Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service. My father served along side of you as partner, and I heard fond memories of you and your team of Mt. Holly police officers. I say a prayer for you and your family every March. Mount Holly police officers are my hereos. On behalf of all police officer's children, thank you for protecting us.

With love and respect,
Melissa Barrow
Daughter of Doug Barrow, retired MHPO

Melissa Barrow
Daughter of retired police officer

March 1, 2022

Thank you for your service and today we remind you and your family that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your LE brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

July 22, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Holmes.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2020

I remember with vivid recollection of that tragic day. I was still a radiology student that day, graduating in a few weeks. Mostly I remember your son coming and asking for his dad...I had gone to high school with him and he was a good friend then, actually to everyone as he was one of the nicest kid in school. I was so young a nd had never imagine something like this could have happened in my little town. I think often of Officer Holmes’ family and always of the man himself who was so courageous that day.

Deborah Rushing

July 2, 2019

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 21rst 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 15, 2013

I havent visited this page in quite a while.....rest in peace my brother.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex Mount Holly Police Special Officer.

July 25, 2012

Patrolman John O. Holmes,

You are and always will be a Hero to the men and woman of the MHPD.

There is not a day that goes by that we don't remember the ultimate sacrifice that you made to protect your fellow officers and the citizens of our fine community.

Our squadroom walls display your framed photos, badges and the newspaper headlines of that horrific day.

We have placed a monument on the front lawn of police headquarters for all to see as we walk and drive by our station. This monument is engraved with your name and those of our brother officers that fell with you that sad day. We chose that it be made from granite to represent the strength and courage that you have shown to all of us.

Every March 28th, we gather with your family in front of this memorial and pay our respects with a service in your honor.

Patrolman John O. Holmes, YOU will NEVER be forgotten by your brothers and sisters of the MHPD.

Lieutenant William A. Seitz
Mount Holly Police Department

June 28, 2012

A memorial was held at The Mount Holly Police Station, today, you will never be forgotten my Brother.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex Mount Holly Special Officer

March 28, 2011

You are still and always will be in my prayers, rest easy John...........

Kevin T Ryan
NJ Cop

April 3, 2010

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

January 31, 2010

What a sacrifice he made! What a price he paid!! Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer; and may it somehow help to know that,even after all these years,they do not grieve alone.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD

October 13, 2009

30 Plus years later, since the incident and 17 years later since you left us you will never be forgotten, as i always tell you, Donald, and William you and your families are always in my prayers.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex NJ Cop

March 31, 2009

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice, you are a hero we all can look up too. God bless your family

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

July 31, 2008

On this day we salute you, as always, You will never be forgotten. Please watch over our brothers and sisters, as they protect us. You and your family are in my prayers daily.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex Burlington County NJ Cop and Correction Sergeant

March 21, 2008

I know the holidays are always a tough time, We salute you today,as we do every day, as I stated in the articles to the news papers, a whole lot of things changed that day, I wish you were still here, so the " new guys " would gain your knowledge. Rest in Peace, Patrolman Holmes.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex-New Jersey Cop

December 21, 2007

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

Today we honor you and everyday we remember you.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

July 22, 2007

One can never forget the sacrifice you gentlemen made while serving the people of New Jersey. Please know that you will never, ever be forgotten for your service and courage and may you always rest in peace while watching over your law enforcement brethren from above.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

March 28, 2007

GOD BLESS OFFICER HOLMES

April 30, 2006

I was nine years old when the incident took place, I remember the media coverage, you and your family are always in my prayers, you and your brother officers are gone but will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Kevin T Ryan

April 21, 2006

You lived 17 years after you were
shot and paralyzed. I've heard it
said it takes more faith to stay in
a wheelchair than it does to live
without one. I think this must be true. Sorry your career was ended
so tragically by a cruel twist of
fate. You are remembered for your
courage and fortitude. God bless
your memory and all those who still
think of you.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

April 5, 2005

You are not forgotten! We will continue to do the job in your honor and in memory of you and all who laid down their lives so that we could live in a civilized society. We are stronger because of you. Rest in peace.

Ptlm. M.W. Ludlow
Palmyra Boro Police Department