Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember John vividly from our college days at SUNY Stony Brook. He is hard to forget even after all of these years. He was so full of life, always joking with a unique ability to get others to join in even with introverts (like me). One night he organized a middle of the night campus prank that got the whole school's attention. Somehow he got myself and all of our suite mates to participate. I was terrified of getting caught but he convinced me to join in. The one and only time I ever did anything like that. But it was just good fun, nothing mean or destructive. John was a good hearted guy.

mike
Friend from college

September 11, 2023

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.

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

September 11, 2023

Today is September 11, 2021. I know exactly where I was on 9/11/01. I retired after 30 years of service with the Henrico, VA Police Department, in 2008. (Just outside of Richmond, VA) I currently have a son, son-in-law and two nephews that are Henrico County Police Officers and I work part time doing backgrounds for new Police and Communication Officers. Right after 9/11 I came across an article with John's heroic story. Every 9/11, I wear a bracelet with his name on it. I hope his family, co-workers and friend truly know he has not been forgotten.

Eric VonCanon Retired K-9 Police Officer
Henrico, VA Police Department

September 11, 2021

Officer Perry,
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 New York City and our Country as well. 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

A gentle giant. A fine man I knew at SUNY Stony Brook.

Officer Matt McDade
Bellevue (WA) PD

September 4, 2021

19 years ago the heroics of Officer William Perry kept my family safe. We are forever grateful for his courage and service.

Dr. David Parker
David Parker Consulting Grateful Family Member

September 11, 2020

Today is September 11, 2020, 19 years since that tragic day occurred. I remember that day well. I am 65 years old and live in Sacramento, CA. I decided today to look up one police officer that lost his life that day. His name is John William Perry. I currently have a son-in-law who is a police officer for the city of Berkeley, CA. As a parent I mourn for John today. I hope John's parents and family can read these reflections because they need to know that John is not forgotten and he is a reflection of what the human spirit will do during a crisis. I am indebted to his courage and willingness to give his life to save others. During these times in our nation with the Pandemic, hurricanes, forest fires, and unusual weather conditions we need to all have the spirit that John had and displayed. Three years ago I had the honor of seeing the 9/11 memorial and 2 museums. I was struck that day and still am how much sacrifice it requires in times like 9/11. I pray that John's family can continue to show that spirit along with the rest of us. I am thankful for our freedom and never take it for granted. God bless all your family John.

Brad L Schottle
None

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

Rest in peace Officer Perry.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 26, 2020

I’m a Spanish man, 43 years old. I have been travelling to NY since 1997, yearly. I’m by no means anyone to say anything beyond what it has been said here. But I just wanted to say, to whoever reads this:

Thanks for your service, you and all the others. You represent the light of our civilization. There is more good in the world than bad, but we must, and we will, remain vigilant to care for our people.

I know I’m not American, but I’m proud of all US corps and the spirit that lies within them. They protect everyone and keeps us safe 24/7.
The world is better with all of you guys. I have a son, and I wish he would become one of you someday.

Thanks and God Bless

Pablo Guerra

October 1, 2019

Each and everyday since that unforgettable day...I am grateful for your service...and saddened by your sacrifice. You helped my niece out of the towers. She survived, my family was safe thanks to you. I was and am humbled by your service and have prayed for your family. My work will continue to be a reflection of my gratitude to you.

Dr. David Parker
Uncle of Suvivor
Salt Lake City UT

Dr. David Parker
David Parker Consulting

May 12, 2019

March 21, 1019. We miss you John. And will always. Growing up you were always Keen to share outrageous, hilarious, and often new knowledge unknown to me even though we were the same age. Unforgettable and most inapropriate to be shared in this reflection. You and Joel simply brought a different way of looking at the world when you came to Kansas Cit.y. We love you John and miss you dearly. Your cousin Skeetz.

Robert W. Ellis III. (Skeetz)
Cousin from KC

March 22, 2019

Wow ..what a man . I just read about him in the book 102 minutes.. a true hero

George Parillo

October 11, 2018

He was a terrific person and took a risk that sadly took away his life. In my opinion he will be remembered as a TRUE American hero for his bravery and risk taking abilities.
He will be missed and NEVER forgotten!

Madeline
he's my mom's cousin

April 3, 2018

John was a wonderful person, thoughtful, reflective, optimistic, and encouraging, and went out of his way to help others. He was downtown to retire, and didn't have to run down to the towers to help, but anyone who knew John knew that he wasn't going to walk away from people in danger.

He has been missed, but remembered, these past 15 years.

Mitchell Baxter
Friend

September 12, 2016

Thinking of John as the 15th anniversary of the attacks approaches. He was such a great person: smart, joyful, brave. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Dolly Bross Geary
friend

September 6, 2016

Dear John, you were my neighbor in Seaford growing up and now I know that you were a selfless hero, always looking out for others with compassion and bravery. Thank you.

Maria Rago
neighbor and friend

January 16, 2016

John was biggest hearted human being in the world. I think about him everyday. Although we didn't patrol the streets, subways and projects like normal partnerships. We moonlighted together playing cops in movies and tv shows. We had hoped when we retired to get other cops to do it. But when John died a peice of me died that I can never get back. I hope someday to see him again on the other side. Rest in peace.

Marc Manfro
NYPD

November 13, 2015

May God rest your soul, thank you for your service.

Peter Kennedy

October 25, 2015

Dear John,

I found your name last night at the 9/11 Memorial. I miss you my friend. I miss your gentle smile and your big hands and feet! I miss how I felt whenever we were together. I always knew you were special and how you always gave of yourself for others. I told my daughters about you last night. One said "I feel like I know him". I said you do know him, he's all that is good in this world.

God Bless you John. Thank you. I'll never forget you.

John

John Keller
Friend

September 12, 2015

Thinking of you John. Rest in peace you hero.

Anonymous

September 6, 2015

John, you were a good friend and great co-worker. I miss your sense of humor and still think of you often. Godspeed, buddy!

Sgt. Michael Geary
NYPD

January 25, 2014

John, it has been 12 years since you rushed into the fire while others were running towards safety. You didn't have to, but you did anyway. You were the best of all of us. Rest easy, old friend. You will never be forgotten.

Sgt Arnold Rothenberg
Nassau County PD

September 11, 2013

You, as always are remembered

Pat
civilian

September 11, 2012

A true hero shall never be forgotten, RIP.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

January 19, 2012