Albany Police Department, Oregon
End of Watch Tuesday, September 4, 2001
Reflections for Police Officer Jason Alan Hoerauf
There’s a place in our heart that you will be
And in our memories when you’re with Thee
The senseless death that happened to you
Makes a part of our souls seem very blue
A son, brother, friend to all
A brand new daddy with his girl so small
A grieving family misses you so much
Misses your voice and the feel of your touch
But on with our life, we must go on our way
Our memories of Jason Hoerauf will forever stay
The happy and sad times you all did share
We know in our hearts that he truly did care
Jason will always be with you, as you will see
So stay strong in your heart and it will be
A strength for you and your daughter each day
Because the love of a best friend will not go away
It will always be there throughout the days
Helping and encouraging you in many ways
Remember, he’s not very far from your mind and your heart
Even though, unfortunately, you are physically apart
Your daughter has a father that loves her so much
And you are her role model with your gentle touch
Do you feel it in your heart, that warm spot there
That is the feeling you get when you know he is near
God bless you and your family
Kathryn Kaleikini (Wilkerson)
I wrote this poem on 9-8-2001 for officer Hoerauf
Still thinking of your family today
Kathryn Wilkerson
September 29, 2021
The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.
There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown
Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
May 14, 2021
I am sad to learn of the passing of a Brother and Hero in Police Officer Jason Alan Hoerauf. I believe our Heavenly Father has welcomed him home into his loving arms where he will now patrol the Golden Streets of Heaven. May the Lord deliver Blessings, Comfort and Peace to his Family, Friends and all members of the Albany Police Department, Oregon.
Retired, T W Martinez
FOP member
State of New Mexico/JJS
May 14, 2021
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
May 13, 2021
Jason was our daughter Lydia's basketball coach at the Boys and Girls club when she was in 6th grade. He was such a fun patient coach. I also think of him every time I see the sign in his memory... See you in the other side Jason!
Valerie Draper Woldeit
Friend
May 5, 2021
We were in the academy and I remember how excited Jason was when he found out he was going to be a father. Sharp sense of humor, mature beyond his years. Jason never flat out told me when he thought I was off base on something, but he'd say "Righhhhtt" and I eventually figured out what that meant. We talked about meeting up and riding with each other when we got done with FTEP. I'm sorry we never made it happen. Think about you every time I'm on I-5 south of Salem and I look for a way around that stretch of road. Miss you man.
Sgt. Eric Lee
CCSO
December 19, 2020
Rest in peace always and please know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your fellow law enforcement.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
September 4, 2020
I miss you Jason. 18 years now. Still hurts today that you are gone.
Jamie Borst Forslund
September 7, 2019
Rest in peace Officer Hoerauf.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 24, 2019
Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 17th anniversary of your EOW. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.
Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA
September 4, 2018
Hi Jason you don't know me, but we both bleed blue. I am a State Trooper in Southern Utah. I just met your father .... stopped for speeding , but don't worry he got a warning. But while speaking with him on the side of the road. He told me of you and spoke very highly of you. I wanted to let you know we have the watch from here. We will look over your loved ones. I will say a prayer for you and your family tonight. While my flag is sadly already at half staff, I will pause for you for a moment to remember you and the fallen Troopers and your family. You are NOT FORGOTTEN nor will you ever be.
we have the watch from here brother
rest easy
Trooper Matthew Pratt
Utah Highway Patrol
October 9, 2016
Hi Jason, You are missed by your blue family like would would never know. I miss you catching the softball at first base like you did so many times over the years. I pretty much quit playing after you died because it just was not the same any more, we played so many games over the years due to our dad's being on the same team and growing up playing on the sidelines and eventually with them on the field when we were old enough.
I had just been excepted as a Reserve Officer for APD when you were killed. I so much wanted to ride with you and be by your side at APD, it was not to be. God had more important plans for you in heaven. I was reading the reflections on these pages and I was crying, you touched the lives of so many people while on earth.
You are Missed Brother,
Jerry
Deputy Jerry Williams
Benton County Sheriff's Office
August 10, 2015
Thirteen years ago tonight... I still think about you all the time. Your memory lives on and is a part of how I do my job, every day, every shift. RIP Jason.
Sarah Walker / Dispatcher
Arizona Dept. Of Public Safety, former Albany Police Dept.
September 4, 2014
Its horrible to think that you stopped to help a family and you pass away doing a simple thing as helping a stranger. Thank you for your service and being a good person.
Jennifer Kopp
Mission Hills High School
May 1, 2014
Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones, especially your daughter as she continues on in life. You are a true hero and heroes never die, thus you will never be forgotten.
Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
September 4, 2013
Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.
Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO
December 18, 2012
I drive past the memorial for Jason on I5 regularly and have wondered about the circumstances surrounding his loss of life. Having read his story I will be forever grateful that we have such fine police officers who serve valiantly and dedicatedly on our behalf. Thank you Jason, for your efforts to make our society a better place to live in.
Dr. Ray Tricker
member of the public
April 24, 2012
while running this Thanksgiving morning at a cemetery in Lebanon I took notice of a marker that stood out from the rest.
the name was familiar and after refreshing my memory via this site I was moved to reflect on the sacrifices of a few so that others may thrive and prosper. May their memories be forever honored and at the same time provide another reason for us in their debt to give thanks.
Richard Classen Jr. civilian
Son and brother to firefighters.
November 24, 2011
You will never be forgotten... We hold you in our hearts and memories...
We keep you close and honor your service.
CSO Gina Riley
Sweet Home Police Department
September 7, 2011
I can't believe it's been 10 years Jason. I think about you every day. Know that you will never be forgotten. I miss you.
Sarah Walker/dispatcher
Glendale Police Dept, AZ
September 5, 2011
Not a single day goes by that I don't see you and remember how you spoke of your dreams and your new baby. I will never ever forget you.
Celeste
September 5, 2009
On the 7th anniversary of Officer Hoerauf’s death, we honored his service during roll call 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 Hoerauf may be gone, but is not forgotten.
Sergeant Jeffrey W. Timmons
First Responder Unit
United States Capitol Police
Washington, D.C.
Anonymous
September 4, 2008
The USA lost so many good officers in Sept. 2001! Their memory is a blessing
and their legacy is cherished! Thank you, Jason and countless other officers for
vowing to serve and protect, even unto death.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA
Anonymous
September 4, 2008
I had the pleasure of working with Jason at the Albany Police Department. He was a great person and always fun to work with. My dad had been his sixth grade teacher, we were hired by APD at the same time and were at the Academy together. One of my memories is of working on our LEDS certifications together and helping each other out. I have since been with several agencies - last night I was on patrol and found out that the deputy I was with had been in Jason's class at the Academy and had also been a good friend of his. Jason, it doesn't seem like it's been almost seven years. My husband is a state trooper and that night is one that will always seem like 'yesterday' for us. I think of you often. You will always be missed.
Dispatcher S. Walker (Medford, OR)
Josephine County Sheriff, OR
S. Walker / Dispatcher
Josephine County Sheriff
June 14, 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
January 10, 2008
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