Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Jacob J. Chestnut was my Security/Law Enforcement, USAF Flight Chief (at CCK AFB , Taichung, Taiwan) when I, along with 11 other SP and LE Cops went on a 6-month TDY from our PCS base at Tainan AFB, Taiwan in early '72. I was assigned the day shift with a few other Tainan Cops with TSgt Chestnut. He was a good Flight Chief. When I hooked up with his Squadron Cmdr., Ret., Major David Hetzel (since deceased), in Tifton , Ga., many, many years later, David Hetzel told me of Jacobs homicide here and I was shocked. Of all the things to happen to such a good man, a good and honest man. RIP Officer Jacob Joseph Chestnut. ------Defensor Fortis-----

SSgt Rick Slater
USAF, 1972, 6 month TDY to CCK AFB, (374th SPS), Taichung , Taiwan

July 23, 2024

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Ret.

July 12, 2024

Condolences to his family and his friends

Carson loveless

March 26, 2024

Officer Chestnut,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but also when you served with the U.S. Air Force-especially during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 24, 2023

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

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

July 24, 2020

Officer Chestnut,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just as a LEO but when you served with the USAF as well-especially in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 24, 2018

Rest well my brother.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

July 24, 2017

Rest in Peace Officer Jacob J. Chestnut. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers. I also Pray that the hounds of hell forever gnaw on the soul of your murderer. May his screams of anguish rise up from the grave as he is consumed in the lake of fire.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

July 24, 2016

Brother Chestnut some how I remember we met many years ago at the Police Memorial Day Service back around 1991 or 1992. I am friends with Virgil Van Fleet. I alsways remember that US Capitol Police is one of the most professional and friendliest of all departments especially to exchange patches and allow access to the Capitol prior to 9/11/01. Reat in peace I am sorry that I didn't get my chance to work with you. I remember Virgil Van Fleet wanted me to join the US Capitol Police. Rest in peace you have done good work.

Retired Police Officer I. Howard Friedma
NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation Police

November 24, 2014

J.J. Thanks for your heroism and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.

Mark Hauglie
U.S. Capitol Police (1980-83)

July 24, 2014

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 20, 2012

J.J. I will never forget you. Iwas your sergeant/Acting Lieutenant on duty with you on the day you died. My heart still aches for you and John Gibson. I have never known any finer officers. I am sorry that I could not prevent your death nor could I save your life after you were shot. I had the honor of lowering the U.S. Flags to half staff over the U.S.Capitol building for you and John. I keep a photo of that moment displayed in my home so I never forget.

Retired Sergeant David M. Dusseau
United Statws Capitol Police

December 15, 2012

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

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

September 10, 2012

Cant believe its been 14 yrs, since we lost you Still one of the best people Ive met, RIP JJ

Officer
Fairfax County PD

July 24, 2012

Officer Chestnut,
On today, the 14th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just as an LEO but also when you served with the USAF in Vietnam as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

July 24, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 15, 2012

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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. Today I was in the US Capitol and spoke with some of the officers who were all so polite and professional. What a tragedy this had to happen to two of our nation's finest.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for the solace of all 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

Officer Chestnut, I was at the NLEOM several years ago and saw your family greet the family of Detective Gibson. Sad that is how the knew each other. Not from little league or bowling. We will continue to honor you. God Bless your family.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE/PUT

December 14, 2009

On the 10th anniversary of Officer Chestnut's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Chestnut is not forgotten.

Agent Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

July 24, 2008

You are remembered today Sir of Your untimely death. Thank You Sir for Your Service to this Country. God Bless You and Your Family....

J Mullens
Federal Bureau of Prisons

July 24, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 18, 2008

You did not go in vain my friend, and you will never be forgotten for protecting the people and serving the United States of America. Rest in peace always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

July 24, 2007

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. On the 09th anniversary of your tragic death, may your family take comfort in knowing you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

DET SGT, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

July 24, 2007

Officer Chestnut,

I was in D.C. the day you were killed. I was visiting from Alaska with an Explorer group. My husband, Kevin Lamm, was also killed in the line of duty on January 1st of the same year. When I heard that evening that you had been killed, I felt numb inside. I instantly thought of your family, and knew what turmoil they were going through at that moment, as I was still going through it. To your family, I am very sorry for your loss. It has been 9 years now since I lost Kevin, and I continue to miss him every day. I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts are with you.

Best wishes,

Holly Carroll-Lamm

Holly Carroll-Lamm
Wife of John "Kevin" Lamm EOW 1/1/98

January 9, 2007

Officer Chestnut...We know why you responded with dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with your Family, Friends and Law Enforcement Family. Thank you for your service.

Police Lieutenant
Naval Weapons Station, Charleston, SC

December 26, 2006