Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Duffin,
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 Philadelphia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 14, 2023

On this actual anniversary of your death I’d like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that your law enforcement brethren will always remember. Rest in peace always.

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

January 14, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 24, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Duffin.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 14, 2020

Hi Johna M.
My name is Bill, and I work for the police department. I’m assigned to the SWAT Unit which is the same unit your Father was in (Stakeout Unit). I didn’t know your Father but know his story. I also know the son of his partner he was with that horrible day. If you want to email me I could put you in touch with him. Officer Duffin’s son was two years old at the time. And he became a stakeout Officer and worked with me. Or just call the SWAT unit and ask for me. 215-685–9862

Police Officer William Stephan
PPD SWAT Unit

May 14, 2019

My father, Officer John Reid, was Officer Duffin's partner. My father survived the injuries of the hit-and-run accident but passed away seven years later, due to his injuries.

The accident happened 2 weeks before I was born, so I had little contact with my father after the injury.

If anyone knew my father, I would love to hear from you.
Thank you-
Johna

Johna M.
Daughter of Fallen Officer

October 13, 2017

Class 370 of the Philadelphia Police Academy was dedicated in the honor of P/O James F. Duffin #3927. The class will be graduating on February 27th, 2015 at Temple University, Performing Arts Center.

It was and continues to be a privilege of Class 370 to dedicate their training and careers to the memory and legacy of such an honorable Police Officer.

In conclusion,
The sacrifice that he and his family have made will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Minerva Cruz #237 and Class 370
Philadelphia Police Academy

February 18, 2015

I wish I had the chance to meet you. You would be very proud of your son following in your footsteps. I pray everyday that he makes it home safely. - please watch over him and keep him safe.

Shelly
future daughter-in-law

April 3, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th 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.

Time never dimishes respect and your memory wili always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
I am sure that you are proud that your family has continued your legacy of protecting and serving..

Rest In Peace

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

January 14, 2012

Thankyou for your service OFFICER DUFFIN. You are a hero who was remembered today and everyday. You will never be forgotten. God bless your family

POLICE OFFICER 9TH DISTRICT
PHILA PA

January 26, 2009

God bless the family of Officer Duffin. Heroes never die..they stay in our hearts and minds forever.

Mom of Sacramento Sherrif

February 11, 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

January 24, 2008

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

January 14, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 5, 2008

The plaque dedication has been rescheduled for November 29, 2007 approximately 11:00 a.m. at 6535 Limekiln Pike.

D. Duffin
Daughter-in-law

November 15, 2007

The memorial has been postponed and should be rescheduled for some time the end of November, 2007.

D. Duffin
Daughter-in-law

November 7, 2007

A memorial plaque will be placed in the honor of Officer James F. Duffin on October 31, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at 6535 Limekiln Pike.

D. Duffin
Daughter-in-Law

October 29, 2007

RIP Officer Duffin, you are not forgotten.

P/O #5434
PPD

October 17, 2007

I thank you for putting this up, Funny story came up is that i was looking for my fathers navy records and the name James F Duffin came up, so i clicked on it and i seen the picture of it and it was my fathers brother, so i clicked on it and yes it was him, my father showed me his picture once and i still remember it and my mother showed me the artical from the news paper of him. I never got to know the man because i was born 5 years later on january 26, I am thankful for people putting these kinds of things up just see how much people really do care. and from me as i am soon to become a police officer like my father and uncles and other cousins that are on the force. Please everyone that is into law enforcement please besafe and god bless. Thank you again. Thomas Duffin.

Thomas Duffin
Uncle

September 5, 2007

Thank you for your service Officer Duffin.

Michelle - wife of retired LEO

February 7, 2007

May you Rest in peace and may Our Lord bless your loved ones.

January 14, 2007

One of the nicest guys I ever met. Jimmy and his partner, working a Stakeout truck, made a gun pinch on last out in the area of 12th and Lehigh (22nd District side of Lehigh Ave)the night before he was killed, and I was on the wagon crew that transported the prisoner. When reporting to work the very next night I heard J-Band radio traffic about 2 officers being struck by a vehicle up in the 35th District, and one was killed. Shortly after roll call I had occasion to be at the Medical Examiner's Office when a wagon brought the dead P/O in. To my horror I discovered it was Jimmy when I pulled back the sheet covering his body.

Plcm Mike McCarthy (Ret)
Friend

August 10, 2006