Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I had just joined the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office a few days after this incident. I’m amazed they never caught the guy. I remember hearing they knew who the murderer was, the Department just didn’t have enough information to prosecute him. Maybe cold case needs to take another look.

Sgt. D. E. Luke
Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office

April 1, 2024

I am sorry that your killer was never apprehended brother. I hope that karma gave him what he deserves.

S/F

Detective Sameer Khan Fairfax County PD

April 16, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Buckley.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 13, 2020

Warrior!!!

Anonymous
Anonymous

April 15, 2018

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 24, 2016

Rest in peace, Officer Buckley.

39 years have passed since you were shot and killed in the line of duty. Thank you for being the man you were, thank you for your service and most of all thank you for your Valor. I count among my friends men like you and I wish you were with us today. Your sacrifice is not forgotten, your impact has not diminished and your legacy lives on.

Major Todd Yeatts, USMC (ret.)
Chairman, Arlington Chamber of Commerce

April 15, 2016

Your agency should be working to solve your murder 24/7; this is a solvable homicide with a known actor involved in your murder. Your dedication to your department and community are greatly admired; your sacrifice and your commitment to public safety can never be expressed in words. I would give a years pay to be able to work on your murder. I will pray that someone in your agency will do just that and solve it.

Captain Glenn E. kresge
Delaware Health and Social Services

January 30, 2014

John exemplified all the best qualities of not only a police officer but human being. He always had a moment to say Hi with his broad smile. He had finished testifying in traffic court and returned his 'officer's accident notes' to me. We exchanged cordial salutations and he took the elevator down to head home.

As fate would have it, a cherished friend of mine was one of the victim tellers at the bank that day and saw much of the events unfold.

John gave his life in the protection of others. He will always be cherished by all who had the pleasure to know him.

ECT E49
Arlington County Police Department/Emergency Communications Center

January 11, 2014

Officer Buckley,
Sir, even though it has been 36 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Arlington County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 9, 2013

Still to this day I think if Officer Buckley. I am so sorry that he lost his life in the line of duty. I hope and pray that his wife had a healthy child and is a happy young adult.

Frank Ceresi
Arlington Lawyer

September 2, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 16, 2012

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 15, 2010

I was assigned to Southside Arlington dispatch that day and was probably one of the last people to ever hear your voice when you said, "Dispatcher, this is the real thing". My heart sank while trying to remain in control, the best I could, of a horrendous situation. When Chief Stover called my direct line and told me you were gone, I was shattered. I shall never forget that dark day in my life. I blamed myself for a very long time, questioning what I could have done to save you. It was a pleasure and honor to know and work with you. You were always a gentleman and always kind. Thank you, John, for your dedicated service, and I am comforted knowing that you're resting in the arms of God.

ECT Linda A. Vinson

July 25, 2009

John was a member of the class of 1968 Scituate Jr Sr High School, North Scituate Rhode Island. I remember like it was yesterday, the day The Arlington Police arrived in Scituate Village. John it wasn't fair your life bein taken in this way. I often think of you, I too wanted to be a police officer but instead ended up in Business. John rest in peace. Fred Reichwein Class of 1968

Fred Reichwein
Scituate Class Of 1968

January 3, 2009

John's son earned his degree from the Univ. of Colorado {thanks to Heroes, Inc., Washington, DC. God Bless them!) and now has a son of his own. They are doing well. John's survivors are thankful for your kind words and have been especially touched by ACPD's unflagging pursuit of John's killers.

Inspector Gray Buckley
CO Bureau of Investigation - John's Brother

November 7, 2008

RIP.You will always be remembered and never forgotten.

Anonymous

November 6, 2008

I was a good friend of John's and was across the street working at Brown Pontiac the day John was murdered. There has never been a time when I could put the pain and anguish out of my mind. John represented the best Arlington County had/has to offer. I've often wondered what happened to John's wife Nancy and his now 30 year old child.

Gordon Hamel - citizen
US DoJ (friend)

May 5, 2008

Officer Buckley, thank you for your service and dedication. Your killer will one day be brought to justice by the Ultimate Judge! Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

April 29, 2008

Police Officer Buckley,

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You will not be forgotten Sir. May the Lord continue to be with your family today and always.... Rest in Peace...

Joyce
Sister of Officer John P Harris EOW 8/19/1994

April 22, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 1, 2008

May you continue to rest in eternal peace Brother.
May GOD continue to bless your family and the Arlington County Police Department.

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. PD

April 16, 2007

I was a recruit officer with you for a ride along one week before God called you home and I have always carried your memory with me. I have since retired from the department and want to thank you for helping to keep me safe during my career. Rest in peace Brother.

Det. John Whitcomb, Ret.
Metro Transit Police Dept.

April 11, 2007

John,
I was a police dispatcher in Fairfax County and you were my mom's neighbor. I remember your death almost like yesterday. I was at your funeral that week and by the end of it was marrying a police officer. I remember Nancy and your son, John. I always remembered you when I was dispatching to my new husband and the others. You helped me to think of officer safety before anything else and for almost 30 yrs it helped. Thank you! RIP my friend.

Susana

April 1, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

August 1, 2006

I believe that the ruthless criminal responsible for this murder will one day be brought to justice and sentenced to the most severe penalty. I wish the members of the Arlington County Police Department and surrounding Police Departments God's blessing in apprehending this Officer's killer and bring him to justice! Rest in Peace Brother....

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

June 10, 2004