Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Bracken,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 12, 2023

Thank you for all your reflections over the years
I think of John everyday he will always be with me. He was the love of my life .
It is had to believe that it has been 50 yrs.

Rest In Peace
Sept. 12,1973

Clara M Bracken
Wife of John Bracken

September 11, 2023

Today marks 50 years since you left us, Dad. You are always in my heart.

Renee Yeager
Daughter

September 11, 2023

My father served on the JCPD with officer Bracken. My dad, Timothy O’Connor, passed away 10 years ago and his most prized possession was his St. Michael’s necklace in honor of Officer Bracken. My understanding is that his wife gave them to the people on his team. This same necklace is now my most prized possession. Happy Father’s Day to Officer Bracken and my dad in heaven. I’m sending all of my love to Officer Bracken’s family. Thank you for you.

Lee O'Connor
Daughter of a fellow officer

June 18, 2023

Rest in peace Officer Bracken.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 15, 2020

Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 12, 2020

I think about you all the time, Dad. As I read reflections posted here almost 50 years after you left us, my heart is full knowing you were loved by so many. I'm grateful to be your daughter even though our time together was short.

Renee Bracken Yeager
Daughter

August 11, 2020

It's hard to believe it has been 46 years since I attended your wake as a young man to pay my respects to your family and my Aunt Harriet Bracken Tarrant. Your untimely death did not deter me from entering the police profession. Your sacrifice is not forgotten and has been an inspiration to me. RIP brother.

Capt. Daniel Tarrant (Retired)
Carteret NJPD

December 12, 2019

Officer Bounocore is my grandfathers brother and the fact that you passed away on the same day makes me twice as sad. Thank you for protecting the city Rest In Peace.

Hayden Vitz

February 20, 2019

It's now been 45 years since you tragically passed away due to the motorcycle accident. I find is especially tragic that you passed away on the same day as Officer Buonocore was murdered. What a horrible blow for the Jersey City Police Department. To lose two fine and dedicated Police Officers on the same day must have been overwhelming for your Brothers and Sisters on the job.

I'm so very pleased to see that your family has left reflections. So long as they keep you in their hearts and minds, you're never truly gone from them.

Officer Bracken, God Bless you and may your eternal rest be and always remain peaceful.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

September 12, 2018

Missing you Dad and wishing you were still here. Love you always!

Jennifer
Daughter

September 12, 2014

I just returned from Ocean Grove for the NJ Police Memorial & was in DC last week for the national memorial. Of course I was remembering the officers that I have buried over these past 15 years, but I also remember John & Casper. You see, my father was their commander. On 9/12/73, my dad came home extremely upset because John had succumbed to his injuries. Then, later in the evening, he was called out because of Casper.

Chaplain Kevin Carter
Jersey City

May 20, 2014

It's hard to believe 40 years has passed. You and Casper are in my prayers

Lt Don Guth.
JCPD. retired

September 12, 2013

Your father sacrificed so much but he is watching over you as he did the people he protected. God bless you and your family.

Dep. Kevin Bracke
Broward SO.

April 30, 2013

Thinking of you today and wishing I had had the opportunity to know you longer than just two years of my life...miss and love you Dad.

Jennifer Bracken Cook
Daughter

September 12, 2012

Missing you today, Dad, as yet another year passes without you. You are in my heart always.

Renee Bracken Yeager
Daughter

September 12, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 117th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen office Larry Lasater

September 12, 2010

John,

You will never be forgotten your Friend, Brother and Classmate.

Tim

Timothy Dowd, Detective Retired
Jersey City Police Department

September 12, 2010

John,
You were a friend before the "job", and a friend on the "job". We cried the night away at Narrowbacks, when we heard that you and Caspar had died. I've never forgoten you. God Bless You.
Allan

Allan Mac Donald
Former JCPD and friend

June 19, 2008

REST IN PEACE BROTHER

PO R MURAWINSKI
PORT AUTHORITY POLICE

April 15, 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 12, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer D.Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

September 12, 2006

i never got to know you....God Bless you always

john
nephew

May 15, 2006

A Brother in Blue Always....

From the first day in the Police Academy to the dreary day of your untimely death, you were inspiring. Your quick wit, broad smile and friendship will never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace Brother John.

Det. Timothy "Tim" Dowd (Retired)
Jersey City Police Department

March 8, 2006

We are so fortunate that for us the battles are for the most part spiritual, and we do not face death as a test of our conviction. I will always remember you and the fun times we shared. You are always in my prayers.

Jack Carr

John Carr

December 2, 2005