Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My name is Julieta Arciniega-Tamayo and I am a Junior at Morris Community High School. I am a part of the Criminal Justice I program at the Grundy Area Vocational Center. We are currently researching an officer who lost their life in the line of duty and writing a paper & presentation all about them. Detective Airhart, I choose you as my person. Reading your story has made a hole in my heart, and I never met you. The year you died, I was born. Now that I have read your story, I will make it my duty to ensure you are never forgotten. You were a great man and continue to leave a good legacy. I hope you are resting peacefully. Thank you for your service.

Julieta Arciniega-Tamayo
Junior in the Criminal Justice I Program at GAVC

October 3, 2024

Thank you for your service. RIP sir.

First Sergeant Thomas M. Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop D

September 3, 2024

Thank you for you service.

Col
US ARMY

January 2, 2022

Det. Airheart,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 4, 2018

Detective Joseph M. Airhart, you will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service. May your soul rest in peace.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

February 16, 2018

Approximately 7 years ago I was walking into the cafeteria at University of Chicago hospital and I seen an older couple sitting there wearing memorial buttons with your photo on it. I was there anticipating the arrival of my son, Kenneth Louis Kaner.

I walked up to your parents and introduced myself. They are so proud of you. Rest in Peace

Son of murdered CPD Officer Kenneth Kaner EOW June 19, 1970
Kurt Kaner

P.O Kaner
chicago police

September 9, 2016

Rest in Peace

K.Brooks
Houston Police Dept.

June 16, 2016

My condolences to Joe Airhart’s family, especially his parents and siblings. They have endured a long journey of suffering and pain, but were resolute in their hope and determination that Joe would recover and his quality of life would improve. Those of us who had the privilege of working with Joe and knowing him as a consummate professional and a good friend, were indeed blessed. I had that privilege for a considerable number of years, in various units throughout the Chicago Police Department (Vice, Narcotics, Area 2), and always knew him to be intelligent, street savvy, mature, courageous and supportive in the line of duty. Anyone who worked with him knew that he had your back and that he would do what it took to ensure your safety. He was called upon many times to conduct dangerous and difficult investigations, but he never complained nor did he ever shirk his responsibilities to the organization or his colleagues. He was, indeed, “the REAL police”. He expressed his love for this Department and his respect for the job in the manner in which he served and the unselfishness he exhibited in helping and supporting his fellow officers. As his partners and supervisors with whom he worked over the years will attest, he was someone they enjoyed working with and found it comforting to know that he knew his business. They also came to know him as a man of great humor, diverse interests (outside the job), and a man who had a true knowledge of self, independent and straightforward in his beliefs, and steadfast in his convictions, whether they were fashionable or not. Joe was an individual, and even if you disagreed with him, you were still bound to respect him. He used to enjoy collecting various mode ls and pictures of sharks, an animal that fascinated him. He used to even decorate a cubicle area that he was once assigned with a shark motif, along with pictures of his many travels abroad, his police friends, bosses and family. He used to talk with great wonder and excitement about his trip to Egypt and show you a picture of him sitting on a camel in the desert. He enjoyed downtime with his partners on and off duty. He also cherished his personal time. He looked forward to new opportunities to enjoy and experience new things which were a testament to his love of life and what it offered. It is a shame that his life was altered in the manner that it was, and that the end finally came after all this time. He fought a long, hard fight, something that you could readily expect from Joe. He struggled to return to his life, his family, and his chosen profession. There is some solace in the fact that it occurred while he was doing what he loved, in a chosen profession that requires considerable dedication and courage. But, either way, it is still a loss to his loving family and friends. He will be missed. He will be remembered. We who remain will continue to be dedicated to the job, in his memory, and in the spirit of pride with which he wore the uniform. His fellow officers, friends and family will not forget. God Bless You, Joe. We will miss you.

Detective Nicholas M Williams
Chicago Police Department

May 10, 2016

Gone but not forgotten brother

Officer Joe Seinitz
CPD

October 31, 2015

RIP BROTHER

Illinois Antique Emergency Vehicle Assn.

June 24, 2015

RIP Detective Airhart. 5 years ago today you gave the ultimate sacrifice for the people of Chicago and the people of the US. Thank you for your service.

Anonymous

November 4, 2013

You have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones.

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

November 4, 2013

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to watch over all of them and those brothers and sisters in blue still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer; Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

November 4, 2012

"the Souls of the Just are in the hands of God...."
Wisdom3:4

George Olifer(Ret) 12457
CPD

June 9, 2012

Rest in Peace, Detective Airhart. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

He was simply a mensch. He was a dream son, one that would do anything for his father before himself. Just a great human being. I did not know him well, but it was a true honor to have just have just met him for the few hours we connected on a couple of get togethers. I miss the chance of getting to know you better.

Hope you are in a better place!

Jordan Kagan
Friend

June 3, 2011

As the second anniversary of your passing nears i pause and reflect on all the good you did while as a Area 2 detective. It was an honor to serve with both as a P/O and as a detective. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Your memorial card will hang on the Area 2 bulletin board forever. Thank you for your service. We will never forget.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

November 1, 2010

Always remembered & honored 4 his service & his ultimate sacrifice. May the Lord continue to comfort his loved ones.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEOs

May 23, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the first anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the 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

Anonymous

November 5, 2009

To Det. Joseph Airhart Jr, his family and his fellow officers with the Chicago Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Det. Airhart’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Det. Airhart and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

November 4, 2009

Dad,
I miss you so very much! Sunday, I rode my bike with the Pedal for the Police from CPD Headquarters for the first time. It was great to be out on the lakefront. Reminded me of the times you let me sit on your lap as a child and drive the Corvette with you. I thought I was all big and bad. A group of officers rode across the state for all the fallen officers. Your name was placed on a band and worn by some of the riders. They traveled for 4 days to make it to Chicago where we greeted them and joined them on the final stretch to Gold Star Family Park. Your memory is never forgotten by them. Your spirit and words of wisdom rest in my heart and mind. I love you. Mom and I went to check on the family. We have a lot of work to do. It's just so different you not being there period. God blessed us with those 7 years but sometimes I wish we had more. I miss not being able to hold your hand and tell you my latest adventures. I am taking care of mom. Getting ready to close on a new home soon. I still see you guiding me even from the grave on my important decisions.

Love you always!!!

Melissa
daughter

July 22, 2009

Detective, I was fortunate enough to be able to run the National Police Week 5K yesterday in Washington D.C. and was honored to find that I was running in memory of you. May your family always know that you are not now nor will you ever be forgotten. Rest in Peace Warrior.

DUSM
US Marshals Service

May 17, 2009

I would like to take a moment to express, during this,
National Police Week, my sincere appreciation for your service to the City in which I was born.

As you soar through the Heavens above, may your family/friends and brothers have peace in their hearts.

Detective Joseph M. Airhart Jr., I HONOR and I SALUTE YOU!
+Rest in Peace+

Lisa Gagliano

May 17, 2009

I will be going to Springfield soon to see your name placed on the memorial. It will be a sad day. You were always a gentleman and a great cop. May God keep you always in his hands.

Retired Sgt. K. Brozynski

Retired Sgt. K. Brozynski
CPD

April 25, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

God bless you and all who mourn you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

February 28, 2009