Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Another "Police Officers Week" has come and gone, but your memory will never be forgotten John.

Former DPD Officer Paul A. Tipton Jr.
Friend

May 16, 2014

Rest in Peace, Lieutenant McKinney. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 3, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the third 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 6, 2009

Today marks 3 years since you left us, but you live on even stronger in our hearts.

Anonymous

December 6, 2009

2 years have passed and my heart still aches every day. You will never be forgotten to us.

Anonymous

December 6, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this second 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

December 6, 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

December 27, 2007

We pause today and say a prayer for your family, fellow officers and all of your loved ones as they mourn the first year anniversary of your death.
The holidays must be very difficult for them and we just wanted to let them know we are thinking of them.
Rest in peace Lt you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

December 6, 2007

The first anniversary of your EOW is here and I know for some it has felt like an eternity while for others it seems just like yesterday that they were able to feel your touch, hear your voice and see your warm smile. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and wrap your wings around them in an effort to help them with their grief. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

No Person is ever truly alone,
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.
(Poem by Richard Fife)

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

December 4, 2007

I am a part of the police unity tour and wanted the friends and family of Lt. McKinney to know that I have the honor of wearing the remembrance braclet for Lt. McKinney. I will wear it with honor and will have it at the candlelight vigil at the National Memorial. I would be further honored to give the braclet to the family if they are present at the memorial. I know this is a small token. I am so sorry for the loss to the family and to the Whitfield Sheriffs Office. You are in our prayers and our thoughts.

Sgt. J. Dickie
Tampa Police Dept

May 9, 2007

--"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." -- Maya Angelou

Aloha Lieutenant John W. McKinney,
I have come back again to leave a tribute on your memorial page after facing death on 12/25/2006. I walked away with a renewed purpose in my life and it is being reflected below. I pray in the year 2007, I can successfully complete a tribute for every Fallen Officer from as early as 1836 to the current 2007 by 11/26/2007 in honor of Steve Favela, his wife, Barbara, daughter, Kiana, his three sons, Keahi, Matthew, and Jacob, The Honolulu Motor Patrol Officers and The Honolulu Police Department, in which he left behind. I, on the otherhand, was given a second chance. I choose to be that, “Light” that continues forever to honor the Fallen Officers here on the ODMP.

This is what, “Kahu La`a Kea” means; “Keeper of the Sacred Light.” I have found a purpose and a calling deep within my heart and soul that will shine so brightly, for the flame is bright and the light burns strong enough to guide others to find their way to each and every officer’s memorial page in hope’s of a tribute in their honor and in their memory. May God continue to bless those men and women that serve and protect us; 24-7-365.

Lieutenant John W. McKinney, I thank you again for your service and dedication to your community and your country. You and all officers that continue to lay your lives on the line and pay the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities and country safe, will NEVER be forgotten.

I personally pledge, (after one of Hawaii's own, Honolulu Police Officer Steve Favela, lost his life in the line of duty protecting our Commander in Chief, President George W. Bush), to become a continuum; a keeper of the ODMP light. That light is in the form of an ODMP tribute. People from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, religion, profession, education, and geographical location can share here.

This "LIGHT" comes from within the heart and soul of every person who cares to share a word or two on behalf of each and every fallen officer. Every fallen officer is a hero. The ODMP; Officer Down Memorial Page gives us a place to come together and share our feelings as one family. May we find solace as we give solace to the families who have lost a loved one.

Lieutenant John W. McKinney, God Bless you. You are a hero. As we say in Hawaii, “You are`Ohana.” “You are Family.” No one will ever be able to replace you for you were unique and very special. No one; not in this lifetime. May God allow you to rest in His Divine peace. I wish you, your loved ones, and your fellow officers, peace and love beyond all understanding. I honor you today. You have not been forgotten.

** May this Hawaiian prayer give all those who read it comfort. **

THE PEACE OF " I "
KA MALUHIA O KA "I"

Peace be with you, All My Peace,
O ka Maluhia no me oe, Ku'u Maluhia a pau loa,

The Peace that is " I ", the Peace that is "I am".
Ka Maluhia o ka "I", owau no ka Maluhia,

The Peace for always, now and forever and evermore.
Ka Maluhia no na wa a pau, no ke'ia wa a mau a mau loa aku.

My Peace " I " give to you, My Peace " I " leave with you,
Ha'awi aku wau I ku'u Maluhia ia oe, waiho aku wau I ku'u Maluhia me oe,

Not the world's Peace, but, only My Peace,
The Peace of " I ".

A'ole ka Maluhia o ke ao aka, ka'u Maluhia wale no,
Ka Maluhia o ka "I".

Moana V.C. Molale Private Citizen-Hawaii
Kahu La`a Kea (Keeper of the Sacred Light)

January 22, 2007

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Lieutenant McKinney, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for John, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember John's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that John's life was about so much more than the way he died. John will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Lieutenant McKinney, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been four years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

January 17, 2007

My prayers and thoughts to all who knew and will miss Lieutenant McKinney.

May God lay His healing hands upon the family.

Retired Captain Joe L. Gilliland
Danville, KY PD

January 8, 2007

Rest easy brother.

K. McGee
MPD,TX

December 24, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Lieutenant McKinney deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Lieutenant McKinney is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

SA Thomas Doyle
FBI

December 23, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and sibling officers of Lieutenant McKinney. May God be with you sir. Rest in peace.

Detective Mark Techmanski
City of Syracuse, NY Police Department

December 21, 2006

My deepest condolences to your family on the loss of your best friend, husband and father. To your sons a special prayer during these holidays, I cant imagine the pain. Continue to reflect on all the special times you had together, cherish that. Know you are in our thoughts. Angels about you.

Sergeant Elizabeth IBARRA and LEO wife
Milwaukee Police Department

December 20, 2006

Lt. McKinney, my thoughts and prayers go out to all who know and love you. We can never predict when our time comes. You did your job and did it to the best of your abilities. We all wish to say, Thank You.

God Bless and may you Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

December 20, 2006

"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." -- Maya Angelou

Aloha Lieutenant John W. McKinney,
Thank you for your service and dedication to your community and your country. You and all officers that continue to lay your lives on the line and pay the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe, will NEVER be forgotten.

May God allow you to rest in peace. I wish your loving wife and two proud sons, love and peace beyond all understanding. I leave them and all who read this tribute, an Hawaiian prayer to take comfort in.
Aloha.


THE PEACE OF " I "
KA MALUHIA O KA "I"

Peace be with you, All My Peace,
O ka Maluhia no me oe, Ku'u Maluhia a pau loa,

The Peace that is " I ", the Peace that is "I am".
Ka Maluhia o ka "I", owau no ka Maluhia,

The Peace for always, now and forever and evermore.
Ka Maluhia no na wa a pau, no ke'ia wa a mau a mau loa aku.

My Peace " I " give to you, My Peace " I " leave with you,
Ha'awi aku wau I ku'u Maluhia ia oe, waiho aku wau I ku'u Maluhia me oe,

Not the world's Peace, but, only My Peace,
The Peace of " I ".

A'ole ka Maluhia o ke ao aka, ka'u Maluhia wale no,
Ka Maluhia o ka "I".

Moana V.C. Molale (Private Citizen)
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

December 19, 2006

Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. -Albert Einstein

Lieutenant McKinney -- Your dedication to the good of your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Lieutenant McKinney -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

December 19, 2006

In this season when we celebrate the birth of a Saviour, we mourn the loss of a man who, over his career, was a saviour to many. Just as our Saviour made the ultimate sacrifice, this officer, too, made the ultimate sacrifice. Just as our Saviour now lives, this officer, too, shall live again. Rest In Peace.

D. Paul, Special Agent
FBI

December 19, 2006

rest easy brother.

CPL Michael Wilhelm
The George Washington University Police Dept

December 19, 2006

Thank you for your dedicated years of service. Our department will hold you and your family in our prayers.

May strength be to you in your journey home and may your family have peace until they join you there.

Respectfully,
Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls (WI) Police Department

Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls Police Department

December 18, 2006

REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER AND BLESS YOU FAMILY.

AGNT R NEGRON
PUERTO RICO POLICE DEPT

December 17, 2006

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Lt. John W. McKinney as well as to the Whitfield County Sherriff's Office. R.I.P

Cpl Jean Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP Service, Traffic Unit

December 16, 2006