Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Schmitt,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Washington County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 7, 2023

On behalf of the U.S. Attorney, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and support staff for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, we honor law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. During National Police Week the focus is even greater that we never forget the officers and their families. Today, May 20th, 2022, we honor and remember you Deputy Schmitt. Rest in Peace.

United States Attorney's Office
Eastern District of Wisconsin

May 20, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 7, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Schmitt.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 17, 2019

Spike, I recently drove through Kewaskum and became overwhelmed with memories. I am smiling right now recalling the laughs we had meeting for dinner during our shifts or sharing a beer at the Jug after shift. It has been 20 years and you still make me laugh. RIP brother

Lt. Russell T. Fell
WI DNR now, West Bend PD then

October 21, 2018

Well John, it’s been a long time since I last saw you. Remembering our days in high school, softball, road rallies, some of our talks, the kindness you’ve shown me, the laughter you always seemed to bring, and the help you were always ready to offer. The more time that passes makes it seem even more surreal. Like it was not too long ago that…, Wait, it’s been 20 years already?
One of the things I remember most vividly was probably one of the simplest things you did for me; That was to stop and help me fix a flat tire before class when we were in high school. Not that I needed the help, but the fact that you cared enough to stop. Early on you showed a dedication to help people, to be a paladin.
“See you in brown”, was what you said to me the day before I was hired. That was 25 years ago. I am honored to still be wearing that same brown as you did.
Thank you for keeping watch over us my friend.

Lieutenant Rick Miller
Washington County Sheriff's Office

September 6, 2018

It has been 20 years now since you ended your watch and not a day has gone by that I don't think of you and the good times we had on patrol and the friendship we shared. There is a constant reminder of your sacrifice in the form a "Never Forget Spike" decal adorned on our squads which is a fitting testament to you and your devotion to serving the public. Though the times will change like the seasons, our remembrance of your spirit, dedication and sacrifice will be endless!

Detective Thomas Abbott
Washington County Sheriff's Office

September 6, 2018

Miss you Cuz
Memories are forever. ... forever knows no end... Thanks for watching over me all these years.
#neverforget

Kim D
Cousin

April 25, 2018

Spike, it is hard to believe that it is approaching 19 years since your watch ended that fateful night. No matter how many years pass, you will not be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Patrolman - Retired
West Bend Police Department

August 8, 2017

Great guy to work with, R.I.P.

Deputy Jim Simos
former Washington Co. S.O./retired Waushara Co. S.O.

March 23, 2017

You weren't just my cousin you were my brother. RIP Spike. It is hard to believe it has been 17 years. Your Great, Great Grandfather George German would have been proud of you.

Officer Jay German
Germantown Police Department (Retired)

September 7, 2015

Spike, it seems hard to believe that you have been gone for almost 17 years. So much has changed, and so much you missed out on. You know I mean it when I say there is really never a day that goes by that I don't think about you and get a smile on my face. So many great, great memories. I miss all that we did; working, hunting, riding our Harleys..and the list goes on and on and on.
Things really have never been the same since you left us......Hammer

Hammer
Washington County Sheriff Dept/Village of Newburg PD

April 13, 2015

To John: I had only been with the department for a little over 3 months at the time of your accident. I may have passed you in the halls once or twice and we exchanged greetings. It is very sad what happened, and we do our best to ensure it doesn't happen to others here. I train new deputies now, and they are often reminded of what happened to you. We honor you daily with a decal on our squads to never forget you. I'm sorry I never got a chance to really know you, but those that did always spoke highly. The reflections left here are a testament to that. Rest in peace, thank you for your service, and thank you for watching over the rest of us.
To John's friends and family: Know that we at the Sheriff's Office have not forgotten about him. I take part at the LEO Memorial Service every May at the fairgrounds where we honor him and others that have given their lives in service to their communities. It is an honor to do so, and you can be very proud of him. With my respect. -Scott

Deputy Scott D. Nauman
Washington Co Sheriff's Office, WI

April 5, 2015

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

March 11, 2014

Hey Spike, I still remember the last time I saw you. We were hunting a warrant at Barton Estates. We missed the suspect but had a good laugh anyway. You are missed, Spike. Never forgotten.

Police Officer Michael Ribble
West Bend Police Department

November 9, 2013

Time has passed since you were called away but you have not been forgotten by those that love you nor has the Blue Family forgotten you. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

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

September 7, 2013

Hi Spike, Wow, can't believe how the time has gone by. I think of you often as I hope you know. From the time serving with you on the Kewaskum Fire Dept, to our fight with each other. I have shed a lot of tears just so greatful to have known you, to go out and have a good time, and to then...making up! I am so glad we did, and cant mention that enough! You are truly missed. I do hope you have been sharing a few stories with my Uncle John Taylor, police officer who was killed in the line of duty as well in Menomonee Falls, Wi in August of 1977..hey, just tell him the good things about me..:) Love ya Spike, and will see you again..Todd

Todd Karashinski
Friend

December 18, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

April 11, 2012

Another year has passed. I still think about you at times of the day especially around the anniversary of your death. You were a friend and fellow officer and you are sadly missed.

Detective Thomas Abbott
Washington Co Sheriff's Office

September 11, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th 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.


Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 8, 2009

We had a scare yesterday at the department. One of your fellow brothers who will never let our department forget you was involved in a horrific crash. It was to familiar and it shook us to the core... it opened old wounds. Ace never misses a Memorial here or in Madison. Sometime people refer to Ace as "Spike"... he responds that it's an honor...you are that highly thought of. Ace will be ok, thank you for watching out for him. We miss you.

Linda Cox

December 13, 2008

Your watch ended 10 years ago today. The years pass, but your memory is
still strong. God bless your families and keep a watchful eye on all who need it.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

September 7, 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 24, 2008

Hey Spike,

It's taken me awhile to decide exactly what to leave here...so I hope I do alright.
Anyway, I'm working at the sheriff's office now and have been there for about 7 years. I'm not sure I would've been employed here if it weren't for you. Back in the day, I was called in for running a stop sign and you were assigned to the call. I remember you talking to me and deciding to write me a warning-I couldn't believe what a break I was getting. It was a moment that I will never forget and I was at a point in my life where I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life after high school. Our contact wasn't "the deciding factor" but it sure did help me decide to become a police officer. Now here I am, working at the same place and I am also a Field Training Officer. I think of you often, even though I never really knew you. I have met some real great people that talk highly of you and I wish I could've given you a "thank you" in person, but for now, that will have to wait. Well, anyway, thanks for your generosity, I will never forget it.

-Eric

Deputy Eric Essinger
Washington County (WI) Sheriff's Department

January 10, 2008

Nine years have come and gone since I received the news of your passing. I miss your sense of humor,the nights on second shift we worked together and the fun debreifings we had at the end of our shift (Our Place, Park Ave Pub, etc..) We had our good times that I will never forget, and I think of you often. Till we meet again in heaven, I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Detective Thomas Abbott
Comrade/Friend

October 1, 2007