Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today while looking for a box a keep for my mom who died in 1995 I came across the box I keep for John. Of course I could not continue without opening it. My tears just won't stop. I miss the unrealized dreams we had planned. I miss his unconditional love. I miss his warm re-assuring embrace. I miss how he could make me laugh. I miss that feeling that I was a priority in his life. John dear, you made it so easy for me to fall in love with you. I will never forget you. Never ever! I don't know how but my life has gone on without you. I have married, have grandbabies, and great grandbabies. My hubby and I are happy. None-the-less I will forever miss you, and forever love you, and forever be grateful you came into my life. Thank you John, thank you. You my love were one of a kind.

Terri French Smith
fiance'

February 16, 2015

To all those who knew Hogie, served with him or had met him; it is my honor to say that I too knew him and served with him. We spent many of times doing our "after" work duties. He is missed by us all and is often in my thoughts. Every year I return to his last resting place; remove the overgrown grass; wash his head stone; then open that can of his favorite beverage for him to savor once again. I sit there and ponder what life would have been like... I sit there and wish I could have been there for him... I sit there and say, "I miss you old friend!"

Sergeant JJ Williams (Ret)
Maywood Police Dept.

November 6, 2014

John,

You were my best friend, I had never had such a quality friendship before I met you and haven't had since. That kind of true unconditional love is rare and very hard to find. We met while both of us were going to some rocky times in our lives, that may be why we bonded so quickly. Thank you for being the person you were and the friend you were to me. I was so excited when you met Terri, soooo looking forward to the years ahead that the four of us would spend doing fun things together and laughing at ourselves growing old. We were robbed of all that. You made the ultimate sacrifice and we all owe you our gratitude for protecting and serving. I know you were in that court room when Bob walked in as part of the jury panel, I know it gave you a chuckle, and try as he did, he couldn't convince the prosecutor Susan Spear to allow him to remain in the jury. And the little piece of crap that killed you tried to stare Bob down, ha! Sadly, he remains in jail instead of his sentence being carried out. I just hope I grow old enough to see California get it's head on straight and if I do, Bob and I will be there to watch him die. Even after all these years, I still miss you. I know we will see each other again. You are in a very special place in heaven. You touched thousands of lives in your service as a police officer, made lives better and steered young people in the right direction.

Jeri Hardcastle
Friend

September 23, 2014

The last few years of my life has been spent fighting to fix the death penalty system in California so that it works and so that families don't have to wait decades for justice. Your appellate case is a prime example of unreasonable delay. The man on death row for your murder was sentenced in 1995. It took six years for the Public Defender to be appointed to represent him in his appeal and another five years for the court record to be filed. It then took six years (after being given 36 extensions) for the Appellant's Opening Brief to be filed. Seventeen months later the A.G.'s Office filed their response. Since then the Public Defender has been given 6 extensions to file their reply brief which is now due September of 2014. I wish I could feel confident it would be filed then, but it probably won't be. So nineteen years after your killer was sentenced to death the case hasn't even been fully briefed before the California Supreme Court. Then he will be entitled to file state and federal habeas petitions. Such delay is a mockery of justice. We can fix this system and we must so that you, my son, and the over 40 other cops whose killers are on death row get the justice you each deserve.

Praying for solace for all those who call you beloved.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 10, 2014

Well here we are again. 22yrs have gone by without you John. Thank you John for the way you loved me. You will never be forgotten. Never!

Terri French Smith
fiance'

May 29, 2014

Approximately six months prior to Officer Hoglunds death My SIS (Special Investigation Section) LAPD surveillance team followed a group of home invasion robbers into the city of Maywood. We arrested four home invasion robbers. We took all the suspects and evidence to Maywood Police Station. We completed all the reports there and I can't tell you how friendly and hospitable Maywood was to us.
On the day of his death I was still assigned to SIS when we recieved a call to respond to Maywood PD. We responded and met the LASO LT. in charge of the Investigation of Officer Hoglunds death. Unknown to me a Maywood LT. while talking to LASO knew that numerous plainclothes assets were necessary. Due to the relationship we had previously made with Maywood, the Maywood Officer asked LASO to ask Chief D. Gates for SIS assistance. (The LASO Lt. had a brother that was LAPD). I say this because we had a brother Officer down and petty ego things were put aside. Chief Gates said of course SIS was available. Well we got briefed and watched a video of the armed robbery that clearly showed the five suspects.
We deployed for two days straight and didnt go home. Well I take pride in the fact that we arrested three of the five suspects. The last I checked that were all still on death row. I didn't know Officer Hoglund but I was proud that I had a part in catching the as-----s that hurt him. I am confident that he and other brother Officers would have done the same for me!

Charles H Bennett Jr Det III (Ret)
LAPD Robbery Homicide/ SIS

May 29, 2014

I still remember that morning while waiting for the bus I saw a flyer on the sidewalk. It was flyer with Officer Hoglund's picture and a brief story of his death. I felt really sad for him and thought about his family, wondering if he had left children behind, siblings, wife, friends, etc. I folded the flyer and put it inside my purse. That afternoon, when I got home I put John's picture on a frame and placed the frame in my kitchen. I used to talk to John while cooking, I would tell him: "Don't worry John, they're going to find whomever did this to you and that person is going to pay for it so you can finally rest in peace" I would also tell about my day, my concerns, my children...I know it sounds crazy; but he become part of my everyday. One day, watching the news I learned that the person who killed Officer John was brought to justice and put on death row. I went to the kitchen and told John "You heard that?! Rest in peace John" I took the picture out of the frame and burned it. It was a happy day. I pray to God to bring comfort to his family and friends.

Guadalupe Covarrubias
John's kitchen buddy

January 4, 2014

Hogie...I remember that day like it was yesterday and think of you often. I also think of those that were effected by those 5 cold-blooded killers. I haven't posted before cuz it was so hard and I'm crying like a baby right now. I remember you and me fucking-up each others lockers when we forgot to lock them...and your crazy dry sense of humor...and dodging bullets. Most of all...I remember learning from you that heroes aren't perfect but our hearts were in the right place and I remember those conversations on graves we had about our Father...I know I'll see you again my brotha...God just needed a soldier and that's where you are...

Detective Randy Bundschuh
Maywood PD

October 28, 2013

Well Dad, here we are again...another year gone by without you. A lot has happened in the last year...and I wish you had been here to help me through it. I miss being able to talk to you and ask for your advice. I miss just knowing you were there. Even after 21 years, the grief I feel hasn't gone away...time may dull the pain a little, but it never makes it go away. I love you Dad.

Jeanette Hoglund Hayes
Daughter

May 29, 2013

I am sad to say that although sentenced to death John's murderer is still sitting on death row alive and well. It angers me that he lives! That my tax $ feed and shelter him! The death penalty is a joke in California as their are over 700 inmates on death row at this time.

John was full of life and filled with dreams to come true. Where is the justice in our justice system???

Terri French Smith
Fiance'

May 29, 2013

John, The plan was to be married on Sept. 13, 1992 but instead you were stolen from me by being murdered the last few minuets of your shift. I miss the way you looked at me and saw me to my very soul. I miss your warm embrace. I miss your humor and how you could make me laugh! John, you are my forever hero. Thank you for your unconditional love. I still will dream of you to this day.

Terri French Smith
Fiance'

April 25, 2013

John,

You will always have a special place in my heart. I think of you often, even after all these years. You were an inspiration to many, and especially me.

You are missed!

Jeanette Holtham-Ullrich
Friend

September 4, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 20anniversary of your death. 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.

I am working very hard to defend the death penalty in California so that the men who brutally murdered 41 California law enforcement officers and a federal Secret Service Agent all remain on death row until executed.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace.

If either Jeanette or Laura reads this, please contact me through the web administrator.

Rest In Peace.

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

May 29, 2012

Hogie,
I will always remember your humor and the knowledge you shared with me. You taught me a lot in the short time we worked together and every word you said I have taken to heart. You will always be in my prayers. Kiko

Sergeant Enrique Gonzalez
Sierra Madre Police Department

May 28, 2012

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you, Dad. Even after 20 years I still miss you more than I can say. In reading the other reflections on this page, I'm reminded of how many lives you touched while doing the job you loved. I hope that somehow you know that Laura and I are doing ok and that we both love you and miss you so very much.

Jeanette Hoglund Hayes
Oldest Daughter

May 9, 2012

Happy Birthday John, I can't believe it's been 20 years (nearly) since you've been gone. I still miss you. Love always, Diana.

Diana
Friend

April 21, 2012

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

Officer 11169

January 15, 2012

I was on duty in Bell Gardens when we got the call to assist John. We didn't make it in time to help our friend. You remain in our thoughts and memory, it seems like only yesterday.

Capt. Don Barclift ret.
Bell Gardens P.D.

December 11, 2011

My personal experience with officer Hoglund was when my parents owned Dino's Pizza on Atlantic Blvd from 1971 to 1989 I was just a teenager at the time as were my brother and my sisters, but John and his partner forgive me I don't remember his name but he was tall with black hair, were always at the pizzeria we would give them free leftover pizza . Whenever we had a suspicious person at the store all we'd have to do was place a call and he was there. Things were so different back then, he was the most caring and humorous
Individal I knew. He would always give us kids advise to keep us on the right track in life. Now I am the same age he was the day he passedand so many years since this great man left this earth to be with the lord. We still talk about our friend John.

Patricia agate
Patricia Agate friend

September 5, 2011

MY NAME IS DEPUTY DURAN AND I WORK EAST LOS ANGELES SHERIFFS STATION. OUR STATION HAS ABSORBED THE CITY OF MAYWOOD AS OF 07-01-10. IN HONOR OF A FALLEN BROTHER THE ELA STATION HAS TAKEN IT UPON OURSELVES TO HONOR OFFICER HOGLUND ON THE UPCOMING ANNIVERSERY OF HIS TRAJEDY. WE AS A STATION ARE ATTEMPTING TO GET A HOLD OF ANY FAMILY/FRIENDS WHO WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEMORIAL. CONTACT # FOR ELA STATION IS 323-264-4151. OR EMAIL [email protected]

Deouty Duran
ELA/LASD

April 4, 2011

Your service will never be forgotten. Walk with the angels. We will take it from here.

DW
LASD

June 25, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventeenth 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.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

May 29, 2009

"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

September 20, 2007

John, you are gone but never forgotten, God bless you, my friend, Jeri

July 31, 2007

Merry Christmas too you and your family. May they continue to move forward in life and heal with your guidance. God Bless!

December 21, 2006