Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My heart and deepest sympathy goes out to John's family and friends. John was a great guy besides being an excellent police offcer. I'm glad I had the opportunity to work with him and become his friend when he was at Palos Hills police dept. There are some great stories with him that I tell often and will never forget. God Bless.

Sgt. Scott Becker
Palos Hills Police Dept.

August 23, 2004

i want to express my sympathy to the police dept and the city. Here in Indianapolis we are dealing with an officer death as well.. we are all sad and pray for his family and friends.

Jennifer Leath/control operator
Marion County Sheriff's Department

August 23, 2004

Officer Walsh, just reading these postings shows what type of a leader and true brother you really were. You are an inspiration to officers throughout the United States. As a former Waukegan, Il officer and current officer in Nevada, I went to the academy with some of your Joliet brothers. I know what great cops you guys all are. God Bless you for sacrificing your life for the protection of others. My condolences go out to Officer Walsh's family and the Joliet Police Department.

Ofc. D. Burgess
CCSDPD Las Vegas, NV

August 23, 2004

To the woman whom PO Walsh loved,

I am so sorry for your loss. I have been thinking of you since I heard what happened. I know that there is nothing I can say or do that will ease your pain and I can not tell you how to get through this (because I am stil trying to figure it out.) But if it is any help, just know that I still find away to get up every morning, even if the only reason is that I want to hear more wonderful story about him or look at a picture of him.
--- You will find your reason too.

You and his family are in my prayers and the prayers of many.

Guin Gordon, Wife of
P.O. Michael P. Gordon E.O.W - 08AUG04

August 23, 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 Jonathan did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Jonathan be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Officer Walsh's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all. 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 Jonathan 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 Jonathan was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Officer Walsh 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, Health, and Happiness!

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

August 23, 2004

HOLLYWOOD, I WILL ALWAYS REMEBER THE "DOUBLE BICEP" POSE YOU AND MIKE USED TO DO WHEN DRIVING BY IN THE SQUAD. NO MATTER HOW MAD OR IRRITATED I WAS YOU NEVER FAILED TO MAKE ME,AND ALL OF US, LAUGH WITH YOUR STORIES. I WILL MISS YOU GREATLY. THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF MY LIFE

NICK AMELIO #143
JOLIET POLICE DEPT

August 23, 2004

WE WILL REMEMBER P.O. WALSH HIS FAMILY,FRIENDS AND MEMBERS OF THE JOLIET POLICE DEPARTMENT IN OUR PRAYERS. GOD BLESS.

CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT-11TH DISTRICT

August 23, 2004

I NEVER KNEW THIS OFFICER BUT BY LOOKING AT HIS PICTURE ON THIS PAGE I COULD SEE THE AMAZING SMILE HE HAD.TO THE FAMILY I AM TRULY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN IN ALABAMA AND JUST LAST YEAR OUR TOWN LOST TWO OFICERS AND A DISPATCHR THE SAME DAY.I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU THE HURT IS NOT AS BAD NOW BUT NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT THESE OFFICERS ARE NOT THOUGHT ABOUT.BUT LEAN ON GOD AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO GET YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME.OFFICER WALSH IS IN A MUCH BETTER PLACE NOW,WATCHING OVER YOUR FAMILY FROM ABOVE.TO THE JOLIET POLICE DEPARTMENT,CARRY ON AS YOU KNOW HE WOULD WANT YOU TO,YOU NOW HAVE AN ANGEL PATROLLING ALONG WITH YOU.REST IN PEACE OFFICER WALSH YOU DESERVE IT!!!YOUR SMILE ON THIS PAGE LOOKS LIKE IT COULD HAVE BRIGHTENED ANYONES DAY.

August 23, 2004

Jon,
I can't believe you are gone! It was just two weeks ago that we were hanging out together. You are one of the nicest guys I ever met. I never saw you without a smile on your face. It was a pleasure to have known you Jon! You will be truely missed! Rest in peace my brother!

Dan Sepulveda, Jr.
Comptroller, Will County Circuit Clerk's Office

August 22, 2004

I didn't have the opportunity to work with you, nor did I have the opportunity to actually talk to you. However, I do recall the few conversations that we did have. I'm very sad to hear of the death of this fine officer. Never thought I would watch the news, see your face and the story that followed. May you forever Rest in Peace, and God Bless those that you've left behind.

Ivan D. Hurd

August 22, 2004

We extend our heartfelt sorrow to the friends and family of Officer Walsh.

PO S.Harris #396
Cicero PD Gang/Tactical Unit

August 22, 2004

You will be missed by everyone's life you have touched. I'll always remember the fun we had as police cadets in Chicago Ridge. You were a
great inspiration to me.

Chris Doeseckle
Former Chicago Ridge Police Cadet

August 22, 2004

Jon, I remember the first time I heard someone use the phrase "one in the box" when calling out mileage on a transport code and I looked at my radio and went, "huh?". Ever since then I always think of you when I hear that.

I know that we did not know each other that long, but I remember the last time I spoke with you, while you were working a security detail at a local Joliet bar and how easy and fun it was to trade war stories and talk about everyone we knew in common from DADC, Darien, Lisle, or Burr Ridge.

God bless you, your family, and your extended family who wear the blue everyday. Stay strong and watch over the rest of us. You will be missed.

Officer William R. Wise #481
Lisle Police Department, Illinois

August 22, 2004

Jon, you were a great leader and friend. I'll always remember our early days at the CRPD as cadets. The law enforcement community lost a great cop.

Officer Mike Mc Ardle
Chicago Police Department

August 22, 2004

Oh, crap, another young one. Such a
tragedy. You missed out on so much
of life. You truly were robbed and so
were the people in your life and the ones to come. Hard not to wallow in
the what ifs and if onlys. I see your
Dad was a retired officer with 34 years under his belt. You came from
a fine family of officers. I guess it was just your time, but that's not much comfort. My heart is heavy with
thoughts of all those who will love you and miss you forever. The pain
is God size and Jesus Christ is the
ultimate healer and the Only One up
to the task. And He promises to never leave nor forsake us and I
know, He cries, too. God bless all
those with broken hearts. It's a
crying shame...
Lynn Kole
Washington State

August 22, 2004

Jon,
It was just Thursday that you came over to see our new baby. I'm so very sad that he will grow up without a chance to know his Dads best friend. You were such a great friend to Brian and I, we are so very lucky to have had a person like you in our lives. We love you & miss you dearly!!

MARISA MATESEVAC
FIANCE' OF OFC PROCHASKA #213

August 22, 2004

I do pray each and every night for all of the policeman,who are keeping our families and streets safe. I can only say that the Lord must have wanted you to serve him in heaven. Pray and watch over us,especially your policemen brothers.Lord help the Walsh family and wrap your arms around them and give them peace.

Toni

mother of a policeman

August 22, 2004

REST IN PEACE,BROTHER.
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

P.O.
CICERO POLICE DEPARTMENT

August 22, 2004

I never dreamed it would be me
My name for all eternity
Recorded here at this hallowed place
Alas, my name, no more my face

"In the line of duty" I hear them say
My family now the price will pay
My folded flag stained with their tears
We only had those few short years

The badge no longer on my chest
I sleep now in eternal rest
My sword I pass to those behind
And pray they keep this thought in mind

I never dreamed it would be me
And with heavy heart and bended knee
I ask for all here from the past
Dear God, let my name be the last
(Author unknown)

Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Jon, keep the peace on Heavens beat and watch over all of us.

God bless....

#803 smyth
Joliet Police Dept

August 22, 2004

To those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while for if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen wih your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

We too lost a friend in MVA but with a drunk driver. May Jonathan rest in peace and watch over your family everyday as our friend does us.

Peo. Co Sheriffs Depr

August 22, 2004

Job well done my good and faithful servant...God Bless you for your service to family and country. Your family is in our prayers.

PO Mineer
Chapel Hill PD

August 22, 2004

It is sad to hear of another tragedy such as this. My deepest sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Walsh. May he Rest in Peace.

Mother of a Texas Police Officer
Crowder,Okla

August 22, 2004

Jon,
You are truly a gem. I am so blessed to have had the chance to know you. What will we do without that million dollar smile of yours, I cannot remember a time I saw you without it. You are one of the beautiful ones and He must have had a much bigger and better plan for you. We will all miss you so very much and you will always be in our hearts and minds. I will miss those big hugs I received every time I saw you and that beautiful face of yours. Love you always!!

Amanda Brooks
Wife of Ofc. Brooks #229

August 22, 2004

I'M NOT SINGING FOR THE FUTURE, I'M NOT DREAMING OF THE PAST, I'M NOT TALKING OF THE FIRST TIME, I NEVER THINK ABOUT THE LAST.....

August 22, 2004

Not Hollywood. It just can't be. The ultimate sacrifice made by one of the best officers JPD will ever see. My heart broke when I heard someone else's voice on your walkie telling us of the accident. We know you are in a better place, but you leave a heartbroken department behind you. You were always there as back up when we needed you and you'll always be there now, on every officer's shoulder. Jon, we'll miss you every day, every hour, every minute.

To the rest of us, stay strong. Ride the waves and keep going for Jon, his family, and his friends.

PSD II Grutzius 861
JPD

August 22, 2004