Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Lyons.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 4, 2019

I’ll never forget that night. I was working with Katie Conway and we heard the dispatcher asking questions about who was working a particular car. We just new it was bad. We drove over there and we saw Tony Wronkowski blocking the street with his car. We just asked him, who is it? He answered it’s Johnny Lyons. It was heartbreaking. I did have the privilege, in later years, to work with Jerry Knickrem who was in the car with John that night. Jerry is a great guy and a great Policeman. I feel very lucky to have known them both.

Lt. Kathy Barton (retired).
CPD

October 5, 2018

I worked Special Employment with John. Fantastic person and an excellent police officer. Last day we worked together, John and I looked at cars he was interested in purchasing after he retired. This was the last time I saw him.

Sgt. Larry Casey
Retired CPD

September 22, 2015

RIP BROTHER

Illinois Antique Emergency Vehicle Assn.

June 24, 2015

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

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by those of us at the CPD. Know that we will always remember.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

October 4, 2010

I thought about John today, as I have many times before. But, unlike before, it occurred to me to see what reflections if any were in cyberspace. I was on the force between 1983 to 1989, then I joined the Secret Service. I believe that it was sometime around the summer of 87 when I worked with John. As I recall, John was a very knowledgable Officer, a real pro. And I wanted to adapt some of his skills and temperament into my style of policing. John really made an impression of me in just the couple of times we worked together. When I learned of his tragic passing, I was touch and shed a tear or two. He was a great officer! He had an awesome reputation for being a caring crime fighter. John really gave a damm about others. I employed that same sense of civil responsibility to the citizens of Chicago. John believed, as I did, that officers must serve the citizenry by up holding the law, but yet in a human, compassionate manner. I miss John and regret not getting to know him better! Some day I hope to meet him...in a better place! God Bless John and his family!

Special Agent Rick Valentin
U.S. Secret Service

October 25, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I am glad that you were honored by having your star retired.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 8, 2009

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones and close friends on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You have not been forgotten as true heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 5, 2009

My good friend, To this day I continue to wear my memorial wristband in your memory. I miss you and keep you in my prayers daily as I do my dad and my 1 month old son Matthew who have joined you in heaven. I miss the days I spent having coffee with you and Gary Ohlson at 3407 Belmont. I miss responding to your calls and the many laughs we shared. I thank you for your kindness and the many tips you gave me as I started my career with the State Police. Take care my friend. I guess we'll all be together some day.

Sgt. Rigo Montes
Illinois State Police District Chicago

March 13, 2009

Daddy,
Been bummed these past couple of weeks. Every birthday that comes and goes makes me always think back to my sweet 16 and how it was the last birthday you would ever see. If only life came with a rewind button!!
Ironically, got a present that someone must have got a sign from you to give me. It was this cd of music and Pump Up the Volume was on there. God, I made you listen to that 850 times a day every single day. I remember the day you finally decided to like that song and how you secretly learned all the words (yea, because there were like 5 words PUMP UP THE VOLUME PUMP UP THE VOLUME DANCE DANCE!!) That seems like 100 years ago, but I can still remember dancing like fools in the front room of Summerdale Avenue. It was a memory that was so small, but has now kept me laughing to myself for the past 4 days...
Love and miss you every single day. Your granddaughter is a spitting image of her Papa so I get to see your facial expressions every day. (Yep, even the bad ones!!) I cannot wait to tell her stories about you as she gets older.
So until we meet again, remember...Yo, all you homeboys out in front...This ones for you!

SweetPea
Daughter

April 20, 2008

Johnny Lyons -
I remember the first time my FTO
introduced me to you when I
a recruit in the 014th District.
You were always laughing and full
of such energy!!

After being there a while...
I saw that you were always the first
response when a backup was needed.
I saw you were the first to help an
officer when they needed it.
I saw that you were the first to
go out of the way to help a citizen in need.
I wanted to be a cop....just like you!
The best!

I think and talk to you everytime I drive down Kimball Ave.
headed to my Mom's house. I know you hear me.
See you soon!! Keep an eye on us down here....would ya??
I know you are covering our butts!! Thanks!! Miss you!

N. DeCook, Forensic Investigator
Chicago Police Department, Forensic Services

January 3, 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 30, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat VanDen Berghe
NH

October 14, 2007

Where does one start with such a fine man, He was an inspiration, A mans man but as gentle as he was tough, My teen years revoved around my uncle whom I always always looked up to,as they were some turbulent years at that. His advice was always straight ..no bs from Uncle John.There are no words to express him not being here as I think of him every day and still where the same ring he did since the day he left us, I feel honored that I was lucky enough to meet a person like this in my life and have memories that will last forever, Corky I know you are up there watching over my Dawn and that thought alone comforts me like no other.....Thank you Unc for being you I will always remember my times with you, as to how special you were to all of us Love Michael

Michael Sansone
Nephew

August 5, 2007

I had the honor to not only work along side you, but to know you on a personal level. This honor was too long in coming and rightfully deserved as you were one of the hardest working officers I have known and totally dedicated to your service to the city. Your are still an example of what a "Working Police Officer" should be! You are not Forgotten.

Sgt. T. Sheehan
Chicago PD

September 19, 2006

Thank you all for your kind words about my father. As most of you know, John can finally rest in peace now that the city of Chicago has retired his star. It was a long time coming.
Thank you to all his friends who shared in his career throughout his life.

Carla Lyons
Daughter

May 31, 2006

Rest in peace brother. May God bless you and your family.

Patrolman

February 2, 2006

It will be 13 years since you were called away and I know the pain is still in the hearts of those close to you. You will never be forgotten and are a true hero. Keep watch over your family as they travel lifes journey.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

October 4, 2005

John, working with you made all of us better police officers. I have never forgotten what you taught me during the short time I worked with you. I think of you often and never forget the way you worked every day.

Sgt. P. Jankowski
CPD, 010th District

May 24, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

God bless. Rest in peace.

A grateful citizen.

October 5, 2004

Rest in Peace Brother...you will never be forgotten

CPD

August 20, 2003