Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was a police officer in the city where John and his family resided and had the occasion to spend time with Tami, their young son and others at the residence. Thinking their son would grow up without his Father impacted me. Years have passed but John and his family are not forgotten.

Sgt. Don Medine (retired)
Brentwood Police Dept.

February 14, 2012

Thinking of you, Tami, and your beautiful son today. Time never diminishes respect and you remain forever in our hearts. Your son is a "big brother" figure in the Norcal Cops community to my grandson Cody and I am sure you are very proud of his kindness to the younger kids.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 13, 2011

No matter how much time has past, you will always be in our thoughts.

Deputy x 2
ACSO

December 12, 2011

John is a long time friend from high school. He comes from a very loving family, and has always dreamed of serving. As I moved to Maryland, we drifted apart, but I would always consider him one of my best friends.

I never had the fortune to meet his wife and son, but I think of them often. When I come to visit and see his name on the street and freeway, I can't help tearing up. It sure hurts to have a friend taken too early. I glad that justice was served, and the man found guilty will never see freedom on this earth.

God bless his family, and John, know that you are not forgotten.

Your friend,
Mark Wells

Mark Wells
Long time friend

August 13, 2011

I never met Officer Monego, indeed, I have only lived in this area for 8 months. I saw his name on a Google map I was printing out to help me find my way around in my new area, on a trip from Pleasanton to Danville. I saw that this section of I-680 is named for him, and I wanted to know about this man and what he had done to be honored in such a way.

I read his story on the odmp.org page, and my heart goes out to his widow and son (who is now a young man). May your Dad's bravery be a constant encouragement and may you always remember his sacrifice and efforts in fighting crime. Officer Monego lives on, not on this earth, but in a realm we cannot now see...I pray that one day you three will experience a very sweet reunion, in a place where there is no more sorrow or evil.

I will always think of Officer Monego whenever I drive this highway, and I will tell others of his valor.

Anonymous civilian

August 10, 2011

Hey John

Just popped in to say you are always in my thoughts. Until we meet again....thanks for watching over us!

Retired Deputy
ACSO

March 22, 2011

I did not know Officer John Paul Monego or his family. I was a young father, and recently out of the USAF, at the time of Officer Monego's death. My own son was 13 months old then (in Dec 1998) and maybe thats why it hit me so hard. I was one of hundreds or more who watched the procession through Livermore. The tragic nature of his death in the line of duty was nearly impossible to wrap my mind around, and my sadness/grief for his wife and 18 month old child only deepened as Christmas approached. On Christmas Eve 1998, I wrote a song for John and his young family and there has not been a Christmas season since when I have not said a prayer for them and privately played that song to ease my mind and remember. If its not inappropriate, I would like to share with you the lyrics of that song.

My Song For You
(12-24-1998)

Almost midnight, Christmas Eve
And my whole house is asleep.
But my mind's out wandering far from here,
To anothers family.

I held my little boy in my arms tonight,
out in the cold under the stars.
He looked up at me as I said this prayer aloud,
"This is for you where-ever you you are...

Dear Lord hear our prayer
It's from my little boy and me.
There's a family without their father to hold,
And that's a lonely Christmas indeed"

You never forget the day when somebody leaves,
But you learn to live with the pain.
After awhile you may even manage a smile when you,
softly whisper a name.

May there be many hands to hold you,
Through these days that seem so long.
And when the Good Lord is standing right beside you,
He will softly wrap you in his song.

"Lord hear this little boy's prayer.
It's from the whole world and me.
There's a family without their father to hold,
and that's a lonely Christmas indeed...
That's a lonely Christmas indeed."

It will be 13 years this December. God Bless our Police Officers and their families.

Anonymous

February 15, 2011

Forgive me...I meant to write twelve years.

Deputy X 2
ACSO

December 15, 2010

Eleven years has past since that tragic night. You are always in our thoughts.

Deputy X 2
ACSO

December 15, 2010

I remember seeing John as a frequent fixture at Highland Hospital's ER when I was a paramedic working in Oakland. We usually had a few minutes while we were waiting in the triage line or after our run to sit and chat for a few. Always a stand-up guy and enjoyed our conversations. John was always a professional when it came to business, too. During one run, we had a patient who became violent as we were pulling into the ER; John jumped into action and helped restrain the subject and prevent further injury to myself and partner.

I was on duty the night of December 12, 1998 in Fremont when I heard the "officer down" call go out. I still get the chills when I think back to that night and the sadness I felt the next morning when I saw the familiar face and name of a friend flash across the TV news.

Thank you, John, for your service and for making the ultimate sacrifice in protecting your fellow man.

Anonymous

July 29, 2010

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.

Our family has been graced with the friendship of your wife and son and they have been a steady source of support.
I am sure you must be very proud of them.

Rest in Peace

Phyllis Loya

December 13, 2009

Can't believe it's been 11 years. So many things have changed with the department. Things that haven't changed are the memories you instilled in our minds. You are always in our heart.

Know that a day doesn't go by without someone remembering how crazy you were! I can still see you chasing Glenda down the hallway flicking a lighter...trying to catch her hairspray on fire!!!

Thanks for watching over us....

Until we meet again!

Deputy x 2
ACSO

December 11, 2009

Rest in Peace, Deputy Monego. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 8, 2009

I used to work Swing shift with John and the best group of coppers at DPS. We were to have code7 after booking some crooks at SRJ. I sabotaged his car in the sally. John took the OT and I went 10-10. I left Alameda S.O. 9 yrs ago, to go finish my career in a secluded place. I drove to Oakland on Friday and had the urge to stop in Dublin to say HEY! I drove past instead. I've been to so many services and I swore John's was the last, so I thought. I miss you JPM (choir practice Dublin Ct. Beer&Cigars)

Police Officer
Former partner

March 30, 2009

Dear John,

I couldn't help but think about you when the 4 OPD officers were tragically gunned down a couple days ago. You along with your fellow officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice will never be for gotten. You will always be my hero.

Ret. Deputy
ACSO

March 24, 2009

John,

I remember hearing the nightmare of that incident on the news the very next morning. Back then, I was an officer in the south bay. We were all crushed as everyone was. I live in Pleasanton now and am an officer in Fremont. I think of you and your family often...especially when I drive by the street named after you as I buzz back and forth through Dublin Bl. to avoid all of the traffic on 580 to run my errands on my days off.

You and your family will never be forgotten. You are a hero to all of us in our community and you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us safe.

Police Officer
Fellow Brother

March 23, 2009

I can't believe it has been over 10 years now. I never met Deputy Monego, but let it be know that people still think of him often. We will never forget.

"For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know"

Anonymous

December 23, 2008

John,

I can't believe it's been ten years. Every year, on this date, flowers are delivered to your place of rest. We are always greeted by the caretaker who smiles and waves as we park the patrol car.

Dominic John is becoming quite the little man. You would be proud.

You are always in our thoughts. Thanks for watching over us.

Deputy X 2
ACSO

December 11, 2008

Sir,

I was in Dublin at the time you were killed, and I remember how deeply saddened I was. RIP, I salute you!

CPL Brian Gourley
40th Aviation Brigade Support Battalion
California State Military Reserve,
California Military Department

CPL Brian Gourley
California State Military Reserve

September 26, 2008

We still think about you, God Bless your family

Compton School Police Officers Assn.
Compton School Police

May 22, 2008

It has been eight years and not a day passes without you in our thoughts.

ACSO

December 13, 2007

On the 9th anniversary of Deputy Monego'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. Deputy Monego is not forgotten.

Agent Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

December 12, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

December 12, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 6, 2007

It has been nearly nine years since your untimely death; however, your sacrifice has not been forgotten. You are truly a hero, not necessarily for what happened on that tragic night, but because you had the courage to put on the uniform, day in and day out, and to serve our fellow citizens. Though it may seem like a thankless job, I know there are people who appreciate and have not forgotten your sacrifice.

Police Officer
Berkeley Police Department

October 25, 2007