Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

P/O PAWLOWSKI, RIP BROTHER, YOUR DAY IS DONE. GOD WILL KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY CLOSE TO HIM ALWAYS \\...AND A DAY. JOB WELL DONE.

sgt #815
phila. pd

February 14, 2009

For Police Officer John Pawlowski:

It has happened again. A law officer is cut-down by a thug and a punk. A suspected robber. Each of us who wears a badge knows it will not be the last. We cringe at the thought, but our experience tells us that by some deception or artifice the most craven will take yet another law officer's life again. And, again. We dare not predict a gun will be produced, we dare not shoot first as we might be labeled trigger-happy, or even savage, or brutal. Some even believe that we should not fire unless someone fires on us. As if we are incapable of being hit on the first attempt to kill us.

When a law officer confronts anyone who is suspicous or is breaking the law the potential to be shot down by surprise is there -- maybe a gun will not be produced openly -- maybe the suspect will, as in this case, simply shoot through his clothing while he holds a pocketed handgun. Shoot by surprise, while hidden, using artifice and trick. This is what cowards do.

A newspaper account of Officer Pawlowski's shooting reports of a by-stander, both innocent and honest, stating that police officers on the scene later were: "...walking around dazed like they couldn't believe what happend.." (Phila. Daily News, 2-14-09, Pg. 14.) The person making the comment, though, was purely mistaken -- and certainly free of any transgression. These officers were neither dazed nor in disbelief. Such adjectives do not apply here. What appeared as "dazed" is really numbness to the pain. Shutting-out the reality of looking into the street - down at the blood - of our brother - John. Knowing that, unless we get a grip and do what we have to do, we might never bring justice in this case to prevail. Unless we do our job right, we might never be able to face his family. To ensure that, while we might not bring back John's life, we will find and successfully prosecute his killer. We cannot do this dazed. It implies that we are blinded, or confused, or inattentive. We simply will not allow ourselves to be so. We are in pursuit our brother's killer. We are solidly focused. We are bent on doing what needs to be done. Correctly. Honestly. And, with all our might. We will do this. We always have. We will do it again. And, again. Forever.

Officer John Pawlowski has not died in vain. He represents the best in law officers among us. Whom-ever and where-ever we are. No matter what department. No matter what city or what state. He has set, once again, the standard for what any of us who enforce the law could hope to be. A proud and valiant soldier of the law. One who would lay down his life rather than swerve from his duty. He was a cop among cops and a hero among heros. He is our brother. And, we will not forget him.

To Police Officer John Pawlowski I render a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

February 14, 2009

OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO ALL WHO MOURN THE LOSS OF OFFICER PAWLOWSKI. MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU DURING THIS CRISIS IN YOUR LIFE. OFFICER PAWLOWSKI, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

February 14, 2009

God Bless Brother. Rest in Peace.

Sgt. Jay Castonguay
Lakeville Police, MN

February 14, 2009

Rest In Peace, Officer Pawlowski.

Lt T Carr
NYPD

February 14, 2009

I thank you and your family for your service. You absence is felt by many. God be with you and your family.

Officer Daniel Beal
Chino Valley Police Dept AZ

February 14, 2009

Rest in Peace Sir.....................

Officer Thomas Wiederhold #1890
Fort Worth Texas PD

February 14, 2009

R.I.P. Off. Pawlowski, my thoughts and prayers are with your family and brothers and sisters of the PPD

Detective
Muhlenberg Twp. PA

February 14, 2009

John I am sorry for your loss. I did not know Jr. but it is clear he followed in dad's footsteps. He like his dad was a class act. A real gentleman of the highest fiber. A true loss for this world but I know God welcomed him with open arms.

Retired from SVU
Worked for Lt. John Pawlowski

February 14, 2009

Thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country sir-May the Lord be with you and your family-Godspeed

Lieutenant Mark Moyle
McKinney Texas Police Department

February 14, 2009

Rest now, Officer Pawlowski. Sleep. Your fine work is done.

We will continue on in your memory and the memory of those who have gone before you.

Rest in Peace, my brother.

Chief of Police Christopher Brous
WSSC PD

February 14, 2009

Rest in Peace, Brother. You were a funny kid with a sense of humor. I'll keep you, your wife and unborn child, your retired father, your active brother and cousin, and the rest of your people in my prayers.
No one "will slap you with 18's"....an inside joke your friends will get. God Bless.

P/O Joseph Leighthardt
Philadelphia Police

February 14, 2009

"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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

February 14, 2009

RIP Brother.

P/O 2731

February 14, 2009

To Officer John Pawlowski, to all family members and friends who call him beloved, and to his law enforcement family at Philadelphia Police Dept:

I was heartbroken to learn of yesterday's tragic events and extend my sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you have suffered. Words are insufficient to describe the sadness I feel for the Pawlowski family. May you find comfort in your faith and the support of the law enforcement community.

There are many police survivors who share this same journey with you, and that community will be there to support you. Paul's memory will be forever honored and revered. It is obvious his family has been committed to serving and protecting, and that is a wonderful legacy.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service John gave to the Philadelphia community and the citizens of Pennsylvania, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 13, 2009.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD, eow 4/24/05.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 14, 2009

Ye hero young, having stood the cause for brothers and sisters, may your Longboat be launched and fired well in calm waters, the ember smoke lifting soul to heavens as on wings of hawks, soaring to final reward.

Thank you.

Aloha Ka Kou

Sean Ross

Sean Ross Retired
Honolulu Police Department (Former)

February 14, 2009

May our God reward you in the heaven for doing His work. We'll keep up the good fight here in this place. May our God hold your family and brothers/sister close in this time of great tragedy.

Police Officer Brian Barnes
Upper Allen Police Department

February 14, 2009

I am saddened to hear of another officer losing his life while just trying to do his job. My prayers are with his family, friends, and the Philadelphis Police Department. God Bless you Officer Pawlowski.

Jennifer Bell Huntsville AL
Mother of a Police Officer

February 14, 2009

Rest in peace brother. Condolences and sympathies to your family and to your Agency that has been suffering way too many tragic losses.

SGT Wayne Smith
Palmer Township (PA) Police

February 14, 2009

I can not write this reflection without many tears. Officer John, you are a hero and my thoughts and condolences and prayers are for you and your family, your wife and unborn baby and your Police Family. I want to thank you for all your hard work and your bravery and your sacrifices that you gave to the people of Philly. You will never be forgotten And I am going to ask God above to please please help our Philadelphia Police with another tragedy, with another loss of one of their brothers. This has to stop- seven Philadelphia Police heros have given their lives in the last two years. God Bless you Officer John as you now sleep in God's Love and in His Arms.
With respect and prayers
Kathi Halligan Philadelphia PA wife and mom of Philly Police Officers

Kathi Halligan
Philadelphia

February 14, 2009

Officer Pawlowski, may St. Michael greet you at the Gates of Heaven because you served well to keep the public safe where the devil wreaks havoc. May You Enjoy Your Reward of Eternal Peace with God.

Richard M. Popielarz, Social Worker II
Philadelphia Department of Human Services

February 14, 2009

You took this job to bring PEACE into your community and It took you too soon! May you find Peace in your heart and your family. Watch over your family. You are there HERO in BLUE. Thank you for a job well done. Rest in Peace now......................Mahalo!

Mother of Fallen Officer J.A.Barber EOW 08-13-06

Lorna A. Ring
Mother of Fallen Officer Joselito A. Barber SPD WA EOW 08-13-06

February 14, 2009

THE THIN BLUE LINE

Among us, sent down from heaven,
Are those that walk a Thin Blue Line, that's a given.
Like Guardian Angels to watch over me and you,
Are those that wear the uniform of blue.
We see them only as traffic stops,
We do not call them friends, just cops.
We pray we never have a chance meeting,
We never pass along a greeting.
But they are so much more than this,
They simply do not see the world as bliss.
But they look into the corners of our deepest fears,
They walk the beat, they wipe a tear.
They bring a message to our home,
When all is not well, and you are alone.
They come to us, no matter the need,
Handle the problem, complete the deed.
They lay their personal feelings aside,
They do their job, they have great pride.
And if one should fall, among life's things.
The badge they wear, turns into wings.

You are warrior and a hero!! Rest easy brother.

Officer Charles Leeds
Norristown PD

February 14, 2009

Thank you for putting your life on the line to protect the innocent. Your actions will not be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the your family and brothers and sisters of the Philadelphia Police Dept. Rest easy brother, we'll take it from here.

Police Officer
Syracuse PD

February 14, 2009

Another tragic loss, god bless

Thomas
North Wales Police

February 14, 2009