Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As a Pleasanton teenager at the time of his death, I was deeply moved by the tribute I saw while standing on Foothill Road as the procession of vehicles moved past me. I remember seeing patrol vehicles from all across the state - even a black and white from San Diego.

From the stories I saw back then, and now still, Deputy Monego was everything one would expect out of a model law enforcement officer. Looking back now, I can say with no reservations - Deputy Monego has inspired me to be what I am at today.

Thank you Deputy Monego, your sacrifice saved countless lives.

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

California Police Officer

October 4, 2007

Hello John,

When I was chief at Kingsburg PD, late one evening in December 1998 we had a takeover robbery at a local fast food restaurant by three suspects that came in off the freeway. Our officers arrived at the scene within a minute of the call, but the suspects were long gone by the time the employees untied themselves and got to the phone.

Our entire agency was in shock when we were notified a few days later that your murderers were apprehended and had implicated themselves in our robbery. There was a terrible sense of loss and shock.

A few years later while attending a CONCERNS OF POLICE SURVIVORS training seminar on line of duty deaths, I met your wife, Tammy, who was one of the guest speakers.

After the presentation I introduced myself and told her how I had always felt terribly regretful and guilty that we didn't get a chance to bag those dirtbags before they killed her husband.

I got a big hug and smile from her and from that day on, have had a sense of acceptance that we just weren't part of God's plan to catch those guys that night. However, there will always still be a feeling of loss for you, my brother officer.

What a tribute to your memory that Tammy rose from the pain of your loss to help others facing the same tragic circumstance. What a beautiful and courageous lady she is!

I close with all respect to you, your family and a special message to those of you who are hurting because of the loss of a law enforcement loved one:

CONCERNS OF POLICE SURVIVORS is a group of dedicated and loving people who can offer you first hand understanding, hope and a beginning to the road of recovery from your loss.

Chaplain Jim Taylor
Fresno County Sheriff's Department

August 22, 2007

I was on-line looking up the address for the nearest Saab dealership and was overcome with sadness and happiness at the same time. "John Monego Court"... Seeing his name on a street sign made me feel so proud. Proud of the city of Dublin for naming a street after him, proud of John for being the hero he was, and proud that I had the privilege of knowing him. I used to bartend at one of the small, neighborhood pubs in Dublin. John was always concerned about me being alone and leaving the bar at 3:00 in the morning so he would drive by often and on a slow night he would sometimes stop and we would chit chat while I locked up. Although I did not know him well, he was funny and I liked him. I appreciated him for his genuine sense of duty to protect everyone. I was five months pregnant when he died. As my daughter (who turned 8 in April) and I drove down John Monego Court, she listened with an undivided attention as I shared with her the story of how her mommy knew a hero. Thank You, John, for always keeping me safe.

Ollie Thompson
Bartender

August 8, 2007

I never had the chance to meet you. I have seen your picture on numerous occasions, and have heard numerous stories about you. From all the stories I have heard it would have been a great honor to work a beat with you.

Thank You!

THE POLICE MANS JUDGEMENT

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

Deputy
A.C.S.O

August 4, 2007

"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

August 1, 2007

Deputy Monego, you are a true hero and will NEVER be forgotten. Thank you sir for your service, dedication and paying the ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Alameda County, the state of California and the entire country. God Bless you and your family. Keep watch over us as you patrol the golden streets of Heaven.

NC LEO
Winston-Salem PD

May 17, 2007

G-d Bless.

December 12, 2006

John,

Tomorrow will mark eight years since your untimely death. Not a day passes without you in our thoughts.

Until we meet again.

Deputy
ACSO

December 11, 2006

John,
As I continue to look at the many internet sites that tell your story, I am proud to still be able to tell you that many people remember you and continue to think about you each and every day. It feels like yesterday that you were taken from us, but I want you to know that no matter how much time passes, our grief continues. I will never let your wonderful memory die. You are missed more and more each day. As we continue to have family gatherings, we keep missing you at every one of them. I love you with all my heart and am so grateful that those you saved remember you too.

Patricia Tucker
Sister of John Monego

October 28, 2006

I want Deputy Monego's wife, son and family to know that I still remember the sacrifice he made that tragic night to save my life and the many others there. You have a right to always be proud.

Cindy McNichols
server at Outback

October 10, 2006

I have walked the halls of the training center for six months now, and will get my badge very soon. I have seen your picture every day on my way to class. Your photograph and the newspaper account are a constant reminder why we do what we do. Many of your friends and colleagues helped train my class and several others. From their accounts we could tell they enjoyed working with you and they miss you. I hope your family knows your memory and legacy lives on in each recruit who comes through the academy. You will never be forgotten.

recruit
ACSO

May 4, 2006

I have walked the halls of the training center for six months now, and will get my badge very soon. I have seen your picture every day on my way to class. Your photograph and the newspaper account are a constant reminder why we do what we do. Many of your friends and colleagues helped train my class and several others. From their accounts we could tell they enjoyed working with you and they miss you. I hope your family knows your memory and legacy lives on in each recruit who comes through the academy. You will never be forgotten.

recruit
ACSO

May 4, 2006

I have begun reading many of the reflections left for the officers killed in the line of duty in 1998 - You see my son heads the list beginning on 1-1-98 and it has been hard to go much further. After reading your reflections John I am deeply moved. I am finally also beginning to realize just what it meant to you ( my son and others) to be a police officer.
Your family, friends, co-workers I know still ache and shed tears when they think of your sacrifice and do not forget you although they move forward in life. I pray that all who have been touched by the loss of such fine men and women will be strong in God's love.

Larie Minnery
mother of officer John Kevin Lamm EOW 1-1-98

January 13, 2006

John,you always had a smile on your face and could lift the spirits of those around you. You will never be forgotten.
God Bless

Dep. Bill Petersen Retired
ACSO

January 9, 2006

Only one week into the new year and already another brother down. Brings back bad memories of when we lost you. Miss you.

Lieutenant
ACSO

January 8, 2006

12-12-05
Everyday you are in our thoughts. You are truly missed. We will NEVER forget your dedication and how you always spoke your mind. Rest easy brother...we will take it from here.

Deputy
ACSO

December 22, 2005

To Tammy and Dominick and to other family members of Deputy John Monego, his fellow officers, and most especially to John himself:

It has been almost seven years since you were brutally murdered in the line of duty. Your family and friends suffered a grievous loss when you died as did your community. Please know that you are still remembered and honored. Rest in Peace, John.

I can remember hearing the first news reports about the horrific event that evening, and I was so saddened by it. Little did I know that years later I would lose my youngest son when he was fatally shot during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers.

Tammy has helped all of our family so much and she is an inspiration to us. Her work with COPS has benefited so many, and she has helped others on the difficult journey she began seven years ago.

Until I looked at your memorial page, I did not realize that your eow is the same date at Larry's birthday. I think that one of the most infuriating things is to know that absolute scum robbed splendid men of their lives, and left devastated families in their wake.
There is not enough justice for the circumstances in which you were killed.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service you gave to your community and the people of California, and for the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on December 12, 1998.

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

November 9, 2005

When this incident happened, I was about 11 yrs old, and my father had just been hired on by ACSO...and as a young man, I was unaware at the time what it meant for a man to give his life serving his community. Though my Father took it hard, one of his bretheren taken away before his time, I never understood.

Here I am, 21 yrs of age now, and about to start my own career as a Law Enforcement Officer. I look back on this and feel a sick grievance in my heart. I look at my wife and wonder what she would have to go through if something like this were to happen to me.

And the only type of answer I can think of is, "gotta put my boots on and get back to work." Its not a thought that can be crossing an officers mind while he works. his job is clear...protect and serve...and though I didnt know Deputy Monego, I just couldnt see him doing any other job. This is what he was meant for...Law Enforcement is a calling. He was called, and he answered...and stay on that call for 9+ years.

I am honored to be apart of the bretheren of officers...and I pray for him and his family. a good life ahead of them, knowing that this man gave his life for the people he so quickly and graciously protected! Again, I am honored...and until I get to meet him face to face in heaven, he will remain a hero in my book!

God Bless You, Sir! And Thank you for a job well done!

Josh Cass
Civilian

August 17, 2005

just wanted to say hello to john and remind his family that he is not forgotten. it has been several years since he was taken away from us. i had the honor of knowing and working with him. john is remembered on a regular basis and we often tell "war stories" about the things we did with him on and off the job. I hope his son will never forget how much his father loved him. we love and miss you john.

ACSO

July 30, 2005

John,
You are always in our thoughts. We will never forget you. Rest in peace..your brothers and sisters.

Deputy Sheriff
ACSO

May 3, 2005

I just wanted to say after all this time that John is not forgotten by me or my family. Each time another officer is downed in the line of duty, we remember John. I only worked with John once in a while and for a very brief time at that. However, I remember his humor, his smile and his willingness to help me out when things got hectic. The last time I saw him was in the intake area at Santa Rita Jail. I was pregnant and he was kind enough to lend a hand with some newbooks that had come in late in the day. I really appreciated that. I didn't ask for the help but, he was there and did it of his own initiative. I am sure that he thought nothing of it. But, it meant a great deal to me.

So, that being said... To his wife and son I say this, you were blessed to have such a wonderful man in your lives and will continue to be so with him in your lives in the eternity to come. I am sorry to have only found this site recently. However, though time has gone by, I hope that it brings you comfort to know that John is not forgotten by others and that his sacrifice still holds so much respect from those who knew him and those who didn't have that honor.

May God Bless You and Dominic

Diane Branco-Khoury
Former Sheriff's Tech

Diane Branco-Khoury Former Sheriff's Tec
ACSD

July 28, 2004

We'll never forget you brother! Until we meet again in heaven, God bless you.

Steve Galles and family

Deputy
ACSO

December 24, 2003

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Tonight, December 12, 2003, we dedicated the shift to the memory of Deputy John Paul Monego who died on this date five years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Deputy Monego's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

December 12, 2003

I never understood what it really means to be a law enforcement officer until I observerd deputy Monegos funeral procwession. I stood as it exited the freeway, and turned in to Livermore. As the hearse passed by, I removed my cowboy hat, and placed it over my heart. I left it there for the entire 5 mile procession. As thousands of officers passed by, they would nod at me, or even salute me. Tears came down my face as I relized, that everyone of these officers, would give their lives for me, as Deputy Monego had done. It was one of the most powerful moments in my life.

Jack Thomas
Civilian

Taken from us almost 1 year ago. Always in our hearts, never to be forgotten.With many thoughts and warm memories.

Mary Ellen Biesecker