Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Bending.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 24, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten.

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

August 28, 2020

Officer Bending's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 11-01-16 to honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
RPPD (IL)

November 1, 2016

I had just graduated from St. Mary's Catholic Grammar School in 1952 when our family heard of the shooting. We were shocked because we all knew Officer Bending from seeing his friendly face and presence when he was on patrol. Plus Des Plaines was a very peaceful town and a great place to grown up in; my uncle owned the Hapsburg Inn restaurant on River Road. The finance office where Officer Bending was killed was above Kinder's Hardware as I recall. A few years back I visited relatives in the Des Plaines area and stopped by Kinder's, where I was informed that the gunmen where now out of prison. That is very sad, but I hope they will soon go - or have already gone - on to a higher judging. One thing for sure, Officer Bending was a very brave person to take on 3 "low-lifes" by himself. Quite a guy.

I retired from U.S. Marine Corps in 1989 after 30 years, and still work in the defense industry at age 75. One of my pals, Larry Gniot - from St. Mary's - later served as a Des Plaines police office. And Dave Clark - also from St. Mary's - served as a fire commander.

Bill Bahnmaier; Col, USMC (Retired)
U.S. Marine Corps

December 4, 2013

I was on active duty with the US Navy having just returned from a tour of duty in Korea on the USS Antietam. I was in an attack squadron, VA 728. Having known Harry it was difficult to accept the events of that fateful day when he was gunned down. On return to civilian life I joined the Des Plaines Police Department and served over 30 years before retiring. Over half of those years were in the detective division and half of that was as Chief of Detectives. Shortly after joining I was issued Harry's badge, #161 which should have been retired.

My wife desigend the Des Plaines Police shoulder patch.

Aug Schwiesow, Lieutenant
Des Plaines Police Department

May 3, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 61rst anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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. Rest In Peace.

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

April 18, 2013

The family of Officer Harry Bending Jr. are appreciative of these shared memories and your respect.

With sincere thanks for your service.

Jennifer Burtis Ashmore
Grand-Niece

July 9, 2012

When I was 13-14 we would play football at the West School in Des Plaines. HArry would stop by on his way to work, take off his giun and play with us for a bit. When Harry was shot and killed I was in Korea on an aircraft carrier in an attack squadron. I was saddened when I learned of his death.

In 1956 I jpoined the Des Plaines PD and was shortly given badge #161, Harry's badge number. This should have been retired.

I served with the DPPD for over 30 years in command positions, almost eight years as Chief of Detectives. I retired in Nov. 1986.

Chief of Detectives
Des Plaines PD

June 18, 2012

Along with you, men and women have answered the call of duty as "protectors of mankind." You are not forgotten by your brothers and sisters in blue. May you rest in peace in heaven.

Officer
Des Plaines Police Department

May 4, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Bending. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 1, 2012

More than 55 years have passed since your tragic, brutal, and untimely murder. Thank you for your bravery, service, and sacrifice. May your family take comfort in the fact that you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

August 31, 2007

The years have passed but your still a Hero. You are remembered.

Senior Trooper Keith Miller (Ret)
Oregon State Police

April 23, 2004

Justice was not served by the judicial system my brother. Perhaps the murderers will receive their due sentence on the ultimate judgement day. I honor you. Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer).

Special Agent Jim Crotty
ATF (Retired)

April 7, 2004

We will not let you be forgotten...rest in peace, my brother

Peace Officers Memorial Foundation of Cook County Illinois

September 1, 2003