Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You are not forgotten. 30 years later , your profound loss to our county still lays heavy on our hearts.
RIP Jim.

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc Police

April 28, 2024

On behalf of the U.S. Attorney, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and support staff for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, we honor law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. During National Police Week the focus is even greater that we never forget the officers and their families. Today, May 20th, 2022, we honor and remember you Captain Lutz. Rest in Peace.

United States Attorney's Office
Eastern District of Wisconsin

May 20, 2022

IN HONORE CASORUM
Our promise; Always honored, never forgotten.

Sgt. T Jake Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

April 28, 2016

RIP brother....

Detective Sergeant Jeremy Sims
Matteson, IL Police Department

November 19, 2015

Today on the 21st anniversary of your death, we pause and say a prayer for you and for your family. We remember that terrible day so well and remember the profound loss of you. RIP Capt Lutz you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc Police
Deborah S Roelandts (retired 911)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts
Town of Oconomowoc Police

April 28, 2015

I was living in Pleasant Prairie and remember watching the news as this tragedy unfolded. My son, Fond du Lac Officer Craig Birkholz, E.O.W. 3/20/11 was only twelve at the time. Both of you watching over us all now. Thank you Captain Lutz for your bravery, heroism, dedication to serve and protect. RIP Sir. Thinking of your family.

G. Birkholz
mother of Officer Craig Birkholz, E.O.W. 3/20/11

April 21, 2015

Rest in Peace Captain. You sir, are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Waukesha Police Officer

April 29, 2014

20 years ago today, those of us in Waukesha County lost a dedicated officer and friend. RIP Capt Lutz you are not forgotten.
Respectfully submitted
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc Police
Deborah Roelandts (former WKSO dispatcher )

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

April 28, 2014

Remembering your service and honoring your sacrifice on this, the 20th anniversary, of your passing.

Rest in peace, Captain Lutz.

anonymous

April 28, 2014

Captain Lutz,

On Tuesday, I watched a video that partly discussed the Oswalds. I learned for the first time that you gave the ultimate sacrifice in trying to protect the innocent by going after those two. Thank you for all of the years of service you gave to law enforcement. Your memory will always live on as long as someone remembers you. I hope I can help to fill the shoes you left behind in some way, big or small. I salute you, Captain Lutz.

Chris, PPCC Criminal Justice Student

September 1, 2012

Capt. Lutz was a mentor and a friend who will be forever remembered. That fateful day will be permanently etched in my mind, never to be forgotten. Even though I was not on the streets with our many fine officers, I was working in the offices and was amazed how in the thick of such a tragic event, the entire department pulled together to do what needed to be done that day. And now after many years, I lost my father-in-law on the same date (April 28, 2012).....two sad losses that share a date. Jim, thank you for your service and commitment to the force.

Anonymous
May 2012

May 17, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th 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 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.

I pray for aolace for all that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

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

April 29, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP Now

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

February 27, 2012

I met Capt. Lutz over 25 years ago when he took my statement regarding a sexual harassment incident. He was a kind and caring man and I felt safer just having told him my story. His death was a loss to his family, his fellow officers and his community.

anonymous

December 17, 2011

To the son of Captain Lutz:

I remember talking to your mom many times after your dad was killed. I was the representative of COPS for your state at that time. I am now living in NC. If you ever want to talk, please contact the COPS office or the ODMP. They will know how to get in touch with me.
Tammie Elliott-Gehle
Surviving Spouse of Sgt. Robert Elliott
Miami County, Ohio S.O.
EOW 2/25/87

Tammie Elliott-Gehle
Past Great Lakes Trustee - Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS)

October 5, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

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

April 29, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 29, 2008

Capt Lutz,
Its been 14 years since you gave the Ultimate Sacrifice and confronted pure evil with courage and integrity. That day changed the way our department trained and prepared for the battles officers would face from that day until now. Your sacrifice still rings true as our yearly training this year included the exact scenerio you faced on Rolling Ridge as you rounded the corner and engaged the Oswalds. Your sacrifice was not in vein as 14 years later officers, both young and old, throughout the county are benefiting from your battle. The game changed that day and I wanted you to know that we are not only learning from your "superbowl", but are trained and prepared to win this time around. When my "superbowl" comes around, I hope I have the courage and bravery to turn the courner, just as you did.

Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

Waukesha Police officer

April 13, 2008

To all those who read this and are reminded of my dad, I thank you for keeping his memory live. On that day, I not only lost my dad, but my best friend and mentor.

I always knew he would do anything for me, all I needed to do was ask. On April 28, 1994, I didn't have to ask. He just did as he always had, he acted as GOD would ask of any man and laid down his life to protect his family and friends.

April 7, 2008

Hi Jim, Martorano here. Sorry we could not of gotten there quicker to help. Sorry we didn't finish the job when we did. I hope all is good up at the big P.D. Save me a job. May God Bless and watch over you family as he has since that tragic day. Rest in peace. Mort

Captain Terry Martorano (ret.)
Waukesha county Sheriff Department

February 26, 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 24, 2008

Capt. Lutz,
Thank you for your bravery on the day you were killed. I was a 12 year old in the elementary school 100 yards from where you were shot, and the sound of the shots that killed you still remain in my head to this day. Your sacrafice inspired me from that day on to enter the world of law enforcement. You will never be forgotten.

New LEO

December 22, 2007

Captain Lutz:

Today, I thought about that day (2 years to the day of the Civil Unrest here in Los Angeles). James and Theodore Oswald were sentenced in 1995 to multiple life terms for armed robbery and your murder. Why appeals are still being considered, is beyond me.

They only had sophisticated and expensive weapons, including two custom-made .50-caliber rifles powerful enough to assault an armored car—which the two were considering doing.....

May Your Soul, Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

December 17, 2007

I was living in Milwaukee when Capt. Lutz was murdered. Today, August 8, 2007, the media is reporting that Ted Oswald has lost yet another appeal to get his 17 convictions in this case tossed out.

It's time, I believe, for the Oswalds to face the reality that they are NEVER, EVER getting out of jail. They both committed one of the most despicable acts a person can commit: the taking of a human life... and they SHOULD pay for it for the rest of THEIR lives.

I hope your family finds solace in today's ruling, and that you rest in peace, Captain Lutz. Your sacrifice to the people of southeastern Wisconsin will not ever be forgotten.

Cory
Former resident of Milwaukee

August 8, 2007

Over 13 years has passed since your tragic murder. Thank you for your bravery, dedication, service and sacrifice. May your family find comfort in knowing that you will FOREVER be a hero and NEVER be forgotten!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

July 27, 2007