Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 22, 2020

Not a reflection but rather point of accuracy. My grandfather, Joseph Lawrence, was in fact severely wounded in this incident and the gun that was used by the shooter was a .38 pistol rather than shotgun as stated here. I know this because he was always pissed off that when he joined the police force he was required to purchase a .38 rather than a cheaper .32 due to its knock down power and it never knocked him off his feet - he walked out of the house unaided (under Blackburn's orders) to seek medical assistance. It is my understanding that this was the same gun that Blackburn was later shot with.

Jordan Lawrence

May 25, 2020

Jean - my grandfather, Joseph Lawrence, was with your grandfather that fateful day. He had been assigned as your grandfather's driver for some time and accompanied him into that house - he too was shot and severely wounded, but did survive. In all the years that I did know him, I often heard him refer to your grandfather, always with the upmost respect and admiration.

Jordan Lawrence
Grandson of surviving officer

May 25, 2020

Sadly I never knew my grandfather. He was killed when my father was seven and he remembers crying under a desk when he heard the news. By all accounts my grandfather had a great sense of humor balanced by strong moral conviction that my father navigated by. I’m so sorry I never knew my grandfather

Jean Blackburn
Grand daughter

May 16, 2020

Inspector John W. Blackburn sadly died in the line of duty. Inspector Blackburn will never ever be forgotten. May his soul rest peacefully in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired, NYSP

January 13, 2020

Rest in peace Inspector Blackburn.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 18, 2019

Inspector Blackburn,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 17, 2019

A Hero now in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

January 17, 2015

Uncle John,

I didn't know you, but know and love your children and grandchildren.

Rest in peace sir, and thank you for creating such a wonderful family.

Your children and grandchildren greatly enrich the lives of others and the world is a better place because you were here.

Denise Atkinson-Bratina
Great Grand Neice

November 9, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 83rd 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.

Your memory will always be honored and revered for time never diminishes respect.

Rest In Peace

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

January 17, 2012

Thinking of you today, you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace sir.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

March 10, 2011

Inspector Blackburn, you are not forgotten. God bless you and your family.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE

August 23, 2010

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

April 15, 2008

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

January 17, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 6, 2008

Sir, may you rest in eternal peace. What you did will never be forgotten, but more importantly you will never be forgotten. Please watch over us down here as we continue to fight where you left off.

Corporal John Halligan
Philadelphia Police Department

December 15, 2005