Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Conservation Officer Spignesi it has been 26 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement continues to serve and protect and make life secure for our part of the country. I honor your 8 years of law enforcement service to the citizens of Connecticut.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

November 20, 2024

Thank you for your service Officer Spignesi !!!!!

Sergeant David Dufault (Ret)
Hartford Police Department
Hartford, CT

March 6, 2024

Conservation Officer Spignesi, it has been 25 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

November 20, 2023

Rest in peace Conservation Officer Spignesi.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 20, 2022

Jim was a warm, patient, caring man. I met Jim in 1986 when he trained me for a seasonal position at a deer check station in Natchaug State forest. Jim was a biologist at the time. I remember him being so happy when he became a Conservation Officer for CT. After my stint at the deer check station I entered the CT Police Academy. RIP Jim. You are not forgotten.

MSgt. Frank Colonese III
UCPD

November 21, 2021

Gone but never ever forgotten.. r.i.p. my friend..

Trooper T.C.Wetter (retired)
Ct State Police

November 24, 2020

Officer Spignesi,
On today the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Connecticut. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 20, 2018

I had graduated college in May of 1990. In the fall of 90 I met up with at that time Biologist James Spignesi. I asked if I could get a part time job as a Deer Checker with DEP over at Cockaponset State Forest. He wasn’t sure at first since my degree was in Criminal Justice, but I explained that I wanted to be a Game Warden and thought it would be good experience. He gave me the job and I learned a lot about pulling teeth out of dead deer.

After the season was over with I was fortunate to get hired on by US Fish and Wildlife Service as a Refuge Officer. Jim went on to become a DEP Conservation Officer. I had heard from another CT Conservation Officer Years later that Jim had been shot and killed.

I have recently retired as a Special Agent (Fisheries) and I got to looking at this site. Even though it’s been 26 years since I last saw him I still remember how much he loved being involved with managing and protecting wildlife. He was also a real nice guy and it was nice of him to give me a chance at that job.

Special Agent (Retired) David Reilly
NOAA NMFS

November 11, 2016

On this day so many years later you are still remembered & thought off. No I didn't know you, but I thank you for your service & I'm sorry for your tragic, senseless murder. May God bless your family & may you truly Rest In Peace at The Lords side.

Citizen Tracy Corley
Louisiana

November 20, 2014

Officer Spignesi your service is still remembered to this day. Because of officers such as yourself we are able to enjoy our state parks and trails. We are reminded of your service at your memorial daily. Thank you,

Safety Officer J. Keyes
Connecticut Forest & Park Associaton

February 23, 2013

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

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

February 10, 2013

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service.

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

November 20, 2012

Thank you for your service, sir.

SN
USCG VBST

September 8, 2012

Rest in Peace, Conservation Officer Spignesi. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 28, 2012

....If only.....

Anonymous

December 20, 2010

Jimmy was a wonderful and kind man, he often backed me up on patrol as I did for him. He was a good friend and a great law enforcement Officer. My family and I miss you and speak of you often. I am blessed to have called you a friend. Always in my prayers. Ret. T.F.C. Tim Wetter # 1105

Retired Trooper Timothy Wetter
Connecticut State Police

July 6, 2010

RIP.Your memory lives on and will not be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 12, 2008

Rest in Peace Sir

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

November 29, 2007

In addition to serving as a CO Jim was previously a DEP wildlife biologist for many years. He transfered so he could have more contact with people. His dedication was unmatched. I wish I could have known him personally.

J. Rogala
Connecticut volunteer CE/FS Instructor

August 8, 2006

I ONLY KNEW JAMES FOR A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. I DISCOVERED HIM THROUGH MY COUSIN STEVEN SPIGNESI . I WORK FOR THE ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME AND TOUGHT IT ODD THAT MY COUSIN WITH THE SAME NAME HAD A GREAT LOVE FOR THE OUTDOORS. WE JOKED ONLY DAYS EARLIER ABOUT HIM WORKING FOR ADF&G IN ALASKA. I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF HIS DEATH AND THAT HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO VISIT ALASKA.

james spignesi
alaska department of fish and game

December 4, 2005

On 07/06/05 RTG 42-05 remembered Conservation Officer James V. Spignesi Jr. and dedicated our training day to him.

You are not forgotten.

Boston Police Academy RTG 42-05
BPD

November 21, 2005

To Conservation Officer James Spignesi Jr., his family and friends, and fellow officers.

On this the seventh anniversary of your tragic death, please know that you are not forgotten. Your valor and dedication will be forever honored.
Rest In Peace, Officer Spignesi.

May your family continue to be cared for by their law enforcment family and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of distinquished service Officer Spignesi gave to his community and the citizens of his country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 20, 1998.

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

November 20, 2005

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU WATCH OVER THE REST OF US.

POLICE OFFICER
NYPD - 44 PCT

February 15, 2004

Officer Spignesi,

I came across your story somewhere on the web. After reading it, I came to ODMP.org to see your memorial. I noticed that it did not have a picture of you, so I took it apon myself to find a picture of you and have it posted on your profile. Now the world can see the face of the man who unwillingly but courageously gave his life for his country.

Rest in Peace, Hero.

Lewis Cantrell
Son of Tennessee Valley Authority Police officer

December 8, 2003

I would like to take a moment to thank Conservation Officers everywhere. Your efforts keep our woods, fields and waters safe and with abundant fish and game.

I appreciate the sacrifice of James and that he was heroic in the performance of his duties. He is always remembered and appreciated.

FR Gublo, 24th MPCo.
Game Warden Office, Ft. Stewart, GA1984-85

November 20, 2003