Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On the anniversary of 9/11, I thank you and your comrades for your selfless duty and courage that momentous day. Your sacrifice and those of the victims and other first responders will forever be honored in the annals of brave men and women who gave their all for their city, state and for the United States of America. A hero in every sense of the word. I imagine you put your paramedic skills to work during that terrible day as well.

James Lopey, Assistant Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office (Reno, Nevada)
Nevada DPS

September 11, 2023

John, you not only served New York as an Officer for the NYC Port Authority, you were also a Paramedic. You were courageous, loyal, kind-hearted, thoughtful, caring, brilliant, funny, loving, and compassionate. You made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 to save the lives of others. Angels were called to Heaven on 9/11, and you answered the call. Gone, but never forgotten.

Judith Ann Bernadette Jermark
Friend

September 9, 2022

Officer Skala,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 11, 2021

Today is September 11, 2021. Twenty years ago today, you made the ultimate sacrifice when you went to save the lives of other people. You put others before yourself because that is who you are. I remember you on this day, and at other times, as well. It has been said that a Hero is someone who voluntarily walks into the unknown. That is what you did. Yes, you are gone, but never forgotten, Officer John P. Skala.

Judith A.B. Jermark
Friend

September 11, 2021

Today, September 11, 2020, you are in my thoughts and have my gratitude for all that you did on 9/11. You made the ultimate sacrifice on that day. There was no hesitation by you to save the lives of others. You always put others before yourself. Officer John P. Skala, you are a hero, and now you are an angel. You are remembered and will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service. God Bless your Family and Friends.

Judith A. B. Jermark
Friend

September 11, 2020

I cannot say enough or offer enough tears or emotions for the numerous, numerous amazing men and women who gave so selflessly and heroically that day and for still many, the numerous days that followed over the numerous years to come. On this 19th anniversary of one of the deadliest days for American law enforcement I'd like to say to you all thank you, God Bless you and rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 11, 2020

We will never forget the bravery of Police Officer John Scala as he rushed into the burning World Trade Center tower to save people on 9/11/2001.

His goodness and instinctual courage are imprinted in our memory for all time.

Natalie Baff

Natalie Baff

September 11, 2019

On September 11, 2001, you made the ultimate sacrifice. You went into a building to save as many people as you could, but you never came out. You served your country in a way that could have never been repaid. That is who you are. Your courage, strength, and humanity will always be remembered. You are in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved you. I think about you frequently and of that day. The day you became an Angel.

Judith Ann Bernadette Jermark
Friend

September 10, 2019

Officer John P. Skala, I am thinking of you and your courage, caring, sacrifice, kindness on 9/11. I still wear a Mercy Band with your name, honoring you, and remembering your courage every day of my life. You are my Angel and you dwell in the hearts and minds of your Family and Friends. Gone, but never forgotten.

Judith Jermark
Friend

September 10, 2018

I stil wear the Mercy Band with your name and that shows you were a Police Officer with the Port Authority Police Department. You were also an EMT, and a very Courageous young Man. I will never forget you, NEVER....You are my Guardian Angel. I Love, Honour and Respect you and your wonderful Family. You are in My thoughts and in my daily Prayers.Hid Bless You. God needed an Angel, and you answered the call. I will talk with you again next year. Judith Jermark, Albuquerque, New Mexico USA.

Judith Jermark
Friend

September 9, 2016

Tomorrow is the anniversary of 9/11, the day you left us while rescuing others. You made the ultimate sacrifice so that others could live. I think of you often, but especially at this time every year. I continue to wear the Mercy Band that has your name, John P. Skala, PAPD. engraved on it. I truly believe that you became an Angel that day, and that you are always near your family and friends. My Dear Courageous, John, you will always be remembered and loved.

Judith Ann Bernadette Jermark
Friend

September 10, 2015

I continue to wear the bracelet which has your name on it. It reminds me of the sacrifice you made so that others would be saved. You are in my heart and mind and will always remain there. You are gone, but you will never be forgotten.

Judith Ann Bernadette Jermark
Friend

October 7, 2014

You as always are remembered

Pat Van Den Berghe
Civilian, Manchester, NH

September 11, 2012

I still wear the bracelet that has your name, John P. Skala, PAPD, to honor your courage and caring that you were so well known about. You are our guardian angel and will always be the angel who watches over me. Heaven needed another Angel on 9/11, and you are there, serving others still and I thank you for your sacrifice and heroism.

Judith Ann Bernadette Jermark
Friend

September 11, 2012

I can still picture you walking into my calls while working Clifton MICU. Your gone but never forgotten. RIP my friend until we meet again.

Rose Guzman
City of Passaic

September 10, 2011

I will alway remember our sprited conversations about the art of skiing but mostly your friendship and moral support during my hardship - when other "close" friends turned away! Yash - you were and will always be a good man and friend! Vechnaya pamyat!

Walter Wolaniuk Jr. (Wally)
Friend

September 7, 2011

I didn't know you, but there are not enough words to say how sad and deep the loss is for one with so much life ahead of them, taken for such a brutal and unforgiving cause of 09/11/2001. For all those we lost that day really. And now, to have our country being taken over by the very forces that took you. What a travesty it is. Maybe you were all the lucky ones. Rest in Gods hands. Your sacrifice will be remembered always.

Anonymous

May 14, 2010

I am forever in debt to the 23-37 and the 343. Your sacrifice has not been forgotten. You are a true hero, Thank you for your service Sir.

Deputy and Firefighter
Glades County, Florida

September 11, 2009

Officer Skala,
Sir, on today the 8th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and all the other LEOs that died that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

You are not forgotten...thank you

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends and family. May God bless and keep them.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOR HELPIPNG PROTECT OUR COUNTRY!!!!

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 12, 2009

You are not and will never be forgotten. You and the other brothers we lost that day are HEROES and will be remembered forever! Rest high on the streets of Heaven!

Deputy Brant Pewitt
Williamson Co. Sheriff's Dept TN.

September 11, 2007

I for one have known your dedication and commitment to the service of others. A protector of the peace and a healer of the downed. You are an inspiration to us all and to know the strength, courage, selflessness and fortitude you carried in your soul, a banner has been raised in commitment to the thin line that keeps the rest safe and secure. A banner that is carried by all of those who knew you, have come to know you and even those that envied you. You are a true American Hero. You are not forgotten, you will always be a trailblazer and a shoe that is not easily filled. You did more in your short time on earth than most have done and can even imagine. Thank you friend.

August 5, 2007

Dear John:
"Be all things to all men". That slogan has been around for many years, but when thinking of you and your actions, it has a deeper meaning, and is much more appropriate. A long time ago, I embarked on a labor of love. To write each of you who perished that horrible day, your own reflection. And this one is yours.
Few professions in this world have a code that is as sacred as ours: "To protect and serve". To some, it sounds like an outdated few words. To others, it might be a catchy phrase. Some might call it a cliche. To us, it's a way of life. You proved that and more.
Our profession is an odd one. People don't want us around, or shun us when we appear. People cower from us upon our arrival, and everyone gets to enjoy Monday morning quaterbacking our actions and decisions. But these same critics, owe their very existence, the ability to sleep safely at night, or to have their kids grow up without fear, to us...YOU.
Only when an officer lays down his life do some folks stop to reflect on what was just done for them. For those who read this, here is another officer who laid down his life for the rest of. Here is another family shattered and hurt because this hero kept his oath...to protect you and me.
John, you elevated yourself from a man, to a family man, to a police officer, and now to a hero. An American hero. Thank you for what you did and gave. And thanks extended to your family for the sacrifices they too, have had to make.
Father in Heaven, please look after my fallen brother John. Keep him close to your heart until we meet in a better place. Watch over his family, that they know that their sacrifices has not gone un-noticed. And Father, please bless our officers still here, bringing them home safely to their families when their shift is done Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida

June 5, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Officer John Skala and his fellow officers with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department and most especially to John:

Mere words seem insignificant to honor your heroism and courage which will never be forgotten. On this the fifth anniversary week of the tragic devastation wreaked upon our nation, those brave men and women who lost their lives safeguarding others are remembered and revered.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect and gratitude for the distinquished service John gave to his community and country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on Septmeber 11, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Department, CA; eow 4/24/05

September 14, 2006