Oakland Police Department, California
End of Watch Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Reflections for Police Officer John Raymond Hege
Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.
Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:
“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]
[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]
And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
January 9, 2024
Thank you for your dedication and hard work for the people of California. Police Officer John Raymond Hege will always be remembered. May your soul forever Rest in Peace.
Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"
December 29, 2023
Rest in peace Officer Hege.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 26, 2022
May you rest in eternal peace. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten, or in vain. Godspeed.
Ofc. Zaragosa
PPD
March 21, 2022
Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
March 21, 2021
I still think of you often my friend. We had some great times reffing at Stanley and JM, sharing some great stories and lots of laughs. You will never be forgotten John.
Tom Vogel
Friend of John
July 26, 2020
We went to Piedmont High School together and we played on the same football team
James ecker
Same high school
June 1, 2020
I'm running in honor of you today. God bless you and your family.
Ret Sgt C Perea
May 8, 2020
I don't remember a whole lot from my high school days, but this day is one memory that will stay with me forever, clear as water. I was driving by Seminary Av. when I saw all the units rolling code and had a gut feeling something bad had happened, and that feeling was confirmed by the news later that evening. As a new LEO, this memory has always subconsciously influenced my drive to be an officer. May you and the other three officers rest easy, and we'll hold the watch from here.
J. Duong
Alameda Police
May 2, 2020
I was looking at the Wall of Honor today at OPD HQ. Seeing your name and the names of your three other fallen brothers from that horrible incident ten years ago was difficult. I hope you and your family know that you are not forgotten.
Police Officer K Shum
Stockton School Police
January 30, 2020
John was my “Bodyguard” while I worked for the Raiders and transported money and diffused bar fights. He always had my back. He was so sweet and kind and always made sure we were safe. Plus he was a lot of fun and I miss him still.
Holly Peters
Levy
July 1, 2019
Officer Hege,
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 Oakland. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station
March 24, 2019
Scripture assures us that, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called [children] of God.” Matthew 5:9 ESV and “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 ESV.
Rev. Dr. Steven Robert Closs, DD, MSBS
Licensed & Ordained Independent Christian Minister
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
“An Intercessory Prayer Ministry for Law Enforcement”
Chartered by the National Association of Christian Ministers
Merrimack, NH 03054
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DD, MSBS
Merrimack NH Police Department
July 29, 2018
Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.
Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA
March 24, 2018
Officer Hege has not been forgotten. May his soul continue to rest in peace.
First Sergeant Tom Webb, Retired
New York State Police
January 24, 2018
Hey John. We miss you bud. Thank you for everything you did for me. Please know that even after you were taken from us you saved lives.
Rest well!
Charles OConnor, Sergeant (ret)
Oakland Police Department
March 21, 2017
You always served in whatever form possible. You made the greatest sacrifice. You and your fellow officers Sgts Sakai, Romans, and Dunakin could have served anywhere, but you chose to serve where you were needed most. God bless you and your family. You will always be remembered.
Los Angeles Citizen
California Citizen
November 3, 2016
You are always missed John. Though you have been avenged it doesn't lessen our loss. SYOTOS my brother (parade wave).
Officer/ Investigator Dave Wong. Oaklan
Oakland Police Department
August 8, 2016
Rest in Peace
K.Brooks
Houston Police Dept.
June 16, 2016
Seven years have passed since that horrific day. The filth who murdered you is a smear on the history of the Oakland Police Department, you Sir, are an honored hero. It would have been better if you were still here and simply a good guy doing his job.
God Bless you Officer Hege and may your eternal rest continue to be Peaceful.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
March 21, 2016
i was only 15 when this infamous day happened, your sacrifice led me to pursue the field of a police officer. i thank you men for your duty to the city of Oakland. rest in peace officers
Travis Amezquita
Criminal justice Major University of dubuque
February 22, 2016
You will never be forgotten my brother..rest in peace.
Deputy Probation Officer
Amador County Probation Department
October 26, 2015
Not a day goes by that you and the others don't cross my mind. Miss you. Time will not ever diminish your sacrifice.
Officer Nickola Deal
Oakland Police Department
May 20, 2015
Let us never forget Officer Hege. 3/24/2015
Deborah Aracic
family friend
March 25, 2015
Officer Hege,
I thank you for dedicated services and the bravery you have provided to the City Of Oakland. It is a horrible tragity that took place amoung you, Sergeants Sakai, Romans, and Dunakin. May the 4 of you Rest In Peace.
Security Officer Nguyen
HealthCare Security Services
March 24, 2015
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