Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Maki,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army in South Korea during the Cold War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 10, 2024

John, it has been 16 years since your death in the line of duty. I miss you everyday - tears come to my eyes when I look at your pictures. We just didn't have that much time together.
Love, Your Father.

Master Sgt US Army (Retired)
Father

May 23, 2020

John,

You were one of our Explorers and I knew you were going to be a great law enforcement officer. I'm sorry your life was cut short but thank you very much for your service. You are missed, brother.

Jon Hooper
Criminal Investigator
Texas

July 9, 2019

I do not know you but I'm very sad that you lost your life at such a young age. I wish you had been alive to serve for quite a long time all the way into old age.

Sean Foley
Master Texas peace officer

September 8, 2018

You are remembered by so many Sarge. Rest well in perpetual peace.

Lieutenant Ray Flores (Ret.)
N.Y.P.D.

February 10, 2017

John, your are gone but never forgotten. Thank God for heros like you.

Chief Clifton Knight
Dallas City Marshal's Office

March 17, 2015

John - it has been 11 years since your End of Watch. Mother and I miss you greatly,

Your Father

Sr Investigator Arnold Maki

February 15, 2015

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

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

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

February 20, 2009

To Sgt. John Maki, his parents and other loved ones:

On this the fifth 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, Sgt. Maki.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service John gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 10, 2006.

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

VANDENBERGHE
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 5, 2008

My deepest sympathies to you in your loss. While words are never enough, know that your family will remain in my prayers, and that I am praying specifically for God to comfort you and give you peace during these days. Officers and their families across the nation are holding you up - remember the happy days, honor his life and service to his community, and determine for YOUR life to make a difference, as well.

Deputy Shane Williams
Dallas Co. Constable's office Pct.2

February 1, 2008

Just wanted you to know how much I enjoy working with you. Now that your shift is over "Rest in Peace" See you in Heaven.

Billy W. (Bill) Presley

Retired police officer
Celeste Police Dept.

March 24, 2007

Three years have passed and I know your loved ones have thought of you on every one of those days. They will never let your memory end nor will the Blue Family ever let that happen to you. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still on patrol. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon

February 10, 2007

Remembering you on this your 2nd Anniversary.
R.I.P. and God Bless

Civillian

February 10, 2006

Sergeant Maki..just wanted to stop in to let you know that you are not forgotten..please be with your family - friends & co-workers as they remember you on your 2nd birthday in Heaven..please continue to watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE..BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

girlfriend of a dpd
detroit, mi

February 10, 2006

Just thinking of you today, wanted to wish you a Happy Second Birthday in Heaven. Keep a watch over your family and Fridends they miss you everyday.
I will never forget you.

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

February 9, 2006

It will be 2 years that you were called away. I wanted to stop in and leave a reflection to let you know that you have not been forgotten. Those that love you will never forget you, nor will the Blue Family ever forget you. Keep watch over your loved ones and help them with their grief.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

January 25, 2006

Dear Sgt. thanks for all the great time we had at Wolfe City Police.John you will be truly missed.

Cpl. C. Knight
Cedar Valley Police

June 21, 2005

I recently attended the police memorial in Austin and the national memorial in Washington and they were very beautiful and moving. I just wanted to tell you again, thank you for serving and protecting.Rest in peace, Sir.

Shirley Roberts- La.
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-3-14-04

June 11, 2005

Dear John,

Brother, this is difficult for me. When we were in high school, together, making plans to join the Army, I never once thought that I would one day, write you a note like this. Before I begin, let me say a few words to those who see this page.
John Maki was a good man. Like most of us, who wear a badge, he had a good heart and the best of intentions. John served his country in the US Army and as a police officer. He was one of my very best friends in this world!
To you, John, I miss you! You are a brother to me, as a friend, as a soldier and as a cop. I could always count on missing your call and coming home to hear you fuss at me on my answering machine. You were also part of my family. My parents thought of you as their 6th child. Our cookouts, in July, and our trips to the amuzement parks are not quite the same without you.
It has been said, that, for those who pledge to uphold it, freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know. I'm proud of you, Johnboy! I'm proud of your accomplishments and most of all, your service. People gripe everyday about all the problems in the world, but, very few step up to do something about it. I thank you for your service and for your sacrfice.
This year, my annual trip the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be different. For, this year, your name will be added to that wall. I'll be there to see you and to play my pipes for you!
I will not ever forget you, and, when the time comes, that God calls me home, I'll see you again!

Rest in Peace, brother!
989

Senior Trooper Michael R McCann
Virginia State Police

January 13, 2005

Dear Sergeant Maki,

You were always ready to help your fellow man, even on your day off. I want you to know you are greatly loved and missed. Thank you for your sacrifice. I pray that you did not suffer. You were so young.

You are in our prayers dear one. May your wings fly you high. Now you can release the surly bonds of earth and reach out and touch the face of God.

Stay close and keep us in your prayers.
We love you.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff

October 30, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure John did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and John be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Sergeant Maki's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that John is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain John was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

June 25, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Sergeant Maki for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

June 25, 2004