Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember when Officer Joe Brodnik was murdered, vividly. A year later I became a sworn member of the SFPD. Worked at Southern and then Central station. I worked under Sgt Ed Fowlie at Central Station. His Dad Sgt Charley Fowlie was at the scene of the shooting. I know as I have a picture of it. Ironically later I became a personal friend of his daughter Colleen.

Gary Dixon
SFPD #1956

May 19, 2022

Officer Brodnik,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of San Francisco. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

May 1, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 1, 2018

Never forgotten.

1614 Retired Member
SFPD

August 29, 2017

Wow this is very difficult. I new joe up close and personal. He was my stepfathers partner for decades. I still have great internal emotions when I think of Joe. Im 57 now thats a hell of a good mark to leave with someone. Thank you Joe.

Staff Seargent U.S.M.C. 76-82 Zechariah
None.

February 17, 2016

I didn't know Joe Brodnik.
I did know his daughter Colleen and I met his son Joe jr.

I would love to hear from Colleen again after so many years.
I owned H.Pini & Co. in Novato
Colleen was a good friend.

Robin Morton
Kalispell, Montana

Robin Morton
Friend of daughter Colleen

October 27, 2015

My name is George Jaeger and John Crosby was married to my Aunt Lorraine (my mothers sister) I lived in San Francisco and Johnny Crosby used to take me fishing at muni pier and then we would go with my aunt to Joe's house for dinner. My mother Evelyn knew the whole family from 40's and 50's. I became a police Officer for three Departments over my career. Joe was a very intelligent and good man. It was a hot day and he had taken off his coat. He didn't want his gun and badge to show so he left them in the car when he approached the suspects. His partner continued to wear his coat and gun. In the struggle one of them grabbed Joe's partners gun, a S&W 41 Magnum and shot Joe. The last memory of Joe was on the KPIX news with him on his back dead with his right leg bent vertical to the ground. I was a pall bearer at his funeral.

Patrolman/Detective
Mt. View/SCCSO?SJPD

April 18, 2014

I met Joe Brodnik in San Francisco in Dec 1952 at the home of my first aunt Jessie,( born an Allan ) in Scotland and daughter Jessie Crosby who I heard he married later. Young Jessie had 5 older brothers. ..I was on my honeymoon from Montreal via Texas & California to British Columbia to work. I lost touch with them and recently traced our Allan ancestry back to Scotland. So if they had any children they may be interested in their Scottish Heritage. Can go back to 1829 so far. If any one still is in touch with their descendants,they can contact me in Austin Tx.. I am now 87 yrs old and in reasonable health.

N/A. Reserved occupation,N. Ireland.
First cousin in law.

November 28, 2013

My parents were good friend of Joe's and his family. I used to be so scared of policemen, then Joe came into my life. I was about 7 years old when I first met him, maybe even younger. I wouldn't go near him, he carried a gun and it petrified me. Then one day he came over without his gun and showed me his badge. It was so shiny I couldn't resist wanting to hold it. So I looked at it, then looked at Joe. He was smiling, it was right there and then I decided I was in love.

From that moment on, whenever I would see him he knew I would want to sit on his lap or very near him for hours.

Joe was one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever met. From that moment on I loved policemen.

I can't help but wonder if my marrying a policeman had anything to do with Joe. I'm sure it did.

When I heard of his passing I just remember crying so hard and for a very long time.

Still miss you Joe. But you will always live in my heart.

Vicki McAffee
Petaluma, CA

August 11, 2013

I knew Joe from a mutual friend, Rick Marshall who was a strggling movie producer out of wilseyville. HE will always be remembered for his decisive readiness to assist those in need.

I remember stories of how he would share a quick story of crazies he had encountered while on his job. Like the time they thought they had the zodiac killer from a drunken eyewitness who turns out to be on an episode of law and order and matlock lol! The guy usually plays secondhand parts as a homeless drunk, Joe would have laughed at that I can just imagine.

I guess he is in heaven still on the LOOKOUT.

A. Carcano
Golden, Colorado

A. Carcano
friend of a friend

March 24, 2013

a tragic loss,To this day It still enrages me that as a community and a legal system we have failed this man who gave his life for this community.How the kind of scum that have been allowed to migrate to our city still to this day thirty years latter those punks have not all been brought to justice and have grown in numbers on our streets,I salute and honor your efforts Joe,May you rest in peace,and may your efforts not be in vain

George Kelly Akin U.S.Army spec.5 recon
retired

January 31, 2013

A tragic loss,to our community and all who knew and loved him

George Kelly Akin U.S.Army spec.5 recon
retired

January 31, 2013

My heart still hurts after Joe's passing, my dad worked at a furniture store with Joe prior to his becoming a ploice officer, who lived in a apartment across the street from the store, they were good friends having hunting as a common interest.
I remember seeing Joe many times and as a twelve year old looked up to Joe as he was so friendly and nice that it left a lasting impression on me. My dad was crushed when Joe died and mourned his loss greatly, he lost a friend and a hunting buddy!
my thoughts and prayers to joe's wife and children

Rich Stryker
Friend

August 28, 2012

I have never forgotten you,my cousin Joseph Brodnik..you were my idol but we never got a chance to spend much time with you and your brother Roy..I'm so glad to have found this site to express my sorrow,and at the same time,feel very proud to be related to you. My mother and me were at the services held for you..meeting Annie and Roy...you will never be forgotten.

Robert Ponikvar
First cousin

April 22, 2012

My uncle, a good Police Officer.

George Jaeger

Patrolman
San Jose police Department

April 15, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Brodnik. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 22, 2012

I did not know Joseph Brodnick, but his dedication and sacrifice is not forgotten. God bless him and his family. He lives on in hearts of his family, friends and fellow officers.

anonymous
citizen

January 15, 2012

Thank you to everyone who has written. It was breathtaking to hear all these stories. It took my 16 year old to show me this site. Thank you for remembering my father after all these years and God Bless!
Joey, Renee' and Trae Brodnik

Joey Brodnik Jr.
Son

November 3, 2011

RIP Grandfather I never met you but i still miss you

Trae Brodnik
Grandson

November 3, 2011

To The Family of Officer Brodnik:
I wanted to offer my sympathies on your tragic death. You will be missed by your family, friends and colleagues. The courage and bravery you displayed that day will never be forgotten. My dad was a longtime New York City Policeman with the 102 precinct. Rest in peace Officer Brodnik and Olav Hashalom.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 2, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th 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 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.

I am sorry that your family did not receive the full measure of justice deserved for your brutal murder. How proud you must be that your family continued your legacy of serving and protecting.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 1, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, AS ALWAYS, THIS WRITER IS DISAPPOINTED THAT JUSTICE WAS NOT SERVED ON YOUR BEHALF. YOU ARE A HERO SIR JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 1, 2008

we honor Joe's sacrifice and that of his family to keep peace and preserve order in his community. his service was recently brought to our attention in an excellent article that begins on page 25 in the 1/22/07 edition of the Weekly Standard. It in part chronicles Officer Brodnicks life before, detailing the events of his death and the shocking reaction by some members of the "community" who made the defendants in his murder a cause celeb. their names are forgotten and they are inconsequential as their lives meant nothing. it is Joe, his memory and his son who will live on contributing to our society.

citizen

January 28, 2007

I never knew Officer Brodnick but I have heard many stories of him from his son Bob. Bob and I were roommates in the US Navy while stationed at Skaggs Island, north of San Francisco. Bob and I became very good friends and he invited me to his home a couple times. On one visit, I had the opportunity to meet some of officer Brodnicks fellow officers. I'll always remember how proud they were to have worked with and been a friend of Officer Brodnick.

I know Officer Brodnick was missed very much by his family and I will always hold Bob and his family very close to my heart because, for me, it was a true pleasure to have this officer's family.

Tommy Clifton
Anniston, Alabama

December 11, 2006

I was one of the jurors at this trial back in 1970, and have never
forgotten this case. These young hoodlams were as guilty as sin for your
death and we could not get all the jurors to agree on their guilt. They
were re-tried and some went to prison. I understand a couple have been
killed in prison and can only say that partial justice was reached. If I live
to be 100 I will never forget this case nor the wrong verdict. I hope your
family has found peace.

Anonymous

September 18, 2003