Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer DiNapoli, it has been 25 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 21 years of law enforcement service to the citizens of Holyoke.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

December 22, 2024

Officer DiNapoli, it has been 24 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 21 years of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

December 22, 2023

We remember John's wit, kindness and beautiful blue eyes. Rip Officer . U mattered. ...Juvenile court employee RIP

Krista R
Juvenile court

December 22, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Dinapoli.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 13, 2021

R.I.P GOD BLESS OUR POLICE

Po Mortimer Keane Ret NYPD / BOLTON PD
Ret NYPD / BOLTON LAnding my PD

January 8, 2020

R.I.P GOD BLESS OUR POLICE

Po Mortimer Keane Ret NYPD / BOLTON PD
Ret NYPD / BOLTON LAnding my PD

January 8, 2020

Gazette news
Published: 12/23/2019

Large gathering honors Holyoke officer slain 20 years ago

HOLYOKE — A solemn gathering of some 200 civilians, police and community leaders crowded into John A. DiNapoli Plaza on Appleton Street Sunday evening to pay their respects on the 20th anniversary of the death of the “kind, gentle, likeable” police officer who was slain at the corner of Walnut and Hampshire streets on Dec. 22, 1999. DiNapoli was shot to death in the line of duty while pursuing a suspect.

The Rev. William Hamilton offered a prayer at the start of the candlelight commemoration, urging those present to remember not so much “how he died as how he lived.” Mayor Alex Morse, who was 10 years old at the time, recalled learning of DiNapoli’s death at school. He never forgot that day, he said. Along with other speakers, Morse acknowledged the courage and commitment of police officers in Holyoke and elsewhere. He read a proclamation establishing Dec. 22 as John A. DiNapoli Day in Holyoke.

Speakers included DiNapoli’s daughter, Jobeth, and retired Channel 40 newsman Ray Hershel, who covered the shooting 20 years ago. The late policeman’s grandson, Henry, sang a song in his grandfather’s honor.

Members of the Holyoke High School Madrigal Chorus performed during the service.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

December 23, 2019

I will never forget the day I received a tip from a Scranton Pa resident telling me they met Morales in New York City, not knowing what he did. They knew him from Puerto Rico. He told them he wanted to go back to Scranton with them for a job. She was talking to her mother who also knew Morales, and he told her what he did and how he was being manhunted. I contacted the Holyoke Chief of Police and told him how I knew Morales’ whereabouts. He was so excited with emotion he couldn’t talk, so he put an officer from Massachusetts State Police on the phone. I immediately arranged to have Morales removed from the apartment he was staying in. He thought he was going to a local shopping center to purchase clothes. Our SWAT team took him into custody, including Detective Mike Dougherty and myself. We took him to a conference room in City Hall he admitted to us in a written statement what he did.

I retired from the Scranton Police with 32 years of service. This incident was, without a doubt, the best feeling of accomplishment I ever had in my career. My condolences and remembrance to Officer Dinapoli‘s family. I and my fellow Scranton Police officers will always remember him.

Det. Thomas Culkin (Ret.)
Scranton Police Department

December 22, 2019

Officer DiNapoli,
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 Holyoke. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 22, 2019

The year is 2014. Your end of watch came many years ago. Today I meet your daughter. She is a wonderful and kind woman with a nice smile and kind heart. She told me what happened to you and I remembered what had occurred in 1999. Rest easy brother, you raised a wonderful lady and she told me that your son followed in your foot steps. I thanked her for giving so much to our family of law enforcement. May you rest comfortably until you are with your family again.

Retired Lieutenant R. Cramer
New Milford, CT

August 12, 2014

I grew up the son of a policeman, when I was a young boy/man I always wanted to be just like my Dad. Often I would go to the "station" to see my father, many times he would introduce me to several officers. John was one of them, after I did my first tour in the Navy I left and became a Reserve Police Officer in Holyoke. Several times I interacted with John and each time it was very pleasant - seemed like he was always in a good mood...on occassion I would work the same shift as him but normally he was coming on-duty as I was getting off-duty.
I waited a year or so for a full-time appointment but got itchy feet and went back in the Navy - the one thing that I missed the most to this day was my brothers in blue from the Holyoke Police Department.
Thank you John for your service and you made the ultimate sacrafice protecting the safety and freedom of our community... I know you are still on duty now at at different "station house" and I hope you continue to watch over us.
God Bless you Sir, and all the men and women in law enforcement.

Former Reserve Police Officer HPD
United States Navy Retired

May 9, 2012

You were an inspiration to me as a young child coming to my school as Ruff McGruff the crime fighting dog thank you Officer Dinapoli

Sir Airman Angel Rosa
U.S. Air Force

January 17, 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 the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 22, 2011

John and I went through the academy together. John was older, wiser, and no where near as serious as most of us were. He used to whistle the theme from the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly on the breaks(and sometimes very quietly behind me in formation). I had the priveledge to help in the manhunt for his killer, but most of all the honor of calling this man my friend.

Rest in peace my FRIEND, we got it from here...

Ptl. Mark Poggi
Agawam, Ma. PD

June 3, 2011

Ptl. DiNapoli, though you could easily have gone the other way seeing as you were on another assignment, you didn't. You just went ahead and did the job. Your sacrifice makes you a martyr; it's the life you lead that makes you a hero.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard

June 12, 2010

Officer DiNapoli, On the 10th anniversary of your tragic death. I know you are looking down on all of your fellow officers in blue. The city of Holyoke is proud of your service and dedication and will make sure that you are NEVER forgotten!!!I never got the opportunity to meet you,but I have heard many great stories about you.
RIP John.

Barry T. O'Connor
Hadley Police

December 22, 2009

I find it hard to believe that ten years have passed since we lost you John..it sometimes can feel like yesterday. I still get a chill when I think of that cold December morning and the swooshing sound of 10,000 officer's arms simultaneously rising in salute to you. You are still missed and I tell my students stories about you quite often. You will never be forgotten Johnny..you were an outstanding officer, a trustworthy friend and a dedicated Dad.... My son and I will be praying for a Healthy and Joyous Holiday Season for your children and their families....Mark P.

Anonymous

December 9, 2009

JOHN AS YOUR 10 ANNIVERSARY APPROACHES I AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT THIS NEW CHIEF OF POLICE HAS BEEN A BLESSING FOR THE CITY....

YOU ARE TRUELY MISSED FROM ALL OF US WHO KNEW YOU & WE ALL LOVE YOU ALOT AND ALWAYS WILL FOREVER AND EVER
AMEN

LOTS OF LOVE FROM US HOLYOKERS TO YOU AND MAY GOD CONTINUALY BLESS YOUR FAMILY!!!

WOW 10 YRS PASSED AND LIFE HAS CHANGED FOR THE BETTER IN THIS CITY...SOMEONE ONCE TOLD ME "IN ORDER FOR GOD TO PREPARE US FOR A BETTER FUTURE, HE NEEDS TO CALL HOME SOME OF HIS BLESSED ANGELS, TO SEND OTHERS BLESSED ANGELS TO CONTINUE THAT GOOD FIGHT. WE RECEIVED THAT NEW ANGEL, AFTER WE LOST YOU, HE IS OUR NEW POLICE CHIEF AND A VERY WELL LOVED MAN IN THIS TOWN......


LOTS OF LUV TO ALL WHO SERVE IN THIS CITY

E.J.L. Sr

EDWARD J LINDSAY
JUST A HOLYOKE RESIDENT

April 29, 2009

On the 9th anniversary of Officer DiNapoli'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 DiNapoli is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

December 22, 2008

Remembering you today and always. I think of your family often. I keep them in my prayers and wish them peace.

Carolyn

December 22, 2007

Officer DiNapoli,
On today, the 8th anniversary or your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Holyoke. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

December 22, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service,

VanDenBerghe
manchester, nh

December 21, 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

November 8, 2007

Thank you for your service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

February 13, 2007

I would just like to say that I really feel for the loss of this man. He was a real asset to the Holyoke Poice Department, and a good friend to my father. It is a shame that the other things that were done in memory of John have not found their way to this web page. For example the 9'x6' painting that I gave to the city in his memory, and a picture of the bronze scuplture in front of the police department. I hope that his family continues to have the strength to deal with their loss, and that they never let the people of Holyoke forget the efforts of John Anthony DiNapoli.


Wilfredo Guzman Jr.

Wilfredo Guzman Jr.
Friend

November 21, 2006