Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was in the 3rd grade and I remember vividly Officer Jantzen coming into our class to talk about the D.A.R.E program. First experience I ever had with an officer and unfortunately my first time dealing with the death of somebody I knew. I went to Sawmill in Commack NY and I remember the six trees the school planted for him out front during a giant memorial ceremony that the whole school showed up for. Those trees have done a lot of growing in the last 20 plus years. Everytime I pass them I think of him. His family should take great pride for the impact he made on this earth during his short time he was unfortunately given. I know he will forever remain in my memories and I am sure that rings true with anyone who had the privilege of meeting him. Continue to Rest In Peace Officer Jantzen

Chris Minton
D.A.R.E Graduate

August 11, 2023

Uncle Jak, 30 years since I’ve gotten to swing a hammer with you. All though I was only 11 our time together, I remember to this day. You had so much more love and goodness to share.
Thank you for your sacrifice and thanks you for your love.

Horseboy
Captain FDNY

April 21, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Jantzen.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 21, 2020

Officer Jantzen was my D.A.R.E teacher when I was 10 years old. I will never forget how nice he was. As a child it was first encounter with death. I remember the ceremony they held at my school for him. You are the wind beneath my wings was the song they played. I ended up becoming an Airborne Military Police Officer. And will always remember this brave man.

Robert Como
G4S Secure Solutions

October 20, 2019

THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE THAT A VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPE WAS DONATED IN YOUR MEMORY TO THE SUFFOLK COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT TO HELP SAVE LIVES

RAYMOND MASCOLO CHIEF CONSULTING SURGEO
SCPD

July 13, 2018

I remember it like it was yesterday. R.I.P.

Andrew McLoughlin
Suffolk County Park Police (ret)

April 22, 2014

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

August 22, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 17, 2012

Officer Jantzen,
On today, the 21st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Suffolk County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

April 21, 2012

Officer Jantzen was my 6th grade DARE teacher. I believe if everyone in America had someone like him as their first introduction to law enforcement the world would be a much better place. I am now the same age as he was when he was shot. He remains in my thoughts as a committed worker and a kind person. My deepest sympathies to his family and I hope that he remains in your hearts and is honored always.

Brian Botticelli
DARE Student

November 13, 2011

Twenty years ago God called you home.
A valiant young man with a badge
yet a true hero without one.
We were fortunate to know you,
To share laughs and make memories together.
Jack, you were one of the best:
bright, funny, thoughtful & kind.
You watched out for those who needed a hand
and gave it with that great smile of yours.
You have been greatly missed!!
May your beloved family take comfort
You are surely watching over them today,
especially your precious son.
We will remember you always in our prayers.
God bless you friend, till we meet again.

SCPD
Police Academy Class #85-91

April 21, 2011

Jack...I can't believe it as been almost 20 years my friend. I think about you every day. You are still the brother I never had. My biggest hope is that my 2 boys will find someone in their lives that will teach them how to be who they are (and so much more) like you taught me. I miss you so much.

...not to mention I am about to rip my roof, and I could still use your wisdom, shortcuts, humor, guidance, friendship, and so much more :-) I'll pick up the turkey and swiss on rye with mayo and the large iced tea for both of us. it is on me this time. I will be sure to bring the spotlights in case we work into the night. Thank you for everything.

Donny Don

July 17, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 21, 2010

Rest in Peace Brother, you are not forgotten.

SPO
Salem, VA

April 21, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Jantzen and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

April 14, 2009

I only knew Jack briefly while he worked at a teen disco I hung out at in the late '70's I was a teen with very low self esteem. Jack and I sat outside against his VW bumper and told me that I deserved to be treated with respect and dignity. Those words might as well have been carved in gold to me. To this day I remember how he helped me through some difficult teenage times with just a few minutes of his time that impacted my whole life. I never got a chance to see him again after moving. Never got to thank him. A decade went by and that was the next time I heard about him, with his tragic loss. Jack was a wonderful person, I am proud to have known him briefly. I am not surprised that he died a hero, coming to the aid of someone in trouble. The only explaination why God would take him is that he needed an angel in Heaven. Thank you Jack...may you rest in eternal peace.
Terri

Friend

February 12, 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 20, 2007

Giving your life to protect other's, OFF DUTY no less. You have brought much honor to our department. Thankyou for your sacrifice Officer Jantzen. We will never forget you.

R.M P.O
SCPD

September 10, 2006

I had the honor of knowing this man. He was my DARE education teacher when I was just 11 years old. Having lost my father at the age of 4 whom was a retired NYC police officer, I understand this terrible loss. Officer Jantzen was a good man, and will always be remembered by me. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this true American hero. God Bless.

H. B.
former D.A.R.E. Student

June 10, 2006

To Officer John Jantzen and his loved ones:

On this the fifteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with your family. You’re all in our thoughts and our prayers.

John, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer John Jantzen. I am so humbled by your valor and courage. Reading the reflections left by your son gives us some insight into what an honorable man and good father you were.

Your death also had to so difficult for your brother who was the first responder.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service John gave to his community and the citizens of New York, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 21, 1991.

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

April 21, 2006

Thank you for your service. We need more people to step up to help others when things are bad. I have prayed today that God continues to bless your family, friends and department. The residents of Suffolk County were blessed to have you serving that community.

Officer
Chesterfield County Police Department

April 21, 2006

You are my inspiration! Not a day goes by that I don't think about all the great things you have brought to this world and what a terrible tragedy it was to lose you. You have touched more lives than you could ever imagine.

We miss you uncle Jak!

Love,


Ryan

Ryan Jantzen

August 18, 2005

we miss you and are thinking about you

Jak Jantzen
Three village Central school District

April 21, 2005

REST IN PEACE.

PO T.CARDNO
PAPD

February 23, 2005

We love you, miss you and DEFINITELY have not forgotten you

I am proud of you

Jak Jantzen J.R.
Three village Central School District

January 29, 2005