Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Captain Garlington.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 3, 2022

Rest easy on this your 20 anaversary in heaven

Mark Mottola

February 10, 2020

I worked with John on many assignments and I thought the world of him. I know John to be honest, a great agent, a Hugh presence, and the best back up you could ask for as an officer. All while maintaining humility. When he was promoted to Captain, we in the field felt a real void among us but at the same time knew his integrity was an asset to HQ's.

Desi Fulmer
LDWF (retired)

November 12, 2012

Karon, I met you, not quite sure of the year, but My Aunt Barbara Haynes Robinson and her husband, my Uncle Slick Robinson. My sister and I were staying a few days with them and our cousins, Jenni, Jeff, and Alyssa: Anyway, Aunt Barbara and Uncle slick loaded all of us into their car and took us to the Danville Church, they attended while living in Danville, LA. I'd been watching football since I was 9 or 10 y/o and The Saints organization began and I was clueless about football anyway! Everything else, I knew it, just ask me! Not so much anymore! Anyway, I think by this time I had a larger understanding of football, because I'm thinking I might have been at Woodlawn HS by this time! (Home of T. Bradshaw, Joe Ferguson and Robert Parish, if I missed anyone else it it completely unintentional) Anyway, I say all that to say this! As blown away at that time in my life, to meet a Professional Football Player, I was totally blown away with your adorable boys, Seth and Moses!!! You and Johnny are fine parents even tho I know Johnny and Moses are in Heaven with our Lord, my Daddy is as well, it's been 17 yrs ago the 7th of this month and some days the pain is as fresh as the day it happened, tho even knowing it was coming made it hurt no less! I am asking the Lord to watch over you and keep you and Seth close, as I know from losing my Daddy, Praise God, still have Mama...but I am in Springhill, LA and Mama has been down on Old Saline Lake, near her brother since she though both my sister were moving far away ... me to the farthest you can get in Ark without acutally being in MO....and sister was supposed to go to heck in a hand-basket! Anyway, Karon praying for the very best for both of you!

Deputy of CPSO (left due to med prob)
Neice of Melvin R. Bagwell (ret) La. Dept of Wildlife & Fisheries

January 27, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

February 10, 2010

To Captain John Garlington, his wife and children and other loved ones:

On this the ninth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with all family members who call you beloved. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Captain Garlington. I am so humbled by your legacy of generosity and service as is evidenced by the loving reflections of those whose lives you touched.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service John gave to his community and the citizens of Louisiana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 10, 2000.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 10, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 8, 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 2, 2008

Mr. Garlington lived in my apartment complex during his playing days with Cleveland. I was young then, but I fondly remember playing football with him and his sons out in the courtyard. I really looked up to him. Even after he left Cleveland, he and his family still kept in touch with me via letters. I have many more memories that I will keep with me. You will be missed Mr. Garlington.

Bill Labonowski
Family Friend

November 19, 2007

I remember John Garlington and his wife and two boys with love and affection. My family was hosted in their home as we were missionaries on furlough from Brazil. John let us use their custom van to travel the country and visit churches. His generosity was vast--bigger than he was. I still have the signed portait he gave me when I was a little girl. His wife, Karen, made me learn how to get in and out of a car like a lady, and the lesson never left me.

I now live in Roanoke, VA, and am married with three children. I have thought of the Garlingtons often and was deeply saddened to learn of John's death. But I know he is with the Lord, so I'll see him again.

Saralee Denham Shuler
Friend of family

November 15, 2007

Seven years have passed since you were called away and you have not been forgotten. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero, we will never forget you.

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

February 27, 2007

Captain, Thank you for your service to the citizens of Louisianna. You are now in Gods hands. May God watch over your family and brother and sister officers.

Andrew McGahey
Former Policeman

February 10, 2007

God bless you Captain.

DFC Daniel O'Donnell
Orange County Sheriff's Office (FL)

February 9, 2007

NEVER forgotten, always honored.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs

January 26, 2007

My family moved to Baton Rouge in the summer of 1967. In the fall of 1967, I took over a paper route in the married student apartments where John and Karen Garlington lived. When I took over the route, John came to me one day and gave me encouragement and thanks for delivering his papers on time. As time passed, John and Karen became role models for me. I remember walking back home after a football game that John had been particularly disruptive. Despite the fact he had been spectacular in the game, his humility and his gentleness were never more evident. He downplayed his role,stating that football is a tem sport,not an individual sport. He treated me, a skinny 12 year old kid, with respect. When the Garlington family moved to Cleveland in the late spring, I was crushed. When I delivered that last paper with sadness ,John came outside to get his paper and told me to work hard in life. He said "I hope you find a good wife and live a happy life. He told me I was one of his favorite kids he had ever known. He smiled his shy smile and asked me to watch him on Sundays if I could. He gave me a $5 dollar tip and a handshake. Although I hoped I would cross his path again, that was the last time I saw him, but not the last time I thought of him. My heros were Pete Maravich and John Garlington, and I lost them both. I still miss them both...

Lane Westbrook
friend and former paperboy

December 7, 2006

I can honestly say that he is one of a Very small group of men that I can say that I looked up to. I have the upmost respect for him and his family. He coached us in football and we we're continuously amazed at his athletic ability as well as his ability to inspire us to be better. I'll never forget the day he outran all of us in the 40 yard dash...he ran it backwards and still outran us!

Keith Jones
friend

June 14, 2006

Papa was one of the most sweet and loving spirits i have ever had the privilege of knowing. I consider it an honor and a privilege to say that he and his wife were like second parents to me. They blessed so many people just by being who they were. If you came in contact with either of them you have been truly blessed. God bless you Maw and I love you.

A limb has fallen from the family tree~
I keep hearing a voice that says
"greive not for me.~
Remember the best times, the laughter, the tears.~
The good life I lived for all of my years.~
Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you.~
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.~
My mind is at ease, my soul at rest.~
Remembering all, how i was truly blessed.~
Continue traditions, no matter how small.~
Go on with your life, don't just stare at the wall.~
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.~
Until the day comes when we're together again.~

Duana Brown, Correctional Officer
Winn Correctional

January 18, 2006

Rest easy, Brother, you are not forgotten.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN

February 10, 2004

Captain John Garlington was one of the nicest, most sincere people I have ever met. He is missed every day.

Rebecca Starns, Dispatcher
WLF/LSP

January 22, 2004

From the first time that I shook John's hand I could tell that he was the kind of man that would give you the shirt off of his back if he thought you needed it. He is one of the finest individuals that I have ever met and he will be missed.

Michael Etheridge, Deputy U.S. Marshal
LDWF / USMS

December 3, 2003

I was deeply saddened by the news of John's death. I had the pleasure of meeting John during a NMFS/OLE national inservice refresher training session at FLETC several years ago. NMFS/OLE had invited state conservation law enforcement officers from coastal states to participate in our inservice program. John had a pleasant personaility and his humor was appreciated, especially by Conservation Officers from Rhode Island. I recall John inquiring of a Rhode Island Conservation Officer how such a small state the size of a postage stamp could create so much havoc. John will be sorely missed by the conservation law enforcement community.

Chris J. Schoppmeyer
National Marine Fisheries Service - Office for Law Enforcement

We extend our deepest heart felt sympathy to the family and friends of John Galington. Thank you for your dedication and professionalism in maintaining our Nations freedom.

"The last enemy that will be abolished is death." 1 Cor. 15:26

Officer John D.Sainz
Tucson Police Department

Though I, personally, did not know Mr. Garlington, he and his wife were dear friends of my family. I have heard many stories in my life of what a wonderful man he was. There was a huge gray cloud over Bienville and Jackson Parishes the day we heard he had been found. I have never felt such a loss as I felt that day, all because I never had the opportunity to know him personally. For this reason, I have tried everyday since then to meet and make friends with as many people as possible. But I don't think I will ever meet another person as honest and respected as Mr. John Garlington. He is deeply missed by all.

Linda Horn
Bienville Parish Volunteer Fire Dept.

John, you are one of the finest human beings I ever met. You were always kind, considerate and treated me with respect. I will remember you.

Candis Thompson, Police Officer
LDWF/GPC P.D.