Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Officer Walsh.

While I did not have the privilege to have known him personally I am certain that he has found a place in heaven after hearing a great many stories from others who did know him. Rest in peace my friend; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

August 25, 2004

Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Officer Walsh and to all the personnel of the Joliet Police Department who worked with him.

While it is no consolation for your loss, remember that we, and many others in this country, appreciate the sacrifice that he made in his effort to ensure the safety of the public.

God bless.

Southwest Central Dispatch
Palos Heights, IL

August 25, 2004

ALL of our Officers, both Civilian and Military, are grieving over the lose of Patrol Officer Jonathan Walsh. Condolences and prayers for his loved ones, Police family, and Friends. Officer Walsh....you did, "Protect and Serve". All of us thank you for your commitment. What a MENTOR. We, (all Police Officers), know why you responded with dedication.

Detective
NAVAL WEAPONS STATION, CHARLESTON, SC

August 25, 2004

You have made the ultimate sacrifice. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. May God bless you and your family.
Rest in Peace Brother............. AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

August 25, 2004

Dear Walsh family- We wanted to let you know our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We know what it is like to lose a family member suddenly. We lost our Brother-in law/uncle Ben Perez while he was on duty(EOW 9/18/02). We will be praying for you. Love, Ron & Sue Vinyard and the boys.

August 25, 2004

Rest in Peace Officer Walsh! My thoughts and prayers are sent your way from my family to your family, friends, and to the Joliet Police Department.

Tonya Stephenson
Delaware County Private Citizen, PA

August 25, 2004

Rest easy my brother, the watch is ours now.

Chief J. D. Stripling
Lumpkin P.D.

August 25, 2004

Pride Integrity and Guts

Some of you may know my face, but not my name. Most of you have seen me around the city and some have even met me, but not always under the best of circumstances. Some of you have even spoken to me on the phone, when you called me while I was working.

Most of you have an opinion on how my job should be done, but would never take my job if it was the last one on earth. And some of you who don't even know me, hate me because of my job. But when I go to my job, I go to make a difference and so I can fight what everyone else fears.

When most would be running away from danger, my job requires me to run towards it. I do this in the hopes of making a difference for someone else I don't even know. Most people say I make too much money, because my pay is published in the newspaper. But don't think twice about hearing about another sports player sign a 20 million dollar contract for 6 months a year of playing a "game."

Since my job's base pay isn't the best I must work extra to pay the bills. Including working extra shifts on holidays, and pick up side work at construction sites as well on my days off, most still complain thinking I am greedy, but don't they realize that I to must pay taxes, have a mortgage car payments and kids in collage as well?

Don't they understand that I am not paid for what I do, but for what I am willing to do for them? After all how can you properly compensate someone to risk their own life and face danger everyday they go to work?

And when I go to work I am punched, kicked, spit on and called every name in the book for doing my job. And every night I leave my house to go to work I realize I may not come back home in the morning. Because when I go to work I can be stabbed, shot, drown, fall, be electrocuted, or die in a car accident rushing to help you.

My job also requires me to carry special "tools" to help me do my job. Sometimes even while doing my job I have to defend myself from someone attacking me. Although, the newspapers will report to you that I "beat someone down", and not that I defended myself from an attack.

While at work I must also carry a gun to protect you, but should I have to use it, the media reports to you that I "gunned someone down" or that I "shot and killed" somebody, and not that I defended myself. Don't they realize that I shoot to live and never to kill?

Also when I go to work I wrap a protective vest around me to help keep me safe through my shift. I use this vest so that I will be allowed to live to the end of my work day. And hope and pray that should something bad happen that this vest helps keep me alive so that I will be allowed to see my children grow.

When I go to my job, I will see more pain, sorrow, agony, death and destruction in one month than most of you will see in an entire lifetime.


And to the ones who don't know me, I unforunetly will meet most of you at the worst times in your life.

You often will call me to come help you out with a problem. But if you have a really big problem you can get me at a special 3 digit number and me and my coworkers will race to your house, just to help you no questions asked. All you have to do is call and we will be there for you, no matter what time, day, night or holiday, rain shine or blizzard.

Sometimes my job also requires me to deliver lectures, babies and even bad news. I am also the one required to ring your doorbell in the middle of the night, swallow hard and advise you that a loved one will not be coming home tonight, then I spend the rest of my shift wondering why I ever took such a job.

Some people even refer to me as a "pig," but when I hear that word called to me or one of my coworkers I think of Pride, Integrity and Guts, which everyone in my profession needs to do this job.

Me and my coworkers must be able to have muscles of steel, have a sense of humor and put ourselves into dangerous situations and face danger head on all in a days work.

We must act in a second and make a decision in the blink of an eye, and spend the rest of our life hoping we made the right choice in that split second. If not we can be arrested and charged with breaking a law, be sued for violating someone's rights, or end up with even a worse fate.

My job requires me to take an oath to be their and to risk my life to protect you. And it is an oath that me and my fellow coworkers have taken and is one that we will not break.

What, you ask is my job, I am your local police officer. And what do I ask in return of doing all this and risking my life for you, nothing at all because it is my job and my hope, of being the one who makes the difference.

Officer David Carroll
Choctaw Oklahoma

August 25, 2004

Hey Wood, I have had a hard time accepting your all too early departure from our world. The true value of a person's life in my estimation is how many people they affect along the way! There is no doubt that you would have been laughing, smiling and blushing at the outpouring of love that was given to you and your family today. It will never equal what you shared with all of us during the time you were kind enough to spend with us. I know you are looking down on us all right now saying come on guys, it's not that bad, it's what we do and it's what I loved! How true, you blew me away with your genuine spirit and love for life I will reflect always on the man you are and the spirit that you intoxicated us with. You know there is a saying about Police Officers being a beacon of light in a dark world, I always thought that was a bit much until now. You exemplified all that is right about life in this world, you traveled every inch and took the good with the bad! I truly thank GOD, YOU and your family for enriching my life! I will never forget you WOOD, you were just too damn good!! I could count to the end of my days and still not reach the number of people that you have touched and changed for the better!

JPD

August 24, 2004

Hollywood -
Within one short hour of knowing you, you changed the course of my life. You introduced me to my husband and gave me the greatest gift I've ever received. Thanks again.
The past few days have been so surreal - everyone is trying to come to terms with losing you. I've sort of been watching everything from the outside looking in and I just know you would be so impressed with the way the guys are doting on you - deservedly so - I'm so proud to be part of it. I also realized that not only did you give me the gift of my husband, but you also gave me the gift of an incredible extended family. A family not bound by blood, but by loyalty, love and respect. It is the most comforting feeling I've ever known. It's all thanks to you.
I will miss your perfect teeth and hair and your kiss on the cheek when I'd see you. When I think of you, it will always be with a grin because I just know you're up there somewhere even making the angels swoon. Goodbye, Jon - until we meet again.
Julia
aka Mrs. Gavin

Julia Gavin
Wife of Darrell Gavin, Joliet Police Officer

August 24, 2004

our family would like to give the deepest condolences to john's family and his girlfriend as well as the Joliet police department. john has gone to a very special place where he can continue doing what he loved doing. may john's badge shine down upon his fellow brothers and sisters of the joliet police department. god bless you john.

The family of Officer Dwayne English

August 24, 2004

Four in my family are policemen and I know his parents are proud of him. It is a shame they have lost their son with so much promise, so young.

Dr John Churchill
Retired

August 24, 2004

Another GREAT person has left us by the greed of another persons actions. This mirrors the loss that we had with PO GORDON EOW: 08AUG04. Why do all the GREAT ones leave us? Our condolences to the JPD family from the CPD- 11th District 1st watch family. You are in our prayers.

PO A. Camarillo
Chicago Police Department- 11th District

August 24, 2004

If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go, Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always, Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own, And in time when men decide and feel safe to call the streets insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind. Heroes are never forgotten...

OFC Crociata
GPD

August 24, 2004

To a brother I never knew. May you rest in eternal peace.

Patrol Officer - Retired Everett Holt
JPD

August 24, 2004

Rest in peace brother, we'll continue your watch. God bless your family and friends and watch over the rest of us down here.

Officer Ken Koehler
Annawan PD

August 24, 2004

HI. MY NAME IS LORRAINE. I LIVE IN JERSEY. IN FEBRUARY, WE LOST OFFICER ZIMMERMEN, NJSP, IN A ACCIDENT RESPONDING TO A BACK UP CALL.
MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF OFFICER WALSH. WE KNOW THE ANGUISH AND SADNESS THAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH.
GODSPEED J. WALSH
LORRAINE

LORRAINE FROM JERSEY

August 24, 2004

Jon, the last time I saw you was at the Springfield Memorial this past May, there to honor our fallen brothers. Im glad we were able to catch up, have a beer together, and pay our respects. You had never forgotten those fallen officers, as we will never forget you. I've known you for about the past 5 years, but never had the oportunity to work with you, but believe me, if I had to hand pick a few guys I would want to have my back, you'd be one of them! I know you'll be watching over us now, and you will be missed forever. Until we meet again my friend, ...

Ofc. Michael Fortuna
Oak Lawn PD

August 24, 2004

Jon
I am unfortunate for not having known you as well as others but I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with you and to see your SMILING face. You definately touched the hearts of many. My thoughts and Prayers go out to all who love you especially your family. YOU WILL BE MISSED and NEVER FORGOTTEN.

CYN PSD II 804
JOLIET POLICE DEPARTMENT

August 24, 2004

Jon,
Your enthusiasm and dedication as an officer have left me with an inspired passion for police work, and more anxious than ever to persue my own career. I can only aspire to be as honorably respected, the way that I respect you. Thanks for always knowing how to make me laugh, flashing that "Hollywood" smile. You will remain in my heart forever and be a part of my dream come true.

Cadet Casey Pelton
Joliet Police Department

August 24, 2004

John,
I've always thought of you as wonderful guy. Though we worked together for only a short period of time, I felt like I knew you all my life.

We last saw each other at the Springfield Police Memorial, never would I have thought your name would be on that plaque.

You will be in my thoughts forever. God Bless your family and all that knew you.

I'll miss ya, Buddy
Aaron Boatright
Palos Hills PD

Ofc. Aaron Boatright
Palos Hills Police Department

August 24, 2004

Jon, I met you when you worked in our "Trace" apartment complex as security and as a Burr Ridge Police Officer, and I was in training here in Palos Hills. From there we saw eachother all the time, either working or out for a few drinks afterwards. As two people the same age and experiencing the same things as new Police Officers we got along very well. It is an honor to have known you. You will forever be remembered in my heart and the hearts of everyone that had the pleasure to know you. You were an inspiration to all, personally and professionally. You will be in my prayers always. Rest in peace brother.

Detective J. Cucio
Palos Hills Police Department

August 24, 2004

Jon,
Your bright smile, true happiness and contentment always made my day a better day and the department a happier place. God Keep You Safe in His Hands now and you can watch out for all who you left behind. God Bless your family and loved ones. Know that they are all in my prayers.
Judy

Judy Frederick, Records
Burr Ridge PD

August 24, 2004

Jon,
I am still in shock. I can't come to terms that you are really gone from me. You and I had so much fun together, constantly laughing and making fun of each other. You always made me feel so special, so loved. I could look into your blue eyes at any time and my heart would melt all over again. We had something special. If I would have known Friday morning when I kissed you goodbye before work that it would be the last time I'd see you, I would have never left your side. I know we didn't have a long time together but I'll cherish the memories for a lifetime. I love you so much, my heart still hurts. Please look down on me and give me the strength to get through this. I know you are happy. Until we meet again....

Tristen- Jon's Girlfriend

August 24, 2004

Jon, I am sitting here reading the reflections from those that knew you and I am crying like a little baby. I picked up the phone a couple of weeks ago with the intention to call you, and got distracted. Unfortunately I never picked the phone back up.
There is one common denominator in all of the stories, YOUR SMILE!
I will never forget standing against the wall at the academy getting pepper sprayed by the instructors. You were right next to me yelling, I EAT THIS STUFF FOR BREAKFAST, GIVE ME MORE. After they emptied a couple of cans on you, it still had no effect, but you didn't leave the rest of us. I still remember you grabbing my arm and helping me to the hose to rinse off. You helped all of us. But what I remember most about that day was when you got back inside and the spray immediately affected you. Your face swelled up, and you felt it more than anyone else, but you didn't even let that affect your smile. When you came back to class and everyone ripped on you, you just started to cough and smile at the same time!
I wish we had worked together longer, and I will always regret not calling you that last time. One thing is for sure I am a better peron for having known you!

Officer Bob Chrusciel
Woodridge

August 24, 2004