Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I can remember when I first met Sergeant Jan Brinkers. His shield number was 586 of the New York City Housing Authority Police Department. He was the Sergeant assigned to Williamsburg Housing Projects. He was extremely friendly with all of the tenants who lived in the Projects.
I remember him and Police Officers Richard Ott, McNeil, McClane, rane, Captain John Falon who was the Command Captain of the BROOKLYN RICHMOND HOUSING AUTHORITY POLICE COMMAND.
I remember when he was promoted to Lieutenant.
Of course back then I was just a kid. However our PROJECT threw him a Party in recognition for his valuable service to our community in the Ten Eyck Walk COMMUNITY CENTER. It was because of him I decided to join the UNITED STATES NAVY
I Think that it was a great mistake for Mayor Guiliani to COMPLETELY DISBAND THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY POLICE DEPARTMENT AND MERGE THEM INTO THE NYPD.
Housing Police were unique because they were COMMUNITY ORIENTED and knew everyone who lived in the Projects and surrounding areas by their names.
I still remember that night when Jan Brinkers was killed.
May he REST IN PERPETUAL PEACE.
Signal 10-13 Police Officer shot what UNITS are responding K....

GEORGE MILLER
UNITED STATES NAVY RETIRED

June 16, 2021

Lt. Brinkers,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for the citizens of New York City but but for our Country as well when you served with the USAR. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 4, 2021

Thinking of you today Jan. You were loved!!
Your nephews John and Michael Diaz miss you. You were the best hard to believe it’s 40 years ☘️

Christine
Sister-in-law

May 4, 2021

Rest In Peace

Mark Mottola

May 4, 2020

Rest in peace brother.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

May 4, 2018

I was assigned as his driver on several occasions. Even as a Lt. he was a no nonsense street cop. He was a true hero. R.I.P. Sir

Ret. Lt. Bill Miley
HAPD

May 4, 2017

Lt Brinkers I started the police academy on the day you were murdered. I was fortunate enough to retire after 29 years. You are a true HERO and should not be forgotten. Rest in peace brother in blue.

Senior Investigator II L. Fauth
RCDA

July 30, 2016

It was my honor to research newspapers, books and magazines and finally find your ID Card Photo and make sure your photo was put on this site. I wanted to put a face to your heroism in the Line of Duty. I did the research because you are a brother officer and no matter how many years past, you will always be remembered. Rest Easy Hero.

APO Christian Durante
NYPD: 68th Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit

February 5, 2016

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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 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
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 10, 2013

I walked through an Antique Store today and found an item of a Hero in uniform with a child grabbing his left arm. The Hero stood proud there proud while he held a Flag in his right arm.
As I approached it I noticed a dedication at the bottom. It was dedicated to a Lt. Jan Brinker, NYPD's Housing Authority. I did not know this Lt. but as a LEO myself I couldn't just walk away and leave it sitting there. So I purchased it and gave it a new home.
RIP LT.
To all of us out there protecting the public, be safe always.

MDPD,
Rodriguez

Police Officer Rodriguez
MDPD

March 1, 2012

God bless you Lieutenant Brinkers. You will never be forgotten.

Lieutenant
NYPD

May 4, 2010

Your sacrifice will not be forgotten LT...God bless....

Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

July 9, 2009

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

Robyn Wilkes

April 21, 2009

When I was sick and fighting heart disease you were there to help. I will never forget your kindness.We graduated in 1966 together.

Sgt. Robert Barbieri
NYCHAPD Retired

March 27, 2009

Lt.Brinkers looked out for me when I was relatively new on the job. I had an opportunity to repay him by being involved in the investigation that ultimately was responsible for the apprehension of the perp/s. We miss you,Lt. Rest in peace.

Sgt.Marty Miller(Ret)
NYCHAPD

May 6, 2008

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NHV

May 5, 2008

Lt. Brinkers,
On today, the 27th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the U.S. Army Reserve. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

May 4, 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 19, 2007

Jan was a great Lieutenant, always there for the cops. I miss him, a good guy.

Captain Floyd Berry
NYCHAPD

March 19, 2007

GOD BLESS YOU

Detective Jim Mulligan
NYPD

May 4, 2006

Rest in peace, sir. You are not forgotten...........

December 17, 2005

May God continue to grant you eternal rest and bring comfort and peace to your loved ones.

January 12, 2005

Police Officers are part of a brotherhood that others will never know! Take care, Lt. Brinkers, we've got the watch from here!

Ofc. Culver, RJ
Holly Hill Police Department, Volusia County, FL

Ofc. Culver, RJ
Holly Hill Police Department

November 22, 2003