime Lab learning how to process crime scenes. We were partners during our practical exercise of processing a mock crime scene.
We also worked together on calls when I was assigned to Washington Twp. and backed each other up on calls.

I remember learning the news that morning that he was killed and driving around the rest of the day in my patrol car crying that I had lost my friend.

Life is short. Never take a day for granted. We never know when life may end so we should treasure each day as if it's our last. We are never guaranteed tomorrow. Love those around you, make the best of each day, live and do your best. Live with no regrets!

Chief Kurt E. Althouse
Vandalia (OH) Division of Police

January 12, 2024

NEVER FORGET! Please help me honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer John Paul Kalaman of the Centerville Police Department, Ohio and the additional 79 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

January 12, 2024

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer John Paul Kalaman of the Centerville Police Department, Ohio and the additional 78 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

January 12, 2022

I knew John from first grade until HS graduation....we shared many classes together and many memories! In a million years, I would never have pegged him for a future law enforcement officer. He was, of course, very kind and caring, but always such a success academically, I'd always pegged him for a professor, historian, doctor, or researcher.
I couldn't believe it when I heard that this funny, smart, caring friend had lost his life at such a terribly young age. He had SO MUCH to offer, and, ultimately, he gave everything trying to protect others. I think of him often, especially as my parents lived very close to where he was killed, and I always had to take that fatal ramp to go home. I received a message tonight from one of our old friends, who also went to school with us k-12, and it put me in mind, again, of our dear friend, gone too soon.
God bless the Kalaman family, and may you all know that John was so special to so many people, and he will never be forgotten. I CANNOT believe howo g it has been, and I am so sad that this wonderful life was so brief.
We love you, Kalaman! ( which is what we always called him at school!) I'll always remember him with two pencils up his nose in 7th grade! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Melissa R Gordon
School friend for 12 years

August 30, 2021

John,
I met your Mom and Dad last year after they were at my friend's restaurant searching for contributions/donations for Their annual Golf Outing. I told your parents that I too lost my son, Illinois State Trooper Christopher Lambert (he was born and raised in Dayton) on the exact date (Jan 12) in 2019 and in the same manner (my son stopped for a 3 car accident on a snowy night on his way home and was struck by a vehicle that violated the Scott's Law) both of you gave your lives saving others and are honored as HEROES. Your lives will always be remembered and honored. God Bless you and your family and co-workers. May you Rest In Peace.

Marty Lambert (Mother of Fallen Illinois State Trooper Christopher Lambert)

January 14, 2021

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer John Paul Kalaman of the Centerville Police Department, Ohio and the additional 77 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

January 12, 2021

Officer Kalaman, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 14, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer John Paul Kalaman of the Centerville Police Department, Ohio and the additional 67American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

January 12, 2018

Johnny,

Always had fun at work or at play. Don't speak much about this but truly proud to have served with you. Rest in peace my brother. No one deserves it more.

Jeffro

CPD/39
CPD

September 13, 2014

Thinking of John today. I attended the 8th annual Montgomery County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony at Riverscape, heard them call John's name on the roll, and watched as his family stood and placed a white carnation on the FOP wreath in his honor. I was a classmate and friend of John's all through junior high and high school and we even played trumpet together for a while. He was my first date, to Cotillion in 9th grade, and I was always glad to see him at reunions - he was so full of joy and spark. I think of him fondly and miss him. My thoughts and prayers and sympathy is with you. Thank you to his parents for having raised such a bright, caring, wonderful young man, and for everything you have done since his untimely passing, working in his name and making difference is the lives of this community. He loved you very much, and does still. Peace be with you.

Stephanie (Bendel) Hansen
Fairmont HS '86 - friend

May 2, 2014

I think of you and Bob often especially during this week...when I travel on and as I watch cars move over for us on the stops we make. We had some long talks in parking lots..I will never forget when one of the Mcso units calles to tell me. ...it seems like yesterday. You are not forgotten I am sure the Cpd units mention and think of you frequently as all of us in law enforcement communities everywhere.....

Kelly Engle Thompson
Motor Carrier Enforcement OSHP

January 16, 2014

I have had the opportunity to meet your parents several times over the years at C.O.P.S. functions. They are incredible, passionate people who will always grieve your passing from this life too soon, but rejoice knowing they will see you again.

RIP.

Brenda
LODD survivor

January 12, 2014

If ever there was a crystal clear image of the integrity of who a man was, it would be John. In the past 8 months everywhere I go I hear the mention of john. I have not yet met anyone who does not remember the day they heard of the accident. I am leaving soon and john wants something very special left behind for those who mourn his passing. He wants you to smile again when you see his face in this place and know he's better in rest. He's never alone in the place of God.

L

lori
friend

September 20, 2012

John,

Although we never met, I feel like we've always known each other. There are so many fond memeories shared throughout the years by so many of your friends and family.
Your legacy lives on through the fitness equipment used everyday by your colleagues and by new officers aspiring to be great. Young lives are changed by scholarships in your name, and lives are being save by the blood donated in your name.
You will never walk alone, and knowing that you are watching out for us, I know that we will never walk alone either.

God Bless you and your family

Dispatcher
Centerville

January 12, 2011

I can't believe it's been 13 years since we lost you. I'm glad that I got to spend New Year's Eve with you that year. I'm glad you were my friend and always asked about my baby, who's grown up and almost 15 now. You would love her! I stop by your grave frequently and just want you to know how much we all miss you. Thanks for being my guardian police officer as I travel on 675 almost daily for work. I always feel your presence and loving arms around my shoulders. Thank you

Becky Shanesy
Bellbrook Fire Department

January 10, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 12th 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 13, 2010

It doesn't seem like 10 years since your death. I had just started the police academy at Sinclair College when you died. We wrote an essay on how we felt after your death. I remember it like it was yesterday. As another Police Memorial Day has come and past I wanted to let you know you are NEVER forgot. Thank you for your service and I pray for your family and Centerville PD. 10 years seems like a long time, but how time flies. Rest in peace brother. God Bless you and your family. We have the watch.

Dep. B. Kennard
Warren County Sheriff's Office

May 17, 2008

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9).

Thank you for your service BROTHER

Kyle Matlock #748
Montgomery County SO

April 20, 2008

Officer Kalaman,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you to you and that Firefighter for your service and sacrifice for your community. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

January 12, 2008

YOU ARER REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR POLICE AND MILITARY SERVICE. I AM SORRY THAT JUSTICE WAS NOT SERVED ON YOUR BEHALF.

VANDENBERGHE
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 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

December 31, 2007

Rest in peace Brother Kalaman.

"Go walk a beat in Heaven's streets, you've done your time in Hell."

ACK #91
BPD

December 24, 2007

Time to Learn

The hand is cold
that once held mine.
I can't believe you've really left this world behind,
I can't wait,
I can't hope,
I'll get over this in time.

"It takes time to learn
when someone's gone for good,
their not coming back
like you wish they would.
In the empty hours,
when you miss them so,
then it's time to learn
to let them go."

Your last hours
we never knew,
we never had the chance
to say goodbye to you,
Words unsaid and things undone,
we just begun
and now we'll never see them through.

I recently heard these words sung on a cd. Yes it does take time to learn to let go, maybe a life time, I am still learning.

God bless you, John and Paula and yours.
With love, a friend and companion when our mutual grief in many ways helped to comfort us.

Mother of officer Lamm EOW 1-1-98

February 27, 2007

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

CITY OF OLEAN POLICE, NY

February 4, 2007

It's been 8 years ago & I remember my wife calling me, waking me up and telling me the news. It feels like yesterday that you and Bob took your last call. As I read the reflections, I can't keep the tears back. I hear careflight as they flew over, and I see the horseless rider in my mind. God had a plan that day & I believe it's to watch over us as we still protect today.

September 3, 2006